No Jargon, the Scholars Strategy Network’s monthly podcast, presents interviews with top university scholars on the politics, policy problems, and social issues...
Episode 272: Bonus: One Man’s Stand During Watergate
Political scientist Ryan LaRochelle stays post-interview to highlight a lesser-known but powerful chapter of the Watergate era. LaRochelle delves into the story of William S. Cohen, a Republican congressman from Maine who chose truth over party loyalty, helping hold President Richard Nixon accountable. Cohen’s moral courage offers timely lessons for navigating today’s deeply divided political landscape.
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Episode 271: Trump, Nixon, and the Dismantling of Federal Agencies
President Donald Trump kicked off his second term with a wave of executive actions, including efforts to shrink the federal government by gutting or entirely dismantling some federal agencies. While some of these moves are unprecedented, it’s not the first time a president has tried to unilaterally undermine a federal agency. Political scientist Ryan LaRochelle breaks down how President Richard Nixon attempted to shutter the Office of Economic Opportunity and the legal and political pushback he faced as a result. LaRochelle draws on this history to explain why presidents can’t slash federal programs on their own and how public and congressional resistance can help keep agencies intact. For more on this topic: Check out LaRochelle’s opinion piece on Nixon’s failed attempt to shut down the Office of Economic Opportunity in TIME Magazine. Read an opinion piece he co-authored with Luisa Deprez about fears over Trump’s strategy to cut U.S. safety net programs in Common Dreams.
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Episode 270: The Ripple Effects of Immigration Raids
Discussions about immigration and deportation often focus on politics, policies, and legal battles. But what happens to the people at the heart of it all? Professor William Lopez shares the story of one family’s experience to illustrate the far-reaching consequences of deportation. He breaks down the emotional, health, and financial toll of these enforcement actions—not just on those directly affected, but on teachers, faith leaders, and entire communities caught in the ripple effects. For more on this topic: Check out Lopez’s opinion piece on worksite raids in The Hill. Read his book, Separated: Family and Community in the Aftermath of an Immigration Raid.
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Episode 269: Tariffs, Trade Wars, and American Jobs
Tariffs are often promoted as a way to protect American workers—but do they actually work? Dr. Erica Owen takes us through the fast-moving shifts in U.S. trade policy under President Trump and the ripple effects they’re having on businesses, workers, and consumers. Who benefits, who pays the price, and what happens next? From the backlash against globalization to the forces reshaping American jobs, Dr. Owen explains what’s at stake—and how policymakers can better support workers caught in the crossfire. For more on this topic: Read Owen’s SSN key findings brief, Why Protectionist Trade Policies Still Won’t Deliver for U.S. Workers.
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Episode 268: Does AI Have a Role in Education?
Generative AI has sparked excitement, curiosity, and a lot of unease. For schools, is it a groundbreaking tool for education, or a high-tech shortcut some might call cheating? In this episode, Professor Justin Ballenger takes us on his journey from middle school science teacher to trailblazer in STEM teacher preparation. Along the way, he breaks down what generative AI is, how schools are using it today, and the game-changing ways it could transform learning in the future. For more on this topic: Check out Ballenger’s opinion piece about AI in the classroom in Higher Education Digest. Read SSN’s member spotlight about how his work is shaping the future of education.
No Jargon, the Scholars Strategy Network’s monthly podcast, presents interviews with top university scholars on the politics, policy problems, and social issues facing the nation. Powerful research, intriguing perspectives -- and no jargon. Find show notes and plain-language research briefs on hundreds of topics at www.scholarsstrategynetwork.org/nojargon. New episodes released once a month.
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