The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

On March 27th, a heavily-armed 28-year-old woman claimed the lives of 3 children and 3 faculty members in a Nashville elementary school. In the wake of unthinkable tragedy, it is wise to ponder preventative solutions. Yet, our country's political divide often creates more argument than discussion. Join me today as we talk details and ask difficult questions to ensure the safety of our country's youth.

Russia's attack on Ukraine has been the highlight of the world stage for the past year. With tensions only rising, and an intensified battle on the horizon, we have to determine where we stand as a nation. Why should the United States back Ukraine at all? What are the consequences if we don't? Listen in to hear a global perspective on this critical issue.

Of the three branches of our federal government, Congress is by far the most dysfunctional and stagnated. Yet, it is also the most variable. Let's vote good and knowledgeable people into our House and Senate! Together, we can tackle the issues of excessive spending, inside corruption, and laziness.

It was recently made known that the 39th U.S. president, Jimmy Carter, has entered hospice care and may be near the end of his life. Thus, I'd like to take a moment to discuss some key details of his legacy and presidency. You may or may not agree with him politically, but there are some noteworthy characteristics and accomplishments of this man who once led our nation.

A recent Grammy performance has sparked an uproar about the darkening of pop culture. Though it's the extreme that turns heads these days, there exists beneath it all an underlying objectification of women. We are told to ignore it in art, yet are simultaneously called to action in society. This hypocrisy must end. Listen in as Stephen challenges us to a cultural cleaning of house.

Today, I'd like to cover two very different, but crucial topics. Firstly, there are some misconceptions about renewable energy that we must come to terms with if we hope to change our global energy industries. And secondly, in the U.S., the unjust death of Tyre Nichols by the hands of Memphis police officers has tragic implications for our society. When it comes to both environmental and social change, we must initiate the change we wish to see.

I'm taking the first two podcast episodes of 2023 to discuss and honor the legacies of three prominent people who passed away in 2022. In this episode, I'm diving into the impacts left on society by journalist Barbara Walters and Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, otherwise known as Pope Benedict XVI. If you missed part 1, be sure to go back and hear about the influence of the Brazilian soccer player, Pelé.

I want to take these first two podcast episodes of 2023 to discuss and honor the legacies of three prominent people who passed away in 2022. In this episode, you'll hear about the Brazilian soccer player, Pelé, and how he changed the perceptions of his nation. Stay tuned for the part 2, in which I discuss two more people who left a lasting impact on my life.

As one year comes to a close and a new one begins, anxieties often settle in about the new year and what the future might hold. While unpredictable political, economic, and social events rage on, be intentional to initiate practices in the lives of your family and community to ground yourselves. Take heart in these stories of those who persevered through uncertainty, and carry them with you into the new year. Have a very Merry Christmas, and we’ll see you in 2023.

When used in a mechanical context, a lynchpin is a vital piece designed to keep the wheels from falling off a wagon or tool. Today, I use this word metaphorically in a global and political context on the Stephen Mansfield podcast to describe what I believe was a key event in the development of the Russian/European conflict. The Nord Stream pipeline explosion in September escalated tensions between Europe and Russia, and we will continue to see its effects in the coming months. Listen to today's episode for details.