Parenting a Trans Kid in Trump’s America

The Daily

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A Family Discovers Their Child is Transgender: A religious couple from the South noticed their child, referred to as Allie (born biologically male), was effeminate from a young age, loving purple and ballet outfits. During puberty, Allie became increasingly distant and started showing signs of self-harm. When confronted, Allie revealed experiencing gender dysphoria and accepted her mother's offer to use she/her pronouns, bringing immediate relief and connection.

Seeking Gender-Affirming Care in a Restrictive State: After learning that Tennessee had banned gender-affirming treatments for minors in 2023, Allie's parents searched for care elsewhere. They finally secured an appointment at a clinic in Virginia, eight hours from their home. The father described driving Allie to her first appointment as a proud moment when he felt he was "doing right by my child."

Political Climate Forces Difficult Decisions: As Trump came to office and began targeting transgender healthcare, the family felt increasingly unsafe in Tennessee. They worried about being targeted for pursuing treatment for Allie and became cautious about everyday activities like playdates. The mother described no longer knowing "who I could trust anymore" and having to lie to medical providers about the purpose of routine bloodwork.

Becoming Medical Refugees: After researching states with strong protections for transgender youth, good schools, and affordable housing, the family decided to move to Connecticut. Though Allie initially wanted to stay in Tennessee to "fight for" her trans friends, visiting the Northeast and seeing Pride flags displayed openly at hospitals helped her understand what life could be like elsewhere.

Continued Challenges Even in Supportive States: Despite moving to Connecticut, the family encountered new obstacles. The clinic they had arranged for Allie's care suddenly stopped accepting patients under 19 due to federal pressure. They found that even in blue states, clinics were closing "in anticipation of legal action from the federal government," forcing them to develop multiple backup plans, including considering moving to another country.

Finding Community and Hope: Despite ongoing challenges, the family found affirming schools and communities in Connecticut where "people are fighting for her." They met other families who had similarly relocated from southern states. The parents noticed dramatic improvements in Allie's well-being – she became more talkative, willing to share interests, and began thriving in her new environment, though she missed her friends.

The Emotional and Financial Cost: The parents described the heartbreak of leaving their "forever home," friends, and family in the South. The move represented a significant financial commitment and emotional strain, making them feel like "refugees" in their own country. Despite these challenges, they remained certain they made the right decision for Allie's health and well-being.
</answer>

Interviews with Political Scientists about their New Books
Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Killian Clarke, "Return of Tyranny: Why Counterrevolutions Emerge and Succeed" (Cambridge UP, 2025)

New Books in Political Science

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The Study of Counterrevolutions: Dr. Killian Clarke's book examines why counterrevolutions emerge and succeed after democratic transitions. Inspired by Egypt's 2013 counterrevolution that ended the post-Mubarak democratic transition, the book develops a theoretical framework supported by extensive data on counterrevolutions worldwide since 1900, interviews with Egyptian political elites, and a dataset of protests preceding Egypt's 2013 coup.

Prevalence of Counterrevolutions: Contrary to conventional wisdom, counterrevolutions are not inevitable. Data shows that of 123 successful revolutions studied, only about half faced counterrevolutionary attempts, and just 20% (one in five) were overturned by successful counterrevolutions. The frequency varies based on the type of revolution that occurred in the first place.

Conditions for Counterrevolution Emergence: Counterrevolutions are most likely to emerge in the "middle space" between two extremes. After extremely violent, radical revolutions, old regime forces often lack the capacity to launch counterrevolutions. After moderate, nonviolent revolutions that establish inclusive governments, old regime forces might choose to participate in the new system rather than overthrow it. Counterrevolutions are most likely after "hybrid" revolutions that pose enough threat to old regime interests but haven't completely destroyed their capacity.

Factors Affecting Counterrevolution Success: Armed revolutionary regimes are much harder to overthrow, as they can use their coercive power to defeat counterrevolutionary attempts. Unarmed revolutionary regimes that came to power through mass protests and diverse coalitions (like Egypt's) are far more vulnerable to counterrevolution because they must consolidate power without using force and must maintain broad coalition support.

The Egyptian Case Study: Egypt's 2011 revolution fits the pattern of a moderate, unarmed revolution with a diverse coalition. The Muslim Brotherhood-led Morsi government struggled to manage three simultaneous challenges: appeasing old regime elements, maintaining its revolutionary coalition, and addressing popular discontent. By 2013, Morsi had alienated secular revolutionary allies and lost popular support, leaving him vulnerable to the military coup.

Lessons from Other Counterrevolutions: Most successful counterrevolutions follow patterns similar to Egypt's. However, there are a few outliers, such as the US-backed removal of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001, where foreign intervention enabled a counterrevolution against an armed revolutionary regime. The vast majority involve democratic revolutions where new governments fail to maintain their revolutionary coalitions and popular support.

The Nonviolence Paradox: While nonviolent resistance may be more effective at toppling dictators initially, the regimes they establish are often more vulnerable to counterrevolution than those established through armed revolution. Democratic revolutionary regimes, while normatively preferable, tend to be weaker and less durable unless they maintain their ability to remobilize popular support when threatened.

Role of Foreign Powers: The United States' "ambivalent" stance toward Egypt's democratic transition was particularly damaging. The Morsi administration misread US signals, believing they had American protection against a military coup when in fact some in the Obama administration were signaling to the Egyptian military that a coup would be tolerated. This ambivalence contributed to Morsi's exclusionary governance approach, as he falsely believed he had foreign backing.

Implications for Contemporary Politics: The research offers a framework for democratic revolutionaries to navigate post-revolutionary challenges and for foreign powers to better support democratic transitions. Clear, consistent foreign support rather than ambivalence is crucial for new democratic governments facing counterrevolutionary threats.

Current Research Directions: Dr. Clarke is now studying the 2019 Arab uprisings in Sudan, Algeria, Iraq, and Lebanon, examining how revolutionary movements operate in different regime types. He's also co-authoring work on how the origins of authoritarian regimes (through rebellion, coups, foreign handoffs, or incumbent consolidation) affect their durability, noting that "incumbent consolidation" autocracies - currently on the rise globally - tend to be the least durable type.
</answer>

For centuries, all sorts of people—generals and politicians, athletes and coaches, writers and leaders—have looked to the teachings of Stoicism to help guide their lives. Each day, author and speaker Ryan Holiday brings you a new lesson about life, inspired by the thoughts and writings of great Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca the Younger. Daily Stoic Podcast also features Q+As with listeners and interviews with notable figures from sports, academia, politics, and more. Learn more at DailyStoic.com.Listen to THE DAILY STOIC on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://wondery.com/links/the-daily-stoic/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wondery.com/links/the-daily-stoic/</a>&nbsp;now.&nbsp;

Do This. It's Enough. | 7 Stoic Habits To Make You Wiser

The Daily Stoic

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Daily Wisdom Requires Lifelong Learning: Marcus Aurelius approached philosophy as a lifelong practice, not just a set of beliefs to adopt in youth. The more he learned, the more he understood Socratic humility—that the more one knows, the more one realizes how little they know. Yet amidst this humility, Marcus still distilled wisdom into essential principles, concluding that our fundamental task is simply "to be good."

