Best Institute for Liberal Studies Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 233: Kevin Erdmann - Why Are We Afraid Of Building Homes? 1:17:00

3h ago1:17:00

1:17:00

Alex speaks with Kevin Erdmann about how zoning, the 2008 economic crisis, and the desire to live away from "those people" is effecting the state of housing today. Episode Notes: Kevin's page at the Mercatus Centre: https://www.mercatus.org/scholars/kevin-erdmann The Erdmann Housing Tracker: https://kevinerdmann.substack.com/ Kevin on X: https://x.…

1
The Complexities of the EU Parliament Elections 46:05

1h ago46:05

46:05

In this episode of International Horizons, RBI Director John Torpey spoke with Francesco Ronchi and Udo Zolleis, two European Parliament officials and analysts. With the European Parliament elections taking place shortly after we spoke, they share their insights on the direction that politics in Europe may take in the coming months and years, espec…

1
It Wasn’t Just Politics; The Art of Jazz Integrated America 57:38

1d ago57:38

57:38

In his new book The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America, prolific author Larry Tye shares what he learned about the lives of the three men, now recognized as great Americans. The racism they faced The post It Wasn’t Just Politics; The Art of Jazz Integrated America appeared first on Keeping Democracy Al…

1
Tina Beattie - Language, Desire And Creation In The Context Of Laudato Si 49:09

5d ago49:09

49:09

For March's CTRS seminar, Tina Beattie (Professor Emerita of Catholic Studies, University of Roehampton), gives a paper on Language, desire, and creation in the context of Laudato Si'.This seminar forms part of the Catholic Theology Research Seminar Series (CTRS). The CTRS is a regular forum for scholarly discussion of pertinent issues in the Catho…

1
Alana Harris - Student Power In Christ The Young Christian Students, Race And Liberation Theology 51:46

9h ago51:46

51:46

For April's CTRS seminar, we were joined by Dr Alana Harris, Reader in Modern British Social, Cultural and Gender History, King’s College London, who will give a paper entitled: ‘Student Power in Christ’: the Young Christian Students, Race Relations and Liberation Theology in Britain after 1968.This seminar forms part of the Catholic Theology Resea…

1
Snap UK Elections: A Fight for Mediocrity

6d ago

—

Used to be Labour was left, Tories were conservative. Now it seems each party is trying to be just like the other. This right before PM Rishi Sunak shocked everyone by scheduling a new election for July fourth. And stirring The post Snap UK Elections: A Fight for Mediocrity appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

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Ep. 232: Dominic Parker - Do Environmental Agencies Actually Help The Environment? 1:12:16

2d ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Alex speaks with Dominic Parker about his 2023 paper with Dean Lueck entitled "The Economic Origins And Extent Of America's First Environmental Agencies" Episode Notes: Dominic's paper: https://aae.wisc.edu/dparker/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/Lueck-Parker-Origins-December-2023.pdf Some history on the conservation movement from 1850-1920 via…

1
Under Attack the World Over, What Is Liberalism?

3d ago

—

The final chapter in our guest’s new book, Liberalism as a Way of Life asks the question: Requiem for a Liberal Way of Life? Well, is it really over? Reached in Sydney Australia where he’s professor of politics and philosophy The post Under Attack the World Over, What Is Liberalism? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
We Should Not Take the UN For Granted: A Discussion with Abiodun Williams 33:54

3d ago33:54

33:54

In times where conflicts around the globe are an everyday topic, the place of the United Nations in resolving these conflicts is constantly being questioned. In this episode of International Horizons, RBI Director John Torpey discusses this issue with Professor Abiodun Williams, Professor of the Practice of International Politics at Tufts Universit…

1
The Deep Roots of American Illiberalism,Yes Illiberalism

8d ago

—

Many Americans were appalled at the violent January 6th assault on the capitol. The thought was: That’s not who we are. But in truth throughout our history, a great number of Americans have supported hierarchies and authoritarianism; freedoim for us The post The Deep Roots of American Illiberalism,Yes Illiberalism appeared first on Keeping Democrac…

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Ep. 231: Ryan Bourne - Is There A War On Prices? 1:04:48

9d ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Alex speaks with Ryan Bourne as he explores the misconceptions around inflation and the dangers of price controls, emphasizing how prices act as signals to coordinate economic activity and promote growth. Ryan explains the adverse effects of government intervention in setting prices, such as shortages, quality declines, black markets, and inefficie…

1
AntiChoice: In A Hole, Keeps Digging 55:54

10d ago55:54

55:54

They wanted to stop abortions, instead there were more after the Dobbs decision than before. One the first segment, Mother Jones magazine writer Julianne McShane tells how women are maintaining their reproductive rights despite the attacks. And on the second The post AntiChoice: In A Hole, Keeps Digging appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The Social Acceptance of Inequality 32:01

11d ago32:01

32:01

On this episode of International Horizons, Francesco Duina, Charles A. Dana Professor of Sociology at Bates College and Luca Storti, Associate Professor of Economic Sociology at the University of Turin in Italy and a Research Fellow of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies, discuss the rise of inequalities around the globe and the di…

1
When the Supreme Court Was About Fairness to All 59:54

21d ago59:54

59:54

By Burt Cohen

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#132: Kim Reed — Author of “Workhorse: My Sublime and Absurd Years in the New York Restaurant Scene,” Fmr. Executive Assistant for Chef Joe Bastianich 28:02

22d ago28:02

28:02

In recent years, the celebrity chef and restaurant has taken the world by storm. The rise of the ‘chefprenaur’ has created a $10 billion dollar industry encapsulating everything from restaurant chains, branded cookware, cook books, television deals, and social media empires. Despite the glamor, one fact still remains: the restaurant scene is an unf…

1
Ep. 230: Kent Roach - Does Canada Have A Wrongful Conviction Problem? 57:14

16d ago57:14

57:14

Alex speaks with Donner prize nominee Kent Roach about a topic that many Canadians may overlook when thinking about issues that are recurring at home: wrongful convictions and its victims. Episode Notes: - Kent's award-winning book "Wrongfully Convicted: Guilty Pleas, Imagined Crimes, and What Canada Must Do to Safeguard Justice" https://a.co/d/d9m…

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The Climate Crisis as a Problem of Collective Action: A Discussion with Dana Fisher 40:34

21d ago40:34

40:34

In this episode of International Horizons, Professor Dana Fisher, Director of the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity (CECE) and Professor in the School of International Service at American University, discusses with RBI Director John Torpey her approach to dealing with the climate crisis. Fisher explains how the climate crisis is really a …

1
Wisconsin Rural Voters: Challenge and Opportunity for Democrats 59:51

22d ago59:51

59:51

Wisconsin is a key swing state in the upcoming election, with traditions of both real right and real left. On today’s show on-the-ground journalist Christina Lieffring tells us about realities in that 90% rural state. She says to win voters, The post Wisconsin Rural Voters: Challenge and Opportunity for Democrats appeared first on Keeping Democracy…

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Ep. 229: Ethan Nadelmann - Has Drug Decriminalization Failed? 1:06:24

23d ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Matt speaks with Ethan Nadelmann about drug decriminalization, legalization, and the slow end to the drug war in Canada and the United States, and how successes and failures in both countries compare to those abroad. Episode Notes: The Drug Policy Alliance website: https://drugpolicy.org/ Some history on Portugal's Drug Harm Reduction Programs: htt…

1
Rugged Individualism And The Role of Luck 57:44

24d ago57:44

57:44

America is an outlier: here it’s commonly accepted that if you succeed or fail you deserve it. We believe we make our own luck. And we blame ourselves for what’s really random bad luck. But that’s counterproductive, according to the The post Rugged Individualism And The Role of Luck appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
What does Biden’s temporary suspension of offensive arms transfers mean for US-Israeli relations? 30:47

26d ago30:47

30:47

Charles Blaha, a former State Department expert on the vetting of U.S. weapons transfers to other countries, helps us understand this important moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict. After an extended period of tension between U.S President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden has decided to freeze some transfers of weapons …

1
A 32 Hour Work Week: The Time is Now 58:13

29d ago58:13

58:13

CEOs cry that shorter work weeks will bankrupt their companies. The reality is a 4 day work week around the world has already brought results that are “off the charts.” A shorter work week means more jobs. And people lose The post A 32 Hour Work Week: The Time is Now appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

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Ep. 228: Craig Biddle - What Is Objectivism? 1:06:56

1M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

Matt speaks with Craig Biddle about objectivism and the legacy of Ayn Rand, and how it all ties to classical liberalism, the American ideal, and post-modernism. Episode Notes: Craig's work for the Objective Standard: https://theobjectivestandard.com/author/cbiddle/ Craig on X: https://twitter.com/CraigBiddle Free Ayn Rand books courtesy of the Ayn …

1
Miniforests as a Joyous Part of Class War 0:19

1M ago0:19

0:19

The environmental movement is often derided as elitist. But as our guest Liza Featherstone of the New Republic and Jacobin magazines tells it, by planting wild miniforests there’s no such polarization. The ultra-rich may have their gated sanctuaries whereas miniforests The post Miniforests as a Joyous Part of Class War appeared first on Keeping Dem…

