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235 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsModState.com: A Centrist Publication Creating Civil Conversation
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Episodes
Healthcare Debate Part III: Welcome to the Free Market! ModState Podcast Episode 185
April 15, 2019 22:30 - 37 minutes - 63.1 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate continue the discussion surrounding healthcare. As the Democratic nominees for president continue to pile up the discussion on reforming the US healthcare system continues. This podcast has explore the topics surrounding right vs product, current system vs universal system and now finally a conversation surrounding a completely consumer based model of free market healthcare. Have a listen and let us know your thoug...
Israel, Golan Heights and More Annexation: ModState Podcast Episode 184
April 10, 2019 00:00 - 35 minutes - 64.5 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate begin to talk more about Israel. Elections are super close and it seems that the current government power has been pushed even further right. Why is this? Has President Trump had anything to do with this? How does this decision to legitimize Israel's control of the Golan Heights impact the broader world? Tune in and have a listen.
Border Closing and Brexit. What is Common?: ModState Podcast Episode 183
April 04, 2019 02:47 - 39 minutes - 75.6 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate explore the disastrous decision of a potential border shut down. Second John and Nate finally explore Brexit in detail. What are the options? What would each option afford or not afford England. Tune in and find out. As always if you live in Europe or England let us know your thoughts!
NO COLLUSION NO OBSTRUCTION...Do We Move On?: ModState Podcast Episode 182
March 27, 2019 05:09 - 31 minutes - 50.8 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. So after two years and countless podcast episodes talking about President Trump and his possible collusion the anti-climatic report lands. As Nate predicted...nothing...well it seems like nothing... Do you feel that the report should be made public? How does President Trump use this to his advantage. Could he ruin a win? Tune in and find out.
NZ and the Spread of White Supremacy: ModState Podcast Episode 181
March 25, 2019 19:43 - 38 minutes - 69.1 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate dive into the mass shooting in New Zealand and slow rise of hate throughout the corners of the world that seemed relatively safe. Has President Trump's rhetoric and troll like behavior helped this hate grow? Please tune in and have a listen.
Regulation or De-Regulation: ModState Podcast Episode 180
March 19, 2019 19:23 - 37 minutes - 69.9 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate dive into conflicting view points and explore regulation. Regulation is a broad reaching topic that touches every sector of industry. Is the idea of regulation politically linked? What does regulation mean and how does it help or stifle industry. This topic is meant to set the stage for future conversations. As always please weigh in and let us know your thoughts!
Universal Healthcare, Conflicting View Points Part II: ModState Podcast
March 11, 2019 15:07 - 47 minutes - 88.9 MBOn this episode John and Nate continue their conversation surrounding Universal Healthcare. This is going to be a big ticket item, at a minimum, in the Democratic Primary season. As the ModState team moves towards the 2020 election it is important to start to have the conversations that form the ideological lines. How do we have these conversations? Why are we so divided, and how can we foster positive philosophical conversation about game-changers like Universal Healthcare? Tun...
The Big Why?: ModState Podcast Episode 178
March 04, 2019 16:03 - 38 minutes - 70.5 MBOn this episode John and Nate reflect on the past year and a half. Has the dialogue changed? Is it better? How has social media played a role and how do we get back to rational conversation? Are we closer to violence? Is there more apathy and, more importantly, how do we make our way back to less reactionary rhetoric? These type of conversations help John and Nate capture the "why" they continue to do this and see ModState continue to grow. Thanks for tuning in.
Universal Healthcare? Conflicting Viewpoints Part I: ModState Podcast Episode 177
February 27, 2019 00:00 - 47 minutes - 79.5 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast! As candidates emerge for the 2020 Democratic ticket several themes are consistent. Universal healthcare is supported by almost all of the Democratic candidates. This means that it is about time John and Nate debated this topic. Is healthcare a right? What constitutes a right? Almost all Americans agree that the status quo must be changed, but how is our current system working? Everyone hears about universal healthcare BUT none of the current ...
Current Event Updates: ModState Podcast Episode 176
February 20, 2019 17:27 - 43 minutes - 81.9 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast! On this episode John and Nate discuss current events related to the President of the United States. Why are the policy, executive orders and foreign policy moves being met with deaf ears? Why are the things that President Trump does always met with skepticism? Tune in and have a listen. As always send your comments [email protected] or any other social media outlets!
