Best Ben Merritt Podcasts (2024)

1
Keri Leigh Merritt on Life, Poverty, and Politics in The American South 49:25

2M ago49:25

49:25

Today, I'm talking with Dr. Keri Leigh Merritt about her recent piece in Aeon Magazine, entitled "The southern gap." The piece explores the roots of economic underdevelopment in the American South, a problem that still plagues the region. From there, we talk more broadly about the politics of the South and what it means to be a Southerner today. Ke…

1
Kristin Lunz Trujillo on White Rural Rage and Being Rural in America 50:56

5M ago50:56

50:56

Dr. Kristin Lunz Trujillo from the University of South Carolina joins to discuss ruralness and identity in America. We talk about the new book, White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy by Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman, as well as some of the broader ideas about who is rural and what that means for the people living in those places. You ca…

1
Mifepristone and Judge Shopping with Bailey Fairbanks 31:41

5M ago31:41

31:41

Pulaski fellow Bailey Fairbanks joins to talk about the potential for a mifepristone ban and the practice of judge shopping.By The Pulaski Institution

1
Talking Texas Immigration Law and "Ortho Bros" with Bailey Fairbanks 41:29

6M ago41:29

41:29

Bailey Fairbanks joins Alan to talk about the Supreme Court's temporary hold on Texas's SB4. We also chat about a story featured in one of this week's Headlines from the Heartlands, concerning Russian Orthodoxy and American neo-Confederates. Find the link to our new home for Headlines from the Heartlands here: https://alanelrod.substack.com?utm_sou…

1
Alex Middlewood on IKE Lab, Kansas Politics, and Local Democracy 47:07

6M ago47:07

47:07

Dr. Alex Middlewood of Wichita State University joins to talk about her new venture, IKE Lab. At IKE Lab, Alex and Brian Amos are building data and analysis of Kansas elections down to the most local level. We also talk about a new anti-DEI bill in Kansas, the challenges of brain drain, and crackdowns on local authority in red states. Read Dr. Midd…

1
IVF Is Good, Actually with Bailey Fairbanks 38:44

6M ago38:44

38:44

Bailey Fairbanks joins to talk immunity, Judge Aileen Cannon, Alabama's IVF U-turn, and the Michigan primary.By The Pulaski Institution

1
Talking About the Alabama Embryo Ruling with Bailey Fairbanks 36:42

7M ago36:42

36:42

Welcome to a new regular segment of The Periphery, in which I'll be joined by Pulaski fellow Dr. Bailey Fairbanks to talk about current events with an eye to Pulaski's mission. This time, we're talking about the Alabama Supreme Court's recent ruling that frozen embryos are children.By The Pulaski Institution

1
Special Episode: Dominik Stecula and Ben Stanley on Poland's Elections and the Future of Polish Democracy 44:53

10M ago44:53

44:53

This episode is guest hosted by Pulaski fellow Dr. Dominik Stecula. Dominik is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Colorado State University. His research interests encompass the intersection of political communication, political behavior, and science communication, in the American, but also in a comparative context. He was also born in …

1
Matt McManus on The Political Right and Equality 1:05:56

11M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Matt McManus joins to talk about his newest book, The Political Right and Equality: Turning Back the Tide of Egalitarian Modernity (Routledge). The book is a wide-ranging and gripping exploration of right-wing arguments against egalitarianism. We talk about as many of McManus's subjects as we can fit into an episode, including Fyodor Dostoevsky, Pa…

1
Itoro Bassey on Growing Up Rural, Being Nigerian-American, and How We Relate to One Another 47:46

11M ago47:46

47:46

Itoro Bassey is a first-generation Nigerian-American who grew up in Southbridge, Massachusetts. She is a journalist, playwright, cultural worker, educator, and novelist. Her debut novel, Faith, was published by Malarkey Books in 2022. Itoro has previously worked as a correspondent for Arise News and is now a segment producer for the BBC, based in W…

