Dr. Catherine Sanderson, Polar Family Professor at Amherst College and expert on happiness, shares insights on the connection between giving and happiness. She delves into whether giving truly makes us happier or if happy people are simply more inclined to give. The conversation also uncovers the different types of giving and their unique impacts on mood. Plus, Sanderson discusses the benefits of gratitude letters in enhancing well-being, revealing the transformative power of generosity in our lives.

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plusThis week, Ron Steslow calls Hagar Chemali to talk about some of the most important stories going on around the world: First, we discuss President Biden pardoning his son, Hunter, and weighing other preemptive pardons Then, we talk about what Trump’s defense, intelligence, and national security nominations could meanNext, we look at South Korea’s president invoking martial law After that, we break down the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal Finally, for our Politicology+ subscribers, we keep going around the world to talk about Iranian assassination plots (including one against a famous Iranian women’s rights activist), the pros and cons of an undisciplined and unpredictable Donald Trump, why Russian propaganda is using AI TV commentators, how the incoming administration might try to end the war in Ukraine, and more.Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/HagarChemali Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, explores Bitcoin's empowering role in human rights advocacy. He shares his journey into human rights and delves into the cryptocurrency's unique ability to foster financial independence, particularly for women in Afghanistan. The conversation highlights Bitcoin's potential to challenge authoritarianism, facilitate secure transactions, and combat monetary colonialism in West Africa. Gladstein paints a hopeful picture of Bitcoin as a lifeline for those in repressive regimes.

Lucy Caldwell, a veteran political strategist and tech founder, teams up with Liam Donovan, a seasoned political and policy expert, to tackle pressing political questions. They explore the controversial idea of compulsory voting in the U.S., considering its impact on civic engagement. The duo also dives into the recent withdrawal of Matt Gaetz as attorney general nominee, highlighting strategic dilemmas for Democrats and Florida's political dynamics. They candidly discuss Trump's re-election prospects and the challenges of unity within the Democratic coalition.

You may know him from his dazzling dishes showcased on the hit Netflix TV series, “Chef’s Table,” but three-Star Michelin Chef Dan Barber (Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Blue Hill NYC) has a relationship with ingredients far deeper and more complex than pretty plates of food. In this episode, Chef Dan joins Ron Steslow to discuss the politics and future of food and the consequences of how America feeds itself.To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus(02:32) The current state of American agriculture(06:15) What is the Third Plate?(11:44) The connection between flavor and nutrition(14:24) The importance of crop rotation (34:14) Lab grown meat Politicology is supported by listeners like you. Can you pitch in right now at https://politicology.com/donate?Follow Dan on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chefdanbarber/Follow Ron on Twitter:https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Madrid, a seasoned political strategist, and Lucy Caldwell, a sharp political commentator, dive deep into the murky waters of data privacy. They explore the national security risks tied to data harvesting and the ethical dilemmas of balancing privacy with safety. The discussion highlights the misuse of location data in identity theft and targeted attacks, and the urgent need for updated frameworks to protect personal information. They also reflect on the evolving relationship between privacy rights and constitutional protections in today's digital age.

Mike Madrid, a senior advisor at the California Latino Economic Institute and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, joins veteran strategist Lucy Caldwell and political expert Liam Donovan. They dive into whether Trump and the Republicans hold a true mandate and discuss the complexities of America’s working class. The trio analyzes shifting voter dynamics and the growing divide influenced by education versus economic status. They also address the national security risks associated with data harvesting, emphasizing the need for improved privacy protections.

Over two decades ago, Ruy Teixeira predicted that America was on its way to a bright blue future, thanks to an inevitable demographic shift that would deliver the Party a dominant, durable political coalition.“Demography is destiny” became the mantra of the Democratic Party—proven out by Obama’s decisive 2008 electoral college win.But then, in 2016, Trump upended that coalition, and, consequently, anti-Trumpism naturally became a defining feature of the Democratic Party.But—beyond its opposition to Trump—what does the Democratic Party stand for today?With the Republican Party infected with extremism and so embarrassingly unable to govern, why aren’t Democrats winning sustainable majorities?And why is the Democratic party still losing ground with some of the core parts of its base?In the second part of this two-part conversation, former Center for American Progress senior fellow Ruy Teixeira joins Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Where Have All the Democrats Gone? The Soul of the Party in the Age of Extremes.In part 2:(01:06 ) The shift towards identity politics and how it’s changing the party’s approach to race and civil rights(08:40) Radical approaches to transgender rights(16:50) The change in environmental policy from responsible stewardship to the more extreme positions of the Green New Deal(41:14) The rise in independent voters, what it really means, and how it should impact political strategy(45:45) Whether it’s even possible for structural reforms in our political system to improve the health of our democracyRead Where Have All the Democrats Gone?: https://bit.ly/3P8hpGmCheck out The Liberal Patriot: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/Follow Ron on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowEmail your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over two decades ago, Ruy Teixeira predicted that America was on its way to a bright blue future, thanks to an inevitable demographic shift that would deliver the Party a dominant, durable political coalition.“Demography is destiny” became the mantra of the Democratic Party—proven out by Obama’s decisive 2008 electoral college win.But then, in 2016, Trump upended that coalition, and, consequently, anti-Trumpism naturally became a defining feature of the Democratic Party.But—beyond its opposition to Trump—what does the Democratic Party stand for today?With the Republican Party infected with extremism and so embarrassingly unable to govern, why aren’t Democrats winning sustainable majorities?And why is the Democratic party still losing ground with some of the core parts of its base?In this two-part conversation, former Center for American Progress senior fellow Ruy Teixeira joins Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Where Have All the Democrats Gone? The Soul of the Party in the Age of Extremes.In part 1:(01:50 ) Ruy’s background(05:00) How the Democrats became the party of the elites (10:10)The impact of the 2016 election (23:23) The importance of working class voters in the Democratic party’s victories (30:20) The party’s increasingly liberal stance on immigration Read Where Have All the Democrats Gone?: https://bit.ly/3P8hpGmCheck out The Liberal Patriot: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/Follow Ron on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowEmail your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining the discussion are Susan Del Percio, an MSNBC political analyst known for her expertise in crisis communications, and Stef Kight, a politics reporter at Axios covering Congress and immigration. They dive into the implications of the Senate Republicans’ new leadership and Trump’s influence on cabinet nominations. Controversies arise over FEMA allegedly sidestepping Trump supporters in disaster assessments. The conversation wraps with a tease of a future House hearing about UFOs, making for an intriguing political landscape.