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Civil Discourse Podcast

Companion to the podcast

In the News: Missing Secretary Austin (Aired 1/24/24)

Nia and Aughie discuss the "disappearance" of General Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the Department of Defense, and the importance of a plan of succession within the Cabinet positions.

Trump's Insurrection Cases: Like Burning Down a House in the Name of Fire Safety (Aired 1/31/2024)

Aughie and Nia discuss the court cases that question whether former President Donald Trump can be on the 2024 Presidential ballot due to allegations of insurrection. They also discuss the question of whether the courts should be ruling on this topic.

Is Book Banning Constitutional? (Aired 2/9/2024)

Aughie and Nia discuss how books arrive on school shelves, and whether there is a Constitutional right to ban books by School Boards. Spoiler: The U.S. Supreme Court controlling case had a 4-1-4 ruling, hardly settled law.

The Basis of American Law (Aired 2/23/2024)

Aughie and Nia discuss the basics of the differences between European civil and British common law, and how those traditions apply in American law.

Common Sense (Aired 3/1/2024)

Nia and Aughie discuss Thomas Paine's best selling pamphlet Common Sense, and the effect it had on galvanizing American resistance to British rule.

In the News: SCOTUS, Donald Trump and the Colorado Ballot (Aired 3/8/2024)

Aughie explains the recent SCOTUS ruling in the case of Trump v. Anderson. In this 9-0 decision, the SCOTUS decided that Donald Trump could not be struck from the Colorado ballot based on the Insurrection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

In the News: SCOTUS Takes The Case: Donald Trump and Presidential Immunity (Aired 3/8/2024)

Aughie explains the reasoning by the Supreme Court in taking United States v Donald Trump, a case regarding Presidential immunity. Aughie also explores the potential fallout of the timing of this case.

U.S. Declaration of Independence (Aired 3/15/2024)

Aughie and Nia discuss the basis and history of the United States' Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

United Kingdom Parliament, part 1 (Aired 3/22/2024)

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to discuss the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.

United Kingdom Parliament, part 2 (Aired 3/29/2024)

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to continue their discussion regarding the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.  ** clarification note: We're referring to the British civil service when discussing ministers.

Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 1 (Aired 04/05/2024)

In part 1 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians.  **some adult language is used in this episode

Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 2 (Aired 04/12/2024)

In part 2 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie again host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians. **some adult language is used in this episode

Types of International Power (Aired 04/19/2024)

Aughie and Nia are glad to have another conversation with political scientist Judy Twigg. This time, they are covering the different types of international power: hard, soft, smart, and sharp powers.

Monroe Doctrine (Aired 04/26/2024)

Nia and Aughie welcome back political scientist Chris Saladino for a discussion of the Monroe Doctrine. The episode eventually covers a few other Presidential doctrines as well as some of the mechanics of foreign policy development.

Blue Laws (Aired 05/03/2024)

Aughie and Nia discuss the origin of blue laws, laws that generally prevent some purchases on Sundays. Aughie showcases several instances where the SCOTUS has supported the Constitutionality of blue laws.

In the News: College Student Protests (Aired 5/10/2024)

Aughie and Nia discuss the college student protests currently taking place in the U.S. They explore time, place and manner restrictions imposed on the protestors. Episode was created May 1, 2024.

In the News: TikTok Threatened in Federal Legislation (Aired 05/10/2024)

Nia and Aughie discuss the federal legislation signed by President Biden that requires TikTok to sell to a different owner. They also discuss the national security implications as well as the Commerce Clause implications of the legislation. Episode was created May 1, 2024.

In the News: Recognizing Palestine as a Nation (Aired 6/5/2024)

Aughie and Nia welcome Dr. Bill Newmann to discuss the recent news that some nations have recognized Palestine as a nation. They also talk about unusual instances of recognition and derecognition of countries in the past.

In the News: Guilty on 34 Counts (Aired 6/5/2024)

Aughie and Nia discuss the recent Donald Trump trial that resulted in 34 felony convictions.