1
Dr. Kevin Vallier on Catholic Integralism, Anti-liberal Elites, and the Hungarian Connection 46:02

11M ago46:02

46:02

Dr. Kevin Vallier is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University, where he directs their program in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law. Vallier’s interests lie primarily in political philosophy, ethics, philosophy of religion, and philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE). He is also an affiliate with the Center for…

1
Interview with Patrick Klepek 1:43:05

12M ago1:43:05

1:43:05

Hey folks! If you'd love to hear 90 minutes of Remap & Crossplay's Patrick Klepek being charming and insightful then this episode is for you! If you're thinking "hey didn't John say this episode would also have some news magazine segments," you're totally right! I talk a bit about why this episode didn't quite come together the way I wanted, but th…

1
A Pulaski Panel: Misinformation, Disinformation, and Offline Effects in America's Heartlands 1:31:33

1y ago1:31:33

1:31:33

Pulaski fellows Dr. Hanah Stiverson and Dr. Dominik Stecuła join Dr. Michael Simeone from New America and Arizona State to discuss some of the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, with particular attention given to rural and exurban America. A link to the video version of the panel is here: (488) A Pulaski Panel: Misinformation, Disinforma…

1
I'm Rebooting The Sunday Scroll!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!!!! 8:40

1y ago8:40

8:40

Hey folks! Episode title is pretty self explanatory (and I'll describe my thoughts in more detail in the audio itself), but I'm going to retool the show a bit to incorporate more outside help and get it closer to the original concept I had for the show! I really wanted to make an insightful and strange news magazine show but as my time has been eat…

1
Josh Sawyer, Andrea Shearon with the News, and More! 1:34:52

1y ago1:34:52

1:34:52

On this episode of The Sunday Scroll, John is joined by Obsidian Entertainment's Josh Sawyer to discuss: 24 years and counting in game development Working with a smaller team to make Pentiment How an idea evolves over the course of 25 years The best cycling tours Advice for a starter wristwatch Andrea Shearon is also here to run down the news of th…

1
Jess Howard, Andrea Shearon with the News, Final Fantasy XVI Review, and More! 1:52:35

1y ago1:52:35

1:52:35

On this episode of The Sunday Scroll, John sits down with GameSpot Editor Jess Howard to chat about: Covering SGF in Los Angeles Highlights from the show Nintendo Direct thoughts Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Final Fantasy XVI FTC v Microsoft Andrea Shearon delivers the biggest news of the week, including: xQc's huge contract with Kick Twitch vs Kick's…

1
Craig Calhoun on Meritocracy, Public Virtue, and Revitalizing Our Democracy 1:10:48

1y ago1:10:48

1:10:48

Craig Calhoun is University Professor of Social Sciences at Arizona State University. Previously, he was Director of the London School of Economics, President of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), founder of the Institute for Public Knowledge at NYU, and a professor there and at UNC-Chapel Hill, Columbia, and Princeton. He is also a member…

1
Ben Pack, Andrea Shearon with the News, Summer Game Fest 2023, and More! 1:50:14

1y ago1:50:14

1:50:14

On this week's Summer Game Fest 2023 special, John is joined by former Giant Bomb host Ben Pack, who stopped by to discuss: Mr. Beast's complex internet presence Kiryu becoming a secret agent Mortal Kombat 1's sensational violence and more! Andrea Shearon also joins us with the news, including: SGF's greatest hits (so far) The sorry state of all ma…

1
Ash Parrish, Merritt K, Andrea Shearon with the News, and More! 2:40:20

1+ y ago2:40:20

2:40:20

We're back on a new two week rotation with super cool segments featuring: Ash Parrish from The Verge (0:02:13) Tears of the Kingdom (0:04:00) Sony Showcase 2023 (0:42:45) Succession's final days (0:57:51) Andrea Shearon with the news (1:03:10) Merritt K, author of LAN Party (1:14:46) Replacing Morrowind's soundtrack with Interpol's Turn On the Brig…