SOTU Breakdown Part II: Foreign Policy: ModState Podcast Episode 175
February 15, 2019 00:00 - 31 minutes - 60.4 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate dive into the SOTU Part II foreign policy. What is going on in Venezuela, Afghanistan, and Syria. There is plenty of turmoil in the world and what will President Trump do about it? Tune in and have a listen. As always thanks for listening.
The State of the Union: ModState Podcast Episode 174
February 06, 2019 00:00 - 34 minutes - 66.8 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate break down President Trump's SOTU address to the new Congress and the world. Unity seems to be the major talking point but did it make the mark? Tune in and listen to John and Nate talk about his comments on unity, immigration and abortion. As always let the ModState team know your thoughts. E-mail us at [email protected] ... social media links are front and center on the site.
2020 Presidential Election Cycle has Begun: ModState Podcast Episode 173
February 04, 2019 00:00 - 21 minutes - 40.6 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. The 2020 election cycle has started! Who will challenge Donald Trump on the conservative side? Will the small fracture on the left swing the odds of winning this presidential election in Donald Trump's favor? All great questions to explore so tune in and have a listen!
In the Wake of MLK Jr.: ModState Podcast Episode 172
January 25, 2019 03:33 - 38 minutes - 73.8 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast! On this podcast episode John and Nate discuss how relevant MLK Jr's message would be today. We argue, however, that the real the question is would it be received the same? How would progressives today, specifically, receive MLK Jr's message? How would the overall culture at-large receive his message? Tune in and find out.
The Longest Government Shutdown: ModState Podcast Episode 171
January 15, 2019 15:32 - 40 minutes - 70.8 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. In this episode John and Nate break down the government shutdown and reminisce about their experiences with the shutdowns (yes, plural) they endured in the U.S. military years ago. The team then explores the House of Cards real-life politics that is the current shutdown. The major leadership in Washington D.C play a major role in the continued shutdown. The border wall is the point of contention in this shutdown. John and Nate begin to ask ...
To Love or Hate the President: ModState Podcast Episode 170
January 10, 2019 15:48 - 31 minutes - 60.9 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate dive into both the love and hatred for the President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald Trump. Sometimes the blind hatred for this POTUS creates such blinders that we fail to see what we have in common with others around us. John and Nate discuss this in the context of the Syrian withdrawal (among other topics). Thanks for tuning in!
Reflections! ACA Constitutionality and Power Grab in Wisconsin and Michigan: ModState Podcast Episode 169
January 05, 2019 02:44 - 25 minutes - 48 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. It is official, the Democrats now control the House of Representatives until 2020, Nancy Pelosi is the Speaker of the House, record number of women have been voted into office and the government shut down continues. Before the new year kicks off John and Nate reflect on the pending constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and the recent power grab by the state governments in Michigan and Wisconsin. Now that the Republican majority has some ...
Geopolitics and the Impending Syrian Departure: ModState Podcast Episode 168
December 27, 2018 15:18 - 39 minutes - 76.5 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. President Donald Trump has signaled his intent to remove American Troops in Syria and bring them home. This has sent shock waves through the political and military community. Several key figures have endorsed the president's move, and one figure in particular, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, resigned over the matter...BUT what are the other implications? Is this a smart fiscal move? Do we run the risk of established governments taking over i...
"First Step" Criminal Justice Reform: ModState Podcast Episode 167
December 20, 2018 00:00 - 32 minutes - 61.9 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast! Well it has finally happened. Clearly it is called the "First Step" as there are many more steps to go, but bipartisanship happened in DC. The Senate came together and passed fairly comprehensive criminal justice reform. The House should vote soon and send this bill to the President's desk for signing. This only affects the federal system but it seems that politics and culture is moving towards a new perspective of criminal justice. What are ...
President Trump's Circle and the Inaugural Committee + Trump Meeting: ModState Podcast Episode 166
December 19, 2018 00:00 - 30 minutes - 58.8 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate explore the trials surrounding President Trump's associates. After discussing the guilty pleas and implications the team seaways into the criminal investigations of the inaugural committee. The second part of the episode John and Nate discuss the Trump meeting with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer...oh yeah and Mike Pence. Who made out better from this brief televised "debate?" Does this set the stage for the next...
