Steve Vladeck, a law professor and CNN Supreme Court analyst, teams up with Gary Schmitt, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect President Trump's executive orders since January 2025. They delve into legal challenges surrounding appropriated funds and the tension between Congressional authority and executive power. The duo discusses controversial orders affecting gender definitions and military policy, as well as the implications of a new advisory board at USAID. Their insights reveal the ongoing constitutional battles shaping American governance.

Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist, and Melvin Rogers, a political science professor at Brown University, dive deep into the Black intellectual tradition's influence on American democracy. They discuss key figures like David Walker and W.E.B. Du Bois, exploring their calls for equal citizenship and the moral imperatives of civic engagement. The conversation also touches on emotional appeals from activists like Ida B. Wells and James Baldwin, emphasizing the role of culture and law in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

Michael Gerhardt, a constitutional law expert, Kate Masur, a distinguished historian of Reconstruction, and Ted Widmer, author and contributor, engage in a lively discussion about presidential inaugural addresses. They analyze Trump’s second address alongside historical speeches by iconic leaders such as Lincoln and FDR. The conversation delves into the evolution of presidential rhetoric, contrasting themes of unity and division, and the speeches' roles in shaping political discourse. These insights reveal how inaugural addresses serve as pivotal reflections of American values and ideals.

Join Nadine Strossen, a former ACLU president and law professor, and Adam Candeub, a telecommunications and antitrust law expert, as they dissect the Supreme Court case on Texas's age verification law for adult websites. They explore the clash between free speech rights and the need to protect minors online. The conversation dives into the implications of technology on privacy, the responsibilities of parents versus service providers, and the potential re-evaluation of established legal precedents in safeguarding constitutional rights.

Jameel Jaffer, Executive Director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, and Zephyr Teachout, a law professor at Fordham, engage in a riveting discussion about the Supreme Court's case TikTok v. Garland. They debate whether a potential ban infringes upon First Amendment rights, exploring comparisons to historical cases. The conversation emphasizes the delicate balance between national security and freedom of expression, arguing against censorship while addressing concerns about foreign influence. Their insights call for transparency and careful scrutiny in regulating digital platforms.

In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Gienapp, a Stanford professor and author of "Against Constitutional Originalism," joins Stephen Sachs, a Harvard Law expert on constitutional law, to challenge the concept of originalism in legal interpretation. They explore the historical development of originalism and its influence on landmark Supreme Court cases, including the Second Amendment debates. The conversation also touches on the role of popular sovereignty at the nation's founding, prompting listeners to reconsider how the Constitution is understood today.

Join Melanie Miller, editor of the Gouverneur Morris Papers, Dennis Rasmussen, a political science professor and author, and William Treanor, dean of Georgetown Law Center, as they delve into the life of Gouverneur Morris. They explore his pivotal role in drafting the Constitution, particularly the Preamble, and his bold stance against slavery. Discover Morris’s complex character, his advocacy for executive power, and his overlooked legacy amid America's founding figures. Plus, hear about his unique insights on liberty during the French Revolution.

Steven Calabresi, a law professor at Northwestern University, delves into the legacy of former Attorney General Edwin Meese and his pivotal role in shaping originalism. The conversation highlights how Meese transformed the Department of Justice into a center for originalist thought during the Reagan era. Calabresi discusses the ideological divides within originalism, the formation of the Federalist Society, and how these developments influenced Supreme Court nominations and judicial philosophy. His insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of constitutional interpretation.

In this discussion, guests Jane Calvert, a biography author on John Dickinson, Vincent Phillip Muñoz, a Notre Dame religion professor, and Thomas Kidd, a Baptist studies chair, delve into the nuanced role of religion among America's Founding Fathers. They examine varying personal faiths, from deism to traditional Christianity, and how these shaped ideals like religious liberty and governance. They also explore John Dickinson's Quaker influences and the philosophical foundations of natural rights, emphasizing the delicate balance between church and state that informed the Constitution.

Joining the discussion are David Gans, Director at the Constitutional Accountability Center, and Kurt Lash, Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Richmond. They dive into the heated debate over Tennessee's law banning medical transitions for transgender minors. Gans argues this law violates the Equal Protection Clause, while Lash defends its legality. The two scholars dissect the implications of landmark cases like Bostock and Geduldig, scrutinizing legal standards for sex discrimination and the evolving interpretation of the 14th Amendment in relation to transgender rights.