Deep Dive with Shawn

Send us a textOn November 8th, American voters did something relatively remarkable for a midterm election. We now know that Democrats will keep the Senate (perhaps even expand it by a seat) and that Republicans will narrowly take the House. This is a massive underperformance for Republicans.Along with a lot of other people, I’m interested in understanding what happened – and specifically, how the Dobbs decision and the abortion question might have influenced this election – if at all. So, my guest today is a former colleague of mine, Dr. Joshua Wilson – Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at the University of Denver and Associate Editor of the Law & Policy academic journal. Dr. Wilson has written and published extensively about abortion politics – and other things – including the books The New States of Abortion Politics, The Street Politics of Abortion, and most recently, Separate but Faithful: The Christian Right’s Radical Struggle to Transform Law and Legal Culture with co-author Amanda Hollis-Brusky. His research has also been published in numerous academic journals and appeared in mass media outlets, such as Newsweek, Christian Science Monitor, Washington Post, and Politico – to name just a few. We talk about how anti-abortion activists manipulated the legal landscape on abortion issues over the decades in such a way that they primed an entirely new political debate and pursued strategies that culminated in the overturning of Roe. We talk about what this might look like moving forward, if the national Republican Party has an appetite for a nationwide abortion ban, and if the Dobbs decision cost Republicans what – by all accounts – should have been an overwhelming retaking of Congress. We also talk about the state of American politics and why Donald Trump leaving the political arena won’t solve the problem of political violence in the United States. Mentioned:Whole Women's Health v. HellerstedtJune Medical Services LLC v. RussoThe Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre DumasRecommended: In Cold Blood - Truman CapoteThe Executioner's Song - Normal Mailer-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textIn the first season of Deep Dive, I interviewed Dr. Peter La Chapelle about the history of country music and how it evolved into such a conservative space that is aggressively exclusive of queer folks, folks of color, and also women. And, that conversation sparked a personal interest to dive a bit deeper into this topic, to talk to some of these folks that don’t fit into the dominant country music culture that are, nonetheless, playing in that sandbox. To hear their stories from their perspective – not JUST their experiences making country music and working in the industry as outsiders (challenges and rewards), but also where they came from, what their formative years were like, and what motivates them to do what they do – make music in an industry that can be hostile to them, based on who they are. This episode is one product of that venture, adventure. Today, Veterans Day,  I’m talking to Soda Canter – veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a gay country musician and writer out of Wilmington, North Carolina. He’s currently working on a short story series about a small river community called Morgantown Blues (which he mentions in our conversation) and on a debut country music album with guitarist Josh Youse.  The first half of our conversation is really focused on Soda’s formative years – the backdrop to his life –his surroundings, his town, family, his education, and some trauma. In the second half, we talk about how this has all contributed to his artistry – his music and his writing. And, we talk about the country music industry – where it fails to live up to the values of its own origin – a music for all people, created by all kinds of people from all kinds of places; and also where it really shines and how supportive it can be.Mentioned:Bobbie GentryTerry AllenHailey WhittersRecommended:Soda Canter - InstagramSara TrunzoTiffany Williams Adobe and Teardrops PodcastRainbow Rodeo Magazine-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textRegardless of whether someone agrees with the policy positions of the Republican Party (of which, frankly, it’s difficult to ascertain), you have to ask yourself, in this election, when you cast your vote, if you can support a Party that poses such a threat to your country. And, I mean this, today’s Republican Party is an existential threat to the United States and its people. This is a party that advocates overthrowing the government, that openly states that America is not a democracy and actively takes measures to strip democratic governance from our society, and targets traditionally underreppresented groups for, not just derision, but violence – queer folks, folks of color, women, immigrants. The polls are all over the place, but a few things suggest that Republicans may be in good shape to take Congress. First, history tells us that the president’s party loses seats in the first midterm after taking office. Additionally, the economy is lagging – with high gas prices, high inflation, slowing home sales. While this is all related to external factors outside the direct control of president (and here I’m talking about Putin’s war in Ukraine driving up the prices