Best Michael Stearns Podcasts (2024)

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360. Juliet Hooker with Megan Ming Francis: The Politics of Loss 54:29

1h ago54:29

54:29

Delve into the complex tapestry of American politics with Juliet Hooker, the Royce Family Professor of Teaching Excellence in Political Science at Brown University. Hooker, known for her expertise in racial justice, democracy theories, and Black political thought, will unpack the themes of her latest book, Black Grief / White Grievance and offer a …

1
#356 - Ending the Dark Ages of Quantum Theory: A Dialogue with Adam Forrest Kay 1:27:36

13m ago1:27:36

1:27:36

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Adam Forrest Kay about the history and current state of quantum mechanics. They discuss the current state of quantum mechanics, overview of modern physics, and the impact of Niels Bohr. They also talk about light and vision, double slit experiment, Fourier analysis, Schrödinger’s equation, Bell’s …

1
#355 - Nomadic Empires of the Steppes: A Dialogue with Kenneth Harl 1:52:13

6d ago1:52:13

1:52:13

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Kenneth Harl about the various nomadic empires of the steppes. They discuss the origins of nomadic peoples, Tocharian texts, and why language is essential for understanding nomadic peoples. They talk about the Turkish language, nomadic spread over 35 centuries, the Steppe, and nomadic identity. Th…

1
Episode 125: Professor Jennifer Mascott 52:50

11d ago52:50

52:50

Professor Jennifer Mascott stops by Supreme Myths to talk Immunity, Administrative Law, and the Separation of Powers. We agree on some, disagree on a lot, and I absolutely loved the conversation.By Eric Segall

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#354 - Liberalism As A Way Of Life: A Dialogue with Alexandre Lefebvre 2:06:34

13d ago2:06:34

2:06:34

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Alexandre Lefebvre about the many facets of liberalism. They discuss morals and values from liberalism, Christianity’s impact on liberalism and Western society, defining liberalism, and the differences between liberalism and conservatism. They also talk about the philosophy of Rawls, swearing, fai…

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Episode 124: Professor Michael Smith 57:40

13d ago57:40

57:40

Professor Michael Smith stops by Supreme Myths to discuss his great new article: Is Originalism Bullsh#t? We had a rollicking discussion about originalism, some of which may surprise.By Eric Segall

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#353 - A History of the Muslim World: A Dialogue with Michael Cook 3:22:26

20d ago3:22:26

3:22:26

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a conversation with Michael Cook about the history of the Muslim world. They discuss Islamic civilization from origins to modernity, early antecedents before Islam, genesis of Islam, and the Prophet Muhammad and his creation of a monotheistic religion and state. They discuss succession after the death of Muhammad…

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Episode 123: Professor Jake Charles 52:59

25d ago52:59

52:59

Professor Jake Charles stops by Supreme Myths to discuss the Second Amendment, recent gun cases, and Justice Thomas.By Eric Segall

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#352 - Our Bayesian Priors: A Dialogue with Tom Chivers 1:16:45

23d ago1:16:45

1:16:45

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Tom Chivers about Bayesian probability and the impact Bayesian priors have on ourselves. They define Bayesian priors, Thomas Bayes, subjective aspects of Bayes theorem, and the problematic elements of statistical figures such as Galton, Pearson, and Fisher. They talk about the replication crisis, …

1
359. Maxwell Stearns with Mark Smith: Transforming America's Democracy 1:14:45

25d ago1:14:45

1:14:45

Can a parliamentary democracy end America’s constitutional crisis? It’s starting to feel to some people that American elections aren’t offering us much choice, instead compounding the continued issues of our outdated voting system and showing our lack of capacity to face common issues together. In Parliamentary America, Maxwell L. Stearns argues th…

1
#351 - RNA as Catalyst: A Dialogue with Thomas Cech 50:37

27d ago50:37

50:37

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Thomas Cech about RNA as a major catalyst in organic systems. They discuss why RNA does not get discussed as much as DNA, basics of DNA, RNA as a catalyst, and the splicing capabilities of RNA. They also talk about transcription, translation, and splicing, RNA as internal catalyst and external cat…

1
#350 - Voices From The New Syrian Diaspora: A Dialogue with Wendy Pearlman 1:09:04

1M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Wendy Pearlman about the voices from the new Syrian Diaspora. They discuss the various reasons for telling Syrian stories, protests around the world, the ongoing Syrian conflict, concept of home and internal displacement. They also talked about leaving Syria and rebuilding elsewhere, maintaining c…

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Episode 122: Sara Segall 39:24

1M ago39:24

39:24

On a very special episode of Supreme Myths, Sixteen Year Old Sara Segall talks about being a teenager in 2024 America and guns, Trump, LGBTQ issues and much more.By Eric Segall

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#349 - A Damascus Massacre: A Dialogue with Eugene Rogan 1:32:31

1M ago1:32:31

1:32:31

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Eugene Rogan about the 1860 Damascus massacre. They discuss why the 1860 Damascus massacre is still relevant, relationship between Egypt and the Ottomans, Mishaqa as US Vice-Consulate in Damascus, Ottoman Tanzimat Reforms, Druzes and Maronites with rising tensions in Lebanon and Damascus. They als…

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#348 - Parliamentary America: A Dialogue with Maxwell Stearns 1:53:38

1M ago1:53:38

1:53:38

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Maxwell Stearns about potential changes to the Constitution. They discuss the general narrative about the US Constitution, overview of his proposed reforms, third parties as spoilers, generational shifting of parties, and history of political parties in the 19th century. They also talked about pos…

1
#347 - Failures of the Constitution: A Dialogue with Aziz Rana 1:46:03

1M ago1:46:03

1:46:03

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Aziz Rana about the failures of the US Constitution. They discuss the timeframe of 1887-1987, why people resist criticisms of the US Constitution, and creedal constitutionalism. They discuss the positive aspects of the Constitution, empire settlerism and the US state in post-reconstruction era. Th…

1
#346 - Rethinking the End of Empire: A Dialogue with Lynn Tesser 1:35:45

2M ago1:35:45

1:35:45

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Lynn Tesser about the various ways of thinking about empire. They discuss moving from empire to nation states, define nationalism vs. nation states, and sovereignty and modular nationalism. They talk about rebellions in the Americas as being more mixed, the Greek revolution as performed by elites,…

1
Episode 121: Mike Sacks 1:16:09

2M ago1:16:09

1:16:09

Mike Sacks of the non-profit Court reform organization Court Accountability stops by Supreme Myths to discuss this wild SCOTUS term, the likely aftermath, and how his organization is gearing up to help save American democracy.By Eric Segall

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#345 - How Culture Creates Emotions: A Dialogue with Batja Mesquita 1:36:25

2M ago1:36:25

1:36:25

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Batja Mesquita about the impact of culture on emotions. The discuss the distinctions between emotions, feelings, and affect, universalist vs. social constructionist theories, and the expression of emotions. They discuss the MINE vs. OURS framework, emotions in other cultures, shame and how it pres…

1
#344 - Economic Guarantees: A Dialogue with Natalie Foster 1:07:56

2M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Natalie Foster about the guarantee framework for economic stability for all Americans. They discuss what is the guarantee and why government involvement is essential, FDR and basic rights, the rise of neoliberal and neoconservative policies, and the features of the guarantee over the past 15 years…

1
Episode 120: Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy 54:37

2M ago54:37

54:37

Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy stops by Supreme Myths to talk about her forthcoming book Corporatocracy which details how big business spending is threatening our democracy, our elections, and our people.By Eric Segall

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146: The Last Episode 21:11

2M ago21:11

21:11

On this last episode Barbora and Sergio join us to celebrate all the great episodes and play some of our favorite moments we have had over the years. Sergio also will have a new and final segment later in the show. Thank you for your support and helping us on this amazing journey we have had over the last 5 years. We hope you keep Soaring The Sky.…

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#343 - Metaracism: A Dialogue with Tricia Rose 1:11:08

2M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Tricia Rose about systemic racism in the United States. They discuss why and how racism persists, how it looks different from decades past, and how it evolves in institutions. They define metaracism, discuss individuals vs. institutions, understanding systems theory, colorblindness, and many more …

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Episode 119: Professor Jack Balkin 1:00:42

2M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Professor Jack Balkin stops by Supreme Myths to discuss the appropriate role of historian, tradition, and memory in constitutional interpretation and his great new book on the subject.By Eric Segall

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#342 - The Presidency of James Polk: A Dialogue with Robert Merry 55:39

2M ago55:39

55:39

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Robert Merry about the Presidency of James Polk. They give and overview of James Polk, influence of Andrew Jackson, Polk’s personality and trajectory, and the four major issues he tackled as President. They discuss Polk’s expansionism, the Mexican-American War, Polk’s one-term deal, legacy, and ma…

1
#341 - How NOT To Do Your Own Research: A Dialogue with Alex Edmans 44:00

2M ago44:00

44:00

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Alex Edmans about misinformation and the role of human biases. They discuss how to look at data, confirmation bias, statements not facts, facts not data, and the value and limits of the scientific method. They also discuss data mining and ethics with stats, correlation not being causation, data wi…

1
358. Sasha Issenberg with Austin Jenkins: The Lie Detectives 1:11:27

2M ago1:11:27

1:11:27

As we head into another presidential election year, few issues feel as pressing as the spread of political misinformation. How can political campaigns fight back against the barrage of lies and disinformation? As time, tension, and technology all progress in our world, we’re not always prepared for the acceleration and its impact on the political c…

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357. Susannah Fox with Sally James: Rebel Health 56:14

2M ago56:14

56:14

Anyone who has fallen off the conveyor belt of mainstream health care and into the shadowy corners of illness knows what a dark place it is to land. Where is the infrastructure, the information, the guidance? What should you do next? In her new book, Rebel Health, Susannah Fox draws on twenty years of tracking the expert networks of patients, survi…

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#340 - How the American Heartland Turned Red: A Dialogue with Stephanie Ternullo 1:31:12

2M ago1:31:12

1:31:12

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Stephanie Ternullo about the political shift from liberal to conservative in the American heartland over the 20th century. They discuss how she constructed her study, makeup of the three Midwest cities used in the study, New Deal coalition, place-based partisanship, role of unions, and many more t…

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Episode 118: Madiba Dennie 1:05:56

2M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Madiba Dennie stops by Supreme Myths to talk about all things originalism including her great new book, “The Originalism Trap.”By Eric Segall

1
#339 - Planta Sapiens: A Dialogue with Paco Calvo 1:28:19

2M ago1:28:19

1:28:19

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Paco Calvo about the intelligence of plants. They discuss plant blindness, plant intelligence, sun tracking and internal representations, predictive processing, and what is it like to be a plant. They discuss domesticated and wild plants, time, individuality of plants, ethics, and many more topics…

1
Episode 117: Author A.J. Jacobs 52:17

2M ago52:17

52:17

Author A.J. Jacobs stops by Supreme Myths to talk about his book, “The Year of Living Constitutionally.” Listen to how he lived like it’s 1791 for an entire year and learn about Letters of Marque, muskets, and other 18th century tools and traditions! Also, the author warns us not to be originalists.By Eric Segall

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#338 - Victim: A Dialogue with Andrew Boryga 1:22:46

3M ago1:22:46

1:22:46

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Andrew Boryga about his novel on victimhood. They discuss how he approaches writing novels vs. non-fiction pieces, choosing themes for the novel, personal influence on fictional characters, evolution of characters, and using tragedy and victimhood for clout. They also discuss dealing with social j…

1
#337 - Wahhābism: A Dialogue with Cole Bunzel 1:41:00

3M ago1:41:00

1:41:00

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Cole Bunzel about the Islamic branch of Wahhābism. They talk about the current landscape of Wahhābism, extreme and non-extreme uses of Wahhābism and some of the differences between terrorists groups that use Wahhābism. They discuss Ibn Abd al-Wahhab and how he started a movement, modeling himself …

1
#336 - The Secular Gospel of Ralph Waldo Emerson: A Dialogue with James Marcus 1:25:53

3M ago1:25:53

1:25:53

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with James Marcus about the life and work of Ralph Waldo Emerson. They discuss how the book is formed and how themes are pulled from Emerson’s life, his religious background and relationship with religion over his lifetime, unitarianism, and when do we find our identity. They talk about first and secon…

1
#335 - Hubert Humphrey: Giant of Liberalism: A Dialogue with James Traub 1:21:36

3M ago1:21:36

1:21:36

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with James Traub about Hubert Humphrey. They define liberalism, background and context of Humphrey and his internal motivations, how he governed as mayor in Minneapolis, and how he was a liberal and a progressive. They talk about his time as a U.S. Senator, a cold war liberal, and his relationship with…

1
#334 - Recognizing Others: A Dialogue with Michèle Lamont 46:42

3M ago46:42

46:42

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Michèle Lamont about recognition and interpersonal dynamics. They define recognition and worth, the three avenues of building recognition and ordinary universalism, and what blocks change. They talk about inequality, individualism/collectivism, and challenges of the American dream. They also discu…

1
#333 - The Genius of Ibn Sina and Biruni: A Dialogue with S. Frederick Starr 1:14:45

3M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with S. Frederick Starr about the lives and work of Ibn Sina and Biruni. They discuss who were Ibn Sina and Biruni, their time and context, and the correspondence between Ibn Sina and Biruni. They discuss their interactions in the Muslim world, Ibn Sina as vizier, the canon of Ibn Sina and the canon of…

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356. Dr. Rajiv Shah with Eric Liu: Charting a Course for Change 1:16:34

3M ago1:16:34

1:16:34

Ever wondered how a leader orchestrates large-scale change on a global scale? In his new book, Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens, Rajiv J. Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation and former administrator of USAID unveils his model for driving large-scale change. Drawing on his experiences, from vaccinating 900 million children w…

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#332 - Nostalgia: A Dialogue with Clay Routledge 1:37:27

3M ago1:37:27

1:37:27

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Clay Routledge about nostalgia. They define nostalgia, nostalgia being forward thinking, nostalgia with positive and negative memories, and the downsides of nostalgia in pop culture. They discuss nostalgia with self-concept, self-continuity, and self-esteem, nostaglia for understanding existential…

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#331 - Making Sense of Our Delusions: A Dialogue with Lisa Bortolotti 1:22:58

3M ago1:22:58

1:22:58

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Lisa Bortolotti about delusions. They talk about why we should think about delusions, delusions as emotional and rational beliefs, defining delusions, clinical and non-clinical delusions, and why we believe delusions. They talk about when delusions cause harm, can people change their delusional be…

1
#330 - Deceiving Ourselves: A Dialogue with Ajit Varki 53:49

3M ago53:49

53:49

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Ajit Varki about the evolutionary origins of denial and self-deception. They discuss the evolutionary perspective of human origins, self-awareness in humans, theory of mind, and how false beliefs and denial evolved. They also discuss lying, self-deception, religion, positive uses of deception, cli…

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355. Barbara McQuade with Jenny Durkan: In Search of Truth 1:06:51

3M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

The subject of disinformation is a well-known part of political rhetoric, but it has implications even outside of the sphere of democracy. From the electoral system to schools; from the workplace to hospitals, the consequences of it are far-reaching and dire. A legal analyst at MSNBC and former U.S. Attorney, Barbara McQuade’s decades of experience…

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#329 - Fighting for Women's Rights Around the World: A Dialogue with Sima Samar 1:14:22

3M ago1:14:22

1:14:22

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Sima Samar about her life and work for women’s rights. They discuss her reasoning for writing her memoirs, history of modern Afghanistan, impact of Islam, and the rule of the Taliban. They talk about her work in medicine and human rights advocacy, women’s rights in Afghanistan, becoming Vice Presi…

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354. Michael J. Gerhardt: The Law of Presidential Impeachment 57:09

3M ago57:09

57:09

Have you ever wondered how impeachment really works? As a witness and consultant in the impeachment trials of Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, legal scholar Michael J. Gerhardt has collected a lifetime of scholarly research and firsthand experience. But despite his proximity to such high-profile cases, Gerhardt doesn’t advocate for or against the imp…

1
#328 - Listening to Prozac: A Dialogue with Peter Kramer 59:54

3M ago59:54

59:54

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Peter Kramer about Prozac. They talk about the 30th anniversary of Listening To Prozac and antidepressants, origins of antidepressants, classes of antidepressants, selfhood, criticisms of SSRIs and the serotonin hypothesis, risk of suicide with Prozac, future of SSRIs, and more more topics. Peter …

1
#327 - The Invention of Prehistory: A Dialogue with Stefanos Geroulanos 1:52:18

3M ago1:52:18

1:52:18

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Stefanos Geroulanos about the history of prehistory. They talk about why studying history is important and why it is not final, the emphasis on the nature of man, why Rousseau and Hobbes’ ideas still persist, human nature and equality, and the impact of Darwin. They also talk about the impact of M…

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353. César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández: Redefining the Borders — How to Shape Inclusive and Just Immigration Practices 1:13:15

3M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

Is it possible to reshape immigration practices to align with the values of inclusivity, justice, and the historical promise of the United States as a welcoming haven for all? Law professor and immigration lawyer César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández presents a powerful case for divorcing immigration law from criminal law in his book, Welcome the Wretc…

1
#326 - Puerto Rico: A Natural History: A Dialogue with Jorell Meléndez Badillo 2:31:35

4M ago2:31:35

2:31:35

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Jorell Meléndez Badillo about the history of Puerto Rico. They talk about the origins of the island of Puerto Rico, Taino peoples, reasons for Columbus coming to Puerto Rico, and indigenous peoples fighting back. They talk about enslaved peoples in the mid 16th century, origins of the term “Puerto…

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