Best Civil Discourse Podcasts (2024)

Aughie and Nia talk about the various local and national alert systems designed to reach Americans by television, telephone, and internet.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SCOTUS Term Limit Debate 59:22

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12h ago59:22

59:22

Nia and Aughie consider the debate concerning imposing term limits on Supreme Court Justices. Can Congress enact a law, or does there need to be a Constitutional Amendment?By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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The Global Engagement Center 51:37

21d ago51:37

51:37

Aughie scares Nia with the mission of the Global Engagement Center, located in the State Department.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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What is the Overton Window? 55:27

21d ago55:27

55:27

Aughie and Nia explore Joseph Overton's concept to explain when politicians will act to create public policy. This theory is named the Overton Window.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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What is the Superfund? 1:03:36

1M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Nia and Aughie explain the The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as Superfund Act, of 1980. They consider its goals as well as the pros and cons of the program.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In The News: Who the Heck is Tim Walz? 39:11

2M ago39:11

39:11

Aughie and Nia discuss a person in civics news - Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, the Democratic vice president pick. Aughie analyzes his pros and cons as a nominee.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Wrap Up and What's Next 1:12:10

2M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Aughie and Nia wrap up the statstics for the 23-24 SCOTUS session and look forward to coming cases in the 24-25 SCOTUS session.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Who Cares What the SCOTUS Ruled? 56:56

2M ago56:56

56:56

Aughie and Nia discuss instances where Presidents, Congress, the States, and the political parties have defied or ignored Supreme Court rulings.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Case review, part 5 49:18

2M ago49:18

49:18

Aughie and Nia review the following cases: Fischer v. United States; Trump v. United StatesBy Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Case review, part 3 59:05

2M ago59:05

59:05

Aughie and Nia review the following cases: Snyder v. U.S.; Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy; Idaho v. U.S.; Harrington v. Purdue PharmaBy Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Case review, part 2 50:07

2M ago50:07

50:07

Nia and Aughie review the following rulings: Moore V. U.S.; Garland v. Cargill; U.S. v. RahimiBy Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Case review, part 4 1:01:30

2M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Nia and Aughie review the following cases: Murthy v. Missouri; NetChoice, LLC v. Paxton and Moody v. NetChoice, LLC; City of Grants Pass v. Johnson; Loper Bright Enterprises v Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v Department of CommerceBy Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Justice Oddities 1:09:30

2M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

From eating habits to medical issues to marital involvements, Nia and Aughie discuss some of the Justices' interesting oddities.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Case review, part 1 59:07

2M ago59:07

59:07

Aughie and Nia review the following rulings: Alexander v. NAACP; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) v. Consumer Financial Services Association of America; Muldrow v. City of St. Louis; O'Connor Ratcliff v. Garnier and Lindke v. Freed; Donal Trump v. Norma Anderson; FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine.…

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SoS 2024: Better at Other Stuff 1:02:50

2M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Aughie and Nia discuss the Supreme Court Justices that were overrated as Justices. Many of them were quite strong in other positions but were seen as less influential on the Court than their reputation might suggest.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Biden Withdraws 48:15

2M ago48:15

48:15

Nia and Aughie discuss the ramifications of President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Campaign.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: JD Vance 37:03

3M ago37:03

37:03

Former President Donald Trump has chosen Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate in the 2024 Presidential Election. Aughie and Nia discuss the pros and cons of bringing Senator Vance onto the ticket.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Trump Florida Case Dismissed 48:18

3M ago48:18

48:18

Aughie and Nia discuss the importance of Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling in the Florida documents case against former President Donald Trump. The 93 page ruling relies heavily on a dissent written by Justice Scalia in Morrison v. Olson, one that has waxed and waned in support since 1988.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Guilty on 34 Counts 28:00

4M ago28:00

28:00

Aughie and Nia discuss the recent Donald Trump trial that resulted in 34 felony convictions.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Recognizing Palestine as a Nation 1:03:25

4M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Aughie and Nia welcome Dr. Bill Newmann to discuss the recent news that some nations have recognized Palestine as a nation. They also talk about unusual instances of recognition and de-recognition of countries in the past.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: College Student Protests 42:55

5M ago42:55

42:55

Aughie and Nia discuss the college student protests currently taking place in the U.S. They explore time, place and manner restrictions imposed on the protestors. Episode was created May 1, 2024.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: TikTok Threatened in Federal Legislation 27:00

5M ago27:00

27:00

Nia and Aughie discuss the federal legislation signed by President Biden that requires TikTok to sell to a different owner. They also discuss the national security implications as well as the Commerce Clause implications of the legislation. Episode was created May 1, 2024.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Blue Laws 48:32

5M ago48:32

48:32

Aughie and Nia discuss the origin of blue laws, laws that generally prevent some purchases on Sundays. Aughie showcases several instances where the SCOTUS has supported the Constitutionality of blue laws.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Monroe Doctrine 51:43

5M ago51:43

51:43

Nia and Aughie welcome back political scientist Chris Saladino for a discussion of the Monroe Doctrine. The episode eventually covers a few other Presidential doctrines as well as the mechanics of foreign policy development.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Types of International Power 54:22

5M ago54:22

54:22

Aughie and Nia are glad to have another conversation with political scientist Judy Twigg. This time, they are covering the different types of international power: hard, soft, smart, and sharp powers.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 2 49:59

6M ago49:59

49:59

In part 2 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie again host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians. **some adult language is used in this episodeBy Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 1 51:13

6M ago51:13

51:13

In part 1 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians. **some adult language is used in this episodeBy Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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United Kingdom Parliament, part 2 1:02:33

6M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to continue their discussion regarding the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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United Kingdom Parliament, part 1 47:13

6M ago47:13

47:13

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to discuss the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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U.S. Declaration of Independence 43:41

7M ago43:41

43:41

Aughie and Nia discuss the basis and history of the United States' Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: SCOTUS, Trump, and the Colorado Ballot 29:42

7M ago29:42

29:42

Aughie explains the recent SCOTUS ruling in the case of Trump v. Anderson. In this 9-0 decision, the SCOTUS decided that Donald Trump could not be struck from the Colorado ballot based on the Insurrection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: SCOTUS Takes the Case: Donald Trump and Presidential Immunity 50:12

7M ago50:12

50:12

Aughie explains the reasoning by the Supreme Court in taking United States v Donald Trump, a case regarding Presidential immunity. Aughie also explores the potential fallout of the timing of this case.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Common Sense 47:22

7M ago47:22

47:22

Nia and Aughie discuss Thomas Paine's best selling pamphlet Common Sense, and the effect it had on galvanizing American resistance to British rule.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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The Basis of American Law 43:46

7M ago43:46

43:46

Aughie and Nia discuss the basics of the differences between European civil and British common law, and how those traditions apply in American law.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Is Book Banning Constitutional? 1:06:01

8M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

Aughie and Nia discuss how books arrive on school shelves, and whether there is a Constitutional right to ban books by School Boards. Spoiler: The U.S. Supreme Court controlling case had a 4-1-4 ruling, hardly settled law.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Trump's Insurrection Cases: Like Burning Down a House in the Name of Fire Safety 1:04:29

8M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Aughie and Nia discuss the court cases that question whether former President Donald Trump can be on the 2024 Presidential ballot due to allegations of insurrection. They also discuss the question of whether the courts should be ruling on this topic.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Missing Secretary Austin 29:19

8M ago29:19

29:19

Nia and Aughie discuss the "disappearance" of General Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the Department of Defense, and the importance of a plan of succession within the Cabinet positions.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Sandra Day OConnor 1:00:15

10M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Nia and Aughie celebrate the life and career of Sandra Day O'Connor, first female Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice O'Connor died on December 1, 2023.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Santos Expulsion 23:06

10M ago23:06

23:06

Aughie and Nia talk about the 6th expulsion of a member of the House of Representatives, George Santos, and the potential ramifications of this resolution.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SCOTUS and the Code of Conduct 1:08:28

10M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

Augie and Nia discuss the first-in-history written Code of Conduct of the U.S. Supreme Court.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Montana Tik Tok Ruling 8:21

10M ago8:21

8:21

Nia and Augie touch briefly on what the U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy's ban ruling means in the short and long term for Tik Tok users in Montana.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Asset Seizure, part 2 49:49

10M ago49:49

49:49

In the second of two parts, Nia and Aughie talk about the negative consequences of asset seizure and forfeiture.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Asset Seizure, part 1 46:08

11M ago46:08

46:08

In this two part series, Aughie and Nia explore the concept of asset seizure and forfeiture.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Politicians' Ages 1:00:43

11M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Nia and Aughie follow up a previous episode about the rising mean age of Americans with a discussion of aging politicians and how they represent the average American. "Prevent a coup, retire now".By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Aging Population of the United States 48:19

11M ago48:19

48:19

In a two part series, Aughie and Nia explore the aging American population and what that demographic span means for elections and policy decisions going forward.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Landlines and Demographics 1:00:42

11M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Nia and Aughie discover and discuss the connections between landline usage and government statistics gathering. They also explore the demographics of owners of landlines.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Congress and the Mountain Valley Pipeline 50:24

12M ago50:24

50:24

Aughie and Nia delve into the Mountain Valley Pipeline deal during the debt ceiling debates, and the problems that Congress has made for the Courts in adjudicating any problems with the pipeline. Does the Congress have the power to direct which Court will hear a case?By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Architect of the Capitol 48:51

12M ago48:51

48:51

Nia and Aughie talk about an open position in the federal government, the Architect of the Capitol. They discuss the responsibilities of the job and how to potentially change the job to attract candidates.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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National Film Registry 57:18

12M ago57:18

57:18

Aughie and Nia explore the purpose of the National Film Preservation Board, created by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988. They discuss the criterion used to consider films as well as some of the films that are part of the National Film Registry.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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