of food, oil, and gas; remnants of the botched response to the pandemic that is still dragging on the economy), people still hold the party in power accountable. So, this suggests that Republicans should do well. But, this is muddied by a few things this year – one, Republicans have chosen a uniquely awful – unqualified, Mega MAGA, conspiracy-driven slate of candidates up, down, and across tickets nationwide; two, the overturning of Roe v. Wade animated people against Republicans and their anti-choice agenda in a way that a court opinion hasn’t done in recent memory; and three, polls have been really poor at gauging voter intent when anything related to Donald Trump is involved.So, first I make a closing argument, not just for for Democrats, but for democracy and the United States, and also against political violence that is becoming a hallmark of the Republican Party.And, I’m also talking to Natalie Kenoyer – president of the College Democrats of Washington about what she’s hearing from the people she’s engaging – college Democrats AND folks she’s working to convince to turn out for Democrats. And we talk about what issues seem to matter to voters on the ground, the threat that Republicans pose to the country, how she and her friends think about going to red states after Roe was overturned, what a Republican win this year might mean for the future of the country and, especially, her generation, how young Democrats feel about an aging Democratic leadership, and how people can register and vote in Washington state. Resources: College Democrats of America Voter Registration Information More Voter Registration Information Washington State Registration and Election Information Washington State Voter Protection Hotline Protect the Vote-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textPost-pandemic travel poses unique challenges. Prices for vacation and car rentals have soared. Flights have been delayed and canceled as airlines have struggled with demand. And cruises started leaving port again after more than a year off the water. In this new travel landscape, I thought it would be a good idea to talk to an expert about consumer rights and expectations as the industry warms up again. So, today I’m talking to Christopher Elliott – founder and chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a consumer rights organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and help those who can’t, as well as the author of numerous travel books (including How to be the World's Smartest Traveler and Save Time, Money and Hassle, and Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals). Christopher also writes numerous regular columns for outlets such as Washington Post, Seattle Times, USA Today, National Geographic, and Forbes. He is also a contributor to NPR, Smithsonian, and Travel and Leisure. And, because he’s not busy enough, he also publishes the Elliott Report, which is a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a subscription newsletter that contains travel news and customer service. In this conversation, we talk about the challenges consumers face, and the rights consumers enjoy, related to flights, vacation rentals, cruises, car rentals, and travel insurance. Things like:When and how to get your money back for a delayed or canceled flightWarning words to look for in vacation rental ads.How to find the location of a vacation rental even when you don’t have the addressWhen you can get a refund from Airbnb or VRBOIf cruises are safeIf you should get travel insuranceHow to avoid surprise post-facto car rental chargesAnd, the best approach to take when appealing for a refund or an apologyMentioned:  Hichee.com The VergeRecommended: Elliott Advocacy-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textOn September 16th of this year, Mahsa Amini, a 22 year old Iranian woman died in Tehran after being arrested by the Guidance Patrol, effectively the morality police, for bad hijab – which means that she wasn’t wearing the hijab, or veil, correctly. The official government line is that Mahsa suffered a heart attack in custody and subsequently died. However, eyewitnesses to the arrest, coupled with official autopsy findings, suggest otherwise – that Mahsa was beaten to death. This story, as horrific as it is, is not unique. These things happen in Iran regularly, as the Ayatollah and his theocracy has absolute control over social, political, and cultural life in Iran – and their interpretation of Islam is oppressive, violent, and inelastic. So, the mass protests that have materialized and swept the country following Amini’s death aren’t necessarily reflective of anger at this one situation. But, it is an inflection point for a movement, particularly among young people, that has grown legs of its own and has paralyzed Iran and threatened the existing regime, exposing a vulnerability that has maybe not existed since the toppling of the Shah and the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The government’s response, under the direction of Ayatollah Khamenei, is not surprising, but it has been devastating. Law enforcement has responded with extreme force – arresting people, beating people, and shooting to kill (often indiscriminately). And, it has not been limited to the protests or the protestors. Law enforcement has stormed children’s schools and fired on