Richard Helppie's Common Bridge artwork

Richard Helppie's Common Bridge

284 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 630 ratings

The problems we have in the country are solvable, but not solvable the way we’re approaching them today, because of partisan politics. Richard Helppie, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist seeks to find a place in the middle where common sense discussions can bridge the current great divide.

News Commentary News Politics commentary business government politics healthcare taylor swift white house
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Episode 242- Navigating the Complexities of Gender Dysphoria and Transition: Ethical Dilemmas and Societal Impact. Conclusion with Beth Bourne

April 14, 2024 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MB

In the conclusion of this two-part conversation with Beth Bourne, Rich and Beth talk about the harrowing decisions and ethical crossroads faced by individuals navigating gender dysphoria.   Prepare to have your preconceptions challenged as we dissect the medical community's delicate dance between preventing harm and honoring the deeply personal journeys towards one's 'authentic self.' Our conversation ventures into the controversial realms of body contouring, hormone therapies, and the poten...

The Impact of Gender Ideology on Children and Society. Part 1 with Beth Bourne

March 31, 2024 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

When Beth Bourne's daughter declared her transgender identity at just 13, it sent shockwaves through their family life, challenging Beth's beliefs and opening a dialogue that few are prepared for. Join us on the Common Bridge as we navigate the turbulent waters of transgender rights and gender ideology with her. Our heartfelt conversation explores the impact of LGBTQIA+ education in public schools, the influence of early sexual and gender identity labeling on children, and the powerful socie...

Episode 240- Nurturing Democracy with Religious Diversity. With Chris Walsh and Bill McKenzie

March 17, 2024 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

When faith meets public square, the intersection can be complex. On The Common Bridge, we navigate these crossroads with Bill McKenzie and Chris Walsh, delving into the potency of religious pluralism in underpinning democracy. Their profound insights spring from a wealth of experience—Bill's front-row seat to George W. Bush's political ascent, and Chris's global efforts to champion democratic principles. Together, we cut through the noise around religion's role in society, examining how dive...

Episode 239- Response to Reader-Listener-Viewer Mail. With Rich Helppie

March 03, 2024 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

In this episode titled "Response to Reader-Listener-Viewer Mail" of the host,  Richard Helppie, delves into a diverse range of thought-provoking questions and comments from his engaged online audience. Touching upon hot-button topics of the time, Richard fearlessly navigates the murky waters of politics, starting with an insightful examination of the Trump v Biden rivalry. With his uniquely unbiased and diplomatic approach, Richard analytically dissects the policies, achievements, and contro...

Episode 238- Boosting Education Through Incentives: A Bipartisan Approach with Bill Seitz and Dani Isaacsohn

February 18, 2024 21:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB

Unlock the secrets behind boosting school attendance and graduation rates with Ohio's own Bill Seitz and Dani Isaacsohn. Our latest podcast episode delivers a compelling conversation on House Bill 348 and the bold, bipartisan strategy to use cash incentives as a catalyst for educational success. We're not just talking about the principles of the bill; we're diving into the stories and data that have shaped its creation, with personal insights from two legal minds passionately invested in the...

Episode 237- From Personal Tragedy to Advocacy: A Father's Quest for Mental Health Reform and Understanding. With Kevin Fischer

February 04, 2024 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MB

Kevin Fisher's raw and powerful narrative takes center stage as he joins us for a poignant conversation about loss, love, and the drive to make a difference in the mental health landscape. His journey from business to advocacy, precipitated by his son's battle with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is a stirring reminder of the human stories behind the statistics. In shedding light on his son's struggles and the family's relentless pursuit of help amidst a crisis, Kevin's experience unders...

Episode 236- Primary Elections and the Fight for the Heart of Democracy- With Democratic Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips

January 26, 2024 22:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MB

Ever wondered what happens behind the political curtains during the heated rush of primary elections? Dive into a gripping conversation with Congressman Dean Phillips as we peel back the layers of the Democratic primaries and his eye-opening campaign trail adventures. Phillips sheds light on his New Hampshire primary surprise and the DNC's delegate allocation controversy, providing a rare glimpse into the strategic intricacies of the South Carolina primary and Michigan's open primary system....

Episode 235- Breaking the Binary: The Rise of a Third-Party Movement. A Conversation with Former Governor Pat McCrory

January 07, 2024 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

As American voters voice their exasperation with traditional party lines, the No Labels movement emerges as a beacon of bipartisan problem-solving. Picture this: an America where the lesser of two evils is no longer the default choice at the ballot box. This episode welcomes the esteemed former Governor of North Carolina, Pat McCrory, whose rich experiences within the two-party system shed light on the potential upheaval that a third-party could bring to the political landscape. Together, we...

Episode 234- Unraveling the Complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Historical Perspective with Dr. Todd Endelman

January 07, 2024 13:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MB

Peel back the layers of history with Dr. Todd Endelman, as he joins us to dissect the complex tapestry of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From the rise of Jewish nationalism amidst European anti-Semitism to the absence of a historical Palestinian state, we tackle head-on the misconceptions that cloud our understanding of this enduring struggle. With Dr. Endelman's expertise, gain a fresh perspective on the significant wars, the British mandate, and the evolution of Arab nationalism that ha...

Episode 233- Societal Divides and the Future of American Discourse, with Russell Dobular

December 24, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 38.5 MB

What happens when two politically inclined podcasters, born out of the world of writing, collide? You get a riveting and insightful discussion between yours truly, Rich Helpe, and Russell Dabular from Due Dissidence. We're taking you on a journey from the bustling streets of Flushing, New York, to the global stage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and finally, landing in the heart of economics and politics. Have you ever found yourself confused by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? It's a...

Episode 232- A Genuine Alternative to Biden and Trump. A Conversation with Dean Phillips

December 10, 2023 17:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

Welcome to a captivating episode of the Common Bridge, where we sit down with the three-term congressman and Democratic presidential candidate, Dean Phillips. Prepare to be inspired as Phillips shares the story of his unique journey - from growing up fatherless due to the Vietnam war to becoming a successful entrepreneur. His resolve to bridge the partisan divide in America's political landscape fuels his desire to run for president. You'll hear about his daughter's inspiring battle with can...

Episode 231- Cybersecurity Essentials: Protecting Your Business From Cyber Threats. With Rick Snyder and David Behen

November 17, 2023 20:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

Wondering how to shield yourself from the rising tide of cyber threats? Do you have a small or medium-sized business with limited resources for a dedicated IT security staff? Fret not, as we bring you insights straight from cybersecurity experts, Rick Snyder, the 48th Governor of Michigan, and Dave Bint, the co-founder and Chief Client Success Officer of SenSai. Join us as we journey through their professional sagas, discuss the inception of SenSai, and explore why cybersecurity is a concern...

Episode 230- Social Commentary on Violence, Fatherlessness, and Race. With Adam Coleman

November 05, 2023 15:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

Highlighting the incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking journey of Adam Coleman, we engage in a powerful conversation that leaves no stone unturned. From his humble beginnings in Detroit to his passionate advocacy ignited by George Floyd's death, Coleman’s mission is to empower those who feel unheard. As an op-ed writer, public speaker, and host of Good Faith Space, he openly shares his experiences with fatherlessness, homelessness, and masculinity. We delve into a range of gripping top...

Episode 229- Homelessness is a Housing Problem- with author Gregg Colburn

October 19, 2023 22:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

Unearth the hard truths behind the housing crisis and homelessness with our distinguished guest, Professor Gregg Colburn, from the University of Washington. His perspectives from his insightful book "Homelessness is a Housing Problem" gives us more than just an academic exploration of this pressing issue - it presents us with solutions.  Ever wondered why homelessness is five times more prevalent in coastal cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and New York, compared to cities like Chicago an...

Episode 228- Leaving Binary Politics Behind; Season 5 of The Common Bridge. With Richard Helppie.

October 09, 2023 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MB

Welcome to Season 5 of  The Common Bridge  as we sift through the political and media chaos with your host Richard Helppie. As we strip away the narratives, we promise to offer our growing audience of over 4 million viewers, readers, and listeners,  a fiercely non-partisan perspective on the escalating tensions within the Republican and Democratic parties, the corruption tainting our media, and the looming threats to our justice system. We'll dissect key political figures, from Donald Trump ...

Episode 227- Tribalism vs. The First Amendment: Reflections on Season Four of The Common Bridge. With Richard Helppie

October 02, 2023 14:00 - 8 minutes - 5.99 MB

Hold on tight as we examine the roots of tribalism in our media and question the effects of party loyalty on our political discourse. As we wrap up season four of the Common Bridge, we invite you to challenge the mainstream narratives and engage with critical societal issues. The traditional media's role in promoting tribalism is examined with a critical lens, urging you to demand better behavior from our elected leaders. This episode takes us deep into the world of political tribalism, hig...

Episode 226- Reclaiming Detroit: Zoe Kennedy on Love, Activism, and Social Change

September 24, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

While walking through the streets of Detroit, it's hard not to be moved by the sheer resilience of its people. Yet, as we explore the city, we also find ourselves confronted with the stark realities of spiritual and material crises that plague the community. In our most recent conversation with Zoe Kennedy, he shines a light on the work of local activists, bringing forth a tale of strength, perseverance, and hope. He opens the floor to a discussion about Force Detroit, an organization tackli...

Episode 225- FTC Goes at Big Tech in a Strange Way- Amazon Prime. With Adam Kovacevich

September 07, 2023 12:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MB

Ready to decode the tangled web of big tech and government regulation? Today's episode promises to do just that, with an in-depth look at the antitrust investigations into giants like Amazon, Google, and potentially Apple. Our guest, Adam Kovacevich, leader of the Chamber of Progress, lends his expertise as we explore the intricacies of Amazon's Prime bundle, Prime label, and buy box policies. We ponder the potential effects on retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco while considering the...

Episode 224- Beneath the Surface of American Politics: A Georgia Voter's Perspective. With Thomas Hicks, Jr.

September 03, 2023 14:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

Join us on an intense exploration of the US political landscape, with our special guest - Thomas Hicks, a dedicated voter from Atlanta, Georgia. Thomas brings his unique perspective on the voting process in his home state, where recent elections have been nail-bitingly close. Amid the swirling controversy around the integrity of Georgia's voting process, he stands firm in his faith in the system and passionately advocates for the implementation of secure online voting.  From the legacy of t...

Episode 223- Unfolding the Complexities of Immigration and Indigenous Recognition. With Robert Greenfield.

September 03, 2023 13:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

Prepare to set sail on a voyage of discovery with us  in the third and final part of a three-part series of conversations with our insightful guest, Robert Greenfield.  We're mapping out the territories of Indigenous Peoples' rights, immigration complexities, and the landscape of digital media. We're journeying through the rich historical narratives of Aboriginal people in Australia to the ongoing debate on their recognition. As we navigate these waters, we promise you'll gain new perspectiv...

Episode 222- Navigating Today's Political Climate: A Non-Partisan Perspective. With Robert Greenfield

August 27, 2023 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

What if you could navigate the stormy seas of today's political climate with a non-partisan compass? Picture yourself engaging with the deep-seated narratives around election deniers and dementia deniers, the political prosecutions of Donald Trump, and the impact of age on voters' preferences. We also highlight possible alternatives to Trump, like Gavin Newsom, and the intriguing proposition of DeSantis and Christie banding together to challenge Trump.   Join Richard and Robert Greenfield in...

Global Politics, Sports, and Life Transitions: A Conversation with Robert Greenfield

August 20, 2023 10:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

Join us as we welcome back our favorite globetrotter, Robert Greenfield! As he navigates his recent move from Australia to Europe, he brings a fresh perspective on life, culture, and the political landscape following the pandemic. We kick off with a unique blend of sports and travel, diving into the thrill of a Detroit Tigers game, the anticipation of Detroit Lions' playoffs, and the lifestyle transition from a tropical Australian climate to chilly Europe.  Brace yourselves as we venture in...

Episode 221- Global Politics, Sports, and Life Transitions: A Conversation with Robert Greenfield

August 20, 2023 10:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

Join us as we welcome back our favorite globetrotter, Robert Greenfield! As he navigates his recent move from Australia to Europe, he brings a fresh perspective on life, culture, and the political landscape following the pandemic. We kick off with a unique blend of sports and travel, diving into the thrill of a Detroit Tigers game, the anticipation of Detroit Lions' playoffs, and the lifestyle transition from a tropical Australian climate to chilly Europe.  Brace yourselves as we venture in...

Episode 220- FADE OUT: Dissecting Strikes and A.I. in Hollywood. A Conversation with Greg Jbara

August 13, 2023 10:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

Join us on The Common Bridge as Rich talks with stage, screen, and television star Greg Jbara's inspiring journey from a public school system to Juilliard and his rise in the performing arts. We explore the impact of the ongoing Writers Guild strike, differences between guilds, challenges faced by actors and producers, and how automation is reshaping the industry. We emphasize supporting artists and understanding the issues driving the strike. Tune in as we navigate the shifting sands of ent...

Episode 219- Free Speech? Well,...about that. A Conversation with Konstantin Kisin

August 07, 2023 15:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MB

Join Rich in a  thought-provoking discussions with Konstantin Kissen, a prominent comedian and YouTube sensation. They explore his journey from Moscow to England, the influence of censorship and cancel culture on comedy, and the limitations of the right versus left political paradigm. Delving into public perception versus media portrayal, they analyze hypocrisy among political leaders and the erosion of public trust. They discuss declining caliber among politicians fueled by social media and...

Episode 218- Viewer, Listener, and Reader Mailbag. With Rich Helppie

July 30, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

Rich responds to selected questions and comments from his nearly four million viewers, listeners and readers of The Common Bridge.  Topics range included censorship, Big Tech, First and Second Amendments, and more.  Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!

Episode 217- Exploring Firearm Regulation: A Conversation with Ryan Busse, Author of 'Gunfight'

July 23, 2023 10:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

Ever wonder how the proposed assault weapons ban might reshape our society? Or question how common sense could be applied to the Second Amendment? Join us as we welcome back Ryan Busey, author of "Gunfight", for a compelling discussion on these topics and more. We reflect on the societal norms set by the 1994–2004 ban and explore bipartisan-supported policies such as universal background checks and setting a higher minimum purchase age for semi-automatic rifles.  Exploring the intricacies o...

Episode 216- Unpacking America's Gun Culture: A Conversation with Ryan Busse, Author of 'Gunfight'

July 16, 2023 13:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

Peel back the curtain on the divisive discourse around guns and gun laws in America with my captivating conversation with Ryan Bussey, author of the book Gunfight. As an experienced outdoorsman, hunter, conservationist, and influential figure in the firearms industry, Ryan’s insights promise to reshape perceptions and prompt critical thinking. His rural upbringing on a ranch has deeply shaped his views on gun responsibility, providing him a unique vantage point to discuss the breakdown of no...

Episode 215- Workforce Development, Support, and a Bridge- Policy Discussion with Brian Calley

July 09, 2023 13:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MB

What are the policies needed to overcome today's small business workforce challenges? Join us for an insightful conversation with our special guest, Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. From automation to remote work to artificial intelligence, we discuss these changes' impact on the tax base and how they've shaped the journey of Brian's extensive career, including his time as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan. We also dive into the vital policy work ...

Episode 214- Constructing Utopia: An Exploration of Ideal Nationhood and American History

July 03, 2023 13:00 - 11 minutes - 8.19 MB

What if you were given a blank canvas to construct a new country from scratch - What would your ideal nation look like?  Tune in as I challenge you to contemplate this intriguing thought experiment. From governance and prosperity to equality and leadership, we delve into the fundamental building blocks of nationhood and the meticulous considerations it entails. In this candid discourse, I put forth provocative questions about power dynamics, checks against tyranny, and the responsibilities y...

Episode 213- Did The Kennedy Assassination Start The Era of Mistrust? Just the Facts with Investigative Reporter & Author Gerald Posner

June 25, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MB

Was the Kennedy Assassination the beginning of conspiracy theories that spawned today’s rampant mistrust of government and the reporting industry? Renowned investigative reporter and author Gerald Posner discusses the newly-released CIA records about the 1963 murder of the president in this riveting episode. Mr. Posner is the author of 13 books, and he describes his investigative process for The Common Bridge. Investigating without an expectation of a particular outcome or conclusion has bee...

Episode 212- Government With Integrity - When The Truman Committee Battled Corruption - A Conversation with author of “The Watchdog” Steve Drummond

June 09, 2023 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

World War II is often portrayed as a period of national unity and purpose in the USA. However, many of the same divisions present today existed then. As the country pivoted to a war economy and then back to a civilian economy, the opportunities for corruption and incompetence were rife. Enter an honest and capable Senator from Missouri – Harry S. Truman.  NPR’s Steve Drummond,  author of “The Watchdog – How the Truman Committee Battled Corruption and Helped World War II” guests on The Common...

Episode 211- A Deep Dive into Transgenderism, Transsexualism, and the Ethics of Pediatric Care. With Leor Sapir

June 09, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MB

How do we navigate the controversial and sensitive topic of transgenderism and pediatric gender medicine? Today, we're joined by Leor Sapir, a PhD holder in Political Science, who shares his insights from years of analyzing the legal, policy, and evidence-based landscape surrounding gender affirming care. We'll explore the medicalization of young people, the concept of the transgender child, and the ethical considerations of these treatments. We discuss the contentious issue of informed cons...

Episode 210- Information Casualties Fuel A Pandemic. Part 2 of 2 with Dr. Deborah Birx

June 02, 2023 18:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

After an informative discussion on the PEPFAR program, in Part 2 of this interview Dr. Birx responds to Rich’s questions about the loss of scientific credibility in the 2020 Covid pandemic response.   CDC Policies were not designed for, nor were responsive to the coronavirus pandemic, causing the CDC to fail the country and support policy actions often didn’t match the science or the data of the time. Dr. Birx casts light on herd immunity and discusses pandemic and broad health concerns in r...

Episode 209- PEPFAR, Pandemics and Scientific Credibility. With Dr. Deborah Birx, M.D.

May 25, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MB

20 years ago, as HIV and AIDS threatened vast populations in sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti, Guyana and Vietnam, the US Government made the largest investment in battling a pandemic. Known as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  May 27th marked the 20th anniversary of the creation of this bipartisan program which coordinated the work of government agencies and local governments to reduce the infections. Dr. Deborah Birx, who had a significant role in the program visits The Co...

Episode 208- Press: DENIED. How Democracy Can Die Behind Closed Doors. With M.L. Elrick

May 22, 2023 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MB

This week on The Common Bridge, Rich's guest is M.L. Elrick, a Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winning Investigative Reporter. ML leads the discussion from the intensely competitive  “keep ‘em honest” role of the 4th Estate to national media degrading from reporting facts to the spread of affirmation programming. All beginning with a current story about how closure of a media room at City Hall in Detroit, Michigan thwarts the mission. The media access to City Hall helped expose the crimes of f...

Episode 207- Time for a New Playbook- A Richard Helppie Editorial Outlook

May 12, 2023 19:00 - 10 minutes - 7.34 MB

In the aftermath of the the CNN Town Hall, Rich argues that Donald Trump lacks the skills required to be President and would not be a good choice to lead the Republican Party in the upcoming elections. Despite Trump's appeal to some voters, Helppie suggests that the country needs to move on from the Biden versus Trump narrative and choose better candidates, citing issues with the current administration, fear of censorship, and concerns over Biden's age and health as factors contributing to T...

Episode 206- Education Success For All- with Dr. Ernestine Sanders.

May 04, 2023 11:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

We cordially invite you to watch, listen, or read this episode of The Common Bridge.  Join Rich as he delves into the insights of an educational leader, Dr. Ernestine Sanders, who presents a data-driven model that ensures all kids can achieve academic success while building strong character. This episode offers valuable lessons for public and private schools, policy-makers, and anyone interested in improving the education system. Discover how standards, incentives, mandates, and pandemic pol...

Episode 205- The Rise and Fall of Civilizations: Today vs Antiquity. With Dr. Richard Enos.

April 30, 2023 14:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MB

In a very popular episode from Season 3, Rich welcomes Professor Emeritus of Texas Christian University to talk about society and civilization in history and how common forces or influences can affect stability today just as it did in antiquity.  A fascinating conversation that involves reflections on Greece, Rome, Russia and the US.  Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!

Episode 204- A Big Development with Significant Implications. With Richard Helppie

April 18, 2023 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

Upon his return from vacation, Rich addresses headlines in the news and fields a few audience queries. He sifts through topics, seeking out the ridiculous and the impactful. These include the Trump indictment, Tennessee House Expulsions, the role of guns in the nation's issues, Dominion Voting Systems & Fox News, George Santos & Congressional Circus, Majorie Taylor Green, Diane Feinstein & Senate Replacement from California, the distinction between nonpartisan public service and politics as ...

Episode 203- Show Me The Data- With Kory

April 10, 2023 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

Rich welcomes Kory to The Common Bridge, a Substack author and Twitter personality of "Show Me The Data." They cover a broad range of topics, including living partially off the grid, student debt, the ease with which porn purveyors access children, a unique take on Black History Month, and others from a data-driven and perhaps Libertarian perspective. Don't miss this episode! Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!

Episode 202- Supply Chain Devastation Resolved? With Bill Michels

April 03, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MB

The Godfather of Supply Chain, Bill Michels, returns to The Common Bridge. Mr. Michels’ forecasts from his earlier appearances have proven accurate. Today he calls for Agility, Flexibility and Resiliency as the economy grapples with the Geopolitical situation, interest rates, stress on manufacturing companies, looming bankruptcies, the end of seeking cheap labor globally, and pandemic changes becoming permanent. How big a role will Automation and artificial intelligence play and at what cos...

Episode 201- On Death and Funerals. With Martha Thayer

March 27, 2023 17:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MB

Two things that are certain, death and taxes. The Common Bridge has covered tax policies from many angles. So, this week we will wade into the topic of death. In these times of great division, one thing we can agree on is that death is a certain eventuality. Today a leader from the funeral industry – a  pioneer, teacher and practitioner, Martha Thayer, discusses the art, science and the law of death and funerals. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!

Episode 200- The Disintegration of American Journalism- With Matt Taibbi

March 25, 2023 15:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

To celebrate his 200th episode of The Common Bridge, Rich spends a few minutes reflecting on his take of modern journalism, then replays an earlier episode  where he has author, journalist, and political analyst, Matt Taibbi on to talk about the circling of the drain of American journalism.    Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!

Episode 199- The ABCs of Open Primaries

March 10, 2023 15:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Voters want compromise yet parties depend on partisanship... The 50 states are said to be the laboratories of democracy... There is widespread voter unease with the current voting system.... In our continuing series about election reform ideas, Rich welcomes to The Common Bridge Joe Kirby from South Dakota.  Could open primaries bring better candidates? Would representatives be more in touch and more responsive with the electorate? Open primaries - a way of reforming or even disintermedia...

Episode 198- Environmental Disaster at Camp Lejeune. With Attorney Mike Cox

March 08, 2023 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

Rich and former Michigan Attorney General, Mike Cox, discuss the environmental disaster, contamination, and resulting illnesses from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. For 35 years, Marines, soldiers, Navy personnel and others were infected with contaminated water. How did this happen? What’s the VA‘s role? What are the ABCs of getting justice? Watch, Listen or Read about this and more in this week’s episode of The Common Bridge. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Comm...

Episode 197- Whistling Past the Economic Graveyard? with Kerry and Linda Killinger

March 01, 2023 20:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MB

Authors of the epic book, “Nothing is Too Big to Fail" Kerry and Linda Killinger return to the Common Bridge. An update on bubbles, government policy and the disconnect between United States citizens and the policies and viewpoints of their government. These Pulitzer nominated authors, have data that encompasses nearly every aspect of the economy that affects nearly every person. Don't miss this outstanding episode. Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!

Episode 196- Part 2 of A Random Walk Through Politics and Media with Justin Higgins.

February 22, 2023 19:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

Justin Higgins, host of the “Politics and Media 101” podcast, joins Rich on The Common Bridge for a fresh take about issues of the day and media coverage. Higgins brings first-hand knowledge from our nation’s capitol in part 2 of this 2-part series. These two rising independent journalists cover Hunter Biden’s Laptop, House Committee Assignments, Green Shoots of Bipartisanship, COVID policies, Ukraine, China, Nuclear War and end with a great look at the 2024 POTUS election.  Support the sho...

Episode 195- A Random Walk Through Politics and Media with Justin Higgins. Part 1

February 16, 2023 20:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

Justin Higgins, host of the “Politics and Media 101” podcast, joins Rich on The Common Bridge to talk about issues of the day and media coverage or non-coverage. Higgins brings the Washington insider look at what’s important In part 1 of a 2-part series, these two Independent interviewers discuss Chinese balloons, who’s got what documents, Federal Debt, Social Security with today’s demographics, Twitter files, Disinformation about Russian Disinformation,  and Hamilton 68. Support the show ...

Episode 194- Black and Blue- When Jim Crow Came to the Big House. With Brian Kruger

February 11, 2023 20:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

In celebration of Black History Month, Rich invites Brian Kruger to The Common Bridge to talk about his Emmy-Nominated documentary, “Black and Blue- The Story of Gerald Ford, Willis Ward, and the 1934 Michigan-Georgia Tech Football Game.” Support the show Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!