Best Adam Saperstein Podcasts (2024)

1
Do We Really Want to Get Back to America’s Founding Ideals? 57:14

2h ago57:14

57:14

This book actually changed my view of US History. The author says the Confederates and the January 6th assault are the inheritors of the original intent! He argues that the standard story is not the truth. The surprising reality of The post Do We Really Want to Get Back to America’s Founding Ideals? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Dan Ellsberg Died One Year Ago. Long May He Live. 57:33

6d ago57:33

57:33

What do we mean by the word “hero?” Is it not a person of extraordinary courage, putting the good of the country above his or her own safety? That’s Daniel Ellsberg, most famous for the Pentagon Papers which he released The post Dan Ellsberg Died One Year Ago. Long May He Live. appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Juneteenth and the Persistent Economic Racial Divide 59:31

8d ago59:31

59:31

Though it is finally a federal holiday, a lot of people still don’t really know about Juneteenth. It was the day in 1865 when formerly enslaved people learned of the Emancipation Proclamation. But what kind of freedom was it then The post Juneteenth and the Persistent Economic Racial Divide appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Inspiration from Massachusetts: A New Wealth Tax Works 58:13

13d ago58:13

58:13

Across the United States there is tremendous support for a taxing the wealthiest among us. So why doesn’t it happen? Well, in Massachusetts, it has. As Inequality.org’s Sam Pizzigati explains in this segment, there was powerful resistance to the new The post Inspiration from Massachusetts: A New Wealth Tax Works appeared first on Keeping Democracy …

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

15d 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
Snap UK Elections: A Fight for Mediocrity

20d ago

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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.…

1
Under Attack the World Over, What Is Liberalism?

22d ago

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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
The Deep Roots of American Illiberalism,Yes Illiberalism

27d ago

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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…

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

29d 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
When the Supreme Court Was About Fairness to All 59:54

1M ago59:54

59:54

By Burt Cohen

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

1M 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…

1
Rugged Individualism And The Role of Luck 57:44

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

2M 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.…

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

2M 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

2M 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.…

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

2M 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
Yes, Biden Can WIn the Working Class 1:01:02

2M 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
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

3M 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
Nuclear Rebranding as “Green?” Mere Window Dressing. 58:43

3M 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
Wealth Supremacy is On Autopilot: That’s Not the Only Option 59:32

3M 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
There’s No Conflict Between Commercialism and Idealism 57:24

3M 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
Seek Higher Ground: The Laws of Nature are Not Optional 58:00

3M 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
Why Place Supplants Issues in the Heartland 59:58

3M ago59:58

59:58

Most of us can guess but there’s nothing like serious scientific research when it comes to understanding political change. In her forthcoming book How the Heartland Went Red, Harvard’s Stephanie Termullo shares her findings from extensive field research in three The post Why Place Supplants Issues in the Heartland appeared first on Keeping Democrac…

1
Shielded: How Did Police Become Untouchable? 58:24

3M ago58:24

58:24

It’s a systemic problem: what is “reasonable,” what is acting “in good faith” when America’s police violate citizens rights or even kill them? As of now, police are protected, enjoying unique immunity which no one else has. In this show The post Shielded: How Did Police Become Untouchable? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Gender Identity: Is it Fixed or Changeable? 58:07

3M ago58:07

58:07

They claim loudly they’re protecting freedom and innocent children, but the truth is the right is oppressing both. On this show psychoanalyst Avgi Saketopoulou, co-author of Gender Without Identity, argues there is not one true and immutable authentic identity with The post Gender Identity: Is it Fixed or Changeable? appeared first on Keeping Democ…

1
Is There Journalism That Doesn’t Love A War? 59:11

3M ago59:11

59:11

It’s gotta be eye catching. Journalism works by way of fear and anxiety. How it gets presented affects how we understand the news. On this show Tufts University lecturer and author Nan Levinson and your host discuss questions about the The post Is There Journalism That Doesn’t Love A War? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The Irony of Racism in Decrepit MLK Urban Schools 58:29

4M ago58:29

58:29

If you have cared about equality in education in recent decades, you know of the work of America’s foremost advocate for public schools Jonathan Kozol. In schools named after Martin Luther King Jr, he sees a new punitive autocratic pedagogic The post The Irony of Racism in Decrepit MLK Urban Schools appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The Truth Behind the Myth of the American Revolution 59:01

4M ago59:01

59:01

It’s the bedrock of who we are today. But to believe there was agreement among the “Founding Fathers,” that they aimed to to replace plutocracy with democracy is just wrong. In this lively interview, historian Woody Holton reveals fascinating little-known The post The Truth Behind the Myth of the American Revolution appeared first on Keeping Democr…

1
Netanyahu and Jewish Identity 59:19

4M ago59:19

59:19

In light of the Israeli state’s massive assault on Gaza, the question comes up: what does it mean to be a Jew? Our guest veteran New York Times sportswriter Robert Lipsyte says being a Jew entails certain responsibilities and obligations; The post Netanyahu and Jewish Identity appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
“As if We Were Trash.” One Woman’s Prison Memoir 59:46

4M ago59:46

59:46

The intent is humiliation, eating away at one’s humanity. How can that make one a better person? Former figure skater Keri Blakinger’s new book Corrections In Ink tells the story from the inside and asks: does locking up groups of The post “As if We Were Trash.” One Woman’s Prison Memoir appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Plato: The Benefits of Acting Justly 57:33

4M ago57:33

57:33

In her new book Of Rule and Office: Plato’s Ideas of the Political, Princeton Professor of Politics Melissa Lane shows how the orange one serves both anarchy and tyranny. Better politicians use virtue and justice to achieve success, and get The post Plato: The Benefits of Acting Justly appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Waking the Sleeping Giant: 85 Million Americans