places of worship – attacking their citizens while they are at their most vulnerable. The most recent estimates by human rights organizations puts citizen deaths at the hands of Iranian authorities in response to the protests at 233 – 32 of which, were children.The Iranian regime has also employed other well-worn, familiar strongman tactics to quell the protests – limiting Internet access, fully disconnecting the internet for long periods of time each day, disappearing people from the streets and their homes, and committing protesters to psychiatric institutions. But, what happens when the arsenal runs dry and fails, and the people you cut down are replaced by another front line, more angry and more determined– when nothing works to silence, placate, and subordinate a people wielding the only weapon that cannot be exhausted – a collective and communal voice agitating and demanding liberty, dignity, and freedom.Today I’m talking to Alex Vatanka, the founding director of the Iran program at the Middle East Institute, Senior Fellow at Frontier Europe Initiative, and the author of the book The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran. I’ve asked Alex to Deep Dive to talk not just about the protests, but also to put this all into some historical context – to help us understand how Iran got here and where Iran might be going. Recommended:The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran: The United States, Foreign Powers, and Political Rivalry Since 1979 - Alex Vatanka-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a text**This episode was recorded September 29th - four days before the Court began it's 2022-23 term.The United States Supreme Court began its new term on October 3rd, and judging on the cases that the Court has accepted for review, this term looks to be every bit as controversial and consequential, if not more so, than last term. On the docket this term includes cases that could dramatically impact things like affirmative action programming, voting protections, the ability of a state to regulate industries beyond its own borders, and if the Constitution allows state legislatures to be the final say in how elections are administered within their respective states – setting up a nightmare scenario in which state legislators could overturn the outcome of elections. To discuss some of these cases and potential implications for continued reshaping of the American legal, political and social landscape as envisioned by the current Supreme Court, I’ve invited a frequent Deep Dive guest back to the podcast – Dr. Sara Benesh of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition to the cases, we talk about the continued fallout from the Dobbs opinion overturning Roe, the Court’s sinking job approval and legitimacy, what it might mean, if Justice Thomas should recuse himself from cases involving the January 6th coup attempt because of his wife’s seemingly active role in furthering that goal, and the impact of an addition to the Court – Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s first term on the Court. Mentioned: SCOTUS Cases: 2022-23 TermRecommended:Inspector Gamache Series - Louise PennyThe John Cardinal Mysteries - Giles Blunt-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textToday I’m talking to Dr. Frank Mugisha. He is the Executive Director of SMUG – which stands for Sexual Minorities Uganda, a support and advocacy organization for queer Ugandans that was recently shut down by the Uganda government. For his work, Frank was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and the Rafto Prize in 2011. In 2014, he was a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2017, he was listed as one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Greatest Leaders. And, this year, 2022, he was awarded the Civil Rights Defender of the Year Award.   In Uganda, gay sex is illegal and, depending on the charges levied, could carry the death penalty. In addition to harassment by government officials and law enforcement, mob violence is a very real threat in Uganda. This has led to the beating and murder of a number of Frank’s friends and colleagues. Since SMUG was shut down, the government has waged a social media campaign directly targeting Frank, labeling him a groomer and pedophile (mirroring the same tactics that Republicans are employing in the states).   I want to thank United States Senator Tammy Baldwin and her office for providing some assistance. If you would like to assist Frank in any way, whether it be moral, legal, or emotional support, please contact him at frankmugisha@gmail.com You can also contact Shawn at deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com for other ways to provide support, or to make the appropriate connection on your behalf. If you are are in a similiar situation, or know someone who is, the following resources may be useful: Center for Constitutional RightsUnited States Citizenship and Immigration Service - Refugees and Asylum Seekers -------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textOn Sunday, Oct 2nd, Brazilians will cast their first-round vote in the presidential election. While there are a number of candidates, their primary choices will be between first-term incumbent conservative, right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro and former left-wing president Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva – known affectionately as Lula. Unlike the trend we’ve been seeing the world over, but particularly in Europe and the United States recently, the left is doing particularly well in Brazil, representing a potential fatigue with the far-right, nationalist policies of the Bolsonaro administration, which oversaw the unprecedented destruction of huge swaths of the Amazon, inequitable treatment (almost disdain) for indigenous peoples and their autonomy, a massive death toll attributed to the country’s weak response to Covid, and personal investigations into the Bolsonaro family’s business dealings.   