Catching Up: Mueller Investigation, Civil Rights, and Voting: ModState Podcast Episode 165
December 07, 2018 02:56 - 47 minutes - 92.5 MBAfter a long break welcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate take some time to discuss the happenings now that the dust has begun to settle post mid-term election. In this episode the team discuss the ramping up Mueller investigation, a potential civil rights bill and voting rights. Thanks for tuning in and sticking it out over the break! Show Notes: 1) John Dingell's Plan https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/12/john-dingell-how-restore-fai...
Starting Fresh? Post Mid-Terms: ModState Podcast Episode 164
November 08, 2018 00:00 - 43 minutes - 84.7 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. Well the mid-terms are over. The country has spoken and the GOP no longer controls the federal government. What does the mid-terms tell us culturally, politically and what is to come? Can the democrats find a message? Will an olive branch be extended. Tune in and find out what John and Nate have to say. As always thanks for listening.
Immigration Debate and Birthright Citizenship: ModState Podcast
November 06, 2018 00:00 - 42 minutes - 80.2 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast! On this episode John and Nate explore the unintellectual debate surrounding immigration. Instead of the population having smart debate surrounding immigration the far right engages in psychological fear-mongering and the left pushes back using terms like, "racist." SO where the hell did the intellectual conversation go? Well you have come to the right place. John and Nate discuss the 14th amendment and what happened historically that brought us...
Are we able to rebuild?: ModState Podcast Episode 162
October 31, 2018 00:00 - 48 minutes - 95.1 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. It has been a somber week in the United States, and for those looking on. Between pipe bombs and the unnecessary shooting of worshippers at a Pittsburgh Synagogue the country has let out an audible loud sigh. What will it take to rebuild? Is there hope? Where will it come from? How many more lows will it take until there is a wake up? Listen to the case made by John and Nate on this podcast episode. As always thank you for tuning in. Be sa...
Is it time for voting reform?: ModState Podcast Episode 161
October 27, 2018 00:00 - 46 minutes - 90.1 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate discuss the idea of reforming the voting structure in the United States of America. If you could reform the voting structure what would it look like? A national holiday? Mail-in ballots? Tune in and have a listen.
What Could Parts of Progressivism Look Like?: ModState Podcast Episode 160
October 19, 2018 00:00 - 35 minutes - 66.3 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. This is a throw back episode when Nate was traveling in Michigan and the old audio equipment was used. This is a look at pieces of progressivism that you may not otherwise hear from actual candidates. How do they propose to make their programs work? Nate and John explore and debate this topic on this episode. Thanks for tuning in!
IPCC Climate Change Report (yes this is happening): ModState Podcast Episode 159
October 12, 2018 00:00 - 44 minutes - 83.3 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this solo venture host Nate Wellein discusses the IPCC report on climate change. Nate discusses the report and the minor change made from the previous report, consequences of inaction, and what to do moving forward. This is grim topic and it is easy to look at our future through the veil of "half-glass-full." Instead of pessimism now is the time for action and making this a ballet-box issue. What can we do? What is our timeline? How compli...
Has the great experiment failed? ModState Podcast Episode 158
October 03, 2018 00:00 - 37 minutes - 71.5 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate talk about the "Great Experiment." This is of course in context of our liberal democracy. On the 138th episode of the Waking Up Podcast with Sam Harris, Yuval Noah Harari presents a compelling argument in relation to time, technology and governance. Are we at that brink today? Or is this just a contentious time where we are grappling with progressive ideas and a more connected world? John and Nate discuss this id...
Let Them Vote! The Hearings Are Done: ModState Podcast Episode 157
September 28, 2018 00:00 - 26 minutes - 49.5 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. After contentious hearings, accusations, credible witnesses and a break from tradition, the vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court Justice will be held on 28 September, 2018. What does the last 90+ days of this nomination process tell us about culture today? Should alleged past transgressions be part of the equation for a lifetime appointment? Is this just a shady ploy by liberals? Did the Democrats miss the messaging mark? So ...
Kavanaugh and the Supreme Court (the plot thickens): ModState Podcast Episode 156
September 20, 2018 00:00 - 32 minutes - 61.8 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode, away from home, John and Nate finally explore the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. It seemed as though this would be an easy confirmation but a once buried potential sexual assault has made this confirmation a bit more sketchy. Tune in and have a listen.