1
The War on Protest Escalates 58:01

1M ago58:01

58:01

Laws intended to fight mafia crime are being used to crush legitimate protest. We’ve all seen excessive police force on campuses, and many legislators are also doing their part to chill our treasured freedom of speech and assembly. In These The post The War on Protest Escalates appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

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#131: Dr. Magie Cook — CEO of Magie Cook International, Founder of Maggie’s Salsa, Fmr. Mexico National Basketball Team Member, Board Member at the University of Charleston, Nobel Prize Recipient 25:30

1M ago25:30

25:30

We’ve had a lot of impressive guests on the podcast, many who have overcome some real challenges in their lives to build something great, but today’s guest has an especially impressive story. Dr. Magie Cook began her life with 68 brothers and sisters in an orphanage in Mexico. Battling abuse, hunger, and poverty, during her high school years she ea…

1
Ep. 227: Bryce Tingle - How Are Regulations Damaging Markets? 1:16:01

1M ago1:16:01

1:16:01

Alex speaks with Bryce Tingle about corporations, how these unique legal entities are governed, how changes we have made to corporate governance has discouraged companies from joining Canada’s public markets, and how the decline in our public market is hurting Canadians. Episode Notes: 1. Bryce’s article “Returning Markets To The Centre Of Corporat…

1
The Rhetoric of Crisis in Israel-Palestine: A Discussion with Amos Goldberg 51:57

1M ago51:57

51:57

This week, RBI Director John Torpey speaks with Amos Goldberg, Professor of Holocaust History at the Department of Jewish History and Contemporary Jewry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, about the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Among other rhetorical aspects of the conflict, Goldberg reflects on the meaning of such slogans as “From the …

1
The Court Versus the Voters: Who’da Thunk it?! 59:54

1M ago59:54

59:54

For many decades the Supreme Court was reliably on the side of voting rights. Incrementally, quite steadily, the justices have chipped away at our constitutional rights. On this show Professor Josh Douglas and I discuss his new book: The Court The post The Court Versus the Voters: Who’da Thunk it?! appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The Earth for Humanity: A How-To 59:42

2M ago59:42

59:42

Another Earth Day has come and gone, and how are we doing? The 19th and 20th century systems of control of the earth have failed; there’s a connection between famines, global warming and empire. Especially in the face of climate The post The Earth for Humanity: A How-To appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Ep. 226: Eric Merkley - What Motivates NIMBYs? 56:30

1M ago56:30

56:30

Matt speaks with Eric Merkley about NIMBYism, the surprising touchpoints for unity between left and right on the subject of housing, and how uncovering the true motivations of NIMBYs has altered Eric's view of the housing crisis. Episode Notes: "Housing for Me, but not for Thee", Eric's paper serving as the basis for most of this conversation: http…

1
Yes, Biden Can WIn the Working Class 1:01:02

1M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Listening to working people’s concerns is key. Democrats have almost always won this constituency. That is until recently. Biden’s shift to the economic left is connecting and can yield electoral success. The New Republic’s Timothy Noah says tangible gains like The post Yes, Biden Can WIn the Working Class appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The Power of What Appears to be Improvisation 59:52

2M ago59:52

59:52

Democracy is itself largely improvisation. Pushing back against the powers that be; the mainstream. Our guest Randy Fertel, author of the new book Winging It; Improv’s Power and Peril in the Age of Trump, says rationality alone is not enough; The post The Power of What Appears to be Improvisation appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
#130: Justin Brooks — Author of “You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You're Innocent,” Founder of the California Innocence Project, Director of the LLM Program in Law at University of San Diego 28:23

2M ago28:23

28:23

According to a recent study, about 4-6% of all those incarcerated are considered to be wrongly imprisoned. That’s over 70,000 people who are wrongly incarcerated every year. Today’s guest, Justin Brooks has dedicated his life to representing those who have fallen victim to wrongful incarceration. Justin practiced as a criminal defense attorney in W…

1
Ep. 225: Ben Klutsey - How Do We Rebuild Trust? 1:01:44

2M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Sabine speaks with Ben Klutsey about political polarization, commonalities between the United States and Canada, and his documentary on the subject entitled "Undivide Us" Episode Notes: The documentary's website with more information, a trailer and the option to request a screening: https://undivideusmovie.com/ Kevin Vallier's "Trust in a Polarized…

1
Words of Attack: Rhetoric Against Liberal Democratic Values with James McAdams 32:56

2M ago32:56

32:56

With a presidential campaign in the US just around the corner and populist and authoritarian thinkers gaining broader platforms, University of Notre Dame political scientist A. James McAdams shines a light on the terms being used today by the Far Right to undermine liberal democracy. How successful are these thinkers in changing public views? And h…

