The American Mind Podcast

The Trump administration’s approach to governance presents an opening for a new federalism to take hold. States may now be incentivized to aggressively take charge of education; ambitiously compete for businesses planting themselves in the U.S. due to tariffs; and cut oppressive regulatory red tape. Rounding out the Cincinnatus Series, Ryan Williams sits down with Scott Yenor, Jeffrey Anderson, and Jim Blew to discuss strategies and tools available to policymakers to facilitate economic development, capitalize on the shrinking administrative state, and more! Get full access to Claremont Digital Plus at claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

In his first address to Congress, President Trump goaded Democrats into a limp, performative resistance while he rattled off an impressive list of achievements. Previously, at the White House, Trump had met with Ukrainian President Zelensky in a dramatic confrontation that ultimately helped improve Trump’s position in negotiations over rare earth minerals in exchange for military aid. The guys give their takes on the historic political theater of the past week, discuss the ongoing economic and immigration crises, and share more media recommendations! Get full access to Claremont Digital Plus at claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Silicon Valley elites have pushed school-provided tablets and phones into K-12 schools, replacing textbooks, real human interaction, and traditional education, undermining children's ability to focus—and parents' power to regulate screentime. Guests Scott Yenor, Frederick Hess, and Clare Morell sit down with host Ryan Williams to consider the limited pros and many cons of devices in the classroom, their disruptive effect in school settings and on learning outcomes, and provide insight into how states and school boards may spur positive change. Get full access to Claremont Digital Plus at claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

The podcast dives into the White House's newfound control over press permissions, stirring debate about media independence. It critiques the dismissal of military leaders by Trump and explores the impact of diversity initiatives on military efficiency. Budget challenges loom large, with tensions in Congress over unifying factions and fiscal responsibility. Insightful discussions touch on the shifting landscape of media trust, including Bezos's influence, and pivotal updates on USAID's evolution and groundbreaking brain research.

Join Scott Yenor, a family policy expert, Kathleen O’Toole, an education leader, and Chris Bullivant, a communications director, as they delve into the essential intersection of family dynamics and social policy. They discuss how states can empower parents in education, the impact of gender dynamics on teaching, and the importance of reforming divorce laws for marital stability. Discover insights on fostering family formation, boosting fertility rates, and rebuilding social capital in communities to support traditional family structures.

J.D. Vance takes aim at Europe's handling of immigration and free speech, questioning the reliability of democratic allies. Tensions boil over as he critiques Ukrainian President Zelensky's approach with the U.S. Though Democrats grapple with their own challenges, the discussion pivots to Elon Musk's government efficiency initiative and its impacts on voter demographics. The cultural lens broadens as they explore the rise of young commentators and critically analyze shows like 'Mythic Quest' and 'Severance,' blending entertainment with vital societal conversations.

Emma Waters, a senior research associate at the Heritage Foundation, Natalie Dodson from the Ethics and Public Policy Center, and Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum share their insights on the ethical dilemmas surrounding IVF. They discuss the moral implications of embryo discard, genetic selection, and the potential role of AI in reproductive choices. The trio emphasizes the need for thoughtful legislation that prioritizes parental rights while confronting the evolving landscape of bioethics and the complexities of modern parenthood.

Elon Musk's ventures are stirring chaos amidst progressive opposition and impending legal skirmishes. The podcast highlights alarming anecdotes of waste within the federal financial systems, urging for reform. Listeners are engaged in discussions about the manipulation of economic data, revealing a gap between statistics and the struggles of everyday workers. Additionally, there's a deep dive into a surprising intellectual revival of faith, addressing the shift from atheism to Christianity in contemporary culture.

Scott Yenor, a senior director at the Center for the American Way of Life, Frederick Hess, an education policy expert at the American Enterprise Institute, and Beth Akers, a fellow specializing in education economics, delve into critical issues in higher education. They advocate for state legislators to enhance accountability in universities, shifting focus from research to quality teaching. The discussion critiques inflated grading practices, redefines faculty workloads, and promotes transparency, arguing for reforms that prioritize effective student education and school choice for all families.

Elon Musk's influence sways everything from Sri Lankan education to Vietnamese inclusivity, stirring up controversy as funding priorities come under fire. The discussion critiques how the liberal media attempts to undermine Musk's qualified young staff. Topics also delve into the clash between American cultural ideals, like #MeToo, and global reactions. Plus, the speakers reflect on the intertwining of Christianity and governance, emphasizing personal responsibility and the challenges faced by politicians, all while questioning the role of tech expertise in public service.