Glenn Greewald Article Breakdown Part 2: ModState Podcast Episode 155
September 13, 2018 00:00 - 33 minutes - 63.6 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. This is the conclusion of the two part series breaking down Glenn Greenwald's most recent interview with Will Hylton. As controversial as Glenn can be his macro view point of the world is quite interesting and worth listening to. Nate of course weaves his own commentary throughout. Thanks for listening! Show Notes: Please see previous episode.
Glenn Greewald Article Breakdown Part I: ModState Podcast Episode 154
September 09, 2018 22:41 - 44 minutes - 84.4 MBWelcome to the ModState Podcast. On this solo episode Nate breaks down an article written and conducted by Will S. Hilton. Glenn Greenwald is maybe best known for his work with Edward Snowden. This recent interview explores the macro perspective of this prominent progressive journalist. In this tribal world this view point is surprisingly logical and sometimes tough to hear depending on which side of the political border you stand. Show Notes: 1) Interview https://highline.huffi...
Debtor's Prison and Resources: ModState Podcast Episode 153
September 05, 2018 00:00 - 51 minutes - 87.6 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate talk about debtor prison, lack of resources and how to move forward bringing as much equal opportunity to everyone. This episode was prompted by an ACLU article/petition doing away with aspects of the judicial system that put people in prison because they are poor. Thanks for listening. Show Notes: 1) ACLU and debtor prisons https://www.aclu.org/issues/smart-justice/sentencing-reform/ending-modern-day-debtors-pr...
Socialism vs Capitalism (economic theory): ModState Podcast Episode 152
August 31, 2018 00:00 - 47 minutes - 84.6 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate talk briefly about the new socialist wave and how it ties into the economy of the US. Is it nationalizing industry or is it making certain aspects of our society more universal i.e healthcare. What is the goal of the new progressive socialist movement?
John McCain, Trump's Worst Week and Sarah Huckabee-Sanders: ModState Podcast Episode 151
August 26, 2018 00:00 - 52 minutes - 88.6 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate reflect on the life and service of Senator John McCain, who passed away on August 25, 2018. To his family condolences. America has lost a champion of freedom and service. John and Nate then veer towards the debacle of a week President Donald Trump has found him self reflecting upon. The topics range from Cohen, Manafort and the martyr that Jeff Sessions has become. The team then rounds the discussion up with the mos...
Democratic Presidential Potentials 2020: ModState Podcast Episode 150
August 23, 2018 00:00 - 43 minutes - 79 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast! On this episode John and Nate (maybe prematurely) venture into the world of Democratic presidential hopefuls for 2020. Who would make your list? Let the team know! Show Notes: 1) Presidential Hopefuls https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/19/politics/2020-democrats-rankings/index.html
Alex Jones and Free Speech: ModState Podcast Episode 149
August 19, 2018 00:00 - 35 minutes - 68.1 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate discuss the recent exit of Alex Jones from private hosting and tech company sites. Is this a 1A slippery slope or is it good-riddance to people who perpetuate (and more likely create) conspiracy theories and other crazy ideas? Tune in and have a listen.
Trump vs Obama...Perspective: ModState Podcast Episode 148
August 15, 2018 00:00 - 28 minutes - 53.5 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. Frequently we find ourselves pointing to the other side accusing of whataboutisms...As much as John and Nate find the value in addressing blatant hypocrisy its important to remember what TRULY happened in each administration prior to lobbing hypocrisy grenades to the next barricade.
Screw Worker's Protection: Unions and "Right-to-Work" Laws-ModState Podcast Episode 147
August 12, 2018 00:00 - 30 minutes - 57.3 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate begin to discuss Unions and the recent rejection of Missouri's "Right to Work" law. The last several decades we have seen the decline of unions, with capitol moving overseas and wage stagflation. Where do unions fit in? Are unions a dying breed or on a comeback? Tune in and find out.
ModState Podcast Episode 146: Collusion and DOJ Religious Liberty...
August 06, 2018 23:39 - 38 minutes - 73.1 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate catch up on the latest with the Trump Collusion investigation and then spend the rest of the episode discussing the Department of Justice's new Religious Liberty Unit. What does this mean for religious protection throughout the US. Is this equal protection? Naturally, John and Nate dive deeper into the origins of morals and there place in US governance.
"Free" Healthcare? Sounds Great! ModState Podcast Episode 145
August 03, 2018 00:00 - 38 minutes - 73 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate dive into the Medicare For All proposal resurrected from Bernie Sanders. What does this look like for the US? Nate makes some quick concessions in terms of increased federal financial burden but what about the long term impact of the mental and physical health of Americans across this great country? Tune in and find out.
Midterm Messaging: The Average Joe-ModState Podcast Episode 144
July 31, 2018 00:00 - 33 minutes - 58.7 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate dive deeper into midterm messaging for Democrats and how to win back the base beyond "hating Trump." As divided as this nation is what can be done for unification? Tune in and have a listen.
Political and Ideological Commonalities: MAGA vs "Not that S**t" :ModState Podcast Episode 143
July 27, 2018 14:31 - 45 minutes - 83.2 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast! In this episode Nate takes John on a journey into his theory of political and ideological similarities of the right and left. As plagued as our country is by tribalism, hyper-partisanship and confirmation bias we fail to realize how damn much we have in common. Take away the "extreme" sides of both the right and the left and you are left with a core group of middle class folks who both want a great America. What is the true definition of MAGA...
Trump/Russia/Putin/Thickening Plot: ModState Podcast Episode 142
July 23, 2018 00:00 - 34 minutes - 63.9 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. Even though there has been no proof of collusion by the President of the United States and Russia the plot has thickened considerably. Michael Flynn's link was compromised from a link to a Russian agent who infiltrated Christian and gun-right advocate groups. President Trump had a closed door two hour meeting with Vladimir Putin...how do we continue to have all these bad looks?? Tune in and listen to the break down.
NATO and the Putin Meeting: ModState Podcast Episode 141
July 18, 2018 15:03 - 34 minutes - 56.9 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast episode 141. On this episode John and Nate discuss Donald Trump's meeting with NATO members and his one on one meeting with Vladimir Putin. Will this matter in 6 months? What was the point of this meeting if there was little progress? Should hard-lines have been drawn in the sand? So many questions from this ambiguous meeting and so much to talk about. Tune in and have a listen.
Sitting Down With Dad...A Historical Perspective Growing up in Detroit: ModState Podcast Episode 140
July 14, 2018 00:00 - 27 minutes - 49.4 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. This episode Nate sits down with his Dad Steve and discusses life growing up in Detroit. What advantages did life then provide? What were the challenges? What is different today? History often gives us perspective. Thanks for tuning in!
The Nominee for SCOTUS is in: ModState Podcast Episode 139
July 10, 2018 00:00 - 36 minutes - 61.7 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode Nate engages Jon on the topic of the new Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. What does this pick mean for the SCOTUS and for the United States for generations to come? Tune in and find out!
Supreme Court Picks! Shaping The SCOTUS on ModState Podcast Episode 138
July 07, 2018 22:45 - 27 minutes - 49.1 MBWith this episode ModState's (associate editor and podcast host) Nate S. Wellein is joined by managing editor Jonny DeViney on an exposé on the two judges they've stated the previous two weeks as being the front-runners to replace Justice Kennedy on the U.S. Supreme Court. Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett have similar ideological (varying spots along the "constructionist" wing of the Constitutional spectrum) and even closer religious backgrounds (Roman Catholic). What does th...
Deconstruct Affirmative Action? Abolish ICE?: ModState Podcast Episode 137
July 04, 2018 00:00 - 37 minutes - 68 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate explore a topic they have not covered much of. Affirmative Action has had its day in court but President Trump would like to undo the policies enacted by President Obama. What does this mean? What is the philosophical argument for and against affirmative action? Lastly, Abolish ICE? Elizabeth Warren, and several other elected officials wants to replace it with something that better reflects our morality? Well what ...
Civility in America: Where Has It Gone? (Maxine Waters Effect) - ModState Podcast Episode 136
July 02, 2018 16:21 - 45 minutes - 79.4 MBWelcome back to the ModState Podcast. On this episode John and Nate discuss civility in America today. In light of Maxine Waters plea for supporters to push back on Trump cabinet members, the team explores some of the root causes of the loss of civility. It is fairly clear that asking for civility (on either side of the aisle) comes with a heaping side of hypocrisy but how do we walk back from all of this? Tune in and listen! Show Notes: 1) Maxine Waters Deserves More http://www....