Deep Dive with Shawn

Join this conversation with Ron Goldberg, the "chant queen" that inspired a movement, as we share the untold stories from the frontlines of AIDS activism. "Boy with the Bullhorn" isn't just a title; it's a testament to the relentless spirit of a community that refused to be silenced. From the origins of ACT UP's stirring chants to the raw emotional journey encapsulated in Ron's book, this episode is a deep exploration of how standing up and taking action can reshape the course of history. The power of activism takes center stage as we chart the transformative journey from grassroots care groups to the assertive strategies that aimed to wake America from its indifference to AIDS. Witness the rise of the "Silence = Death" campaign, the strategic protests that shook public consciousness, and the struggles within the broader queer rights movement. Through Ron's firsthand account, drawing from his award-winning book Boy witht the Bullhorn, we gain insight into the enduring legacy of these movements and the invaluable lessons they pass on to future generations fighting for equality and justice. And we reflect on the continuous impact of activism across decades.   The episode juxtaposes the hands-on defiance of the past with today's online advocacy, pondering how both methods forge societal change. Celebrating the resilience of the queer community, Ron Goldberg's narrative serves as a call to action—a reminder that our collective voices are not just necessary, but capable of conquering prejudice and securing the rights of all.  Recommended:The Boy with the Bullhorn - Ron Goldberg-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Excited to share with you my new podcast project dropping this Spring - After America (a Sea Tree Media production). Check back soon!-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Embark on a critical journey through the shifting political landscape of America as I host a powerhouse trio of experts to help us understand the most pressing issues facing the nation. Dr. Sarah Benesh examines the Supreme Court's recent decisions, Dr. James Hawdon dissects the undercurrents of political unrest, and Dr. David Faris unpacks the Democratic Party's internal struggles and the quest for a unifying agenda. As the 2024 election horizon looms, we delve into the complexities of voter disenchantment, ideological battles, and the quest for a proactive vision of America's future.The stakes have never been higher as we scrutinize the Supreme Court's trajectory and the delicate balance of conservative ideologies against states' rights. How are recent rulings shaping the court's reputation and affecting hot-button issues like queer rights, gun laws, and reproductive autonomy? We navigate these treacherous waters, reflecting on Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's legacy and questioning whether the Supreme Court can maintain its legitimacy amidst the ever-intensifying political fray.And, we confront the unsettling state of political violence in the U.S., and its impact on our democracy, pondering if the relative peace is genuine or a harbinger of further discord. Through a critical lens, we evaluate the rise of hate groups, the international reach of extremist ideologies, and the alarming possibility that such violence may be normalized within mainstream politics. Join us as we explore the implications of these developments for democratic institutions and consider the path ahead for a nation at the crossroads and heading into a critical election year.-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

As an inflatable snowman towers over the neighborhood, marking the commencement of holiday festivities, friend of the pod Justin Hentges and I cozy up to reminisce about the year's gems and share our yuletide reflections. Our chat meanders from the screen to the soundwaves, where the siren songs of the year tug at our heartstrings. We also share our excitement for the new melodies 2024 promises, and the artistic resilience of icons like The Judds, Tina Turner, Sinead O'Connor, Celine Dion and Julie Andrews. We traverse our travel highlights, from the stunning theaters of London to the understated beauty of Helsinki.  And we take stock of the stories that have moved us, from the overlooked activists who've paved the way for the rights we enjoy today, to the chilling narratives that remind us of our society's darker chapters. Santa even sends a special message to Deep Dive listeners from his frosty enclave in the North Pole!With the curtain closing on 2023, the Deep Dive family sends out heartfelt holiday cheer to you and yours.Mentioned:Great British Bake-OffThe ExpanseReservation DogsVirgin RiverMascarponeOppenheimerBarbieLove AgainTrailed – Kathryn MilesTo Make Men Free - Heather Cox RichardsonUnthinkable – Jamie RaskinLincoln on the Verge - Ted WidmerBoy with the Bullhorn - Ron Goldberg-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

