Acts of Pod
87 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratingsA weekly podcast where we cover flashpoints in history that help to give context to our current chaotic state of affairs.
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Episodes
Is There a Labor Shortage or Does No One Want to Work Your Terrible Jobs?
May 24, 2021 00:34 - 56 minutesIf you check social media lately you'll see that businesses have been posting signs saying that no one has been showing up for their shifts at different restaurants and no one wants to work anymore. Republican governors have been cutting extra unemployment benefits because they want to incentivize people to get back to work who have been getting a little too comfortable with that extra $300 dollar payout during the pandemic. Is there more to the story? Are people hesitant to return to work se...
History of Conspiracy Theory as Political Tool or They're Coming for Your Hamburgers!
May 02, 2021 20:03 - 50 minutesIf you haven't heard, the radical left is coming for you and your way of life. They want to cancel your children's books, they want to take away your guns, and worst of all, limit your red meat intake to 4 pounds a year. Where is this threat coming from exactly? Great question! Can I see the data on that, is there an article or even something coming out of the White House stating their intentions? Nope. But sometimes you have to read in between the lines and intuit what's "really" going on an...
Voter Suppression Bills or Block the Vote the Sequel
April 26, 2021 12:44 - 53 minutesYou would think as we are still fighting the pandemic and dealing with the fallout from quarantine, that state governments would be focusing on education, employment, or healthcare. There is so much need and healing in this country you would hardly know where to start but republican legislatures knew exactly where to start, voter suppression bills. There are literally hundreds of voter suppression bills making it more difficult for people to vote up in 47 states as we speak. We cover some of ...
A Brief History of Mass Shootings and Gun Violence
March 31, 2021 17:14 - 52 minutesIf you were wondering why there are more mass shootings in the US than any other country, we'll let you in on a little secret, with only 4.4% of the world's population, we account for 46% of civilian held firearms. That's a lot of guns. And it's hard to talk about an issue with a lot of angry people that have a ton of guns, so you can see how this has become an intractable problem. Will this next generation that has lived under the shadow of school shooter drills and the threat of mass shooti...
The Origin Story of Cancel Culture or Cancel Culture Club
March 18, 2021 05:33 - 42 minutesA year into the pandemic, with over a half a million lives lost, economic stress, kids missing out on school, we all know that despite all this loss the most important issue facing us all is the threat of being cancelled, or at least you would believe that based on the amount of coverage it receives. Now if you feel cancel culture may not be as dangerous as let's say, unchecked systemic violence, you would be correct. But why is it when there are verifiably more pressing threats, that these i...
History of The Religious Right or They're Neither Moral Nor the Majority, Discuss
February 20, 2021 11:49 - 57 minutesThe religious right, has several names and is comprised of several groups but didn't really coalesce and show their real influence until the mid to late 70s. Surprisingly, it was not the election of the first Southern Evangelical, Jimmy Carter, that offered a cause for Southern Evangelicals and other Christian religious groups to rally around, it wasn't reproductive rights or their reintroduction of Christian prayer in schools either. This week we take a look at the religious right and it's m...
The Minimum Wage or The Very Least You Could Do
January 28, 2021 22:20 - 43 minutesThere has been talk recently of finally raising the minimum wage to 15.00 dollars an hour. The last time it was raised was in 2007 to 7..25 and it has remained there despite a raise in prices, rents, and other costs of living. It wasn't until 1938 that any legislation was passed mandating a minimum of wage and even then it only covered a small percentage of American workers and it took America being in the depth of a financial crisis to get it passed. What will it take to get a similar raise ...
A Brief History of American Coups or Qwhite Riots
January 23, 2021 09:46 - 40 minutesJanuary 6th 2021 was not the first time in American History that a group of people, unhappy with the outcome of an election resorted to violence. In fact, on November 10, 1898, in what became known as the Wilmington massacre, a group of white supremacists murdered up to an estimated 300 people and threw black officials out of their elected offices. This is why it's become more important than ever to protect not only the vote but the sanctity of the outcome. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Socialism in America or Oh no I know a Dirty Word
December 29, 2020 19:44 - 48 minutesIn recent polling, Socialism is very unpopular in America and yet programs like social security and Medicare are extremely popular. How did it happen that socialist programs remain popular for decades and the mention of socialism or democratic socialist candidates consistently polls anywhere between 25 to 50%? If you can believe it, it's the result of a long and sustained campaigns starting in the late 1800s that link capitalism to patriotism and benefits the same group of people who seem to ...
Vax of Pod or A Brief History of Vaccines
December 17, 2020 06:31 - 52 minutesFor as long as we've had infectious disease, we've had attempts at inoculations. And from the very first instances of inoculations, there have been people who have been resistant. Considering that these usually consisted of smearing the contents of pustules over newly torn skin, it's understandable how people might hesitate. Now on the brink of our most recent vaccine in the middle of this generation's pandemic, how will we react compared to generations past? We cover a brief history of vacci...
The Origin Story of Fox News or When You Just Don't Give A Fox About Facts
November 28, 2020 07:10 - 53 minutesWhen two dreamers met, a megalomaniacal media mogul, and a behind the scenes conservative wizard behind Nixon, Reagan and George W. Bush's campaign, who could have imagined what would have blossomed? Now in every airport, hospital lobby, military base, and probably your meemaw's house, you can see the fruits of their labor. We cover the origin story of Fox News in this episode and ways the progressive left may be able to balance the scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...
The Electoral College: It's Time to Dropout
November 09, 2020 17:22 - 48 minutesWhat makes our democracy unique? Is it because we're the best? It's because we employ electors to vote on our behalf, rather than have a one vote one voice policy or a direct democracy which most of the world with democracies have embraced. Again, we are the only country in the world who uses this method. In this episode we explore the dark origins of the electoral college and why we have been unable to rid ourselves of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Women during the Pandemic or This Woman's Work
October 21, 2020 09:23 - 48 minutesHow are women holding up during the pandemic? With women dominated professions being deemed essential work, and the demands of domestic labor increasing, women are facing burn out. Increasingly, women are taking on both childcare and schooling responsibilities while also feeling increased economic pressure. In this episode we talk about how the pandemic has further clarified the systemic hardships facing women and how even a little support could go a long way. Learn more about your ad choice...
Cults of Personality or They Call You Mr. Personality Because You're So Ugly
October 06, 2020 03:07 - 59 minutesWelcome to easily one of the least fun cults available, you may never even know you've joined and the perks are lackluster at best. After the age of God Kings, how can you impress your friends and really let the world know that you're in it for the long haul, and you're something special? You build your brand. You take over media, you smack your face and name over every available surface, you have your name on everyone's lips, and you take control of the narrative. On today's Acts of Pod we c...
A Brief History of Presidential Tax Returns or I'll Show You Mine if You Show Me Yours
September 30, 2020 08:47 - 44 minutesYou take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and then you have the tax of life. On this very special episode of Tax of Pod, we tackle the revelations of President Trump's Tax returns and link it back to the first time Presidential Tax returns made news (hint: Nixon). But beyond why it's important to know the financial entanglements of a person in a position of power and trust, this episode has highlighted how inequality impacts tax collection, how the burden of tax falls on those w...
Law and Order Campaigns: What are They and Who's the Biggest Dick Wolf about Using Them?
September 22, 2020 03:31 - 55 minutesAlthough we seem to be at the let's throw everything at the wall and see what sticks part of the Trump presidential reelection campaign, one strategy that has been utilized is the classic republican golden oldie the Law and Order platform. In this episode, we cover both the superficial and the dog whistle meaning of this tactic that seems to appear in American campaigns at the same time major civil rights movements develop and build momentum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
An Intro to Qanon or 4Qanon Blondes, What's going on?
August 29, 2020 02:53 - 51 minutesWhat began as a post on 4chan has become one of the fastest growing movements in politics. It's an all encompassing conspiracy theory that builds on past classic fears such as Satan worship, secret cabals, harvesting the young for their life prolonging vitality, and of course they've added their own new heroes like Donald Trump and John Kennedy Jr. who has been in hiding after faking his own death. Is there a reason these movements appear when they do and what do they indicate about the state...
Cointelpro: When The FBI Infiltrated the Civil Rights Movement or Fun Party Who Invited the Feds?
August 15, 2020 08:52 - 52 minutesBetween the years the 1956 and 1971 the FBI ran a covert intelligence operation headed by Hoover himself that infiltrated everything from the Socialist Workers Party to the Black Panthers under the auspices of gathering information at first and dismantling civil rights organizations later on. While these operations were well known within government, they were also completely illegal and only came to light after a break in to a small FBI satellite office during an Ali vs Frazier fight when hun...
Mt. Rushmore and Stone Mountain or If you have Something to Say, Say it To My HUGE FACE
July 13, 2020 22:16 - 55 minutesIn the middle of a huge pandemic, we've also seen a large coordinated civil rights campaign that has had global participation. During this time, there has also been renewed focus on statues and monuments and what they represent, who they are glorifying and at what cost? In this episode we talk about two enormous monuments and find out what motivated their erections, the men and women behind their conceptions, and how to treat monuments going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Corona Conspiracies or A Man with A Plandemic
May 28, 2020 00:53 - 59 minutesOn this week's episode of Acts of Pod we cover several conspiracy theories that have been spreading around the social media platforms. Everything from "Plandemic" to 5g technology's dark side, Bill Gates and his years' long crusade to introduce a virus only to cure it - at a price! Of course, these conspiracies, misinformation campaigns and disinformation from other countries is not consequence free, it puts already vulnerable people at unnecessary risk. We can only hope that this reaches all...
56 - Covideo Killed the Radio Star or Astroturf is for Jerks
April 28, 2020 05:45 - 1 hourThis week finds us deep in our isolation pods here at Acts of Pod. While it is true that we cover the term Astroturfing, we also dive into the psychological depths of the quarantine, examine both positive and negative coping mechanisms, and share some of our personal triumphs and horrors in hopes we connect with the greater struggle. So join us on this journey if only to escape the confines of your own quarantine prison for a few minutes. Good luck out there. Learn more about your ad choices...
55 - Corona Capitalism or With You Right Here I'm A Profiteer
March 24, 2020 12:24 - 1 hourReporting from our self isolation chambers, we've been reading the news so you don't have to and can continue with those projects you've been meaning to finish. During these trying times some have risen to the occasion while others have tried to take advantage of our vulnerabilities. We here at Acts of Pod try to keep you updated on the state of our healthcare system, what's happening with our government and what to avoid on amazon and eBay so you can act accordingly. Stay strong in your isol...
Corona Capitalism or With You Right Here I'm A Profiteer
March 24, 2020 12:24 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBReporting from our self isolation chambers, we've been reading the news so you don't have to and can continue with those projects you've been meaning to finish. During these trying times some have risen to the occasion while others have tried to take advantage of our vulnerabilities. We here at Acts of Pod try to keep you updated on the state of our healthcare system, what's happening with our government and what to avoid on amazon and eBay so you can act accordingly. Stay strong in your iso...
A Brief History of Quarantines or Pandemic At the Disco!
March 17, 2020 13:04 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBIn today's episode, we give a brief primer on how quarantines have worked since the Plague of Justinian, through all manner of fevers, viruses, flues you name it. We'll walk you through the information being disseminated now, what we know about the psychological impact of social distancing and what you can expect. We'll even tell you how you can report price gouging on Lysol products you find on eBay. There is no reason to Panic! but we would like you to stay indoors and wash your hands.
54 - A Brief History of Quarantines or Pandemic At the Disco!
March 17, 2020 13:04 - 1 hourIn today's episode, we give a brief primer on how quarantines have worked since the Plague of Justinian, through all manner of fevers, viruses, flues you name it. We'll walk you through the information being disseminated now, what we know about the psychological impact of social distancing and what you can expect. We'll even tell you how you can report price gouging on Lysol products you find on eBay. There is no reason to Panic! but we would like you to stay indoors and wash your hands. Lea...
53 - Banana Republics OR This Sh!t is Bananas
March 05, 2020 05:58 - 57 minutesYou may have heard this present administration described as a banana republic, maybe by us. Well, you may not know what that means exactly. Does it involve a sham democracy? Does it involve corporate interests taking over a country and slowly eroding at the rights of working people? Could you just about put any dummy in charge because the ones pulling the strings are faceless plutocrats … you know what, yes. We're being pretty heavy handed here with the comparisons but, yes. Stay tuned for un...
Banana Republics OR This Sh!t is Bananas
March 05, 2020 05:58 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MBYou may have heard this present administration described as a banana republic, maybe by us. Well, you may not know what that means exactly. Does it involve a sham democracy? Does it involve corporate interests taking over a country and slowly eroding at the rights of working people? Could you just about put any dummy in charge because the ones pulling the strings are faceless plutocrats … you know what, yes. We're being pretty heavy handed here with the comparisons but, yes. Stay tuned for u...
Mad Kings and the Toadies that Loved Them
February 16, 2020 17:48 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBIs there ever a purer love than that between a Mad King and his devoted followers? History is littered with examples of these unions from Ivan the Terrible to George III. We are certainly not the type of people to mock anyone for their neurodiversity, but when is it appropriate to intervene when someone in a position of authority may no longer be fit to lead? Does history offer us any guides, does this end badly? How can a love that feels so right, go so wrong? These and other questions will...
52 - Mad Kings and the Toadies that Loved Them
February 16, 2020 17:48 - 1 hourIs there ever a purer love than that between a Mad King and his devoted followers? History is littered with examples of these unions from Ivan the Terrible to George III. We are certainly not the type of people to mock anyone for their neurodiversity, but when is it appropriate to intervene when someone in a position of authority may no longer be fit to lead? Does history offer us any guides, does this end badly? How can a love that feels so right, go so wrong? These and other questions will ...
51 - Projection in Politics or I Know You Are But What Am I?
January 22, 2020 05:56 - 1 hourThis week we talk about how projection when used consciously in politics can be used to vilify or scapegoat vulnerable groups of people, manipulate the fears of a population and distract from larger problems and shift responsibility. But projection can be unconscious as well, and when someone is feeling the heat, it is amazing what their subconscious can project about what they are actually feeling. Given how important it is to stay grounded, give this a listen so you can recognize these patt...
Projection in Politics or I Know You Are But What Am I?
January 22, 2020 05:56 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBThis week we talk about how projection when used consciously in politics can be used to vilify or scapegoat vulnerable groups of people, manipulate the fears of a population and distract from larger problems and shift responsibility. But projection can be unconscious as well, and when someone is feeling the heat, it is amazing what their subconscious can project about what they are actually feeling. Given how important it is to stay grounded, give this a listen so you can recognize these pat...
A Brief History of Mass Hysteria or Let's Go Crazy
December 24, 2019 12:29 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBWell it's the holidays and what a rare treat for a troubled, stressful nation. If you feel like you're living in a world gone mad, don't fret, it wouldn't be the first time. This week on Acts of Pod we go through Mass Hysteria events that took place during tense growth stages in world history. Whether it be nuns roaming around like feral cats, or school girls paralyzed with fits of laughter, these events always seem to hint at a greater source of distress lying just below the surface. So joi...