4M ago

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Politicians know the consequences of voters being ignored.There are tens of millions of people who used to be middle class but a revived Poor People’s Campaign just may connect and inspire. According to today’s guest, campaign policy director Shailly Gupta The post Waking the Sleeping Giant: 85 Million Americans appeared first on Keeping Democracy …

1
Green? Not Hardly: Nuclear Power is Racist, Sexist, and Ageist. 59:35

4M ago59:35

59:35

The comfort of colonial powers relied on them not seeing the damage to exploited nations. So it is with mining and milling the uranium for nuclear power. Victims then as now are people without power, indigenous populations which are health The post Green? Not Hardly: Nuclear Power is Racist, Sexist, and Ageist. appeared first on Keeping Democracy A…

1
Using Comedy to Fight Climate Change 58:00

4M ago58:00

58:00

Fun attracts people but let’s face it: environmentalists tend to be a dour bunch. Saving the planet is serious stuff. Average working people can get turned off. But what about dark comedy? We’ve seen where it works. On this show The post Using Comedy to Fight Climate Change appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The End of Europe? 58:13

4M ago58:13

58:13

Progressive Americans have looked to Europe for successful building of a strong economy which addresses climate change effectively. But now there is a new rise of a far right throughout Europe, starting with Trump’s buddy Orban in Hungary. As with The post The End of Europe? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The Only Crisis is What the Refugees are Fleeing 1:00:40

5M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

As we head into the elections, both parties have made “the border crisis” THE issue. But humans have always moved. Our guest, John Washington whose new book is The Case for Open Borders, argues stopping immigration exacerbates crime. The negative The post The Only Crisis is What the Refugees are Fleeing appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Not Punishment: Treat Addicts as Full and Complete Humans? 59:53

5M ago59:53

59:53

When you’re in a hole, stop digging. The currently pervasive approach to abuse disorder is a total failure; it exacerbates the problem. Could it be time to stop doing that? On this show experts in the field with personal knowledge The post Not Punishment: Treat Addicts as Full and Complete Humans? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Conservatives Emerging Against Perpetual War 59:43

5M ago59:43

59:43

We’re in wars all over the globe; is America more secure now? It’s basically been one war party in Washington for decades. The idea of restraint has been anathema to any member of congress, as every one seeks re-election and The post Conservatives Emerging Against Perpetual War appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Israel’s Vietnam? 59:44

5M ago59:44

59:44

Large transfers of population, meaning massive destruction of living areas. Racist colonialism; the intent to eliminate. Total domination through force. On this show Franklin and Marshall College History professor Van Gosse talks about similarities and differences between the American War The post Israel’s Vietnam? appeared first on Keeping Democra…

1
Kids With Loved Ones in Prison 59:21

5M ago59:21

59:21

“Those kids.” It’s tough enough being in the 9th grade, but imagine if your parent, aunt, or uncle were behind bars. Democracy needs citizens to feel part-of, but these kids feel left out. On this show Amy Friedman of “POPS: The post Kids With Loved Ones in Prison appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Not Just America: India’s Exceptionally Harsh Religious Nationalism 1:00:01

5M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

India enjoys a romanticized image; you may think of Gandhi or the Beatles visit there. The reality is open repression and violence against the large Muslim minority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited America and the bulldozer is the symbol The post Not Just America: India’s Exceptionally Harsh Religious Nationalism appeared first on Kee…

1
What it Takes for Democrats to Win: Historian Michael Kazin 58:59

5M ago58:59

58:59

America today is not the America of the past. But in his new book What it Took to Win, author and history professor Michael Kazin, it’s clear what has and still works. This fear of popular movements has fed the The post What it Takes for Democrats to Win: Historian Michael Kazin appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The South Won: Today’s Gun Culture 59:00

5M ago59:00

59:00

So many mass shootings; how did the gun culture become so powerful? Look to the Civil War: Militarily devastated, the angry determined Confederate culture transformed guns into a totem. In this revealing discussion, U of Wisconsin-Madison professor Nick Buttrick sheds The post The South Won: Today’s Gun Culture appeared first on Keeping Democracy A…

1
The Supreme Court: How Can We Fix it? 57:32

6M ago57:32

57:32

They’re not supposed to be an arm of either political party. The word “supreme” means above it all but that’s not what we’ve got in 2024. The majority often contrives constitutional reasons to impose a right wing agenda. How can The post The Supreme Court: How Can We Fix it? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
With Courage In The UN, Peace is Possible in Ukraine 58:49

6M ago58:49

58:49

The big fish love the UN Security Council. It keeps them able to make wars. But the UN was not always toothless nor must it always remain so. Two badly behaved little boys really can’t be the only option for The post With Courage In The UN, Peace is Possible in Ukraine appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
2024: The Positive Breakdown of “Rules Based Order.” 59:37

6M ago59:37

59:37

History moves in many different directions at the same time. On this show author and independent journalist Patrick Lawrence explains how as we begin a new year there is optimism beneath the pessimism. The failure of our many imperial policies The post 2024: The Positive Breakdown of “Rules Based Order.” appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The Rise and Stunning Fall of “Moms for Liberty” 59:33

6M ago59:33

59:33

It’s so much easier to break things than to build them. The right wing group Moms for Liberty claimed that “Parental rights do not stop at the classroom door,” but their real goal was to destroy public education. On this The post The Rise and Stunning Fall of “Moms for Liberty” appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Adam Saperstein Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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