The Power of Questions: Asking questions is fundamental to gaining wisdom. Like physicist Isidor Rabi, whose mother always asked "Did you ask a good question today?", we should cultivate curiosity. Questions drive discovery and learning, following Socrates' method of inquiry rather than proclamation. Many lose this natural questioning impulse as they age, but preserving it—asking even "dumb questions"—is essential for intellectual growth.

Create a Second Brain: Wise people throughout history have used external systems to record knowledge. Joan Didion filled countless notebooks throughout her 82 years, General James Mattis maintained "books of wisdom" in three-ring binders, and many others kept commonplace books. These collections of quotes, ideas, and insights become the raw material for future thinking. By recording what we learn, we preserve insights for our future selves rather than letting valuable knowledge disappear.

Listen More, Talk Less: Zeno, Stoicism's founder, chose the quiet listener Cleanthes over the talkative Aristo to lead his school, reminding students "we have two ears and one mouth for a reason." Maya Angelou described herself as a "giant ear" who absorbed everything around her, fueling her writing. When we talk, we shut our ears to potential wisdom from others' perspectives and experiences.

Learn from Mistakes: Lou Gehrig became great not by avoiding mistakes but by refusing to make the same mistake twice. In baseball as in life, we learn through errors if we have the courage to try and the humility to learn. Marcus Aurelius wrote that if someone could show him his mistakes, he'd gladly change, because truth was his goal. What harms us is not the mistake itself but persisting in self-deception or ignorance.

Study History: Seneca said through studying history, "we annex all the lives of the past into our own." Rather than obsessing over current news and social media, we should immerse ourselves in historical study. The Greek word for history means "inquiry"—we should investigate deeply, exploring historical periods to understand both the past and present. History provides perspective that breaking news cannot.

Clean Up Your Information Diet: Consuming excessive, low-quality information is as harmful as consuming junk food. Schopenhauer noted that "the art of not reading" is important—it's about knowing the right things, not everything. In our information-saturated age, we must be selective, verify what we hear, avoid doom-scrolling, seek challenging perspectives, and distinguish between trivial and essential information.

Remain a Perpetual Student: Even as an old man and emperor, Marcus Aurelius still went to hear philosophers teach. Wisdom requires lifelong work and continuous learning. Once you believe you've learned everything, you close yourself off to new knowledge. The foundation of growing wiser is acknowledging what you don't know and actively working to resolve that gap.
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The official podcast of the freeCodeCamp.org open source community. Each week, freeCodeCamp founder Quincy Larson interviews developers, founders, and ambitious people in tech.

Learn to math, programming, and computer science for free, and turbo-charge your developer career with our free open source curriculum: https://www.freecodecamp.org

#198 When NOT to use AI in your hackathon project with MLH winners Cindy Cui and Alison Co

The freeCodeCamp Podcast

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- Building the Braillearn Hackathon Project: Allison Co and Cindy Cui won the NW Hacks hackathon with a device called Braillearn that helps visually impaired individuals learn to read Braille. The project addresses a critical need - only 10% of blind individuals can read Braille, yet 90% of employed visually impaired people are Braille-literate. Their device uses servo motors, Arduino, and a web interface to create an affordable alternative to expensive Braille tablets that typically cost around $4,000.

- The 24-Hour Hackathon Experience: The team created their project in just 24 hours, starting with software development and then building hardware components with same-day delivered servo motors. They encountered numerous challenges, including precision issues with the motors and having to MacGyver parts using dollar store materials like gift boxes and sewing pins. They worked through the night without sleep, finishing their prototype just hours before the deadline.

- When to Remove AI from Projects: Initially, the team incorporated Cohere's LLM to process speech input, but they later removed it because of latency issues. They realized that during a three-minute demo, having 20 seconds of AI processing time was impractical. Instead, they implemented a custom speech grammar that more efficiently interpreted user input, demonstrating that sometimes simpler, non-AI solutions are more effective.

- From Hackathon to GitHub Universe: After winning NW Hacks, the team was invited to GitHub Universe in San Francisco to showcase their project. They met with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and connected with accessibility experts, including GitHub's head of accessibility who is blind and provided valuable feedback on their product. Before the conference, Allison completely redesigned the hardware to make it more portable and precise.

- AI Usage in Education and Internships: Both students shared insights about AI usage in their university courses and internships. UBC now includes AI usage guidelines in syllabi, with varying restrictions depending on the course. At Shopify, where Cindy interns, employees are encouraged to use AI "reflexively" - trying AI solutions first before seeking other help. The experience has taught them that while AI is incredibly useful, it has limitations and can't replace critical thinking.

- Building Successful Student Careers: Cindy and Allison have secured impressive internships at companies like Shopify, HubSpot, and Rippling. They attribute their success to demonstrating teamwork skills through hackathons and extracurricular activities, noting that technical skills alone aren't enough in the current job market. Allison is recognized as one of Major League Hacking's Top 50 hackers, and both emphasize the importance of participating in resume reviews and networking events.

- The Future of Braillearn: The team is considering different paths forward for their project, including potentially pivoting to a software-only approach that would be compatible with existing Braille displays. They recognize the need for more market research and consultation with the visually impaired community to ensure their solution addresses real needs. The hardware approach presents manufacturing challenges, while a software focus might allow for quicker deployment and broader accessibility.

- Balancing Academic and Practical Learning: Both students advise incoming university students to "care less about school" and focus more on hands-on projects. They found that grades don't necessarily translate to workplace success, and recommend exploring technologies outside the classroom. Cindy's background in violin (Level 10 certification) taught her resilience and discipline that transferred well to computer science, highlighting the value of pursuing sustained interests.

- The Risk of Over-Reliance on AI: The students expressed concern about how AI might affect critical thinking skills. Cindy compared it to how calculators impacted mental math abilities across generations, worrying that AI could diminish people's ability to think deeply about problems. Allison shared experiences mentoring at hackathons where beginners submitted projects entirely "vibe-coded" with AI, making debugging nearly impossible because the students didn't understand the fundamentals of their own code.

- The Value of Learning Fundamentals: Despite the temptation to use AI shortcuts, both emphasized the importance of understanding programming fundamentals. They credited resources like freeCodeCamp for providing structured learning that builds a solid foundation, noting that while AI can accelerate development, it can't replace understanding how APIs work, how front-end communicates with back-end, and other core concepts.
</answer>

POLITICO Playbook's must-listen briefing on what's driving the day in Washington.

Mr. Mamdani goes to Washington

POLITICO Playbook Daily Briefing

The Playbook Podcast

<answer>
- Trump's Redistricting Pressure in Indiana: President Trump is pushing Indiana Senate President Roderick Bray to engage in mid-cycle redistricting to potentially gain two more Republican congressional seats. Bray, described as an institutionalist, has resisted, preferring to focus on winning the First Congressional District "the old-fashioned way" through elections rather than redrawing maps. The situation has escalated with Trump allies announcing primaries against sitting Republican senators, potentially endangering the Republican supermajority.

- The National Redistricting Wars: Redistricting has become increasingly partisan across the country, with both Democrats and Republicans viewing it as a political weapon. A new poll shows voters on both sides favor using partisan redistricting not just to level the playing field but to help their side win. This contrasts with the argument that Indiana voters prefer fairness and playing by established rules.

- Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani's Meeting with Trump: NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani, a 34-year-old progressive, is scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House. Despite representing vastly different aspects of New York City and politics, both men campaigned on addressing affordability and cost of living issues. The meeting presents a significant power imbalance, with Trump having home-court advantage in the Oval Office.

- Navigating Political Relationships: Mamdani might look to New York Governor Kathy Hochul as a template for how to work with Trump. Despite being a moderate Democrat, Hochul has developed a surprisingly effective working relationship with the president, learning to negotiate around difficult issues while maintaining both public opposition and private cooperation when necessary.

- Obama's New Role as Mentor-in-Chief: Former President Barack Obama has been reaching out to new Democratic leaders, including Mamdani and freshman House Democrats. At a recent gathering hosted by Nancy Pelosi, Obama met with nearly three dozen freshman Representatives, drawing parallels between the current political moment and 2005, when Democrats were last "in the wilderness" before making significant gains. Obama has expressed his desire to transition from being "a player to a coach" for the Democratic Party.

- Democratic Leadership Vacuum: Obama's mentorship highlights the current lack of natural leadership in the Democratic Party following the 2024 election. While rising stars like Mamdani are asked if they'll become the voice of Democrats nationally, there's uncertainty about who will guide the party forward - whether it's Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kamala Harris, or Obama himself. This leaves many rank-and-file Democrats seeking direction and a pathway out of the political wilderness.
</answer>

Welcome to Creative Principles, I'm your host Brock Swinson. Here I'll be speaking with writers, directors, actors, musicians and more. We'll discuss the habits, routines, and methods of a creative life.

Ep680 - Michael Shannon, Actor ‘Death by Lightning’ & ‘The Shape of Water’

Creative Principles

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From Speech Team to Screen Star: Michael Shannon's acting journey began in Kentucky when he joined his high school speech team as an alternative to sports. His career developed slowly through Chicago theater, where he initially worked for little to no money. There was "nothing overnight" about his rise in the industry.

Playing President James Garfield: Shannon was drawn to his role in "Death by Lightning" because he'd never been asked to play a president before. He expresses deep admiration for Garfield, describing him as "an incredible human being" whom more people should know about, even stating he wishes Garfield "could live forever and be our president right now."

Approaching Historical Figures: When playing real people, Shannon takes advantage of available materials to get "as accurate a read" as possible. He finds that acting in historical pieces provides a much more engaging way to learn about history than textbooks, as it requires truly inhabiting the time period.

Early Inspiration from "Starman": Though Shannon didn't frequently go to movies as a child due to financial constraints, he cites Jeff Bridges' performance in "Starman" as the first time he recognized "extraordinary acting." This film made him aware of the craft in a way he hadn't been before.

The Mystery of Acting: Shannon rejects systematic approaches to acting, describing it as a "mysterious process" that's primarily about "paying attention to things and awareness." He emphasizes that acting isn't just about dialogue but about being present throughout a performance, noting that "you could not say a word and still act."

Seeking the Element of Surprise: What draws Shannon back to acting when he considers retiring is the opportunity for surprise. He's most intrigued when asked to do roles that "don't make any sense" for him, like playing a president or a Mossad agent. He enjoys the challenge of playing characters he feels he has "no business playing."

Advice for Screenwriters: Shannon encourages screenwriters to be original rather than following formulas. He expresses frustration with reading scripts that feel like something he's "read 5,000 times before" and dismisses structural rules about three-act structure as "boring."
</answer>

We all know elections are won in the middle so why aren't politicians giving the people what they want? Bestselling author, professor and entrepreneur Scott Galloway and political strategist and The Five co-host Jessica Tarlov are here to give those of us who reside somewhere between the center left and the center right their takes on the latest politics all through a centrist lens. New episodes every Wednesday and Friday. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Can the DOJ Conceal Parts of the Epstein Files?

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

<answer>
- Epstein Files Controversy: The Epstein Files Transparency Act has passed through Congress and been signed, but significant hurdles remain for full disclosure. Key phrases like "national security" and "ongoing investigation" will likely be used to justify redactions. Trump reopened the DOJ investigation, which could further limit what's released. However, the bill requires Pam Bondi to provide Congress with public explanations for any redactions.

- Content of the Epstein Files: The files likely contain disturbing material including photos, videos, and evidence of powerful men involved in Epstein's trafficking network. Survivors primarily want the truth to come out, regardless of who is implicated, as many have been silenced by powerful people over decades.

- Trump's Inflammatory Social Media Posts: Trump recently "retruthed" a post suggesting Democrats should be hanged, similar to what "George Washington would do." This represents a dangerous escalation in rhetoric that shouldn't be dismissed as just "Trump being Trump." There's concern that such statements from a president-elect could incite violence, as has happened in the past.

- Upcoming Trump-Mamdani Meeting: New York City's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is scheduled to meet with President Trump, which could be a volatile encounter between two strong personalities. Mamdani will likely come prepared to make specific points, while Trump may initially be complimentary before potentially becoming confrontational.

- Redistricting and Gerrymandering Battles: A three-judge panel (including a Trump appointee) rejected Texas's proposed redistricting maps, a victory for Democrats. However, the case could go directly to the Supreme Court, which might reinstate the maps. Additionally, the Supreme Court is considering gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in June 2025, which could eliminate Black-majority districts across the South.

- 2026 Midterm Outlook: Democrats are projected to have a good showing in the 2026 midterms, potentially taking back the House but likely not the Senate due to the challenging map. Recent polls showing Democrats up by 14 points on the generic ballot are viewed as unrealistic, but the trend is favorable for Democrats.

- Saudi Arabia Normalization Concerns: The Trump administration's warm reception of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia ignores human rights concerns, including the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. While Saudi Arabia is strategically important, especially regarding Middle East peace efforts and oil, the whitewashing of its human rights abuses is troubling.
</answer>

Everything you need to know about the business of travel today. Each episode covers new travel stories from Skift's editorial team. Listen to the latest developments at hotels, airlines, destinations, online booking sites, and more.

Published Tuesday through Friday by 5am ET.

For ongoing coverage, please visit Skift.com/news.

Brand USA Funding Returns, Airlines Eye 2026, Peek Expands Experiences

Skift Daily Travel Briefing

<answer>
Brand USA Funding Revival: After an 80% funding cut earlier this year that led to layoffs and the shutdown of Go USA TV, Brand USA may receive a lifeline through the bipartisan Visit USA Act. The bill aims to restore up to $100 billion annually in matching funds, with timing that aligns perfectly with upcoming major events including the 2026 World Cup, America 250 celebrations, and the 2028 Olympics. The funding mechanism is supported by recently doubled ESTA fees.

Airline Industry Outlook for 2026: The aviation sector faces a "wait and watch" year in 2026 rather than a boom or bust scenario. While premium cabins continue to drive profits, fuel prices remain manageable, and new aircraft are helping reduce costs, several challenges persist. These include softening economy demand, tariffs, geopolitical tensions affecting travelers, safety concerns following recent crashes, labor disputes, and slowdowns at US borders. The key question is whether premium demand can continue supporting the industry.

Experiences Sector Expansion: Peak, a platform powering bookings and operations for tours and activities, announced two strategic acquisitions and $70 million in new funding. The company is acquiring Acme Ticketing for museums and attractions and Connecting Go for on-site technology at theme parks. Peak now processes over $1.5 billion in experiences booked annually, with less than 10% coming through online travel agencies. The funding will support expanding AI tools for pricing, fraud prevention, and analytics.

Digital Transformation in Tours and Activities: The experiences sector remains significantly under-digitized, with nearly half of all experience bookings still happening offline. Peak's acquisitions and funding reflect the ongoing digital transformation in this growing segment, positioning the company to compete with other rapidly expanding platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide.
</answer>

Hi, I’m Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment. What qualifies me for such an endeavor? More than a decade of sobriety, a degree in Anthropology and four years of improv training. I will attempt to discover human “truths” without any laboratory work, clinical trials or data collection. I will be, in the great tradition of 16th-century scientists, an Armchair Expert.Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting <a href="http://wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/</a> now.

Armchair Anonymous: Dental Disaster

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

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VR Goggles Gone Wrong: Christy shared a harrowing story about trying a virtual reality plank simulator at her brother's house. Wearing VR goggles that simulated being 40 stories high, she attempted to jump but instead lunged forward into her brother's entertainment center, hitting mouth-first and severely injuring her teeth. Despite not losing any teeth, they were pushed back and required dental splinting, orthodontic work, and 10 months of braces to recover.

Zipline Accident and Face-First Fall: Amanda, who worked at a summer camp, shared how she tripped and fell face-first onto rocks while trying to catch a zipline pulley that had been sent down empty. The impact caused her to hear a crunching noise as her upper lip took the brunt of the fall, resulting in severe dental damage.

Laughing Gas Disaster: Amy recounted her experience at a dental appointment where she received laughing gas after eating ramen noodles and coffee (without being told to fast beforehand). She passed out during the procedure and woke up projectile vomiting, covering herself, her white shirt, and her curly hair with noodles. The vomit clogged the dental suction system for the entire "open concept" dental office, but she still had to complete her crown procedure.

Mysterious Sleepover Injury: Elizabeth described how at age 7 or 8, she attended her first sleepover where the girls slept around a pool table in the basement. She woke up in the middle of the night covered in blood with her four front teeth shattered after a pool ball mysteriously landed on her face. No one ever discovered how or why it happened, but she has needed dental bonding ever since and can't whiten her teeth because the bonded teeth won't change color.

Dental Anxiety Is Common: Throughout the episode, hosts and guests discussed their fears around dental procedures. Multiple guests mentioned anxiety about dental visits, with solutions ranging from dissociation to laughing gas, emphasizing how common dental phobias are.

The Importance of Proper Dental Emergency Care: The stories highlighted how dental emergencies are handled differently than medical ones. When Christy went to the ER with her dental injury, the doctor had limited experience with dental cement and had to improvise treatment until she could see a dentist, showing the gap between emergency medical and dental care.

Post-Injury Dental Maintenance: Several guests discussed the long-term consequences of their dental injuries, including braces, retainers, bonding that needs to be replaced every decade, and the inability to eat normally or whiten teeth after repairs.
</answer>

Cut through the noise with The Intercept’s reporters as they tackle the most urgent issues of the moment. The Briefing is a new weekly podcast delivering incisive political analysis and deep investigative reporting, hosted by The Intercept’s journalists and contributors including Jessica Washington, Akela Lacy, and Jordan Uhl. <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Robert Reich Thinks Democrats Are On the Brink of a New Era

The Intercept Briefing 

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- Democracy at Risk: Robert Reich, former labor secretary under Bill Clinton, warns that Trump represents a dangerous authoritarian turn in American politics. While Trump positions himself as a populist champion of working people, his actual policies cater to the wealthy through tax cuts and deregulation while using bigotry to distract his base.

- Failed Democratic Leadership: Reich criticizes Democratic leadership for lacking backbone and failing to effectively challenge corporate power. He argues that leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries should "move on" to make way for younger, more progressive voices who are willing to directly confront corporate power and wealth inequality.

- The Working Class Abandonment: Democrats have lost the working class, according to Reich, because they've catered to big money interests rather than addressing economic struggles. He argues Democrats need to directly attack corporate price-gouging, monopolization, and the outsized influence of billionaires like Elon Musk to win back working-class voters.

- Rising Economic Inequality: Reich notes that real wages adjusted for inflation are declining for most Americans, with the bottom 90% in "very bad shape." Only the top 10% who own most stocks are doing well, creating a precarious economy where most people are falling behind while a small elite prospers.

- Clinton-Era Policy Regrets: Reich expresses regret about not fighting harder against NAFTA, China's accession to the World Trade Organization, Wall Street deregulation, and welfare cuts during the Clinton administration. He acknowledges these policies contributed to many of today's economic problems.

- Threats to Academic Freedom: The Trump administration has escalated longstanding Republican attacks on universities, Reich argues, using charges of antisemitism and criticisms of DEI programs as pretexts to restrict academic freedom. However, he believes these transparent attacks are helping educate the public about the underlying agenda.

- Hope for Democratic Reform: Despite his criticisms, Reich sees hope in the rise of younger progressive candidates who speak honestly about power dynamics and aren't dependent on corporate funding. He believes these new voices represent the future of the Democratic Party if it is to remain relevant.
</answer>

Interviews with Scholars of Education about their New Books
Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/education

Margaret Grace Myers, "The Fight for Sex Ed: The Century-Long Battle Between Truth and Doctrine" (Beacon Press, 2025)

New Books in Education

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- A Century of Controversy: Sex education debates in the U.S. date back to the early 1900s, not just recent decades. Discussions about what, when, and how to teach young people about sex have remained remarkably consistent for over a century, with many of the same questions being debated throughout this period.

- Early Motivations: Disease Prevention: The initial push for sex education around 1900-1915 was driven by alarmingly high rates of sexually transmitted infections (then called venereal diseases). In some cities like Baltimore, doctors estimated that up to 77% of men had gonorrhea, creating a public health crisis that prompted both medical professionals and religious reformers to advocate for education.

- The Military's Influential Role: Both World Wars significantly shaped sex education in America. During WWI, the federal government funded anti-STI education that initially focused strictly on abstinence. By WWII, military leaders recognized abstinence-only approaches weren't effective and began providing prophylactic kits and condoms, which influenced civilian education programs.

- The Abstinence Focus: Throughout its history, American sex education has predominantly emphasized abstinence before marriage as its core message. Even when providing other information, the foundation has typically been teaching "proper" dating, marriage, and family formation as the solution to preventing STIs and pregnancy.

- The Rise of National Controversy: While sex education faced localized opposition in its early decades, it became a national political issue in the 1960s with the emergence of the religious right, who framed sex education as promoting promiscuity. This period marked the beginning of culture war battles over sex education that continue today.

- The Spectrum of Approaches: By the 1970s-80s, sex education in America had evolved into widely varying approaches across different regions, from comprehensive programs that included contraception information to strict abstinence-only curricula. This inconsistency means students in different parts of the country receive fundamentally different education.

- Persistence Despite Evidence: Despite research showing that abstinence-only education is ineffective at reducing teen pregnancy and STI rates, many states continue to mandate this approach. The United States maintains some of the highest rates of teen pregnancy and STIs in the industrialized world, partially due to these educational policies.
</answer>

The ChatGPT podcast is a cutting-edge podcast exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and technology. Each episode delves into how AI is revolutionizing the industry, from personalization to data analysis, featuring insights from leading experts and real-world case studies.







TikTok Introduces Custom AI Filtering Profiles

ChatGPT: OpenAI, Sam Altman, AI, Joe Rogan, Artificial Intelligence, Practical AI

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- TikTok's New AI Content Controls: TikTok has introduced AI Generated Content Control (AIGC) within their Manage Topics tool, allowing users to adjust how much AI-generated content appears in their feeds. This feature lets users customize their experience by sliding controls to see more or less of specific content categories, including AI-generated videos.

- Growing Presence of AI Content: AI-generated videos are becoming increasingly prevalent across all social media platforms, including TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook. As this content becomes more realistic, it's getting harder for users to distinguish between real and AI-generated videos.

- Invisible Watermarking Technology: To address authenticity concerns, TikTok is implementing "invisible watermarking" technology that embeds undetectable markers directly into videos. Unlike metadata that can be easily removed through editing, these watermarks remain in the pixels of the video itself, helping TikTok identify AI-generated content even after modification.

- Content Labeling Standards: TikTok already requires users to label realistic AI-generated content and uses cross-industry technology called Content Credentials (from C2PA) that embeds metadata into content. However, these labels can be removed when content is edited or re-uploaded on different platforms.

- AI Literacy Initiative: Alongside technical solutions, TikTok is launching a $2 million AI literacy fund aimed at supporting nonprofits and experts to create educational content about AI safety and literacy. This dual approach recognizes that technical detection will always face challenges from those attempting to hide AI origins.
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Budgeting, Savings, Investing, Wealth Management for those that choose to Do It Yourself.

Disclosures
Joule Financial, LLC is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. A copy of Joule’s current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses among other things, Joule’s business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. 

All content in this podcast is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Joule Financial, LLC and our staff. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your financial advisor prior to implementation. It does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice nor should it be viewed as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities discussed.

Please note that neither Joule Financial, LLC nor any of it agents give legal or tax advice. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.  This presentation shall in no way be construed or interpreted as a solicitation to sell or offer to sell investment advisory services to anyone.
 
All information referenced is for illustrative purposes is not intended to be representative of any specific investment vehicle.  Past performance is not indicative of future results.  Charts, graphs, and returns do not represent the performance of Joule Financial, LLC or any of its advisory clients. Returns do not reflect the impact that advisory fees and other expenses have on the results. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. There are no assurances that an investor’s portfolio will match or outperform any particular benchmark. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client’s portfolio.  All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss.

Having a Child Financial Checklist

DIY Money | Personal Finance, Budgeting, Debt, Savings, Investing

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• Building a Strong Financial Foundation Pre-Baby: Riley and her husband are in an excellent financial position for starting a family, having established healthy fundamentals including maxing out IRAs, contributing to 401(k)s up to the match, maintaining an emergency fund, and having only mortgage debt. In the years before having children, couples should establish solid budget practices, clear financial roles between partners, and regular money conversations that can withstand the chaos a new baby brings.

• Health Insurance Considerations: As you plan for a baby, evaluate your health insurance options. You may need to adjust your coverage level when planning for pregnancy and childbirth, potentially moving from a high-deductible HSA plan to a PPO plan depending on anticipated medical expenses.

• Protection Planning for Your Growing Family: Once a baby arrives, review and update your insurance coverage, including term life insurance to protect your family financially if something happens to either parent. Consider disability insurance, especially for the primary income earner, to ensure income continuation in case of injury or illness.

• Estate Planning is Essential: After having a baby, update or create essential estate planning documents including wills that designate guardians for your child. Also update beneficiary designations on all accounts to include contingent beneficiaries in case something happens to both parents.

• Education and Future Planning Options: Explore savings vehicles for your child's future, such as 529 plans, custodial accounts, and the upcoming Roth UTRA accounts (coming in 2026). Determining the right mix of these options depends on your family's specific goals and needs.

• Budget Adjustments for Baby Expenses: Be prepared to update your budget significantly once the baby arrives. Your available margin will decrease with new expenses like diapers, childcare, medical costs and other baby necessities. Make sure your emergency fund remains robust to handle unexpected expenses during this transition.

• Consider Tax-Advantaged Accounts for Childcare: Look into establishing a Dependent Care FSA (Flexible Spending Account) through your employer, which allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualifying childcare expenses, potentially saving you money on anticipated costs.
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      As a parent, do you ever wish someone could just whisper some realistic and trustworthy support in your ear? And not make you feel awful for not having all the answers? Well, that’s what I’m here for. 

I'm Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, parent educator, asst. clinical professor, and co-founder of both Mount Sinai Parenting Center and SeedlingsGroup. And I'm a mom... trying to raise two good humans myself, so I'm in this with you!
 
In each episode, we'll go deep (but brief) with both experts and parents to share the most effective approaches and tools and talk about the important bigger picture of raising good humans. My goal is to make your parenting journey less overwhelming and a lot more joyful! 

Please join me every Friday for new episodes of Raising Good Humans.
    

Adolescence Isn’t What We Think: The Real Reason Your Teen Isn’t Listening to You, Why They Push Back, and More w/ New York Times Journalist Matt Richtel

Raising Good Humans

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• Redefining Adolescence: Adolescence is a period with a profound purpose - the integration of the known (what parents teach) and the unknown (what works in a fast-moving world) with a highly sensitized brain. It's not just the teenage years but spans from roughly ages 9 to 28 when considering brain development.

• Information Processing, Not Rebellion: Contrary to 125 years of scholarship viewing adolescence as problematic, it's actually the most profound period of information processing in a person's life. Adolescents are biologically wired to take in and reconcile information from their environment to determine what to trust in a changing world.

• Why Teens Don't Listen to Parents: Research shows that adolescent brains are literally programmed to pay more attention to novel voices (strangers) than familiar ones (parents). This isn't personal - it's evolutionary. Their brains are designed to tune into the wider world to learn how to survive beyond the family unit.

• The "Overloaded System" Framework: Adolescents frequently experience information-processing overload that manifests as emotional outbursts or rumination. When a teen says "Everyone in ninth grade hates me," they're experiencing the equivalent of adult road rage - a system breakdown from overwhelm.

• Helping Teens "Reboot": Rather than reasoning with an overloaded adolescent (like "hitting enter on a frozen computer"), parents should focus on helping teens regulate their emotional state first. Techniques include physical interventions (exercise, cold shower), mindfulness practices, or therapeutic approaches like DBT or CBT.

• Screen Time Concerns: While excessive screen time isn't ideal, the more concerning aspect is what it displaces - sleep, exercise, in-person interactions, and other known components of healthy development. Rather than simply blaming devices, parents should ensure these foundational needs are met.

• Generation Rumination: Today's adolescents tend to process challenges internally rather than externally (compared to previous generations who had more "skinned knees"). This internalization, combined with co-rumination (repeatedly discussing problems as a form of connection), can amplify distress.

• Keys for Parents: Matt Richtel suggests "love, lead, and let go" as a framework for parents. Unconditional love creates safety, leading with clear boundaries enables survival, and letting go acknowledges that adolescents must develop their own identity.

• What to Teach Adolescents: The most valuable skills to instill are curiosity (to adapt to constant change), the ability to live with ambiguity, effective coping mechanisms, and the fundamental belief that "things will be okay." These equip young people to navigate uncertainty.

• Modeling for Growth: Parents need to practice these same skills themselves. The book's title "How We Grow Up" emphasizes that adolescent challenges reflect the same integration of known and unknown that adults struggle with, especially in today's rapidly changing world.
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TechStuff is a show about technology. And it’s not just how technology works. Join host Jonathan Strickland as he explores the people behind the tech, the companies that market it and how technology affects our lives and culture.

Week in Tech: Could a Dead Cat Sink Waymo?

TechStuff

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- Silicon Valley's Dominance in Tech: Nick McEwen, a former Stanford professor and tech entrepreneur, discusses how the concentration of technology power on the U.S. West Coast creates concerns for other nations about being "takers, not makers" in the global tech ecosystem.

- Britain's AI Chip Opportunity: McEwen advises the British government on technology strategy and believes the UK has a unique opportunity to become the world's second-largest AI chip designer after the U.S. He suggests the UK could capture 5% of the projected $700 billion AI chip market by 2033, representing a potential $35 billion in revenue.

- Chip Design vs. Manufacturing: McEwen distinguishes between chip design (like architecture) and manufacturing (like construction). While manufacturing requires enormous $25 billion investments that only major economies like the U.S. can afford, the UK can focus on chip design, leveraging its historical strengths in semiconductor innovation and computer architecture.

- Workforce Development Strategy: To achieve this vision, McEwen recommends doubling the UK's chip designer workforce from the current 12,000 within the next decade. This requires increasing physics and electrical engineering education, offering bursaries to students, and attracting experienced chip designers from overseas.

- Strategic Technology Investment: McEwen advocates for government funding of strategic technology development, similar to how U.S. government investments helped build Silicon Valley. He believes governments should make "bold bets" alongside private sector experts but then "get out of the way" to let entrepreneurship and the free market drive growth.

- Preparing for Market Volatility: McEwen acknowledges the AI sector likely faces future boom-bust cycles similar to what happened with the internet in the 1990s, but believes that the technology will continue growing long-term despite potential setbacks.

- China's Competitive Limitations: McEwen points out that China, which typically takes second place in tech markets, faces unique constraints in AI chip development due to export restrictions preventing access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing nodes below 7nm, creating an opportunity for the UK.
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Trust in the media is at an all-time low. And there’s a reason—endless virtue signaling and manufactured outrage. Finally, there’s an alternative. Morning Wire is presented by Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief, John Bickley, and co-host Georgia Howe. Get daily coverage of the latest developments in politics, culture, education, sports, and more. Wake up with Morning Wire and get the facts first on the news you need to know.

Trump Meets Mamdani & Epstein Fallout Continues | 11.21.25

Morning Wire

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• Trump-Mamdani Meeting: President Trump is set to meet with New York City mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani at the White House, despite their previous hostile exchanges. Mamdani, who previously called Trump a "despot" and promised to "Trump-proof" New York City, has softened his tone ahead of the meeting, noting they both campaigned on addressing cost of living issues. Trump had previously threatened to withhold federal funding from NYC if Mamdani won.

• Epstein Files Release: President Trump has signed a bill requiring the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents within 30 days, with exceptions for victim protection, national security, and ongoing investigations. The files will include flight records, emails, and plea deal details. This represents a shift from the White House's earlier resistance to full document release.

• Fallout from Epstein Connections: Newly released documents are already implicating prominent figures. Democratic Delegate Stacy Plaskett was shown receiving text messages from Epstein during a congressional hearing. Philosopher Noam Chomsky maintained friendly correspondence with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction. Former Clinton Treasury Secretary Larry Summers continued communications with Epstein until 2019 and has now resigned from the OpenAI board.

• September Jobs Report: The September jobs report showed 119,000 jobs added, more than double what economists expected, though previous months saw downward revisions. The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.4%. Vice President J.D. Vance highlighted that job growth is now going to native-born American citizens rather than foreign-born workers, as he claimed occurred during the Biden administration.

• Economic Perception Gap: Despite the administration's positive framing of economic data, public perception remains negative. A Fox News survey revealed 76% of voters view the economy negatively—worse than during President Biden's term. Twice as many respondents blame Trump rather than Biden for current economic conditions, presenting a potential challenge for the administration ahead of future elections.
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A podcast exploring the science and practice of compassion. Offers clear and practical advice on how to cultivate compassion and self-compassion from experts in the field. Life can be difficult, and this podcast is designed to help. Compassion in a T-Shirt has featured guests including Professor Paul Gilbert, Professor Terri Moyers, Professor James Doty, Deirdre Fay, Dr Chris Germer, Dr Kristin Neff, Dr Marcela Matos, Dr James Kirby, and more.

IFS Explained: Compassion, Parts, and the Self | Megan Buys

Compassion in a T-Shirt

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• Personal Journey with IFS: Megan Buys discovered Internal Family Systems (IFS) at age 18 during a period of anxiety and panic attacks. She found YouTube videos explaining the concept, which resonated with her experience of feeling separated from her anxious parts. A profound dream experience connected her to the concept of "Self" in IFS, which sparked her ongoing interest in the model.

• Foundations of Internal Family Systems: IFS was developed by Richard Schwartz, a family therapist working with eating disorder clients. He noticed that even when clients left dysfunctional family systems, their eating disorders persisted. The model applies family systems theory to our internal world, viewing the psyche as comprising different parts that maintain homeostasis. No parts are considered "bad" - all serve a protective function, even if their methods aren't optimal.

• The Role of Self in IFS: The "Self" (with a capital S) is a core concept in IFS - a compassionate, calm, curious consciousness that can hold and observe all parts without becoming overwhelmed. Unlike parts that may feel extreme emotions or have rigid agendas, Self has inherent qualities summarized as the "eight Cs" including compassion, curiosity, calmness, and clarity. The goal of IFS therapy is to become "Self-led."

• Practical Application of IFS Therapy: In therapy sessions, Megan incorporates art therapy by creating visual "parts maps" - drawing representations of different parts on paper. This creative process helps clients externalize, name, and visualize their parts, making abstract concepts more tangible. Clients might draw parts like "the drill sergeant" (inner critic) or "the exhausted cloud" (fatigued part), creating a visual representation of their internal system.

• Creating Safety for Vulnerable Parts: A key therapeutic approach in IFS involves making parts feel safe enough to engage in conversation. This might mean allowing a vulnerable part to stay in the corner of the room rather than forcing it to "sit in a chair," or inviting critical parts to change into more comfortable attire. Megan noted that vulnerable parts often want to wear pajamas - symbolizing comfort and safety.

• Beyond Acceptance to Compassionate Embrace: IFS goes beyond merely accepting difficult parts to actually embracing them with compassion. Rather than neutrally acknowledging parts, the Self approaches them with genuine care and curiosity. This isn't forced but emerges naturally through identifying moments when clients express safety, curiosity, or clarity - signs that Self is present.

• Balancing Compassion with Leadership: The Self combines compassion with "clearness" - the ability to take charge when necessary. Like a good parent, it can both empathize with parts and set boundaries when they're being harmful, maintaining a balanced leadership within the internal system.

• Therapist Self-Awareness: IFS practitioners recognize their own parts that may arise during therapy sessions. While not necessarily bringing these into the client conversation, therapists maintain awareness of their own internal system, which helps them demonstrate Self-leadership and stay present with clients.

• Evidence Base and Research Needs: Megan authored the first comprehensive synthesis of IFS research, finding substantial qualitative evidence and emerging empirical support. She notes the field needs more quantitative research to strengthen its evidence base, which would help with broader acceptance in academic circles and potentially improve accessibility of IFS therapy.

• Application to Specific Conditions: Megan's PhD research applied IFS to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), where women often experience a sense of "split self" during their cycle. The approach helped clients map their internal systems and understand how different parts (the inner critic, exhausted parts, vulnerable parts) interact and maintain cycles of suffering during premenstrual phases.
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The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

The Tudor Dixon Podcast: Scott Jennings on Trump’s Political Disruption, MTG Fallout, and Why America Needs a Common-Sense Revolution

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

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• Trump's Unscripted Authenticity Revolutionized Political Communication: Donald Trump has fundamentally changed political media by speaking authentically rather than relying on teleprompters and scripted remarks. This approach connects with audiences who value politicians speaking from the heart, even if it sometimes leads to controversial statements. The energy and connection Trump achieves when speaking off-the-cuff is significantly more effective than his teleprompter speeches.

• The Marjorie Taylor Greene Fallout: Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent public criticism of Trump appears connected to his private feedback about her potential Senate run. Trump's team discreetly shared polling data showing she couldn't win a statewide race in Georgia, attempting to save her from public humiliation. Since then, she has opposed Trump on several issues and appeared on liberal media outlets criticizing him, creating a rift in their previously close relationship.

• Media Strategy and Fighting Back: Trump evaluates whether institutional fights are "worth having" and is willing to challenge corrupt or failing institutions like universities and media outlets. His confrontational approach differs from traditional Republican responses, as he deliberately overwhelms antagonistic forces rather than being overwhelmed by them. This strategy has allowed his administration to accomplish significant goals quickly.

• The Epstein Files Controversy: Recent revelations from the Epstein files suggest Epstein had a negative relationship with Trump, particularly after being banned from Mar-a-Lago. While Democrats hoped these files would implicate Trump, they instead show deeper connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including evidence that Congresswoman Stacy Plaskett coordinated with Epstein on anti-Trump messaging.

• Communication Differences Between Bush and Trump Administrations: Jennings, who worked in the Bush White House, notes the major difference is the media environment - Bush operated before social media, when information moved slower and traditional media had more control. Trump operates in an instantaneous communication environment with more channels to bypass mainstream media, including podcasts, YouTube, and independent journalism.

• Elon Musk's Government Concerns: Elon Musk joined Trump's efforts primarily out of concern about America's potential bankruptcy. He views issues like devaluing currency, mass migration, and falling birth rates as existential threats to Western civilization. His experience in government highlighted the frustrating bureaucracy that hampers quick action, contrasting sharply with his business approach of "moving fast and breaking things."

• Common Sense Revolution Against Cultural Extremism: Jennings' book "A Revolution of Common Sense" argues that Trump's appeal comes from challenging what many Americans see as absurd progressive positions on issues like gender, DEI, and government spending priorities. Trump articulates what many people think privately but hesitate to say publicly about controversial cultural issues.
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Mike Drop, hosted by former Navy SEAL and bestselling author Mike Ritland, is a no-holds-barred platform that dives deep into the stories and experiences of extraordinary individuals. Known for his candid and unfiltered approach, Mike interviews guests ranging from special operations veterans and elite athletes to renowned authors and thought leaders, offering listeners a exclusive glimpse into the human side of those who have excelled in their fields. Whether it's discussing the intense challenges of combat or the resilience required to overcome personal adversity, Mike Drop provides a space where real conversations happen.

Green Beret Muslim Veteran Goes Nuclear on Trump Admin, Tariffs & America’s Future | Ep. 266 | Pt. 3

Mike Drop

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- Trump's Leadership Style and Communication Issues: The podcast discusses Trump's problematic communication approach as president, with both speakers agreeing that leadership should involve earning respect rather than demanding it. They critique his tendency to take credit for positive developments while blaming others for negative outcomes, and note that his administration officials often adopt a similar "my way or the highway" tone.

- Tariffs and Economic Policy: The speakers analyze how tariffs work, emphasizing that they ultimately tax American consumers rather than foreign countries. They discuss how Trump's tariff policies, while intended to bring manufacturing back to the US, have not been accompanied by sufficient incentives for companies to manufacture domestically. They suggest focusing on education and incentivizing domestic production rather than penalizing imports.

- Kawa's Unique Perspective as an Afghan-American Green Beret: Kawa shares his experience as a first-generation immigrant from Afghanistan who served in US Special Forces, including returning to Afghanistan on deployment where he reconnected with family. This background gives him a distinctive lens through which to view American foreign policy and domestic issues, balancing patriotism with critical analysis.

- The Israel-Palestine Conflict: Kawa provides an in-depth analysis of the Israel-Palestine situation, expressing skepticism about the recent peace deal and suggesting it's largely "theatrics." He argues that Israel consistently breaks ceasefires and that a solution would require returning to the 1967 borders and establishing a UN peacekeeping force to maintain stability while Palestinian self-governance is established.

- US Foreign Policy Hypocrisy: The conversation addresses the tension between America's stated values of promoting democracy while supporting autocratic regimes. Kawa acknowledges this contradiction from his personal experience and suggests that Americans must both own this history and work to improve future policies, possibly taking a "tactical timeout" from global interventionism to focus on domestic issues.

- Charlie Kirk's Death and Conspiracy Theories: Kawa shares his perspective on Charlie Kirk's death, suggesting that the official narrative has inconsistencies. He speculates that Kirk may have been targeted because he was becoming critical of Israel after previously supporting it, potentially threatening to influence his large following of young Americans to question US support for Israel.

- Pete Hegseth's Speech to Military Leaders: The hosts critique Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's televised address to military generals, with Kawa arguing that while he agrees with raising standards, the confrontational approach and public nature of the meeting was counterproductive and made America look weak. They discuss whether the military should focus more on combat readiness versus social initiatives.

- Misconceptions About Islam and "Sharia Law": Kawa addresses widespread misconceptions about Islam and Sharia, explaining that "Sharia law" is not a political system meant to be imposed but rather a religious guide for Muslims in various aspects of life. He differentiates between cultural practices in some Muslim-majority countries and actual Islamic teachings, comparing how Christianity has different interpretations and implementations across cultures.

- America's Divided Society: Both speakers express concern about growing division in American society, discussing how much is organic versus manufactured by media and foreign influence. They emphasize that Americans have more in common than what divides them and should focus on these commonalities rather than differences, with Kawa noting that despite different backgrounds, he and Mike share core values about America.

- The Role of Special Operations Veterans in Public Discourse: Kawa discusses the responsibility he feels to speak out on important issues despite potential backlash, noting that his family sometimes encourages him to "tone it down." Both hosts emphasize the importance of veterans sharing their perspectives and standing for what they believe in, even when it's unpopular.

- Call for Greater Civic Engagement: The conversation repeatedly returns to the need for Americans to become more engaged with their government, particularly at the local level through town hall meetings and direct communication with representatives. They argue that citizens must hold politicians accountable rather than becoming complacent about the influence of special interests and lobbies on American policy.

- Concerns About America's Future Direction: While both hosts don't believe civil conflict is imminent, they express concern about growing government intrusion into civil liberties, the influence of foreign interests on domestic policy, and the need to refocus on American priorities rather than overseas entanglements.
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The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's largest public affairs forum. The nonpartisan and nonprofit Club produces and distributes programs featuring diverse viewpoints from thought leaders on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast — the oldest in the U.S., since 1924 — is carried on hundreds of stations. Our website features audio and video of our programs. This podcast feed is usually updated multiple times each week.

CLIMATE ONE: Joe Manchin: Coal, Climate, and ‘Common Sense’

Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

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Joe Manchin's Coal and Climate Journey: Former Senator Manchin describes his opposition to the 2010 Waxman-Markey cap and trade bill while later supporting the Inflation Reduction Act. He explains that his position never changed—he consistently wanted climate solutions that were economically viable for coal communities while creating pathways to cleaner energy through technology rather than elimination.

Balance Between Energy Production and Climate Action: Manchin advocates for a balanced approach to energy policy that acknowledges the need for dispatchable energy (available 24/7) while transitioning to cleaner sources. He emphasizes the importance of technological innovation like carbon capture, nuclear power, and battery storage rather than abruptly eliminating fossil fuels.

The Politics of the Inflation Reduction Act: Manchin details how he wrote an energy bill in 2022 that became part of the IRA, incorporating Republican input despite being passed through reconciliation with only Democratic votes. He regrets calling it the "Inflation Reduction Act" rather than the "Energy Security Act," which might have made it more politically durable.

Frustrations with Democratic Party's Evolution: Manchin explains his disillusionment with how the Democratic Party shifted from focusing primarily on working-class economic issues to emphasizing social values. He attributes West Virginia's political transformation from 75% Democratic to 80% Republican on the perception that Democrats "spend more effort with people able to work who don't work than those of us who do."

Personal Experience Shaping Political Views: Manchin shares how his upbringing in a coal mining town and family tragedy (losing his family store to fire) shaped his pragmatic approach to politics. He emphasizes the importance of work ethic and taking responsibility for one's actions, which influenced his opposition to what he saw as excessive government handouts.

Concern About National Debt and Economic Inequality: Manchin expresses deep concern about the $38 trillion national debt and cites Admiral Mike Mullen's warning that debt—not foreign adversaries—is the greatest threat to America. He also criticizes growing income inequality and unfair tax systems that favor the wealthy.

Clean Energy Transition in West Virginia: The podcast features Thomas Ramey from Solar Holler, who describes the company's work bringing solar power to Appalachia. As a son and grandson of coal miners, Ramey emphasizes how they market solar on financial benefits rather than environmental messaging, calling their workers "sun miners" to honor the region's energy heritage while creating new opportunities.

Frustration with Political Extremes: Manchin repeatedly advocates for a centrist approach, arguing that most Americans are not on the far left or far right. He criticizes both parties for abandoning fiscal responsibility and common sense, lamenting the decline of compromise in Washington.

Approach to Community Transitions: Manchin stresses the importance of not leaving coal communities behind during energy transitions. He praises parts of Biden's approach that provided incentives to bring companies into coal areas during transition.

Personal Cost of Black Lung Disease: Thomas Ramey shares how his grandfather died from black lung disease from working in the mines without proper protection, illustrating the human toll of coal mining that often goes unrecognized outside mining communities.

Solar Growth in Coal Country: Ramey describes how Wayne County schools in West Virginia signed a power purchase agreement with Solar Holler that will save them $150,000 annually while creating apprenticeship opportunities for students. This represents how clean energy can provide economic benefits in traditional coal communities.

Concerns About American Democracy: Manchin expresses worry about the state of American democracy, citing misinformation on social platforms and the inability of politicians to work across party lines as major challenges. He advocates for approaching problems as Americans first, not as Democrats or Republicans.
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