Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Broken Potholes, Sam and Chuck are joined by two great guests. In the first half of the show, Professor Eric Kaufmann of Birkbeck College for a discussion of race in American politics. Later, State Representative Jeff Weninger calls in to discuss Arizona’s new sports gambling law, which he sponsored in the state legislature. Eric Kaufmann is Professor of Politics at Birkbeck College, University of London, UK. Though a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, he was born in Hong Kong and spent eight early years of his life in Tokyo. In winter, his favourite pastimes are (ice) hockey and skiing. In summer, cooling off in the ocean or by the lake. Eric is principally interested in cultural politics: ethnicity, national identity and religion.Jeff Weninger is a member of the Arizona House of Representatives representing District 17 since January 5, 2015. Before serving in the legislature, Weninger served on the Chandler City Council for eight years and held the position of Vice Mayor. He is also a small business owner and is now running for State Treasurer. CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Broken Potholes, Sam and Chuck are joined by Dr. Anders Corr as they continue their look at President Biden’s military withdrawal from Afghanistan and its effects on the global political stage. Dr. Anders Corr is Publisher of the Journal of Political Risk. He has analyzed international political risk, including in the academic, political, and business fields, for over fifteen years. His areas of expertise include quantitative approaches to conflict, rare events, and public opinion. Dr. Corr has in-depth field experience in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and has worked for several consultancies and government agencies, including Booz Allen Hamilton, United States Army, United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), United States Special Operations Command Pacific (USSOCPAC), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He founded Corr Analytics to provide strategic analysis of international political risk for commercial entities, and the Journal of Political Risk to provide a peer-reviewed outlet for a diverse group of insightful analysts. Dr. Corr has a B.A. in International Relations from Yale (Summa cum laude), and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Broken Potholes, Chuck and Sam are joined by Shay Khatiri, a contributor for The Bulwark, who brings unique insight on Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.Shay is a writer, an MA candidate in Strategic Studies and International Economics and, an Ambassador Andreas Baum Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.Shay grew up in Iran. Following his active participation in the Green Movement, Shay was permanently banned from academia in Iran and left the country in December, 2011. He lived in Budapest, Hungary, for two and a half years and moved to Arizona to study politics at Arizona State University.In 2016, the government of Iran blacklisted him, and he is currently seeking political asylum in the United States.Because of his work for the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue attack, Shay has received the Beacon Award from the Ellis Island Honors Society and American Immigrant Society and the Hero of the Community Award from the Johns Hopkins University's Alumni Association.Shay is a contributor to The Bulwark and The Week. In addition, his writings have appeared a a variety of publications, such as the Wall Street Journal, Mosaic, The American Interest,National Review, The Strategy Bridge, Quillette, Jerusalem Post, the New York Post, Law and Liberty, and ArcDigital.He is also a public speaker and a member of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's Speakers Bureau.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week, State Representative Joseph Chaplik joins Chuck and Sam in studio after a successful legislative season at the Arizona capitol. Later in the show, Washington Times reporter Jeff Mordock calls in to give us an inside look at the Biden White House. Joseph Chaplik has more than 25 years of executive leadership experience building and guiding top-tier companies. His past business knowledge, expertise, and accomplishments with Fortune 500 telecommunication companies has conditioned him for future success.Having the entrepreneurial spirit, in 2005 he ventured out and founded Joseph Bernard Investment Real Estate, specializing in multi-family investments and has experience with over $1B in sales volume. He has offices in Arizona (HQ), Oregon, and Washington.Joseph Chaplik was elected into the Arizona House of Representatives from District 23, which encompasses Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Rio Verde.Jeff Mordock is the White House reporter for The Washington Times and previously the Justice Department reporter for The Washington Times. A native of Newtown, Pennsylvania, he previously worked for Gannett and has won awards from both the Delaware Press Association and the Maryland Delaware D.C. Press Association. He is a graduate of George Washington University. CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

Arizona State Senator and candidate for Arizona Treasurer, David Livingston, joins Chuck and Sam on this week’s episode of Broken Potholes. David has spent more than half his life living and working in Arizona. He has helped parents save for their children's education, provided solutions to adults with parents who require special care, and guided many people toward their financial and retirement goals.After graduating from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in Finance in 1988, Livingston began building a financial consulting business with Ameriprise Financial, Inc., a diversified US financial services company with location through the country.During the ensuing 20 years, Livingston achieved elite status with Ameriprise, which placed him in the top 10 percent of franchise owners worldwide. Livingston sold his franchise in 2013.He is a former member of both the Glendale and Peoria Chambers of Commerce, and is a past Board Member of the Glendale/Peoria YMCA.Livingston was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2012 for District 22. During his first term at the Legislature, he served as vice chairman for the House Committee on Financial Institutions. During this time, Livingston also served as a member of the House Committee on Insurance and Retirement, and the House Committee on Public Safety, Military and Regulatory Affairs.Livingston was re-elected in 2014. During his second term, he was selected by his fellow Republicans to serve as Majority Whip for the Republican Caucus.David has been married to his wife Tracy Livingston since 1988. They have a son, Kyle, who attends college part-time in Prescott and works fulltime for a hospital there.David and Tracy enjoy scuba diving, playing tennis and traveling. They attend Christ's Church of the Valley and currently live in Peoria with their two rescue dogs, Kate and Spencer.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Chuck and Sam are joined in studio by Rachel L, the founder of Coins for Cops. Later in the show, Republican candidate for Senate, Blake Masters, calls in from the campaign trail. About Coins for Cops:Like many people, Rachel saw the villainization of police officers around our nation by the Main Stream Media and other organizations, and was deeply troubled by this.She saw that it led to an increased level of disrespect, threats, and violence against the men and women who are tasked with protecting and serving our communities on a daily basis and decided that she wanted to do something to give back. She wanted to let officers know that they were still respected, honored, supported, and appreciated in their communities, and Coins For Cops was born.Her goal is to thank every police officer in the nation for their service and let every officer know that they are appreciated and supported.With your generous donation, each officer will receive a hand written 'Thank You' card and a beautiful, one-of-a-kind Challenge Coin, specifically designed to let officers know just how thankful we are for their service.1.) Simply donate, and your money will be used to fund officers in communities Rachel is adopting at the time 2.) Adopt a specific police department. Contact Rachel for further information.3.) Purchase Challenge Coins and 'Thank you' cards that you can give to whomever you'd like. Contact Rachel for more information.Visit coinsforcops.net to get involved. CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Broken Potholes looks to the world stage. First, Karan Deep Singh of the New York Times joins Chuck and Sam to shed some light on the COVID crisis in India. Carlos Martinez of the Miami Herald joins the program later to explain the recent protests in Cuba.Carlos Martinez is a student of journalism at Florida International University. He grew up in Cuba and moved to the United States when he was 17. He is a reporter for the Miami Herald and the Nuevo Herald, covering Cuba and local news. Karan Deep Singh is a reporter and visual journalist at The New York Times, based in New Delhi, India. He covers economy, politics and technology in South Asia and contributes to The Times’s visual report from the region.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

Arizona candidate for US Senate, Blake Masters, joins Chuck and Sam today on Broken Potholes. Blake grew up in Tucson, Arizona. He attended Stanford University and Stanford Law School.Blake runs Thiel Capital, a multi-billion dollar firm that invests in new technology companies, and the Thiel Foundation, a nonprofit foundation that promotes science and innovation. The Foundation’s Thiel Fellowship Program has paid 225 young people to drop out of college and instead create new companies, which are together now worth more than $45 billion.In 2014, Blake co-authored the #1 New York Times bestseller Zero to One, which sold more than three million copies.Blake lives in Tucson—a short drive from where he and his wife Catherine grew up. They homeschool their three sons, Miles, Graham, and Rex, and they enjoy hiking in the desert.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

