Pocket-Sized Politics
33 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 47 ratingsPocket-Sized Politics is a podcast where co-hosts and young voters Amelie and Paris provide a balanced review of the news in 10 minutes or less, weekly. When not discussing the happenings on Capitol Hill, they interview legislators and activists leading change within their community.
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Episodes
All Eyes on the Presidency
February 26, 2020 03:00 - 10 minutes - 7.11 MBFebruary has been a tumultuous month in politics. From acquittal, the State of the Union, Iowa, New Hampshire, and two intense primary debates, Paris and Amelie give a brief overview of everything that happened in the last month.
Caucuses and Capitol Hill
February 01, 2020 17:00 - 10 minutes - 7.43 MBAmelie and Paris are back this week to break down two topics that have dominated the news cycle: Impeachment and the Iowa caucuses. They also discuss events that may have flown under your radar including a key Supreme Court case, President Trump's foreign policy, and the March for Life.
NATO, NAFTA, and Jerrold Nadler
December 14, 2019 01:00 - 9 minutes - 6.35 MBThis week, Paris and Amelie discuss the articles of impeachment and how they relate to the hearings last month. They also discuss the changing demographics in the 2020 election as the Iowa caucuses approach. Lastly, they summarize key events from the recent NATO summit.
Taxes, Teachers, and Impeachment
November 07, 2019 06:00 - 10 minutes - 7.38 MBThis week, we discuss the recent vote in the House to formalize the impeachment inquiry as well as updates on the status of President Trump's tax returns (which, yes, have still not been released). We also spend time on the 15-day Chicago teacher's strike and what it means for Chicago Public Schools as well as the nation as a whole. Lastly, we cover the big updates of the 2020 race: Beto, Kamala, and the "spreading effect" we are seeing throughout the primary of 17 candidates.
What do Syria, Ukraine, and 5 Court Cases All Have in Common?
October 15, 2019 17:00 - 11 minutes - 7.85 MBAmelie and Paris are back with a new weekly episode. This week, President Trump dominates the headlines once again. Between the backlash he faced for pulling US troops out of Syria, the ongoing Ukrainian scandal coupled with a formal impeachment inquiry, and five recent court rulings that were not in his favor, it has been quite a tumultuous week in the White House. We end the episode by checking in on the 2020 Democratic primary as each campaign releases their fundraising reports for the th...
The Winners and Losers of Debate Night #3
September 16, 2019 06:00 - 13 minutes - 9.49 MBThis week, we return to discuss the third round of Democratic debates. This debate marked the first time that the top 10 candidates took the stage together, and would hopefully give us a better idea of where each candidate stands in the race, (spoiler alert: it didn't). In this episode, we summarize the main issues that dominated the discussion and those we wish had been talked about more. At the end, we give our opinions on individual candidate performances during the debates and our predic...
The Supreme Court in 2019
August 10, 2019 06:00 - 9 minutes - 6.63 MBThis week's episode is centered around the judicial branch. This year has gone by so fast, you may have missed many critical decisions made by the newly conservative Supreme Court. In this episode we talk about four of these cases, dealing with hard hitting issues such as gerrymandering, monopolies, double jeopardy, and a racially charged jury.
McConnell vs. McGrath in 2020
July 17, 2019 06:00 - 9 minutes - 6.8 MBThis week, Amelie and Paris give updates on the citizenship question on the census, Mueller's incoming visit to Congress, new regulations on social media usage, and, of course, the Democratic primary. They spend the rest of the episode reviewing the second most anticipated race in 2020 between Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democrat Amy McGrath for the Kentucky Senate seat.
The Emergency Spending Bill, Census, and Fourth of July
July 07, 2019 07:00 - 9 minutes - 6.44 MBThis week, Amelie and Paris discuss the emergency spending bill passed by Congress and how Speaker Pelosi attempts to unify a divided Democratic Party. We then speak on the controversial citizenship question that could potentially be on the 2020 census: what it is, who it will affect, and how. We close out the episode by summarizing President Trump's Salute to America on July 4th, and discuss how the speech differed from the expectations set by critics.
The First Democratic Primary Debates
June 29, 2019 06:00 - 12 minutes - 8.78 MBThis week, Paris and Amelie sit down and discuss what happened over the course of the two-night Democratic primary debates. We analyze each candidate's performance and talk about the issues that came up the most and the ones that were rarely mentioned. We pick who we thought were the standouts and who did not live up to expectations. The main takeaway is that the road to 2020 is going to be a challenge but these debates are the first step to the nomination. Contact us! Instagram: @pocketsi...
Facial Recognition and Competition on the Campaign Trail
June 07, 2019 06:00 - 9 minutes - 4.59 MBAmelie and Paris discuss the recent hearings on Capitol Hill on the impacts of facial recognition technology on civil rights. They also catch up on what the Democratic frontrunners have been doing on the campaign trail and analyze their policy choices as well as potential competition they may face when trying to attract similar voter groups from their base. Contact us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @pocketsizedpolitics Twitter: @pocketsizedpol
Young People in Politics: Josie Urrea
June 03, 2019 06:00 - 12 minutes - 5.57 MBIn our fourth Young People in Politics episode, we sit down with Josie Urrea, a high school senior and the first student to ever serve as Vice President of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. We talk about her unique experience in office as her term draws to a close and what policies she has brought to the school system this past year. Contact us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @pocketsizedpolitics Twitter: @pocketsizedpol
Foreign Policy and the Opioid Trial
June 01, 2019 01:00 - 9 minutes - 4.23 MBThis week, Paris and Amelie discuss what is going on overseas, from Theresa May's resignation and the future of Brexit to US involvement and instability in the Middle East. While we spend a lot of this episode focusing on international news, we end the podcast by discussing the first major pharmaceutical trial for the opioid crisis in Oklahoma. Contact us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @pocketsizedpolitics Twitter: @pocketsizedpol
Interview with State Senator Sarah Elfreth
May 27, 2019 06:00 - 14 minutes - 6.55 MBThis week, we interview Maryland State Senator Sarah Elfreth. She is the youngest woman currently in the Senate and has been very busy her first legislative session. We talk about the bills she has sponsored, educational and environmental policy, federal politics, and becoming politically active. Stay tuned! We release a weekly summary of the news every Friday and interviews on Mondays! Contact us: [email protected] Social Media: Instagram: @pocketsizedpolitics Twitter: @pocke...
Lesser-Known Democrats in 2020
May 24, 2019 06:00 - 10 minutes - 4.78 MBThis week, Paris Sistilli makes her debut as the new co-host on the podcast! We sit down and discuss the lesser-known 8 of the 23 Democratic candidates. While it is easy to stay informed on the platforms of frontrunners such as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, it is equally as important to stay educated on the policies of the other candidates. Important updates: Weekly wrap-up episodes will continue to be uploaded every Friday for the foreseeable future! NEW: Interviews (both part of the serie...
Young People In Politics: Rida Alvi
May 10, 2019 04:00 - 13 minutes - 6.41 MBThis week, we talk to Rida Alvi, the new Student Member of the Board of Education and the first hijabi to hold the position. We discuss the election, her beginnings with student government, and her policy goals as SMOB. This is also Mallory's last episode co-hosting the podcast. It has been an amazing 19 episodes with her and we will continue to support her in her future endeavors. You can find us on Instagram @pocketsizedpolitics Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (20...
The Fed, Measles, and Gun Control
May 05, 2019 04:00 - 10 minutes - 4.74 MBWe discuss what has happened on Capitol Hill in the last week: the Department of Justice, the Federal Reserve, and the lingering repercussions of Otto Warmbier's death. We also address larger issues the country is facing: the growing anti-vaxx movement and the need for fewer guns in schools in the wake of a Florida bill that would allow teachers to be armed. Be sure to stay tuned for upcoming episodes in the new mini-series "Young People in Politics" coming out in the next two weeks!
Young People in Politics: Our Minds Matter Movement
April 26, 2019 06:00 - 14 minutes - 6.76 MBIn the second episode of our sub-series "Young People in Politics," we talk to the ladies behind Our Minds Matter, an organization that aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and advocate for more mental health resources in schools. We discuss their policy goals, how they began their organization, their personal experiences with mental health, and to what extent school culture and social media influences it. We close out with upcoming opportunities for those interested in getting inv...
Polarization Within Party Lines
April 19, 2019 20:00 - 9 minutes - 4.44 MBIn this episode, we discuss the fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral, President Trump’s 2020 Campaign, the Mueller Report, Ilhan Omar’s recent controversy, and Nancy Pelosi's interview with 60 minutes. Throughout the episode, they speculate on the growing divisions that run within the Democratic party and how Speaker Pelosi attempts to unify her House majority.
The Democrats and Homeland Security
April 12, 2019 04:00 - 8 minutes - 4.1 MBThis week we discuss the recent resignation of the Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen and how it relates to President Trump's border policies. We also share what the current Democratic candidates for President have been doing as well as the results of the FEC quarterly report.
Young People in Politics: Amelia Farrell
April 04, 2019 04:00 - 15 minutes - 6.91 MBIn a brand new sub-series "Young People in Politics" Amelie and Mallory sit down to interview youth activists leading change in their communities. In this episode, they talk to Amelia Farrell about the importance of advocacy and climate change. From organizing the Youth Climate March to lobbying with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Amelia is heavily involved in environmental policy. We discuss her motivations and difficulties she faced along the way as well as the effects of youth activism in...
Pocket-Sized Politics Takes on DC
March 28, 2019 04:00 - 8 minutes - 4.1 MBThis week's episode comes a day early because Amelie and Mallory had the opportunity to go to the US Capitol and watch the House of Representatives live as they voted on overturning President Trump's veto as well as attend several House committee hearings and markups. In this episode, they discuss all of that and more!
McCain and Policy Change
March 22, 2019 06:00 - 9 minutes - 4.22 MBWe discuss gun reform following the New Zealand mass shooting, President Trump's ongoing negative sentiments towards the late Senator John McCain, Elizabeth Warren's controversial CNN town hall and issues with a widening democratic primary. Contact via Instagram: @pocketsizedpolitics
Is This What Democracy Looks Like?
March 15, 2019 04:00 - 10 minutes - 4.72 MBThis week, we summarize the news from Brexit updates to lowering the voting age to 16. We make this episode a little more personal, with commentary from our differing perspectives on the voting age. Let us know what you think. Please don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe!
What’s Going on in the House?
March 08, 2019 05:00 - 10 minutes - 5.02 MBOn our 10th episode, we briefly discuss the US trade deficit and more potential presidential candidates for 2020. Our main focus is on recent events in the House of Representatives. Between the Cohen testimony and Ilhan Omar's controversial comments, many stories (such as the first passed gun control bill in two decades) were lost in the mayhem. This is episode 10 of our podcast, which is hard to believe! Thanks so much for listening. We appreciate you all. Contact via Instagram: @pocketsi...
Tug of War: United States vs. North Korea
March 01, 2019 08:00 - 9 minutes - 4.24 MBThis week, we focus on the heavily anticipated and mostly underwhelming summit between North Korea and the United States. We discuss the past, present, and future for these two nations where nuclear weapons are concerned and give our own two cents on how President Trump has been handling the situation. As always if you enjoyed the episode be sure to leave a review and subscribe! New episodes every Friday! Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/co...
The Green Not-So-New Deal
February 22, 2019 07:00 - 9 minutes - 4.39 MBIn this episode, we discuss Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, the newest, and youngest member of the House of Representatives and her Green New Deal. We debunk some common misunderstandings with the Deal as well as summarize what it entails. We close out the episode with predictions for the vote Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has put forth on the Deal. Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported...
America, What's Your Emergency?
February 18, 2019 05:00 - 7 minutes - 3.24 MBWe mainly focus on the National Emergency that President Trump issued on Friday and its implication for the 2020 election, precedent, and Congress. We also share the results of a poll administered to our peers earlier in the week asking them which democratic candidate(s) for President they have heard of. As always, subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Co...
The Blue Road to 2020
February 08, 2019 05:00 - 8 minutes - 3.92 MBIn this episode, we discuss the recent controversy surrounding Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, a heightened abortion debate, and 2020 Democratic Presidential candidates. We focused on Democrats because there are many already announcing candidacy, while Donald Trump remains the only Republican on the ticket. Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licen...
Brexit: Deal or No Deal
February 03, 2019 05:00 - 7 minutes - 3.37 MBOn our fifth episode, we delve into British politics, specifically concerning Brexit. We attempt to summarize what has happened so far regarding the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union and analyze the two amendments passed in the most recent parliament hearing as well as what is to come for Theresa May's deal if she is unable to negotiate changes to the Irish backstop. Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative ...
The State of Our Union
January 28, 2019 05:00 - 8 minutes - 3.79 MBAs the government shutdown comes to a temporary end, we make predictions for what’s to come (and well, what’s not to come) in the next 3 weeks. We also break down the feud between our President and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, over the date and location of the State of the Union address which has now become one of the many issues that divide these two leaders. Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attributio...
How Partisanship Hampers Progress
January 17, 2019 22:00 - 9 minutes - 4.25 MBOn the 22nd day of what is now the longest government shutdown ever, we talk about the new era of divided government, standouts from the freshman class entering Congress and how divisions along party lines impede legislative productivity. Recorded January 12th, 2019 Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promoted by Audio Library ht...
New Year, No Government
January 13, 2019 05:00 - 8 minutes - 4.02 MBWe discuss the factors that have contributed to the current government shutdown as it extends into 2019 as well as the impact it has had on federal employees. We close out the episode with our predictions on the long term effects of a shutdown and if there is an end in sight. Recorded on January 1st, 2019. Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licens...
Ruth, Roberts, and Resignation
January 13, 2019 05:00 - 9 minutes - 4.2 MBOn the inaugural episode of the podcast, Amelie and Mallory discuss the importance of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she has tackled health struggles over the last few weeks, the effects of Chief Justice John Roberts taking the swing vote position on the Supreme Court and the growing number of resignations in the White House. Recorded December 23rd, 2018. Intro/ Outro Music: Jazzaddict's Intro by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unpor...