

Politicology
Politicology
Politics in America is transforming. We’re embarking on a new series to deepen our understanding of who we are, how we got here, and how we rebuild without repeating the mistakes of the past. Ron Steslow hosts academics, behavioral economists, social psychologists, politicos, philosophers, anthropologists, journalists, poets, and storytellers—and more—to discuss America’s political present and future and dive into the deeper problems we face as a nation. Email us questions or comments: podcast@politicology.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 6min
An Unmitigated Disaster—The Weekly Roundup
This week's podcast delves into the chaos of the first presidential debate between Biden and Trump, discussing the impact on undecided voters and the possibility of a different Democratic nominee. The hosts express frustration with the debate and the upcoming election choices. They also touch on topics like political text messages, getting paid to promote voting, and the political exhaustion felt by many.

Jun 26, 2024 • 51min
ENCORE: Democracy’s Christian Enemies — Part 2
Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy?What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?”How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon?In this two-part conversation, we dive into these provocative questions with the Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) and discuss his book Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies.Segments to look forward to in part 2:(02:12) Christianity in the reactionary politics of France and Germany in the 20th century (07:54) The allure of authoritarian leaders who promise to fix cultural issues (13:06) The idealization of a past Christian nation and the ubiquitous use of anti-LGBT rhetoric in policial mobilization(18:20) The difficulty of appealing to authoritarian-leaning Christians and the influence of leaders in those communities(32:30 ) “Covenantal democracy” rooted in the Baptist tradition(35:18) The importance of civic literacy and political ethics education among Christians to inoculate against authoritarian tendencies(40:00) The importance of long-term cultural and interpersonal work to build stronger democratic norms.For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.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

Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 18min
Depends On Your Lens—The Weekly Roundup
This podcast episode discusses viral videos of President Biden, antisemitism at Columbia University, executive order on immigration for undocumented spouses, and the MAGA movement's denial of America as a democracy.

Jun 19, 2024 • 51min
ENCORE: Democracy’s Christian Enemies — Part 1
Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy?What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?”How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon?In this two-part conversation, Ron Steslow and Rev. Prof. David Gushee (Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University) discuss these provocative questions and more as they dive into David’s book, Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies.In part 1:(04:40) Ron shares a personal note with David about the impact he’s had on Ron’s journey (07:24) David discussed a few of the transformative moments in his career (13:08) The historical and current challenges Christianity poses to democratic values (16:30) Why some Christians are skeptical of democracy and the nuanced reasons behind it(22:02 ) Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity and why it’s a better term for what we’re seeing than Christian Nationalism (28:38) How certain Christian groups prioritize their beliefs over democratic norms and values (34:02) The cycle of secular revolutions followed by religious counter-revolutions For more of David’s work visit his website: https://www.davidpgushee.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

Jun 14, 2024 • 1h 16min
The Part-Time Boom—The Weekly Roundup
This week's panel discusses the struggles of part-time jobs and rising prices, Israel's hostage rescue, and new Russian sanctions. Zack Czajkowski and Molly McKew share insights on economic concerns, the Israel mission, and Russia. Stay informed with in-depth analysis and expert opinions.

Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 10min
ENCORE: Holy War—Part 1
Matthew Taylor, creator of 'Charismatic Revival Fury,' discusses the role of Charismatic Christianity in the Capitol riot. Topics include the intersection of Charismatic Christianity and politics, early Trump support from charismatic leaders, the concept of 'Christian Supremacy' vs 'Christian Nationalism,' and the increase in political engagement among Charismatic Christians.

Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 1min
ENCORE: Holy War—Part 2
Discussing the influence of Charismatic Christianity on the Capitol riot, exploring beliefs in Trump's divine appointment, strategic spiritual warfare, and threats to pluralism. Delving into the lack of media understanding, violence discourse, and future implications for the religious subculture.

Jun 7, 2024 • 1h 20min
Guilt & Glee—The Weekly Roundup
Lucy Caldwell, Board Advisor to Renew Democracy Initiative, discusses Trump's conviction, Biden's border security order, and concerns about cognitive fitness. Also, Fauci's pandemic response testimony and unfolding scandal.

Jun 5, 2024 • 1h 10min
LIVE: The Latino Century with Mike Madrid
Author Mike Madrid discusses the Latinization of America, Latino conservatism, Democratic outreach, and Republican appeal to Latino voters. Insightful takeaways for political professionals and reflections on American identity and values.

5 snips
May 31, 2024 • 1h 7min
Full Blown Freakout—The Weekly Roundup
To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts.This week, we discuss the “Dems in full blown ‘freakout’ over Biden.” Then, we talk about the high-level NIH officials who tried to undermine government transparency—including about the coronavirus.After that, we look at rising debt interest payments and why high interest rates are making it harder to manage the debtJoining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)Anthony York (Fmr. Senior Communications Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom) Segments this week:(05:39) “Dems in full blown ‘freakout’ over Biden.” (30:05) The NIH subverting FOIA (44:51) Rising Debt Interest costs[Politicology+] Mike and Ron answer your questions Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss the extra episodes on our 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) 455-4558Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/madrid_mikehttps://x.com/anthonyyork49Related reading:Segment 1:Politico - Dems in full-blown ‘freakout’ over Biden - POLITICONYT - Republicans who backed Biden in 2020 complain he’s lost their phone numbersThe Hill - Axelrod: Biden ‘pride’ may cost him electionSegment 2: NYT - Health Officials Tried to Evade Public Records Laws, Lawmakers Say - The New York TimesHouse oversight Committee - Wenstrup Investigates NIH Conspiracy to Evade FOIA, Avoid Public Transparency - United States House Committee on Oversight and AccountabilitySegment 3: Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget - Interest Costs Just Surpassed Defense and Medicare-2024-05-10 Bloomberg - Yellen Says Higher Path for Rates Boosts Need to Lift Revenue - Bloomberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


