The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Midsummer is here, and reading is on many listeners’ minds. In this episode, Stephen shares some of the top reading habits he’s developed over the years. Listen in to discover tactics that will make you a better and more accomplished reader. This episode is a must-listen for veteran readers and would-be readers alike! This episode originally aired on July 4, 2018.

Regular listeners of the podcast know that Stephen has called Roe v. Wade “bad law” for years. Even liberal justices such as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg have been critical of the precedents used in the Roe v. Wade ruling. The landmark 1973 case, of course, has just been overturned, and legislative powers regarding abortion have been returned to the individual states where they should have always remained. Amidst the frenzy of public reaction, it’s important to remember that the US has not outlawed abortion. The ruling has simply said that the Constitution provides no guarantee of abortion. Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization was a good decision and a wonderful restoration of balance in American government.

Over the last five years, New York has spent $200,000 of taxpayers money (per year) inviting drag performers to interact with children as young as three years old. Stephen has and will continue to advocate for laws that ensure the fundamental rights and protections of LGBTQ people. But this situation in New York is asinine. And it isn’t just happening in New York. Even in conservative areas like Franklin, TN, you can find books such as The GayBCs in public elementary school libraries. Whether you are politically-aligned with the left or right, can we find some common ground and common sense on these issues?

Our economy is full of bad news: high inflation, high gas prices, a crashing stock market, and rising interest rates. But the economy is doing better than ever overall. We are in a time when the economy is serving more people than ever. 78% of Americans are confident in their personal financial wellbeing. The middle class saw $2.1 trillion in gains over the last 10 years through home ownership. Consider this lesson from economics and history: more than one thing can be happening at a time. Our economy and our times are multi-faceted.

There’s an important historical principle that Stephen uses when evaluating current news and trends. Trends move toward moderation. Don’t become preoccupied with the clanging trends of our time. Instead, think about where these shifts (inflation, COVID, Great Resignation, remote work, etc.) will leave us once the dust settles. How can you evaluate current trends so that you might lead well in the days to come? In other words, add a “this too will pass” attitude into your critical thinking and assessment toolkit! Also mentioned in this episode: Listen to the GreatMan Podcast Subscribe to Leading Thoughts

In this special episode recorded for both the GreatMan Podcast and the Stephen Mansfield Podcast, Stephen reflects on the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Tune in for a discussion of gun laws, school security, but most importantly: the powerful role that family and community can play in preventing troubled young men like the Uvalde shooter from taking such brutal and violent actions.

Did you know there are nearly 20,000 cryptocurrencies with a market cap of approximately $1.2 trillion? Stephen recently stayed at a hotel where a massive cryptocurrency conference was also taking place. Even while leading cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum are down more than 50% from their all-time highs, Stephen got the sense from these passionate attendees that crypto will be an important technology in our future. For now, crypto should be viewed by most of us as an emerging technology – not a safe haven, currency, or hedge against inflation. But that may change in the future. Tune in as Stephen shares what he has learned.

Roe v. Wade is bad law and it has tormented America for decades. Stephen explains the rationale behind the Supreme Court’s ruling in the landmark 1973 decision, as well as why he’s in favor of the Court returning the abortion issue back to the states, where it should have remained. Tune in for some level-headed discussion in the midst of these politically charged times.

Pain and hardship is a part of life. In fact, these things may even be the price of an exceptional life. There’s no avoiding them. Happy Warriors know that there is glory and victory on the other side. They’re made better by the struggle. Every swing of the sword and push of the shield invigorates them. They love to overcome adversity and raise a glass with their band of brothers or band of sisters to celebrate the sweet victories of life. May we, in our age, band together as Happy Warriors to contend against the challenges of life. This episode originally aired on August 7, 2019.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem – and suicide rates around the world are skyrocketing. In the U.S., for example, the annual suicide rate has increased 24% between 1999 and 2014. So, what can we do? In this episode, Stephen reflects on suicide in our culture, as well as the loss of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. This episode originally aired on June 13, 2018.