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
Apr 25, 2024 • 43min
Means of Control — Part 2
Journalist and author Byron Tau discusses government data collection post-Snowden, encryption's role in privacy, risks of foreign misuse of data, public awareness of surveillance, and potential legislative reforms in creating a New American Surveillance State.
Apr 19, 2024 • 1h 28min
Missiles & Money — The Weekly Roundup
Former spokesperson Hagar Chemali discusses Iran's attack on Israel, financial challenges for those above the poverty line, Trump's economic plan, and the IMF's warning about deficit spending. They also touch on media activism, bias, and trust erosion.
4 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 44min
Means of Control — Part 1
Journalist and author Byron Tau discusses his book on the hidden alliance of tech and government creating a surveillance state. Topics include data brokering evolution, metadata identification, personal privacy implications, state of privacy rights in the US, public-private surveillance relationship, and the impact of social media on data collection.
Apr 12, 2024 • 1h 12min
“Get Caught Trying” — The Weekly Roundup
Lucy Caldwell and Liam Donovan discuss No Labels decision, RFK Jr.'s impact, Trump's abortion defense, Arizona Supreme Court ruling, and Biden's student debt cancellation attempt. They explore third-party ticket viability, independent candidates' influence, abortion rights in the US election landscape, Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, global tensions, inflation concerns, and reflecting on reconnecting with news and social media.
5 snips
Apr 11, 2024 • 1h 41min
How To Demoralize America
Molly McKew and Chris Zappone discuss Russian tactics post-2016, America's vulnerability, Ukraine's war status, Putin's goals, erosion of trust, social media impact, national psychological defense, and reliability of sources.
16 snips
Apr 5, 2024 • 1h 3min
Democracy Doomsday Prepping — The Weekly Roundup
Former Lincoln Project Political Director and National Political Correspondent for Axios discuss potential Republican strategies to overturn election results, scrutiny of polling data, backlash against diversity initiatives, and challenges in distinguishing truth from manipulation in the current political climate.
Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 16min
Politicology Mailbag with Mike Madrid
Mike Madrid, Lincoln Project cofounder, and Ron Steslow discuss the dynamics of the current political cycle, the rise of populism, the impact of the Fairness Doctrine, the debate over Biden debating Trump, Trump's influence on the RNC, the Republican Party brand, authoritarian reactionary Christians, the loss of focus on community, and the threat of religious nationalism.
5 snips
Mar 29, 2024 • 1h 10min
Trump Is Now A Meme Stock — The Weekly Roundup
Advisor to Presidents Regan and George H.W. Bush, Al Cárdenas, and Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN, Hagar Chemali, discuss Trump's Truth Social going public, ISIS attack in Moscow, and the impact of inflation. They explore the financial and political implications, global tensions, and personal immigrant stories highlighting American identity and unity. The podcast also delves into inflation's impact on consumers, monetary policy decisions, the crisis in Haiti, and national security threats.
Mar 27, 2024 • 28min
The Lie Detectives — Part 2
Political consultant Mike Madrid joins the podcast to discuss combating disinformation in campaigns. Topics include learnings from foreign campaigns, turning lies into branding opportunities, Supreme Court actions in Brazil, AI usage in campaigns, and the challenges of determining online lies.
11 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 1h 7min
Trouble In The Base — The Weekly Roundup
This week's panel discusses Trump's base weakness, the impeachment inquiry, and the concept of 'Christian Nationalism'. They also explore internal discord within the Republican Party and the rise of conspiracy theories and political rumors.