1
Minisode: Overwatch 2's Hero Mode, One Week with Tears of the Kingdom, and More! 37:56

1+ y ago37:56

37:56

This week, John's riding solo in our first minisode of The Sunday Scroll. We'll be back next week with a normal episode full of interviews and news from Andrea Shearon. Stories covered this week include: Blizzard shutting down Overwatch 2's Hero Mode Tears of the Kingdom's huge first week The Sunday Scroll is hosted and produced by John Warren with…

1
Samuel C. Spitale on Fake News, Cognitive Dissonance, and How to Win the War on Truth 1:03:04

1+ y ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Samuel C. Spitale is a media studies expert who has written for Huffington Post, as well as Geek magazine and Advocate.com. Previously, he worked at Lucasfilm Ltd. in global product development. In addition to How to Win the War on Truth, he is the author of Star Wars: Collecting a Galaxy. We talk about his book, the ways in which he thinks about o…

1
Jeff Gerstmann, Rebekah Valentine, Andrea Shearon with the News, and More! 2:57:05

1+ y ago2:57:05

2:57:05

We got another BEEFY Sunday Scroll featuring interviews with: Jeff Gerstmann (starts at 0:02:43) lends his three decades of games media experience to the current landscape, what it means to produce work in this space independently, and thoughts on Tears of the Kingdom ahead of its release. Rebekah Valentine (starts at 1:36:37) chats about beating M…

1
Matt McManus on Liberal Socialism, the Postliberal Right, and Thinking Seriously About Freedom 54:59

1+ y ago54:59

54:59

Matt McManus is a lecturer in political science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He is the author of The Emergence of Postmodernity and Liberalism and Liberal Rights: A Critical Legal Argument amongst other books. His forthcoming work includes the essay collection Nietzsche and the Politics of Reaction for Palgrave MacMillan and The Poli…

1
Austin Walker, Danielle Riendeau, Andrea Shearon with the News, and More! 2:43:21

1+ y ago2:43:21

2:43:21

The latest episode of The Sunday Scroll is SUPER SIZED with interviews featuring: Austin Walker (starts at 0:02:40) goes deep into the big things he learned running a major media brand for a corporation, how he juggles multiple worlds at once, and Breath of the Wild's unparalleled legacy in the days leading up to Tears of the Kingdom. Danielle Rien…

1
Bill Kristol on Liberalism, Illiberalism, and the Arc of History 55:18

1+ y ago55:18

55:18

William Kristol has been a major figure in American political life for decades. He was a founder of The Weekly Standard, and is a regular guest on leading political commentary shows. Prior to his work at The Weekly Standard, Kristol led the Project for the Republican Future, an organization that helped shape the strategy that produced the 1994 Repu…

1
Julia Alexander, Niki Grayson, Andrea Shearon with the News, and More! 2:12:15

1+ y ago2:12:15

2:12:15

The latest episode of The Sunday Scroll features great conversations between host John Warren and: Julia Alexander (starts at 0:02:25) talks about WWE's big sale to Endeavor, Disney's revolving door of executives, and Nintendo's big bet with Illumination. Niki Grayson (starts at 1:05:33) changes the trajectories of several major corporations and di…

1
Alex Donaldson, Terence Wiggins, & Epic's Big Fortnite Bet 1:55:17

1+ y ago1:55:17

1:55:17

The latest episode of The Sunday Scroll finds host John Warren catching you up with the week's news in games and entertainment and having enlightening conversations with some of his favorite colleagues in the industry: Alex Donaldson (starts from 2:00:00) talks about Square-Enix's strange 2022, their NFT gamble, and Final Fantasy XVI Terence Wiggin…

1
Justin Ellis on Drag Queen Story Time and LGBTQ Rights in Australia, America, and the United Kingdom 46:58

1+ y ago46:58

46:58

Dr. Justin Ellis is a senior lecturer in criminology at the Newcastle School of Law and Justice. His research into digiqueer criminology critically analyses the relationship between digital media technology, criminal justice, and queer representation and resistance. His broader research focus is on the relationship between digital technologies on i…