1
Should Biden Whistle Stop Campaign Across America? 58:28

2M ago58:28

58:28

Truman was down and nearly out. Then he did a campaign whistle stop tour of America and beat the odds. TV eye candy is one thing but seeing a president in the flesh connects far better, and connection is needed The post Should Biden Whistle Stop Campaign Across America? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Trumpism is a Movement; Movements Are How Democrats Have Won 58:59

2M ago58:59

58:59

The Right gets it; where are Democrats? In his new book What it Took to Win, author and history professor Michael Kazin looks at the last hundred or so years and says it’s clear what has and still works. Whether The post Trumpism is a Movement; Movements Are How Democrats Have Won appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Ep. 224: Rachael LaRose - What Happened To Our Relationships During The Pandemic? 1:07:58

2M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

Alex speaks with Rachael LaRose about the hidden costs of the pandemic, especially as they effected our commercial relationships, loose ties with individuals that once provided much value to our lives, and orthodox communities who rallied to prioritize faith in the face of fear. Episode Notes: - Rachael's webpage with past publications, etc.: https…

1
Nuclear Rebranding as “Green?” Mere Window Dressing. 58:43

2M ago58:43

58:43

After decades in a coma, the nuclear industry is back. But the truth is nuclear power is not an acceptable stopgap measure, it’s a diversion from real, actually economic, safer solutions. On this show policy analyst Paul Gunter tells the The post Nuclear Rebranding as “Green?” Mere Window Dressing. appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Mary Beth Ingham: Reading Scotus today: Franciscan foundations for a renewed Christian humanism 1:03:14

2M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Mary Beth Ingham: Reading Scotus today: Franciscan foundations for a renewed Christian humanism by Centre for Catholic StudiesBy Centre for Catholic Studies

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Margaret Carney: The Third Order Rule of 1982: Discovery, Disruption and Renewed Dedication 1:02:09

2M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Please note that the volume on this track fluctuates throughout the recording.By Centre for Catholic Studies

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Giuseppe Buffon: A rule that saves? The Capuchin response to the institutional crisis 40:16

2M ago40:16

40:16

Giuseppe Buffon: A rule that saves? The Capuchin response to the institutional crisis by Centre for Catholic StudiesBy Centre for Catholic Studies

1
Wealth Supremacy is On Autopilot: That’s Not the Only Option 59:32

2M ago59:32

59:32

In the current American version of capitalism, all of us are “thingified:” our only value being as digits on the way to corporate profits. This reflects a core bias in the system toward serving the very richest. But it doesn’t The post Wealth Supremacy is On Autopilot: That’s Not the Only Option appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
#129: Jennifer Pahlka — Author of “Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better,” Fmr. US Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Founder of Code for America 18:18

2M ago18:18

18:18

According to a Pew Research poll, over 40% of adults in the United States are considered to be digitally illiterate, and while America’s crumbling transportation infrastructure often makes headlines, its digital infrastructure is equally as out of date. Organizations from the IRS, to the healthcare system are still relying on technology from the 80…

1
Ep. 223: Sam Bowman - Why Can't We Have Nice Things? 1:13:06

2M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

Matt speaks with Sam Bowman about the global housing crisis and why, in English-speaking countries in particular, a growing consensus across the political divide is pointing to problems with central planning, NIMBYism and a supply limit as the causes. Episode Notes: Sam Bowman’s on substack: https://substack.com/@sambowman Sam on "Vetocracy": https…

1
There’s No Conflict Between Commercialism and Idealism 57:24

2M ago57:24

57:24

It’s basic to the very essence of America. On this show Constitutional Law Professor John O. McGinnis argues that commerce was the mother’s milk of the American Revolution and that the virtues of commerce and idealism need not conflict. Listen The post There’s No Conflict Between Commercialism and Idealism appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Why Should We Preserve Memory of the Holocaust? 44:35

2M ago44:35

44:35

Wojtek Soczewica has led the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation since 2019, near the site of the killing fields. The Foundation aims at the preservation of the remains of the concentration and extermination camp and of all the personal items that belonged to victims and survivors. Today they serve as material witnesses of the tragic history safeguarding…

1
Seek Higher Ground: The Laws of Nature are Not Optional 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

We’ve built all the dams we need and that nature can handle. Development in flood zones is still happening faster than more sustainable locations. In his new book; Seek Higher Ground, The Natural Solution to Our Urgent Flooding Crisis, award The post Seek Higher Ground: The Laws of Nature are Not Optional appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Citizenship Across Time and Space with David Jacobson 44:14

2M ago44:14

44:14

In this episode of International Horizons, RBI director John Torpey discusses the past and future of citizenship with David Jacobson, Professor of Sociology at the University of South Florida (Tampa). They discuss the origins of the concept of citizenship in the ancient Near East a few thousand years ago and how kinship notions shape the debate on …

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