As Donald Trump solidifies his grip on the evangelical right in the United States, we are left to wonder: How is it conceivable that a faith predicated on love and compassion could veer towards authoritarianism? We're grappling with this disquieting reality as we delve into the substantive connection between Christianity, especially American evangelical Christianity, and the drift towards authoritarian leadership. Join me and my distinguished guest, Dr. David Gushee, a renowned university professor and Christian ethicist, and author of the recent book Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies, as we navigate this complex discourse. In our conversation, we unearth the historical intersections of Christianity and democracy, discussing how faith traditions have, and can still, bolster egalitarian and compassionate societal values. We also examine the disconcerting tendency of some Christians to align with authoritarian figures, contrary to their faith's core principles. The influence of homeschooling and Christian schools in perpetuating non-democratic ideologies and the potential threat this trend poses to the faith and democracy are among the compelling topics we tackle. We wrap up with a hopeful note, highlighting the potential of Christianity to catalyze a more inclusive and compassionate society. Dr. Gushee offers enlightening insights on the dormant democratic essence within Christianity, waiting to be rekindled. We end by challenging the current state of Christianity and envisaging a future where democracy reflects our shared values rather than being merely a political system. Listen in for an engaging, enlightening conversation that will leave you rethinking the ties between faith, politics, and society - and your role in saving the the country from its Christian enemies.Recommended:Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies - David GusheeJesus and John Wayne - Kristin Kobes Du MezThe Chosen - Chaim Potok-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Do you ever ponder over the evolution and multifaceted nature of camping, its sociopolitical significance, and how it mirrors societal inequalities? Join us and our esteemed guest, Dr. Phoebe Young, professor of History at the University of Colorado, Boulder and author of the book Camping Grounds: Public Nation in American Life from the Civil to the Occupy Movement, as we embark on an enlightening journey into the complex world of camping. From its origins as a family leisure activity post-Civil War to its transformation into a form of political protest, the subtle intricacies and unexpected controversies of camping are revealed. This is an insightful, thought-provoking exploration of camping's evolution. It's a history lesson and societal commentary all rolled into one. The intersection of camping and politics is examined, tracing the trend back to the Civil War era. Can you believe camping has been used as a form of lobbying, too? We address the tension between recreational campers and political campers and investigate the role of camping as a platform for political expression. We also highlight the nuanced issues of diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. Finally, we turn our attention to the changing social contract associated with camping and how it has shaped the camping experience. Public amenities, government involvement, and the emergence of alternative camping forms such as glamping are discussed. We even contemplate a new form of social contract that may be emerging in the camping world. So, tune in for an enlightening discussion that not only explores camping but also navigates its profound connection with politics, society, and the social contract.Recommended:Reservation DogsAnything by Rebecca SolnitMerchants of Doubt: Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Today, we welcome Stephen Long, the brain behind Sacred Tension Substack and its podcast. We're in for a deep, meaningful discussion about internalized homophobia and how it affects the LGBTQ+ community. But, we're not stopping there, we're delving into the nitty-gritty; the politics of relationships, religion's role in society, and the evolution of identity language. We grapple with the terms "gay" and "queer", and the generational gap in their interpretations. We discuss the daily struggle of reconciling deep religious beliefs with homosexuality, and how queer people of faith endure a constant battle of making peace with conflicting aspects of identity. We'll also be touching on the complexities of activism and the loss of personal growth caused by internalized homophobia.To wrap things up, we'll refocus on religion's role in society. We'll bring in perspectives from the Satanic Temple, a non-theistic religious organization emphasizing compassion, empathy, and human rights. We'll dissect the elements of religion, its challenges, and how it can add structure and meaning to lives. This is an episode packed with boundary-pushing conversations, norms challenge, and enough self-reflection to spark meaningful change. Make sure you like and subscribe to Deep Dive with Shawn C. Fettig on your preferred podcast platform; you won't want to miss this one!Mentioned:On Liberty – John Stuart MillThe Way of the Strangers: Encounters with the Islamic State - Graeme WoodThe Identity Trap – Yascha Mounk-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

**After a two month hiatus, Deep Dive returns next week (Sunday, Nov 26th) with a slew of new episodes with exciting, entertaining, and interesting guests.  In the meantime, in light of the recent polling suggesting that voters may return Donald Trump to the White House in next year’s presidential election, check out this Greatest Hit of Deep Dive, in advance of the 2022 midterm election, when the landscape also looked dire for Democrats.**-----What if the game of American politics is structurally rigged? Dr. David Faris, author of 'It's Time to Fight Dirty: How Democrats Can Build a Lasting Majority in American Politics', steps onto the stage in this episode to reveal the striking institutional disadvantages within our democracy. We dissect how Republicans have leveraged these disparities to gain power, and we question the true value of bipartisanship. David lays out a feasible roadmap for Democrats to counteract these imbalances, even if tactics seem a bit unorthodox.Our dialogue doesn't stop there. We examine the distressing trend of presidents securing their seat in the Oval Office without the popular vote, and the impact this has had on the perceived legitimacy of our political system. By peeling back the layers of our Constitution, we attempt to understand how its outdated mechanisms have allowed such outcomes. Despite the evident structural deficits in the House and Senate, we discuss potential solutions such as the Fair Representation Act and the bold move of statehood for DC and Puerto Rico. We wrap up our deep dive with an innovative exploration of political relocation, discussing the implications of planned mass migration of liberal voters to conservative states. Would flipping North and South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming really make a difference? As we navigate these thought-provoking avenues, we also touch on the potential overturning of Roe v Wade, the influence of language within politics, and the potential of a central coordinating mechanism to shift the balance of Senate seats. This conversation challenges conventional thought and presents new perspectives on the dynamics of American politics. Be sure not to miss it.Recommended:It's Time to Fight Dirty: How Democrats Can Build a Lasting Majority in American Politics - David Faris-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

**Originally released October 21, 2021**Could a spark of liberation emerge in a world of oppressive leaders? Join me, your host, and Alex Vatanka, the founding director of the Iran program at the Middle East Institute, as we examine the recent upheaval in Iran triggered by the tragic death of a 22-year-old woman arrested for a 'bad hijab'. Together, we peel back the layers of this rapidly unfolding crisis, shining a light on the violent reaction of the Iranian regime, the organic expansion of the protests, and the role of Iran's Supreme Leader.This episode is a journey back in time to 1979, revisiting the birth of the Islamic Republic and the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution. It's a closer look at the intricate dance between Iran and the US, the simmering anger in Iran’s younger generation, and the ripple effects leading to a significant Iranian diaspora. We don't shy away from the tough topics, tackling the Supreme Leader's hardline ideology and the escalating economic despair of Iran's citizens. We also venture into the nuances of the ongoing protests, exploring the symbolic power of the anti-hijab movement and the internal fight between theocracy and secularism.We wrap up with a thought-provoking discussion on the potential repercussions of this current unrest. Is this the tipping point for Iranians to reclaim their future? What will leadership after Ayatollah Khamenei have to contend with? We explore these questions and more, as we grapple with the complexities of a nation on the brink of change. Here's an episode that offers an enlightening perspective on the internal dynamics of a highly charged geopolitical hotspot - as viewed through the lens of a seasoned expert. So, are you ready to step into the heart of the storm?-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

**Originally released April 27, 2022**Get ready for a journey into understanding the evolution of public opinion on the queer and trans communities post the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling. My guest, Dr. Andrew Flores - an Assistant Professor in the Department of Government at American University and a visiting scholar at the Williams Institute at UCLA - lends us his extensive research on public sentiment and its impact on the queer community. Together, we tackle the intricate issues of legislative threats, marriage equality, and the emotional complexity of the queer community's relationship with the government.We have an enlightening discussion on how mass media representation has influenced public opinion about the queer and trans communities. The contrasting approaches of Hollywood and the Republican Party towards queer representation provide an interesting perspective on the power of media in shaping societal attitudes. We also delve into how policy changes can impact queer mental health, underscoring the queer community's resilience in the face of numerous challenges. As we round up our episode, the discussion takes a lively turn towards individual actions and their power to drive systemic change. We highlight the toll of anti-trans rhetoric and legislation on children and emphasize the crucial role of both legislative and individual actions in creating a more inclusive society. This insightful conversation, although acknowledging the grim current political climate, manages to end on a positive note, affirming our strong belief in a more hopeful and inclusive future. Tune in for a riveting exploration of these critical issues, painted with a lens of positivity, resilience, and strength.-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock