Politicology

Alua Arthur, a death doula and founder of Going With Grace, discusses the often-avoided topic of mortality. She shares her journey towards embracing death, emphasizing that it can enhance the authenticity of our lives. The conversation addresses the vital need for open discussions about death with loved ones and offers practical approaches to contemplations around end-of-life issues. Alua also critiques harmful language around dying and advocates for meaningful rituals to honor those who have passed, fostering a compassionate view of the natural process of dying.

Zack Czajkowski, a Democratic political consultant and CEO of Brackish Solutions, joins investigative reporter Andy Kroll from ProPublica and Hans Nichols, White House reporter for Axios. They delve into the recent presidential election results and what they signify for Democrats, especially after losing the popular vote. The discussion also covers the challenges of polling accuracy, shifting voter demographics, and how economic concerns are reshaping political landscapes. Together, they explore the urgent need for innovative strategies to engage diverse voters moving forward.

Dr. Catherine Sanderson, Polar Family Professor and chair of psychology at Amherst College, discusses the nuances of happiness and the importance of a positive mindset. She challenges the myths surrounding positive thinking, emphasizing that true happiness requires deliberate actions. The conversation touches on the significance of empathy and understanding in personal growth, especially in challenging times. Sanderson also provides insights into effective stress management and the role of meaningful relationships in cultivating joy.

Richard Reeves, author of "Of Boys and Men" and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, delves into the struggles faced by modern males. He tackles the complexities of 'toxic masculinity' and its impact on dialogue, arguing that misunderstandings stifle meaningful conversations. Reeves explores the stark disparities in advocacy and funding for issues concerning boys versus those for girls. He also discusses how negative partisanship and societal narratives exacerbate the challenges men face, urging a more balanced approach to gender dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Liam Donovan, a political expert and podcast host, teams up with Alex Thompson, a national correspondent for Axios, to explore the widening gender gap in politics. They analyze the contrasting political behaviors of college-educated women versus non-college-educated men and its implications for upcoming elections. The conversation shifts to the changing dynamics following President Biden's withdrawal from the race, with insights into how this affects the political landscape and crypto’s prominence in campaign discourse.

Richard Reeves, author of "Of Boys and Men" and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, joins to discuss the pressing challenges boys and men face today. He dives into the gendered education gap and the impact of economic shifts on male empowerment. Reeves highlights alarming male depression rates and underreported suicide statistics, advocating for a structural, rather than individual, understanding of these issues. He calls for a balanced discourse on gender that addresses male struggles amid broader societal changes.

Zack Czajkowski is a former political director at the Lincoln Project, and James Lynch has worked with high-profile political campaigns. They discuss Donald Trump's unique photo op at McDonald's, aiming to connect with working-class voters, and how it contrasts with Kamala Harris's strategies. The conversation shifts to the new 'podcast election' phenomenon, highlighting how platforms like podcasts influence political communication and engage younger audiences, transforming how candidates shape their public image.

Mike Madrid, a seasoned political strategist, sheds light on the tumultuous current political climate. He discusses warning signs for Kamala Harris in Nevada and the potential collapse of the Blue Wall. Mike highlights the critical role of Latino voters and how immigration is reshaping election dynamics. He also reflects on the global trend of anti-incumbent sentiment and critiques the disconnect between political narratives and the economic realities for working-class Americans. A fascinating look into the evolving power struggle!

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plusIn this conversation, Marc Polymeropoulos, a former CIA officer,  discusses the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar—the mastermind of the October 7 massacre.He explains the potential shifts in Hamas’s leadership structure, future negotiations for hostages being held by the terrorist group, what it could mean for Hamas’s coordination with Hezbollah, and the broader impact on the Middle EastFollow Ron and Marc on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/MpolymerEmail your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plusThis week, we discuss the evangelical preacher—Lance Wallnau—who’s blending tent revivals with political mobilization to help elect Donald Trump. Then, we’ll talk about the “Uncommitted” movement in Michigan, how it could impact the race, and Jill Stein openly embracing being a spoiler for Trump.Later, we look at Vice President Harris’s push to appeal to men—especially Black men—and why Democrats should have a policy plan for men’s issues.Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we dive into the recent controversies surrounding CBS News, particularly focusing on the reprimand of morning news anchor Tony Dokoupil and the 60 Minutes edit of their interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Matt Bennett (Founder & Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way)Andy Kroll (Investigative Reporter at ProPublica)Matthew Taylor (author of the new book The Violent Take it By Force: The Christian Movement That is Threatening Our Democracy)Segments this week:(04:23) Lance Wallnau(27:25) “Uncommitted” in Michigan(40:00) An Appeal to MenNot 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.Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬Read The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy—  https://bit.ly/3YeTCIeFollow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/ThirdWayMattBhttps://x.com/AndyKrollhttps://x.com/TaylorMatthewDRelated reading:Segment 1: WSJ - The Evangelicals Calling for ‘Spiritual Warfare’ to Elect Trump - WSJNPR - Pro-Trump Christian nationalists are on tour to recruit election workersBaptistNews - Thousands pray, worship and talk politics at ‘Million Women’ event – Baptist News GlobalSegment 2: WDET - Michigan Muslim voters say they feel misunderstood by Republicans and Democrats - WDET 101.9 FMWP - Democrats attack Green Party’s Jill Stein amid spoiler fears - The Washington PostSegment 3: NYT - As Black Voters Hesitate on Harris, Democrats Race to Win Them Over - The New York TimesAP news - Harris announces a new plan to empower Black men as she tries to energize them to vote for herNYT - Black Voters Drift From Democrats, Imperiling Harris’s Bid, Poll Shows - The New York TimesPolitico - Opinion | Democrats’ Problem With Male Voters Isn’t Complicated Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices