Best Sean Stephenson Podcasts (2024)

1
Dems Need the Middle Class: Why is the DNC Still So Corporatized? 57:27

1h ago57:27

57:27

There is a palpable movement under Kamala Harris; so why is party leadership still so out of touch with working people as they were in 2016? Our returning guest, veteran party insider Norman Solomon, says the DNC is still top-down The post Dems Need the Middle Class: Why is the DNC Still So Corporatized? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
What’s Behind Trumpism: The Open Attack on Democracy 59:26

1d ago59:26

59:26

As Trump heads into the 2024 campaign, you might wonder who is behind it, who benefits from destroying our republic. Here is the story. The religious nationalists see him as a fierce leader. They believe God sends such kings to The post What’s Behind Trumpism: The Open Attack on Democracy appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The Power of Pardons and Democracy 58:15

1h ago58:15

58:15

It’s not high on people’s reason to choose a president, but the power of pardons today is often corrupt and the promise of a pardon has been known to encourage crimes. In this discussion of her forthcoming book, Law Professor The post The Power of Pardons and Democracy appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

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Vigils | Confabulations - with Robin Houghton & Peter Kenny 47:13

4h ago47:13

47:13

Send us a Text Message. Rrrrrrrip! Yikes! That’s the sound of the Planet Poetry rulebook being wantonly torn in half for our Season 4 finale. For one episode only Robin and Peter abandon their solemn vow and share some of their own poetry from forthcoming Pindrop and Mariscat publications. Then, under the chalky Sussex cliffs, we bask in recollecti…

1
Union Curious in the Mid-2020s 59:10

4h ago59:10

59:10

Unions have achieved some historic victories recently. But though many workers are curious, there’s still reluctance to joining a union. As co-author of a new report called “Union Curious,” UC San Diego’s political economy professor John Ahlquist explains on this The post Union Curious in the Mid-2020s appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
After The Shooting of July 13, Is it Over? 57:31

3h ago57:31

57:31

Today, more than ever, politics is theater. On today’s big stage we see Biden as an old weakened man, and then we have Trump with blood on his face, standing strong, defiant, fist in the air. On today’s show national The post After The Shooting of July 13, Is it Over? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
The Challenges of Being Muslim Today 59:35

16d ago59:35

59:35

In 21st Century Western Culture, there’s a variety of impressions average white people get when you say the word Muslim. Most of them wrong. On this edition of Keeping Democracy Alive, Toronto author Saqib Qureshi brings some needed clarity to The post The Challenges of Being Muslim Today appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
How Liberation is Only Found In Community 56:30

2d ago56:30

56:30

Today’s guest is Dr. Rachelle Winkle-Wagner, author of the new book The Chosen We. She’s a professor of Educational Leadership and Policy a U.Wisconsin-Madison. Over a period of ten years she interviewed 105 Black women from five selected cities about The post How Liberation is Only Found In Community appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
In Our Climate Threat, There Are Opportunities 59:10

4d ago59:10

59:10

Many still think “We don’t have to deal with it now,” but a new report from the Union of Concern Scientists is titled “Looming Deadlines for Coastal Resilience” for a reason. As co-author Dr. Rachel Cleetus explains on this show, The post In Our Climate Threat, There Are Opportunities appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
US Africa Policy: “Willful Disregard of Reality” 1:00:01

8d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

So much history of over-reliance on military solutions when governments don’t have the support of the people, yet we’re doing it again in Africa. Our guest who has major experience in the White House and Defense Department is Dr. Gordon The post US Africa Policy: “Willful Disregard of Reality” appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Lost trades | Lost songs - with Jane Commane 1:05:40

13d ago1:05:40

1:05:40

Send us a Text Message. Grip the square steering wheel of your Austin Allegro and let Jane Commane navigate you through the haunted places of the post-industrial Midlands. She treats us to poems from Assembly Lines published by Bloodaxe including UnWeather, quite possibly the best Brexit response we've heard. We upload this episode on the day of th…

1
On the French Election: First Far Right Regime Since WWII? 57:55

11d ago57:55

57:55

In phase one of French elections, the far right of Marine LePen did very well, winning about a third of the total. The next and crucial vote is July 7. According to on-the-ground reporter, Oliver Haynes, President Macron is likely The post On the French Election: First Far Right Regime Since WWII? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Ministry of Risk is it’s Own Reward 58:55

14d ago58:55

58:55

Many Americans say they are people of faith. But how many of us integrate our faith into our daily lives? Philip Berrigan was one of America’s most faith-driven people. Our guest is Brad Wolf, author of the new book on The post Ministry of Risk is it’s Own Reward appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

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

1M 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

1M 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

25d 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
Heather Cox Richardson: Yes Democracy is Awakening 59:57

1M ago59:57

59:57

In a democracy, we expect to have our own say over how we are governed. There’s a great grumbling throughout America because many don’t feel listened to. That’s the impetus behind today’s Trumpist populism. This populism is the voice of The post Heather Cox Richardson: Yes Democracy is Awakening appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…

1
Fathers | Frontiers - with Rory Waterman 59:10

1M ago59:10

59:10

Send us a Text Message. Hear Rory Waterman describe his experience of being stuck in quarantine in Korea, where (as well as doing press ups) he used his time to begin his fourth collection Come Here to This Gate, from Carcanet Poetry. He tells us about Korea's DMZ, hilarious Lincolnshire folk tales, and we explore an exceptionally moving sequence a…

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

30d 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

1M 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

1M 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?

2M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M ago59:54

59:54

By Burt Cohen

1
Bold Lines | Black Pages - with Seni Seneviratne 48:29

2M ago48:29

48:29

Send us a Text Message. Silent faces and displaced lives. Seni Seneviratne gives voice to overshadowed Black children, exotic pages and servants in the portraits of nobility and the mercantile class in 18th Century paintings. Other of her poised and beautiful poems, from The Go-Away Bird from Peepal Tree Press, are infused with bird imagery, and th…

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

3M 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

2M 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

3M 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
Absence | Accidents - with Ali Lewis 1:02:35

3M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Send us a Text Message. Staring at the mark on the wall where that painting once hung? Wondering why the moon, seen by others, has been hidden from you? You've entered the world of Absence (Cheerio Poetry 2024) by Ali Lewis. He guides us through this exceptional first collection, from the painful ache of lost love, to the possibilities unleashed by…

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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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
Testaments | Troubles - with Roy McFarlane 1:06:57

4M ago1:06:57

1:06:57

Send us a Text Message. Hop aboard. No time to idle in green pastures here, instead let’s follow Roy Mc Farlane as he guides us through his collection Living by Troubled Waters from Nine Arches Press weaving the toxic legacy of slavery in the complexity and warmheartedness of his own personal history. Plus we glance at a gorgeous poem, Leaves, from…

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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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
Rapture | Reality - with Seán Hewitt 1:03:50

4M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Send us a Text Message. We’re back with global ambitions for World Poetry Day. First we skip over to Dublin to interview Seán Hewitt about his gorgeous second collection Rapture’s Road, published 2024 by Cape. Enriched by the traditions of Irish poetry, Seán’s work speaks unflinchingly to contemporary issues as well as conjuring moments of absolute…

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

4M 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

4M 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…

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Sean Stephenson Podcasts

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