Best Yankee Institute Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 101: How to Make Energy More Affordable with Paul Bachman 20:47

7h ago20:47

20:47

Connecticut’s people suffer from some of the highest electricity rates in the nation. Why is that? The issue stems from the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) rules. Passed by the legislature in 1998, the RPS severely restricts the ability of utilities to find the cleanest and most efficient means of providing electricity to Connecticut’s residents…

1
2022 Bern Consensus Statement - (Ben Ashworth, Ariane Schwank & Paul Blazey) 56:49

6d ago56:49

56:49

Ben Ashworth chats to Physiotherapists Ariane Schwank & Paul Blazey who contributed on the 2022 Bern Consensus Statement on Shoulder Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Return to Sport for Athletes at All Participation Levels. This episode covers a lot of content and will therefore have a part-2 to follow this first conversation. Topics Discusse…

1
Ben Ashworth - Shoulder Monitoring & Rehabilitation (High Performance Consultant & Athletic Shoulder Specialist) 52:13

2d ago52:13

52:13

Dr Andy McDonald chats to fellow Inform Performance Host Ben Ashworth. Ben is a Performance consultant for elite teams abs individuals. Shoulder specialist with a Master of Science (MSc) in Strength & Conditioning & UKSCA accreditation. “Physio-coach” with experience in elite rugby, Olympic Sports, baseball & Professional football. Ben provides con…

1
Dr Ryan Crotin - Baseball Special (Organisational Strategist, Baseball Scientist, Coach, Research Author & Educator) 59:05

2d ago59:05

59:05

Ben Ashworth chats to Dr Ryan L. Crotin, an Organisational Strategist, Baseball Scientist, Coach, Research Author and Educator. Ryan has enjoyed a wealth of experienced both academically and professionally. He has notably worked as an Research Associate Louisiana Tech University & Auckland University of Technology as well as being a Postdoctoral Fe…

1
Eric Cressey: Part 2 (NY Yankees Director of Player Health & Performance / President of Cressey Sports Performance) 38:46

2d ago38:46

38:46

Following the Inform Performance X Elite Baseball Development Podcast Swapcast last week, this week Eric Cressey is the guest on the Inform Performances podcast. In this episode both Andy McDonald and Ben Ashworth ask Eric the questions as the second edition of a two part series. Eric is one of the best know S&C coaches globally, he’s the president…

1
Eric Cressey - Part 1: Elite Baseball Development Podcast Swapcast 38:40

2d ago38:40

38:40

In this episode Eric Cressey chats to Inform Performances own Ben Ashworth the Director of Performance for AC Sparta Prague and Director of the Athletic Shoulder. Eric is one of the best know S&C coaches globally, he’s the president and co-founder of Cressey Sports Performance and the current Director of Player Health & Performance at the New York …

1
Panel Discussion - Ben Ashworth, Stig Andersson, Martin Asker & Fredrik Johansson 58:29

2d ago58:29

58:29

Andy McDonald hosts Ben Ashworth, Stig Andersson, Martin Asker & Fredrik Johansson to close the Inform Performance European Shoulder Series. All of the panelists for this discussion all recently recorded episodes with Ben leading into this group conversation. In this episode Andy & the panel discuss: Biggest challenges working with shoulders Object…

1
Martin Asker - Throwing Shoulder (Director of Handball Research Group at Sophiahemmet University) 49:43

7d ago49:43

49:43

Ben Ashworth chats to Dr Martin Asker the Director of Handball Research Group at Sophiahemmet University. Martin is a Clinician, lecturer and PhD in sports medicine epidemiology who is specialized in shoulder injury rehab & prevention. This episode is a part of the Inform Performance European shoulder series. In this episode Ben & Martin discuss: M…

1
Stig Andersson - Preparing the shoulder for handball (Physiotherapist - Norwegian Institute of Sports Medicine) 52:10

2d ago52:10

52:10

Ben Ashworth chats to Stig Andersson a Physiotherapist, PhD. Clinician, lecturer and researcher. Stig works at the Norwegian Institute of Sports medicine in Oslo with an interest in the prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. This episode is a part of the Inform Performance European shoulder series. In this episode …

