Overcoming the Divide: Nonpartisan Politics

The following conversation discusses: the rise of populism, fractures in both parties, the role the Ukrainian war will play in the 2024 elections, 3rd party candidates, and much more.
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This episode features Jai Chabria. Chabria is a Managing Director at MAD Global Strategy advising numerous companies and non-profits, of all sizes, on strategic decisions. He is also a premier political strategist, having worked in the most senior roles of presidential, gubernatorial, and senate campaigns. He recently served as Chief Strategist and General Consultant for Senator JD Vance’s nationally watched
campaign. Chabria is also well versed in how government actually works, serving as Senior Advisor to Ohio Governor John Kasich for five years, providing strategic, legislative and messaging guidance for most of his key initiatives.
Time Stamps:
02:30 Intro
4:00 Motivating and appealing to different audiences and voters
5:15 The current Republican candidates in the primaries
10:45 Trump's indictment and campaign concerns
13:30 Trump and 2016
15:30 A rejection of milque-toast candidates and rise of populism in the parties
22:15 The influence of abortion laws have in elections
32:30 2020, George Floyd & the possibility for change
37:30 The role of the war in Ukraine will play in the 2024 elections
45:20 Predictions for the 2024 elections and party nominees
48:00 3rd Party Candidates
52: 45Rising support among the American public for labor unions
56:00 The fractions of among the democratic party
1:02:30
Music: Coma-Media (intro)
WinkingFoxMusic (outro)
Recorded: 6/16/23

This minisode focuses on the utility and potency of silence in your daily life. It's a skill that appears to be neglected in contemporary society. Ignoring the aimless political and nonsensical remarks of some and instead retaining control and pursuing what is meaningful and purposeful. This minisode provides anecdotal experiences, contemporary examples, and historical strategies like presidents such as FDR utilized. I hope you enjoy and take something away from the minisode.
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Recorded: 4/10/23
Book referenced: The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Green

The following conversation is with Ben Olszewski. Olszewski is the controller for Operating Engineers Local 542 (greater Philadelphia area). Olszewski studied Economics at Penn State, and is now finishing up a Masters of Accounting at the University of Scranton. He is currently running for the Upper Moreland (UM) Township Board of Commissioners. Olszewski aims to be a true representative of the people of UM. He believes our leaders are too focused on party agendas and can lose sight of the main reason why they hold office, which is to serve the people. His focus is to listen to the residents, gather their feedback on the issues, and make decisions accordingly, to the best of his ability.
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I was almost a school shooter | Aaron Stark | TEDxBoulder

Time stamps:
1:45 Intro
3:45 Inspirations to run for public office
6:40 The office at play
7:150 Local issues that would be addressed
10:40 The importance of getting involved in local politics
12:150 Getting involved in your local community
14:30 The dichotomy between national and local politics
16:30 Approach to school safety
21:10 Moving away from the 'blame game'
24:15 Starting a campaign in your local community
27:45 Discourse in reality vs. virtually
29:30 One's Civic Duty
33:30 Voting for candidates
34:55 Supporting Ben's Campaign: Instagram- Benforum & Facebook-Ben Olszewski for Upper Moreland Board of Commissioners Ward 2
36:30 Ben's platform for public office
Music: Coma-Media (intro)
WinkingFoxMusic (outro)
Recorded: 2/15/23

The following conversation is with Charles Kupchan. Kupchan is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and professor of international affairs at Georgetown University in the Walsh School of Foreign Service and Department of Government.

From 2014 to 2017, Kupchan served as special assistant to the president and senior director for European affairs on the staff of the National Security Council (NSC) in the Barack Obama administration. He was also director for European affairs on the NSC during the first Bill Clinton administration. Before joining the Clinton NSC, he worked in the U.S. Department of State on the policy planning staff. Previously, he was an assistant professor of politics at Princeton University.

Kupchan is the author of Isolationism: A History of America's Efforts to Shield Itself From the World (2020), No One's World: The West, the Rising Rest, and the Coming Global Turn (2012), How Enemies Become Friends: The Sources of Stable Peace (2010)

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Time stamps:
:30 Where is the war heading in its' second year
4:20 Should the US pursue for a diplomatic solution now
7:05 Shepparding battlefield efforts to peace negotiations
11:40 The possibility of escalation and the use of a tactical nuclear weapon
16:40 Escalation in the war with supplying Ukraine Tanks and the possibility of F16s
22:00 France's possible role in a diplomatic solution
25:25 Boris Johnson's trip to Ukraine in April of 2022
28:20 The Nord Stream Pipeline
32:45 Best possible case scenario in the next 6-12 months
Music: Coma-Media (intro)
WinkingFoxMusic (outro)
Recorded: 3/3

Ever found yourself struggling to express your sentiments on sensitive topics? Picture yourself in a conversation with David Beckmeyer, a retired tech executive, host of the Outrage Overload podcast, and a research enthusiast. Together, we're going to navigate the tightrope of the modern political landscape, where labels are quick to stick, and accusations fly for those not conforming to the stereotypical 'lefty' or 'hardcore trumper' moulds.
We'll dissect the impact of media, psychological fallacies, and the glaring lack of communication between folks with differing opinions in creating a polarized environment. Hint: It's not as simple as 'good versus evil.' We'll explore how this moralization of the political landscape obstructs productive debate and compromise, the very essence of democracy and a representative republic. As we shift gears, we'll also discuss the outsized role and oversight of big tech in our society, their influence on free speech, and the necessity for public oversight to prevent censorship.
Finally, we'll connect the dots between the DeSantis campaign's use of video graphics, the Buckley Institute poll's findings on college students' views on free speech, and their wider implications. We'll reflect on the challenges that the academic world faces due to political polarization and its impact on professors and students. In the end, we'll contemplate the importance of trust in news sources, the danger of false information, and the need for a nuanced approach to complex issues. Together, we'll seek the path towards rebuilding trust, appreciating disagreements, and fostering a culture of respectful dialogue. So, are you ready to step into the gray area?
Time Stamps

0:00 Political Extremism and Lowering the Temperature

11:00 Perceptions of Political Labels and Bipartisanism

14:32 Political Discourse and Media Influence Challenges

21:22 Impact and Oversight of Big Tech

30:20 Media, Free Speech, and College Students

34:57 Academic Freedom and Public Trust Challenges

39:47 Navigating Trust in News Sources

45:17 Rebuilding Trust and Seeking Direction

50:16 Restoring Trust With Expert Involvement

57:56 Pleasure of Conversation and Disagreement

Music: Coma-Media (intro)
WinkingFoxMusic (outro)
Recorded: 9/16/23