1
Gita Jackson, Kyle Orland, & Paul Tamayo 2:39:20

1+ y ago2:39:20

2:39:20

The premiere of The Sunday Scroll finds host John Warren catching you up with the week's news in games and entertainment and having enlightening conversations with some of his favorite colleagues in the industry: Gita Jackson (starts from 2:03.0) discusses Twitter's unraveling, the pitfalls of reviewing Hogwarts Legacy, and Daisy Jones & The Six Ky…

1
Shaun Casey on Religion in American Foreign Policy, Democratic Values, and How to Meet the Challenges of the Future 1:00:08

1+ y ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Dr. Shaun Casey was U.S. special representative for religion and global affairs and director of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs. He is also a non-resident fellow at Pulaski. His new book is Chasing the Devil at Foggy Bottom: The Future of Religion in American Diplomacy. From the publisher: "In this fresh and pro…

1
Tom Nichols on Globalization, Nostalgia, and the Populist Threat to Democracy 1:01:21

1+ y ago1:01:21

1:01:21

This episode's guest is Tom Nichols, professor emeritus at the United States Naval War College and staff writer at The Atlantic. Tom is the author of the Peacefield newsletter and the Atlantic Daily newsletter. His most recent book is Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault from within on Modern Democracy. In that book, he "challenges the current depictio…

1
Alex Middlewood on Home Rule, Factionalism, and Political Change in Kansas 52:21

1+ y ago52:21

52:21

Dr. Alex Middlewood joins for another conversation in our 50 Takes on Democracy Series. Dr. Middlewood is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University. Her areas of specialization include gun politics, public opinion, political behavior, civic engagement, and gender. Her research focuses on the political participation and…

1
Luke Perry on Scandal, Party Politics, and the Urban/Rural Divide in New York 43:51

1+ y ago43:51

43:51

Dr. Luke Perry joins to talk about New York politics, with a focus the upstate regions away from New York City. Dr. Perry is Professor of Political Science at Utica University and Director of the Utica University Center of Public Affairs and Election Research. Perry’s recent books include The 2020 Presidential Election: Key Issues and Dynamics, The…

1
Kevin Baron on Anti-democratic Tendencies and Civic Health in Tennessee 1:04:12

1+ y ago1:04:12

1:04:12

In the second of our 50 Takes on Democracy episodes, Dr. Kevin Baron of Austin Peay State University joins to talk about Tennessee. We discuss anti-CRT and anti-LGBTQ legislation, the state of Tennessee's education system, and the challenges of representation. You can read Kevin's 50 Takes essay here: Cultivating Anti-Democratic Tendencies in Tenne…

1
Steven L. Taylor on Alabama, Party Competition, and Voter Participation 1:02:18

1+ y ago1:02:18

1:02:18

In the first of our episode featuring authors from Pulaski's 50 Takes on Democracy series, Dr. Steven L. Taylor joins to discuss the state of things in Alabama. We talk about one-party dominance, gerrymandering, and the distortive effects of primaries on American politics. His 50 Takes essay can be found here: Alabama: Lack of Competition and Elect…

1
Jess Lane vs. Jacqui Briggs 1:44:17

2y ago1:44:17

1:44:17

THE FINAL EPISODE OF MORTAL PODKAST ARRIVES. Writer/Comedian/Rock Star Jess Lane - the voice that yells "Mortal Podkast" in our iconic theme song - finally joins the show to hear the epic generational saga behind JACQUI BRIGGS! Thanks for listening, and as always... finish him. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/morta…

1
Elyse & James Willems vs. Cetrion & Geras 1:50:32

2y ago1:50:32

1:50:32

The infamous Elyse and James Willems join the show for its penultimate (for now) episode, journeying back to the dawn of kreation with CETRION and GERAS! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/support

1
Rax King vs. Kotal Kahn 1:53:56

2y ago1:53:56

1:53:56

Author Rax King (Tacky) takes on the rise of KOTAL KAHN! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/support