50 - A Brief History of Mass Hysteria or Let's Go Crazy
December 24, 2019 12:29 - 1 hourWell it's the holidays and what a rare treat for a troubled, stressful nation. If you feel like you're living in a world gone mad, don't fret, it wouldn't be the first time. This week on Acts of Pod we go through Mass Hysteria events that took place during tense growth stages in world history. Whether it be nuns roaming around like feral cats, or school girls paralyzed with fits of laughter, these events always seem to hint at a greater source of distress lying just below the surface. So join...
Gaslighting or Would I Lie to You?
November 26, 2019 18:15 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBThis week on the pod we cover the term Gaslighting. It is used in psychological terms to describe how narcissists or abusers keep you in their control but more recently, it has been shown to be a particular handy technique in political psychological warfare. We help you recognize the signs so you can be more cognizant of its appearance in media and around the Thanksgiving table and hope you and yours have a great time trying not to talk about politics.
49 - Gaslighting or Would I Lie to You?
November 26, 2019 18:15 - 1 hourThis week on the pod we cover the term Gaslighting. It is used in psychological terms to describe how narcissists or abusers keep you in their control but more recently, it has been shown to be a particular handy technique in political psychological warfare. We help you recognize the signs so you can be more cognizant of its appearance in media and around the Thanksgiving table and hope you and yours have a great time trying not to talk about politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Minority Rule or When Minority Rulez, Democracy Droolz
November 10, 2019 16:31 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBThis week we cover the term Minority Rule and how it has manifested itself from the original intentions of the founders, to the gerrymandered districts we find ourselves in today. In order for a powerful minority to retain power, they use tools that we have covered in past episodes like voter suppression, gerrymandering and misinformation campaigns. Watch all your favorites make a reappearance to help explain minority rule and what we can to do help keep our democracy strong and more reflect...
48 - Minority Rule or When Minority Rulez, Democracy Droolz
November 10, 2019 16:31 - 50 minutesThis week we cover the term Minority Rule and how it has manifested itself from the original intentions of the founders, to the gerrymandered districts we find ourselves in today. In order for a powerful minority to retain power, they use tools that we have covered in past episodes like voter suppression, gerrymandering and misinformation campaigns. Watch all your favorites make a reappearance to help explain minority rule and what we can to do help keep our democracy strong and more reflecti...
Acts of The Pod People - The Halloween Special
October 15, 2019 21:22 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBIn this episode we visit haunted historical stories that highlight the never ending stories we find ourselves in. Like hawks flying through dimensions, we take a look at our own haunted histories to see how they have impacted our present. So join us on our dark night of the soul as we work our way back into the light, if you dare!
47 - Acts of The Pod People - The Halloween Special
October 15, 2019 21:22 - 1 hourIn this episode we visit haunted historical stories that highlight the never ending stories we find ourselves in. Like hawks flying through dimensions, we take a look at our own haunted histories to see how they have impacted our present. So join us on our dark night of the soul as we work our way back into the light, if you dare! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Brief History of the term Politically Correct or Correct Yourself Before you Wreck Yourself
September 23, 2019 22:30 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBWhat does it mean to be politically correct? Well it depends on who you ask. In this episode we trace the journey of the word from the interior of the Communist Party, to workshops in Conservative thinktanks. Like so many terms, it's meaning is really determined by who uses it and who is its intended audience. So give us a listen before you too get cancelled.
46 - A Brief History of the term Politically Correct or Correct Yourself Before you Wreck Yourself
September 23, 2019 22:30 - 57 minutesWhat does it mean to be politically correct? Well it depends on who you ask. In this episode we trace the journey of the word from the interior of the Communist Party, to workshops in Conservative thinktanks. Like so many terms, it's meaning is really determined by who uses it and who is its intended audience. So give us a listen before you too get cancelled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
45 - The Business Roundtable of 1972: The CEOs that Spun us Right Round
September 07, 2019 09:31 - 58 minutesRecently, some of the world's most famous CEOs released a statement sharing their intent to change their focus from their shareholders to their stakeholders and lucky you, you're one! If you happened to notice wage stagnation and growing income inequality trending for the past 40 years, you're not alone. Why in fact, a similar statement was released around 40 years ago, by a group of similarly powerful men that went on to shape the course of the future. In this week's episode we examine the o...
The Business Roundtable of 1972: The CEOs that Spun us Right Round
September 07, 2019 09:31 - 55 minutes - 51 MBRecently, some of the world's most famous CEOs released a statement sharing their intent to change their focus from their shareholders to their stakeholders and lucky you, you're one! If you happened to notice wage stagnation and growing income inequality trending for the past 40 years, you're not alone. Why in fact, a similar statement was released around 40 years ago, by a group of similarly powerful men that went on to shape the course of the future. In this week's episode we examine the ...
44 - Global Wealth Tax of Pod
July 30, 2019 06:24 - 45 minutesOn today's episode we have our first interview with Scott Solomon who presents his idea on how to initiate and incentivize a global wealth tax. Considering the kind of capital that will be needed to combat climate change, workable solutions for raising that kind of capital could not come at a better time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
43 - Church Rock Uranium Mill Spill
July 13, 2019 04:31 - 1 hourThere was nuclear disaster worse than 3 Mile Island and if you haven't heard of it, no one would blame you. It happened it New Mexico on Navajo lands and 40 years on the clean up is still in process. How could a disaster of this scale go so unnoticed? Why would any community be kept in the dark of the continuing dangers a disaster of this scale would pose? We go about answering some of these questions and more as this administration is in the process of taking up uranium mining again on previ...
42- Redlining: Something Like a Phenomenon
June 22, 2019 23:27 - 1 hourImagine if you will, a nation in crisis. A map of every major American city spread across the desk, committees assembled to ascertain the desirability of every neighborhood in every, major, American city. What could possibly go right? Today's episode is a primer on "redlining" or the practice of designating the value of major American neighborhoods so banks and leading financial institutions would have some idea of the risk going into lending to small businesses and homeowners starting back i...
41 - The War On Women. What is it good for? Absolutely....um, well, the war on women. Duh.
June 10, 2019 04:36 - 1 hourThis week on Acts of Pod, Anne and I discuss the term "The War on Women." During campaign season, a lot of terms get bandied about and here at Acts of Pod we hope to provide a bit more context to help understand not only what they are meant to signify, but the real impact they have when it comes to policy. So, if you would like to join us to get a better understanding of what is meant when that phrase is used and some of the policy that is coming out of campaigns to help redress imbalances, g...
40 - The Legacy of the Bath School Massacre of 1927
May 22, 2019 09:21 - 1 hourIn the small town of Bath, Michigan, an unthinkable tragedy challenged the beliefs of an entire nation, for two days until Lindbergh successfully completed his first transatlantic flight and the story began to disappear from the news. Sadly, it would not be the last time in American History where someone would unleash a deadly attack against our most vulnerable victims, in this case a schoolhouse on the last day of school; but, it did help to establish a pattern of behavior among similarly-mi...
39 - Mayday. Come in May Day. An ancient holiday comes to symbolize workers' rights
May 05, 2019 22:25 - 53 minutesGrab your flower garlands and pass out the ribbons because it's May Day and you know what that means? Labor coalesces into a powerful union and demands the dignity they deserve from a cannibalistic and faceless unknown, like the growth of Spring blossoming from the decay of winter. If you've stuck around through that self-indulgent metaphor, you will love today's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38 - The Violence Against Women Act or There Oughta be a Law
April 17, 2019 20:36 - 1 hourRecently, the Violence Against Women Act has been in the news because it has not received bilateral support. While one would be tempted to think this would be a no brainer, there has been a long, troubled history concerning how to codify domestic violence, how should law enforcement be involved, and what resources can be put in place to support those who are in danger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices