Politicology

Host Ron Steslow welcomes Alex Gladstein (Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation) to discuss the significant and often misunderstood role of Bitcoin in protecting human rights and fighting against authoritarians around the world.Segments to look forward to:(02:07) Alex’s background in human rights work and why he became interested in Bitcoin (16:18) Bitcoin vs other cryptocurrencies(26:04) Financial privilege(38:35) Bitcoin in action (45:50) Bitcoin creating financial independence for women in Afghanistan (56:25)How a human rights activist uses Bitcoin to free hostages (59:10) Bitcoin as a tool against monetary colonialism in west Africa (1:00:10) The importance  of peer-to-peer transactions (1:07:50) How Bitcoin mining can bring electricity to remote areas and support sustainable energy projects (1:19:40) Why Bitcoin matters for everyoneFollow Ron and Alex on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://twitter.com/gladsteinEmail 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

This week on the podcast, they discuss the clash over crypto bills in Congress, the impact of housing issues on Latino voters, and the rise of political violence. They also touch on the challenges of regulating digital assets, the influence of cryptocurrencies on Democratic voters, and the divisions within Netanyahu's cabinet. Stay tuned for insights on social media, upcoming live shows, and ways to engage with the hosts.

** Get your ticket to our special LIVE pop-up recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on May 29th: politicology.com/events **In the wake of the emotional and highly charged conversations surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, information pollution has only added to the confusion. This week, we bring in an urban warfare expert to offer a sober and clear-eyed discussion on the Israel-Hamas war, the objectives and challenges involved, and the true meaning behind some of the most contentious terms being used.Segments to look forward to:(02:06) John’s background in urban warfare(06:20) The violence of October 7th(20:37) How Hamas’s human shield strategy exploits our different expectations for them and Israel (30:36) The context of bomb usage in the Israel-Hamas war(34:06) Misconceptions about urban warfare(41:30) Precision guided munitions (42:20) Examining the war crimes accusations (52:20) The manipulation of casualty numbers(1:04:10) Understanding what genocide means (1:18:40) The IDF’s standards of conduct in war (1:29:15) The importance of following a moral and ethical code during war(1:34:18) Israel’s efforts to protect civilians (1:38:40) What success looks like for Israel Follow Ron and John on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/SpencerGuardEmail 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 join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts.** Get your ticket to our special LIVE recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on May 29th: politicology.com/events **This week, we discuss Russia’s latest offensive in Ukraine, stubborn inflation, Biden and Trump’s plans to debate, and the parade of Republicans going to Trump’s trial in New York CityJoining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Director)Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare)Segments this week:(04:15)  Russia’s offensive (32:50) Stubborn inflation (50:00) Should Biden have pardoned Trump? [Politicology+] Laser weapons, rapidly advancing A.I., and growing privacy concernsNot 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://twitter.com/MollyMcKewhttps://twitter.com/ZackCzRelated reading:Segment 1: NYT -Mapping Russia’s Sudden Push Across Ukrainian Lines - The New York TimesNYT - Facing Russian Advance, a Top Ukrainian General Paints a Bleak PictureCNN - Sergei Shoigu: Putin replaces Russia’s defense minister with a civilian as Ukraine war rages and defense spending spirals | CNNWP - In surprise Ukraine visit, Blinken declares vision for Kyiv’s victory - The Washington PostSegment 2: CNBC - CPI report shows inflation easing in April, with consumer prices still rising 3.4% from a year agoNYT - Fed Chair’s Confidence in Slowing Inflation Is ‘Not as High’ as Before - The New York TimesCNN - What Biden’s tariffs on Chinese imports may mean for American jobs, the economy and inflation | CNN BusinessSegment 3: CNN - Biden and Trump accept CNN’s invitation to debate on June 27 | CNN PoliticsWP - Republicans flock to court to ‘kiss the ring’ during Trump criminal trial - The Washington PostMSNBC - Romney interview with Stephanie Ruhle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plusMike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder), Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode. (06:50)  How you can maximize the impact of political donations (15:10)  The precinct strategy and how bad actors could sow doubt about the election (27:00) It’s not a good political strategy to shoot your dog(33:40) How 2020 election denial has pervaded the Republican party (34:20)The Trump Veepstakes (43:20) What could happen if Trump loses in November? (52:38) Mike’s takeaways from the New York Times/ Siena College pollHave a question for a future Mailbag episode? Send it over to us at podcast@politicology.com!You can also leave us a voice message at ‪(202) 455-4558‬Follow Ron, Mike, and Lucy on Twitter:https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://twitter.com/madrid_mikehttps://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former spokesperson for a political figure, Hagar Chemali, discusses how the affordability crisis is impacting Biden's Latino voters. They also cover the rise of good jobs without a college degree and a Democratic Rep being indicted for bribery. The panel highlights the influence of major Biden donors on anti-Israel protestors.

Nick Troiano, Executive Director of Unite America, dives into the flaws of primary elections that fuel partisanship, disenfranchise voters, and limit choices. He advocates for open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and abolishing partisan primaries. Examples from Alaska show the success of alternative systems. The conversation explores reform options, challenges, and the path forward toward a healthier democracy.

Lucy Caldwell, from Renew Democracy Initiative, discusses growing pessimism about money. They explore a second Trump term dystopia and Arizona's abortion ban repeal. RFK Jr's appeal to Latino voters is highlighted. The episode also covers Trump's imperial plans, voter messaging, and regulating AI in elections.

Death Doula Alua Arthur discusses embracing mortality, practical ways to approach contemplating death, importance of quality of life in end-of-life care, reframing language about death, meaningful rituals for death, and being briefly, perfectly human.

This week's panel discusses aid packages for Ukraine and Israel, anti-Israel encampments at colleges, and the 'safe space' election dynamics. They also delve into Speaker Johnson's decisions, the TikTok ban, rising tension and antisemitism on campuses, generational views on Israel, and media strategies of Biden and Trump.