1
Ep. 100: Fighting for Free Speech With Humor with Seth Dillon 26:03

7d ago26:03

26:03

It’s our 100th episode! To mark the significant milestone, Carol talked with Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, a satirical news site. Known for their conservative wit and “prophecies” (when jokes become reality), the Bee was famously locked out of its Twitter account over a joke. This action prompted Elon Musk to buy the social media giant. Dill…

1
Dr Fredrik Johansson - The Tennis Shoulder (Tennis Research and Performance Group) 50:58

10d ago50:58

50:58

Episode 1: Ben Ashworth chats to Dr Fredrik Johansson from Soffiahemmet University Musculoskeletal & Sports Injury Epidemiology Center & the Tennis Research and Performance Group. Freddy as you’ll hear has a background and special interest on the shoulder so who better to interview or chat to him than inform Performances own Mr Ben Ashworth. In thi…

1
Ep. 99: Who is Carol Platt Liebau? Hosted by Andy Fowler 41:41

14d ago41:41

41:41

For 98 episodes, YI President Carol Platt Liebau has discussed Connecticut policy, politics and human-interest stories as part of the organization’s efforts to be your eyes, ears and voice. But now the interviewer becomes the interviewee. Andy Fowler, director of internal affairs, guest hosts, asking Carol about her background, her love for Ronald …

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Ep. 98: How Scholarships Benefit Students with Tricia Tucker 21:36

20d ago21:36

21:36

How do scholarships benefit students? And how would a tax credit, if passed by the General Assembly, boost providing more educational access to low-income children? Tricia Tucker, head teacher/principal at Fairfield County SDA School, shares students’ journeys from public to private schools and the impact scholarships have had on her school. Learn …

1
Ep. 97: Solar and Wind Batteries' "Fatal Flaw" with Nick Pope 25:58

28d ago25:58

25:58

The Independent System Operator-New England (ISO-NE) is warning that the batteries pushed by blue states in the region to prepare the grid for increased solar and wind generation may have significant trouble recharging in low temperatures. Nick Pope – a Connecticut native and Daily Caller contributor – shares further insights into the report. Find …

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Ep. 96: How Tax-Credit Scholarships Will Help Low-Income Students Thrive with Carolanne Marquis 23:32

1M ago23:32

23:32

The Connecticut Center for Educational Excellence (CTCEE), a Yankee Institute project, launched just over a year ago, providing scholarships to low-income students and families across Connecticut. Carolanne Marquis, the CEO of CTCEE, shares how 900-plus families have applied for such scholarships, and how students have already benefited emotionally…

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Ep. 95: Identifying Key Issues with New Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding 22:44

2M ago22:44

22:44

After his election to the 30th Senate District in 2023, Stephen Harding was named the Senate Minority Leader in February. He joins the show to share insights into key issues, such as housing, fiscal responsibility and electric vehicle mandates, as well as collaborating with different caucuses. Learn more about him here.…

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Ep. 94: The Positives & Challenges of Working in CT with Chris Ulbrich 19:04

2M ago19:04

19:04

In a recent report by PJ Media, over 75% of red state business owners say they are happy in their current location, while only about 30% of blue state employers say the same. So what is it like doing business in Connecticut? Chris Ulbrich — CEO of Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc. — explains the positives and challenges of operating i…

1
Ep. 93: George Washington's Legacy with Prof. Kevin Gutzman 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

Who was George Washington? Why does he still matter in American life? Historian Kevin Gutzman, a professor and former chairman in the Department of History at Western Connecticut State University, returns to the podcast to share Washington’s monumental legacy and why he is worthy of praise today. His latest book The Jeffersonians is available now. …

1
Ep. 92: One Week Into Session with Bryce Chinault & Meghan Portfolio 26:43

2M ago26:43

26:43

The General Assembly’s new legislative session began on Feb. 7. So what’s happened since then? More than you’d expect. Yankee Institute’s Bryce Chinault (Director of External Affairs) and Meghan Portfolio (Manager of Research and Analysis) break down what bills are being introduced and the scuttlebutt at the Capitol. Learn more on YI’s breakdown on…

1
Ep. 91: FAQs about the Electrical Grid & Energy Infrastructure with Portia Conant 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

What do we mean when we talk about the electrical grid? What are Independent System Operators (ISOs)? How will energy infrastructure and markets be impacted by electric vehicle mandates? Portia Conant — senior markets analyst from Yes Energy — joins the podcast to answer those questions and more. Learn more about Yes Energy here.…

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Ep. 90: Why the Fiscal Guardrails Were Established, and Why They Still Matter with Suzanne Bates 22:19

3M ago22:19

22:19

The CT Mirror released a three-part series examining the effectiveness and viability of the 2017 bipartisan fiscal guardrails. Some state leaders believe they’re needed, others argue for reforms, and another contingent suggests eliminating the guardrails entirely. But Suzanne Bates — a former Yankee Institute Policy Director who sat on the Spending…

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Ep. 89: How Going “Green” Hurt California…And How It’ll Hurt CT with Edward Ring 24:16

3M ago24:16

24:16

In 2004, Connecticut agreed to adopt California’s emissions standards. Fast forward 20 years, state lawmakers are now discussing how to implement electric vehicle (EV) mandates like the Golden State. But how has shifting to “green” energy impacted California? Edward Ring of the California Policy Center explains the detrimental effects, and why Conn…

1
Ep. 88: The Presidential Primaries with Prof. Gary Rose 30:04

3M ago30:04

30:04

With Donald Trump winning the Iowa Caucuses, how will the subsequent primaries play out, including Connecticut? How will the other candidates react? Prof. Gary Rose, who teaches political science at Sacred Heart University, gives insights to the 2024 Presidential Election.By Yankee Institute

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Ep. 87: The Problems of EV Mandates with Sen. Jeff Gordon 20:19

3M ago20:19

20:19

Electric vehicle (EV) mandates have not been thought through, argues Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-35th District). From building sufficient infrastructure to being unable to charge EVs during power outages, there are a host of issues with the government mandates. However, Sen. Gordon expects EV mandates to be proposed during the session, starting Feb. 7.…

1
Ep. 86: Forecasting the 2024 Legislative Session with Eric Gjede 17:16

4M ago17:16

17:16

From electric vehicle mandates to housing, what policies will be up for debate in the upcoming legislative session, beginning Feb. 7? Eric Gjede, a chief lobbyist at Statehouse Associates, shares his insights for what’s in store in 2024.By Yankee Institute

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Ep. 85: How CT Laws Hurt Local Restaurants 23:53

4M ago23:53

23:53

The state’s restaurants are hurting, still recovering from the pandemic and overburdened by regulations. Meanwhile, a ‘one fair wage’ bill that’s been introduced in other states and is gaining traction here — which would mandate minimum wage for tipped workers — would make things even harder for businesses, limit workers’ income and make a night ou…

1
Ep. 84: Christmas Movies in CT with Tricia Ennis 22:38

4M ago22:38

22:38

By Yankee Institute

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Ep. 83: Antisemitism and Free Speech on College Campuses with Lauren Noble 22:53

4M ago22:53

22:53

How has the Israel-Hamas war impacted free speech at Yale University and on other college campuses? Lauren Noble, executive director and founder of the Buckley Institute at Yale, shares insights onthe impact of increased antisemitism, and discusses a new study about how more students support shout downs than oppose them. Learn more about the Buckle…

1
Ep. 82: What Hannukah Means with Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld 27:27

5M ago27:27

27:27

What is Hanukkah and what does it mean for the Jewish people this year, especially in light of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas? Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld, director of Agudath Israel of America office in Connecticut, explains the holiday’s history and why it has been, and remains, a source of spiritual strength for the Jewish people over thousan…

1
Ep. 81: Fighting Against Ballot Fraud in Bridgeport with Cameron Atkinson 21:08

5M ago21:08

21:08

Video evidence of multiple people dumping votes into absentee ballot dropboxes in Bridgeport ignited controversy, a trial, and a new mayoral primary. But the perpetrators have not faced direct charges. So a group of city residents have filed a lawsuit on Nov. 21 demanding them to be arrested for ballot fraud. Cameron Atkinson, a criminal defense an…

1
Ep. 80: The Woman Behind Thanksgiving Becoming a National Holiday with Mike Allegra 26:21

5M ago26:21

26:21

How did Thanksgiving become a national holiday? Although President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation in 1863, much of the grassroots campaign is tied to the tenacity of Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book (the most widely circulated magazine at the time) and author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Author Mike Allegra, who wrote Sarah …

1
Ep. 79: How Nonprofits Can Innovate for Social Change with Leah Kral 22:07

5M ago22:07

22:07

How can nonprofits and charitable organizations innovate their way toward new and exciting possibilities? Leah Kral — senior director of strategy and innovation at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University — studies just that in her latest book Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Nonprofits Inspire and Deliver Results. She expl…

1
Ep. 78: How the Tax Foundation Ranked CT with Jared Walczak 23:30

6M ago23:30

23:30

The Tax Foundation recently released its 2024 State Business Tax Climate Index. So where did Connecticut rank overall? How did Connecticut stack up against other states in varying subcategories? Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects for the Tax Foundation and author of the Index, explains Connecticut’s rankings and how it could improve. R…

1
Ep. 77: The True Costs of Electric Vehicles with Brent Bennett 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

Are electric vehicles (EVs) less expensive than their gas-powered counterparts? Are they destined to bethe future once the government mandates kick in? The simple answer: no. According to “Overcharged Expectations: Unmasking the True Costs of Electric Vehicles,” federal and state governments are driving the auto industry “off an economic cliff.” Br…

1
Ep. 76: How 8-30g Has Failed in CT with David Flemming & Meghan Portfolio 21:19

6M ago21:19

21:19

Since its implementation, 8-30g has not solved the affordable housing issue but instead has exacerbated it, say Yankee Institute’s David Flemming and Meghan Portfolio in the latest policy paper, Failure by Mandate: Connecticut and 8-30g. They explore the history behind 8-30g, its unanticipated consequences, how it undermines localism, and offer com…

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Ep. 75: Avoiding Over-Regulating Earned Wage Access with Justin Hosie 17:37

6M ago17:37

17:37

Many Americans struggle with debt, living paycheck to paycheck. Going to a payday lender or credit card company may be a short-term solution, but a long-term issue with paying off the interest. However, earned wage access (EWA) is another solution. EWA — sometimes referred to as early pay — is the ability for employees to access a portion of their …

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Ep. 74: A Shelter is Failing Teen Girls with Michael Criss 19:46

6M ago19:46

19:46

Harwinton has a problem. In the past two years, first responders have been called hundreds of times to the Short Term Assessment & Respite (STAR) Home, a DCF-funded shelter. There have been missing girls, stolen vehicles, burglaries, physical and sexual assaults, sex trafficking and injuries to both STAR residents and state troopers responding to m…

1
Ep. 73: How a Teacher Beat the Labor Union with John Grande 22:45

7M ago22:45

22:45

John Grande, a physical education teacher in Hartford, was reprimanded for his actions during a mandatory training on “privilege.” After filing a grievance with the local board of education, Grande reached out to the Hartford Federation of Teachers Local 1018 to take the matter to arbitration — but they wouldn’t because he was not “a paying member.…

1
Ep. 72: Hurdles to Build a Small Business in CT 27:34

7M ago27:34

27:34

Aaron Vnuk is the owner of the crossfit gym in North Haven and founder of Blind River Studios, an independent production company. He is also blind — but he continues to rise above challenges and pursue his dreams. However, Connecticut’s business climate has made it difficult for him as a small business owner to thrive with its regulatory and tax po…

1
Ep. 71: Why CT’s Investments are Underperforming with Jeff Sonnenfeld & Steven Tian 27:09

7M ago27:09

27:09

Connecticut’s public pension funds have one of the worst investment track records of any state in the nation with long-term, chronic investment underperformance, according to a report released by Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute (CELI). With their research team, Prof. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian investigated why Connecticut’s underp…

1
Ep. 70: The Visionary Presidencies of Jefferson, Madison and Monroe with Historian Kevin Gutzman 32:08

7M ago32:08

32:08

Historian Kevin Gutzman, a professor and former chairman in the Department of History at Western Connecticut State University, chronicles three titans of early American history: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe. These close political allies implemented the foreign policy, domestic and constitutional agenda of the opposition “Republi…

1
Ep. 69: Exploring Connecticut’s Hidden History with Andy Fowler 26:46

8M ago26:46

26:46

Connecticut has a deep-rooted history, and YI’s Andy Fowler is exploring it in a new series called, “Hidden in the Oak.” The goal: to fill readers with a sense of pride about the state we call home and make the past relevant to today. So far, the series has explored how Nutmeggers impacted the Battle of Gettysburg; the prominent baseball leagues an…

1
Ep. 68: How We Can Reform CT’s Healthcare After COVID with Dr. Robert Graboyes 27:15

8M ago27:15

27:15

Before COVID, Connecticut ranked low in openness and access in healthcare, but the pandemic provided an unprecedented experiment in expanding those areas. Dr. Robert Graboyes — president of RFG Counterpoint, LLC — examined Connecticut’s healthcare system, and offers seven innovative, constructive, bipartisan solutions in Yankee Institute’s latest p…

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Ep. 67: Union Release Time on Taxpayers’ Dime & Attacks on Free Speech with Ben Weingarten 31:32

8M ago31:32

31:32

Public sector employees enjoy “release time” provisions — which enable employees to engage in union-related activities full- or part-time during their working hours. This means taxpayers are paying these employees to not do their job, while possibly supporting political activities with which they disagree. Ben Weingarten, editor-at-large for RealCl…

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Ep. 66: CT’s Not So Clean Election Program with Katherine Revello 19:50

8M ago19:50

19:50

The goals of the Citizens’ Election Program (CEP) were to free candidates from the influence of lobbyists and big money, and also enable candidates from more diverse backgrounds to run for office. However, the program is plagued with imperfections — and even notorious kickback schemes. Connecticut Inside Investigator’s Katherine Revello explores th…

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Ep. 65: Writing Horror Novels with Marc Fitch 32:41

9M ago32:41

32:41

Marc Fitch — Connecticut Inside Investigator’s senior investigative reporter — is the new master of horror and suspense with the release of his latest novel, “Dead Ends.” He explains his creative process and gives insights into the chilling tale of four lives being thrown into chaos. “Deads Ends” is out August 15 and available wherever books are so…

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Ep. 64: The Livability of Connecticut Towns with Dr. Jonathan Wharton 26:54

9M ago26:54

26:54

What makes a city or town livable? And how are lawmakers addressing housing and transportation concerns to the improvement or detriment of Connecticut’s municipalities? Dr. Jonathan Wharton — associate professor of political science and urban affairs at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) — discusses these critical issues with YI President…

1
Ep. 63: How to Leave the Teachers' Union with Mike Costanza 19:10

9M ago19:10

19:10

Thinking about leaving the union or know someone who is considering it? Well, they only have the month of August to decide! Mike Costanza — a public school teacher in North Stonington and founder of the Facebook group “Constitution State Educators" — returns to the show to discuss how teachers can opt out of their union, and debunks the myths perpe…

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Ep. 62: How to Reform the Criminal Justice System in CT with John Santa 24:54

9M ago24:54

24:54

Sometimes good people can do a bad thing. This was a lesson John Santa — former CEO of Santa Energy — learned when a friend went to prison for embezzlement. After visiting his incarcerated friend, John was inspired to found the Malta Justice Initiative (a former Catholic ministry) to educate and bring the sacraments to prisoners, which proved chall…

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Ep. 61: The Impact of Janus 5 Years Later w/Bill Messenger 27:09

9M ago27:09

27:09

It has been five years since the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME, where the Court held it violated the First Amendment for unions to compel government workers to subsidize them. But what led to the case? What were its consequences? What was it like to argue before the Justices? Bill Messenger — vice president and legal director for…

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