Neon Liberalism

David Vatz, founder of Pro-Housing Pittsburgh, discusses the pressing housing crisis and its impact on younger generations. He uncovers the historical roots of zoning laws that fueled segregation and housing scarcity. Vatz emphasizes the need for liberal-driven reforms to promote more abundant and affordable housing. He also shares insights on grassroots activism, illustrating how community engagement can drive meaningful policy changes. With a hopeful outlook, he encourages listeners to join the local movement for housing improvement.

Samantha and guest Jamelle Bouie talk the present crisis, the many ages of the American Constitution, and how we might set about rebuilding what MAGA is breaking.

In a fascinating discussion, Bret Devereaux, an ancient and military historian, explores the fall of the Roman Republic and the curious admiration Elon Musk seems to hold for the dictator Sulla. They contrast Sulla's violent rise to power with modern-day governance, dissecting how historical figures shape today’s political landscapes. Devereaux highlights Sulla's reforms, critiquing their long-term effects on stability, and emphasizes the legacies of legitimacy in governance as crucial lessons for contemporary leaders.

Samantha and fellow Liberal Currents editor Paul Crider talk to Matt McManus, author of The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism, about a forgotten political tradition, the intellectual fallout of the Russian Revolution, and what this all means for how we think about the contemporary dangers of oligarchy and reaction.

Samantha and fellow Liberal Currents editors Caitlin Green and Trent Nelson talk the crisis of misinformation, taking responsibility for your own beliefs in the social media age, and their new podcast, Half the Answer.

Samantha and Professor Phillips O'Brien have a wide-ranging talk, including Trump's abandonment of Ukraine, the failures of "realism" as a theory of international politics, and the shape of the future in a Europe without American leadership.

Join Samantha and guest Toby Buckle of the Political Philosophy Podcast as they explore the foundations of Trump's enduring popular support, the legacy of the Southern Strategy, and the importance of taking people's beliefs seriously.

The Civil Rights Movement, which stretched across decades, caused big changes in society that persist today. As some of the gains it brought about are now threatened by racists in the White House, what can we learn from the tactics and, more importantly, the strategy pursued by the movement's leaders and activists? Samantha and Jason are joined by Liberal Currents editor-in-chief Adam Gurri.

Taiwan is a free country, a powerhouse in technology, and it has about one-twentieth the population of Europe less Russia. JD Vance talks about the U.S. possibly disengaging with Europe, but is such disengagement necessary for, and does it really herald, increased engagement with Asia, and particularly with China and Taiwan? Liberal Currents contributing editor Matthew Downhour joins Samantha and Jason to talk about Taiwan's history and importance.

The chaos coming out of Washington, D.C., over the past week seems to be emanating from one man, and for once it's not Donald Trump—it's Elon Musk. Project 2025 is still happening, but Musk's seizure of government computer systems is happening more quickly. Samantha and Jason are joined by guest Adam Gurri to ask what this means for the country and the world.