Jonathan Johnson joins Chuck and Sam on this week’s episode of Broken Potholes. Jonathan serves as the CEO of Overstock. Since assuming this role in 2019, Johnson has focused the e-commerce home furnishings retailer on sustainable, profitable market-share growth. With a brand vision of 'Dream Homes for All,' Overstock is one of the top four U.S. online retailers specializing in home furnishings. Overstock was recognized as one of the top employers of 2021.From 2016-2021, Johnson also served as president of former Overstock subsidiary, Medici Ventures. Medici focuses on using blockchain technology to democratize capital, eliminate frictional middlemen and re-humanize commerce. Under Johnson's leadership, Medici made investments in and grew many cutting-edge blockchain technology and fintech businesses including, tZERO, Bitt, Medici Land Governance, GrainChain, PeerNova, and Voatz. This innovative portfolio is using disruptive technology in projects that range from bringing vast populations out of poverty to overhauling securities markets. As a vocal supporter, Johnson spent countless hours educating the public and policy makers around the world about the potential of blockchain. In early 2021, Johnson brokered a deal with Pelion Venture Partners where Medici's assets were converted into a Fund overseen by Pelion. Pelion is helping the portfolio companies reach their full potential.Johnson is currently a member of Overstock's board of directors. He served as the chairman of the board from 2014 to 2017, transitioning to the position after five years as the company's president, and later as the executive vice chairman. Johnson joined Overstock in 2002 as the company's general counsel and has held various business and legal positions within the company. He has been an integral part of Overstock's growth from a small start-up to a publicly traded company with over $3 billion in sales and nearly 2,000 employees.Prior to joining Overstock, Johnson worked for TenFold Corporation in various positions, including CFO and general counsel. Before that, he practiced corporate law in Los Angeles with two international law firms and served as a judicial clerk at the Utah Supreme Court. Johnson received a bachelor's degree in Japanese from Brigham Young University, studied at Osaka University of Foreign Studies in Japan as a Ministry of Education Scholar, and received his Juris Doctor degree from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Chuck and Sam are joined by Congressman John Curtis of Utah’s 3rd Congressional District. Congressman Curtis currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committees. After being elected to Congress on November 13, 2017, John sponsored 12 bills in his first year in office. Four of these bills passed through the House and three were signed into law: The POPPY Study Act to combat the opioid crisis, the Public-Private Partnership Advisory Council to End Human Trafficking Act, and the Small Business ACE Act.The Congressman cares deeply about hearing the diverse perspectives and feedback from his constituents: he has held hundreds of town halls. Utah’s third district is the youngest in the country, with an average age of 26 years old. John is also sensitive to the many constituents that live in rural Utah, and has focused on legislation that can fit needs of both demographics such as student loans, rural broadband access, and more.John has been committed to helping Utah’s growing tech scene flourish, and was recognized by Silicon Slopes as their first Community Hero Award recipient. Other personal awards comprise of Civic Innovator of the Year by Utah Valley University, Thayne Robson Award for Leadership in Economic Development, and Outstanding Citizen Award from the Office of Civic Engagement Leadership by Brigham Young University.Prior to coming to Washington, John was the 45th mayor of Provo City, serving two terms. Known for his personal approach to city government, Mayor Curtis prioritized his outreach to residents of Provo by utilizing various channels including his popular blog. He was named the #1 Top Elected Official on Social Media 2015 by the Government Social Media group and has been recognized by Forbes for his commitment to citizen engagement. Curtis was re-elected for a second four-year term as mayor in 2013 with 86.49% of the vote. As mayor, he averaged an approval rating of 93%.During his terms in office, the city of Provo ranked #1 in the nation for Business and Careers by Forbes as well as #1 for Well-Being by Gallup. Other recent awards include national recognition for the quality of life, family environment, a booming tech and entrepreneur culture and a successful revitalization of downtown. With the help of the City Council, employees, and residents, Mayor Curtis’ administration brought Google Fiber to Provo, regularly scheduled air service at the airport, expanded parks and trails, and completed Provo’s state-of-the-art recreation center.Before becoming mayor, John was a small business owner in Provo, working with his partners to build their business “Action Target,” where he led sales and operations strategy.Congressman Curtis and his wife Sue have six children and seven grandchildren. He speaks Mandarin Chinese and almost certainly has more socks than you do.CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes: www.brokenpotholes.vote Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe