The State of Us
TrueChat
Go beyond mainstream cable news and party lines, with a Millennial and a Boomer, as they work to push past the noise and bring attention to all the issues that matter. Justin T. Weller and Lance Jackson examine the topics that are often overlooked by most major media outlets, but are critical for Americans to be educated about. There’s a world beyond the noise and it begins with Justin & Lance on The State of Us.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 26, 2020 • 39min
Who Should You Call? Science!
Science is a diverse and wide-ranging field that is often underappreciated. Justin and Lance are joined by Ann Druyan, author of Cosmos: Possible Worlds, to discuss what makes us human and our place in our universe. tags: universe, space, tsou, cosmos, ann druyan, human, justin weller, lance jackson, earth, stars, national geographic
May 21, 2020 • 39min
Will Automation Replace Your Job?
A recent Pew Research Survey shows that 85% of Americans are in favor of policy to restrict automation. Justin and Lance discuss if we should be concerned about automation and go into the history of automation from Gutenberg to 2020. tags: politics, jobs, economy, worker, pay, wages, robot, automation, technology, news, careers, tsou, truechat, justin weller, lance jackson
May 19, 2020 • 39min
Why is Gen Z More Open on Social Media?
Images of amazing vacations, flawless bodies, and amazing homes that once dominated social media feeds are being replaced with snapshots of real life. Influencers sharing more about anxiety and depression cause teens to do the same, but this might not be all positive. Justin and lance are joined by producer Bradley Butsch to discuss the current landscape of social media. tags: tsou, social media, mental health, depression, anxiety, gen z, boomer, gen x, sexuality, instagram, twitter, facebook, teens, influencer, safety, fishing, justin weller, lance jackson, bradley butsch
May 14, 2020 • 39min
Unbelievers and Their Counterparts
Religious, not religious, or somewhere in-between, we all have a set of beliefs. How can we better discuss faith by understanding where and when atheism originated and how it has evolved. Justin and Lance are joined by Alec Ryrie, a Professor of the History of Christianity at Durham University, to discuss the origins of unbelief and how everyone on the spectrum shares some commonalities. tags: tsou, religion, belief, believer, atheism, unbeliever, heresy, history, christiananity, church, philosophy, god, jesus, fate, justin weller, lance jackson, alec ryrie
May 12, 2020 • 39min
Are Stimulus Packages Economically Responsible?
With about 25 trillion in official national debt and record setting stimulus packages, it is essential that we examine the true value of these initiatives. Justin and Lance are joined by Joe Minarik, former Chief Economist for the Clinton Administration, to discuss the economics behind stimulus packages and printing money in the age of COVID-19. tags: tsou, economics, government, politics, covid-19, corona virus, economy, stock market, stimulus package, printing money, money, national debt, household debt, justin weller, lance jackson, joe minarik
May 7, 2020 • 39min
Is America's Appetite for Wars Declining?
May of 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the Kent State shootings. During this time of remembrance, we have an opportunity to examine our nations appetite for war. Justin and Lance discuss America's current attitude towards war and the history that got us here. tags: tsou, history, politics, war, military, history, youth, kent state, kent state shootings, 1970, protest, government, national guard, Vietnam, Afghanistan, WWII, middle east, justin weller, lance jackson
May 5, 2020 • 39min
Oil & Christianity in America
Corporate and political power brokers with access to Washington framed big oil and Christianity as the twin pillars of American exceptionalism in the modern age. Justin and Lance are joined by Darren Dochuk, author of Anointed With Oil, to discuss how Christianity and crude made modern America.tags: tsou, darren dochuk, oil, Christianity, crude, Christian, economy, money, God, Rockefeller, politics, history, america, middle east, canada, justin weller, lance jackson
Apr 30, 2020 • 39min
Should Facebook Limit Organizing Protests
In recent weeks, protests have broken out in response to government orders related to COVID-19. Not surprisingly, most of this dialogue is happening on Facebook. Justin and Lance discuss if Facebook should censor those who detest healthcare officials in the age of the corona virus. tags: tsou, censorship, facebook, covid-19, economy, business, corona virus, instagram, politics, government, social media, protest, justin weller, lance jackson, free speech, bradley butsch
Apr 28, 2020 • 39min
Is Paycheck Protection Legalized Fraud?
The Paycheck Protection Program was created by Congress in response to COVID-19. With billions of dollars allocated, the PPP could result in legalized fraud if not carefully allocated. Justin and Lance discuss who should qualify for this money and the ethics of taking unnecessary government funding. tags: tsou, politics, economy, money, covid-19, corona virus, paycheck protection program, trump, government, funding, fraud, illegal, ethics, morals, legal, justin weller, lance jackson, bradley butsch
Apr 23, 2020 • 39min
Biden vs. Trump - Will Policy Matter?
What do Biden and Trump need to do to win the presidency and how should they confront one another in the 2020 campaign run? Justin and Lance discuss how America should ensure a safe and fair election in the age of COVID-19. tags: tsou, trump, biden, health, republican, democrat, politics, government, president, election, vice president, pandemic, covid-19, corona virus, safety, fairness, policies, justin weller, lance jackson