1
Eric Appel vs. Cassie Cage 2:02:43

2y ago2:02:43

2:02:43

Writer/director Eric Appel (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) joins the show to talk about the legacy of CASSIE CAGE! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/support

1
Cody Ziglar vs. Takeda Takahashi 1:39:10

2y ago1:39:10

1:39:10

Zig joins the show this week to hear the face-ripping, chain-whipping saga of Takeda Takahashi! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/supportBy Ben Mekler

1
David Sims vs. Kung Jin 1:23:47

2y ago1:23:47

1:23:47

Blank Check Podcast's David Sims joins the show for a journey back to the Shaolin Temple with Mortal Kombat's very own Artful Dodger, KUNG JIN! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/support

1
Josh Gondelman vs. D'vorah 1:42:59

2y ago1:42:59

1:42:59

It's famously nice man vs. famously bug woman on today's Mortal Podkast as writer and comedian Josh Gondelman joins the show to hear the slimy, controversial story of D'VORAH! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/supportBy Ben Mekler

1
Cargill vs. Erron Black 1:19:06

2y ago1:19:06

1:19:06

Hope you're ready for a rootin-tootin' centaur-shootin' good time, cause we're talking about interdimensional gunslinger Erron Black with none other than screenwriter C. Robert Cargill (Doctor Strange, The Black Phone) on today's MORTAL PODKAST! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/support…

1
JD Dillard vs. Kollector 1:05:58

2y ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Get ready for a journey into mystery, as special guest JD Dillard (writer/director of the upcoming DEVOTION) joins the show to hear about one of Mortal Kombat's least-explored kharacters, THE KOLLECTOR! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/supportBy Ben Mekler

1
Jessica Pishko on the American Sheriff 1:12:15

2y ago1:12:15

1:12:15

On this episode, Jessica Pishko joins to talk about sheriffs—their history, politics, and institutional role in law enforcement in America. Jessica Pishko is a lawyer and journalist who focuses on sheriff accountability. She graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School and received an M.F.A. from Columbia University. She practiced corporate law, s…

1
Merritt K/Eric Thurm vs. Ferra/Torr 1:13:15

2y ago1:13:15

1:13:15

We've got a double-header double-header today, as the wonderful Eric Thurm and Merritt K join the show to break down the symbiotic Outworld duo known as Ferra/Torr! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/supportBy Ben Mekler

1
Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Writers vs. Kronika 1:53:30

2y ago1:53:30

1:53:30

PREPARE THYSELF, PODKASTHEADS - we've got a big one today. FIVE guests, simultaneously breaking down the treacherous tale of the titan of time herself, KRONIKA. Jasmine Chiong, Shane Lynch, Neyah Barbee, Ellie Guzman, and of course Ben's writing partner Chris Amick join the show this week in celebration of Dreamworks' upcoming KUNG FU PANDA: THE DR…

1
Rachael "Steak" Finley vs. Skarlet 1:22:50

2y ago1:22:50

1:22:50

We're back, baby! The final (for now) season of Mortal Podkast begins with the delightful Rachael Finley aka Steak - breaking down the bloody history of phlebotomancer SKARLET! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mortalpodkast/supportBy Ben Mekler

1
Emergency Episode: Abortion Rights and Subnational Democracy in America (with Dr. Heather Yates) 1:09:57

2y ago1:09:57

1:09:57

Dr. Heather Yates (Acting Director of the Program on Nativism, Nationalism, and Populism at Pulaski) joins to talk about the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe and what it means for subnational democracy in America. We talk about the myths surrounding abortion, the political conditions in anti-abortion states, and what this all means for citizenship a…

1
Stephen F. Knott on the Lost Soul of the American Presidency and the Dangers of Populist Presidents 1:07:02

2y ago1:07:02

1:07:02

Dr. Stephen Knott joins us in an episode co-hosted by Dr. Heather Yates. Dr. Stephen F. Knott is a professor in the National Security Affairs Department. Prior to accepting his position at the War College, Knott co-chaired the Presidential Oral History Program at the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. His books include “…

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Ben Merritt Podcasts

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