As of right now, at the time of the recording of this episode, Sep 26th, polls lead us to believe that the left has reason to be optimistic, with Lula leading Bolsonaro – in some cases, pretty significantly. But, the polls are tightening somewhat, and Bolsonaro has been laying the groundwork for a contested outcome, taking a page out of the Trump playbook, suggesting that the election will be rigged and that he may not accept the outcome.Today I’m talking to Dr. Robert Vidigal out of the Center for Social Media and Politics at New York University. Dr. Vidigal’s research focuses on how social and cognitive motivations influence political behavior and knowledge, and he is an expert on Brazilian politics. His work has appeared in numerous journals and books in both the United States and Brazil. Dr. Vidigal and I talk about the authoritarian tendency, how we measure it in people, and how we might better measure it. And, we also talk about the upcoming election in Brazil, what influences voters, if Bolsonaro might contest the election, and what might happen if he does. Mentioned:  The Other Divide - Yanna Krupnikov and John Barry Ryan How to Become a TyrantRecommended: Authoritarianism and Right-Wing Voting in Brazil - Robert Vidigal Affirmative Action Attitudes of Whites: Evidence from a List Experiment Survey in Brazil - Robert Vidigal -------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textWelcome to the second season of Deep Dive!Today I’m talking to Italian journalist, and 2019 Nieman Fellow at Harvard, Mattia Ferraresi. Mattia is the managing editor of the Italian newspaper Domani and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Boston Globe, and Foreign Policy Magazine.  Italy is having elections in just two days time – on Sunday, September 25th. And, all polls leading into the final stretch suggest that the far-right party Brothers of Italy, is going to win enough shares of the vote that they will form the next government under the Prime Ministership of the leader of their party – Giorgia Meloni. This is happening just after the April elections in France, in which the far-right leader Marine Le Pen came closer than ever to winning the election, and immediately following elections this past week, in which the far-right parties, led by Ulf Kristerrson’s center-right moderates, have won enough seats to form the next government. This came after promising during the campaign to crack down on immigration and increase prison sentences. This is a watershed moment for Sweden, perhaps for Europe overall, as Sweden is consistently one of the most progressive nation-states in Europe – which begs the question, what does Italy have in store for us?Mattia and I discuss the structure of Italian government, how the past informs its government now, how liberal democracy has evolved in Italy, how the left has failed to address the concerns of the electorate leaving open an avenue for the right to exploit, what’s driving the electorate in Italy now, and what we might expect from a far-right government. I'd like to thank Giorgio Ghiglione for providing background and contextual information, helping me to better understand italian politics and government. Mentioned: The Netanyahus - Joshua CohenM - Antonio ScuratiRecommended:Domani Magazine-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textWhile Deep Dive is on break between seasons, here's a Greatest Hit from Season One to enjoy! This episode of Deep Dive with Shawn C. Fettig was originally released on June 24, 2002. ----- Today's episode concludes my two-part focus on the rise of political violence and right-wing extremism in America. I'm talking to Jason Van Tatenhove, a former employee of the Oath Keepers, an organization that was present and active in the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Jason and I talk about his history with the Oath Keepers, the organization's objectives, his interview with the House Select Committee to investigate the January 6th attack on the Capitol, and why he believes these organizations will remain a powerful, violent force in America. We also discuss Stewart Rhodes - the founder of the Oath Keepers - who was arrested and is currently awaiting trial on charges of seditious conspiracy related to his role in the January 6th insurrection, and how he has exploited his membership in the same way that Donald Trump has exploited his supporters. **Note: This interview was conducted prior to the public hearings of the House Select Committee to investigate the Jan 6 attack on the Capitol.**Mentioned: Hunter S. ThompsonRecommended:Homegrown: Standoff to RebellionThe Colorado Switchblade-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock