Podcasts by Civil Discourse
This podcast uses government documents to illuminate the workings of the American government, and offer context around the effects of government agencies in your everyday life.
Further podcasts by Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh
Podcast on the topic Regierung
All episodes
In the News: Santos Expulsion from 2023-12-12T12:00
Aughie and Nia talk about the 6th expulsion of a member of the House of Representatives, George Santos, and the potential ramifications of this resolution.
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Sandra Day OConnor from 2023-12-12T12:00
Nia and Aughie celebrate the life and career of Sandra Day O'Connor, first female Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice O'Connor died on December 1, 2023.
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In the News: Montana Tik Tok Ruling from 2023-12-05T12:00
Nia and Augie touch briefly on what the U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy's ban ruling means in the short and long term for Tik Tok users in Montana.
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SCOTUS and the Code of Conduct from 2023-12-05T12:00
Augie and Nia discuss the first-in-history written Code of Conduct of the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Asset Seizure, part 2 from 2023-11-21T12:00
In the second of two parts, Nia and Aughie talk about the negative consequences of asset seizure and forfeiture.
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Asset Seizure, part 1 from 2023-11-14T12:00
In this two part series, Aughie and Nia explore the concept of asset seizure and forfeiture.
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Politicians' Ages from 2023-11-07T12:00
Nia and Aughie follow up a previous episode about the rising mean age of Americans with a discussion of aging politicians and how they represent the average American. "Prevent a coup, retire now...
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Aging Population of the United States from 2023-10-31T12:00
In a two part series, Aughie and Nia explore the aging American population and what that demographic span means for elections and policy decisions going forward.
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Landlines and Demographics from 2023-10-24T12:00
Nia and Aughie discover and discuss the connections between landline usage and government statistics gathering. They also explore the demographics of owners of landlines.
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Congress and the Mountain Valley Pipeline from 2023-10-17T12:00
Aughie and Nia delve into the Mountain Valley Pipeline deal during the debt ceiling debates, and the problems that Congress has made for the Courts in adjudicating any problems with the pipeline...
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Architect of the Capitol from 2023-10-10T12:00
Nia and Aughie talk about an open position in the federal government, the Architect of the Capitol. They discuss the responsibilities of the job and how to potentially change the job to attract ...
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National Film Registry from 2023-10-03T12:00
Aughie and Nia explore the purpose of the National Film Preservation Board, created by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988. They discuss the criterion used to consider films as well as so...
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In the News: Government Shutdowns from 2023-10-01T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the outcomes of government shutdowns.
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Getting to Know You: Favorite Political Fiction Books from 2023-09-26T12:00
In the 5th and final part of a short series titled Getting to Know You, Aughie and Nia discuss their favorite political fiction books. Other favorites in the series include West Wing episodes, p...
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Getting to Know You: Favorite Political Scandals from 2023-09-19T12:00
In part 4 of a short series titled Getting to Know You, Aughie and Nia discuss their favorite protest or political songs. Other favorites in the series include West Wing episodes, protest movies...
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Getting to Know You: Favorite Protest or Political Songs from 2023-09-12T12:00
In part 3 of a short series titled Getting to Know You, Nia and Aughie discuss their favorite political or protest songs. Other favorites in the series include West Wing episodes, protest movies...
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Getting to Know You: Favorite Political Movies from 2023-08-29T12:00
In part 2 of a short series titled Getting to Know You, Nia and Aughie discuss their favorite political movies. Other favorites in the series include West Wing episodes, protest songs, political...
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Getting to Know You: Favorite West Wing Episodes from 2023-08-22T12:00
In a short series titled Getting to Know You, Aughie and Nia discuss their favorite West Wing Episodes. Other favorites upcoming will include movies, protest songs, political scandals, and book...
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SCOTUS 5 Preview of the 23-24 Term from 2023-07-07T12:00
Aughie and Nia preview some of the 21 cases that the Supreme Court has already agreed to hear for the 23-24 term.
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SCOTUS 4 Statistics of the 22-23 Term from 2023-07-07T12:00
Aughie and Nia share the statistics of this SCOTUS term, including who wrote the most and least, who agreed the most and least, and much more.
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SCOTUS 2 Wrap Up of the 22-23 Term from 2023-07-07T12:00
In the second of three episodes, Aughie and Nia discuss the major decisions released in June by the U.S. Supreme Court; in this episode, the cases covered are: Haaland v. Brackeen, U.S. v Texas,...
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SCOTUS 3 Wrap Up of the 22-23 Term from 2023-07-07T12:00
In the third of three episodes, Aughie and Nia discuss the major decisions released in June by the U.S. Supreme Court; in this episode, the cases covered are: Students for Fair Admissions v. Uni...
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In the News: Debt Ceiling Revisited from 2023-07-07T12:00
Nia And Aughie discuss the provisions of the debt ceiling agreement reached in June 2023. This is a follow up episode to a January 2023 episode.
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SCOTUS 1 Wrap Up of the 22-23 Term from 2023-07-06T20:41:31
In the first of three episodes, Aughie and Nia discuss the major decisions released in June by the U.S. Supreme Court; in this episode, the cases covered are: Andy Warhol v Goldsmith, Gonzalez v...
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Jack Daniels, Bad Spaniels, and the SCOTUS from 2023-05-09T12:00
Scholarly communications librarian Hillary Miller joins Nia and Aughie to debate the issues in the recent case before the Supreme Court, Listen
Music Catalogs and Copyright Law from 2023-05-02T12:00
Scholarly communications librarian Hillary Miller joins Aughie and Nia to discuss the copyright ownership of musical products by writers, singers, and potentially hedge funds.
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The Respect for Marriage Act from 2023-04-25T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the recently enacted PL 117-228, the Respect for Marriage Act. It repeals The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and guarantees that same sex marriages performed in a state wh...
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Federalist Paper 10 from 2023-04-18T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss arguments made in Federalist 10 and AntiFederalist 10 regarding the factions and parties that might destroy the rights of the people, especially those holding the minority...
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Freedom of Information Act Exemptions from 2023-04-11T12:00
Aughie and Nia cover the Freedom of Information Act and the exemptions the government may rely on to prevent the release of information.
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SCOTUS Hears Social Media Cases from 2023-04-04T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the cases heard before the U.S. Supreme Court in February 2023 regarding the responsibility of Google and Twitter for the content published on their platforms.
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Local Zoning Ordinances from 2023-03-28T12:00
Aughie and Nia explore how the use of zoning laws at the local level can change the use of property in a city, sometimes to suppress "undesirable" activities.
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Background of the Federalist Papers from 2023-03-21T12:00
Who were the authors of the Federalist Papers? What were they written in response to? Why are they important? Aughie and Nia answer these questions in a new intermittent series of episodes.
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School Nutrition and Military Readiness from 2023-03-14T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the new government nutritional guidelines, mostly in terms of other reports concerning military readiness and ongoing American health issues.
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FDA, part 3: Controversies from 2023-03-07T12:00
In the final part of this series, Aughie and Nia touch on the controversies surrounding the process of bringing a drug or medical device to market.
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FDA, part 2: Generics from 2023-02-28T12:01
The second in a three part series, Nia and Aughie explore how generics come to market.
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In the News: Russia, START, and the War in Ukraine from 2023-02-28T12:00
Professor Judy Twigg joins Aughie and Nia for a short discussion of Russia's suspension of the START Treaty. They also briefly touch on the prosecution of Russia's war with Ukraine.
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FDA, part 1: Application Process from 2023-02-21T12:02
In this first of a three part series, Aughie walks Nia through the application process for obtaining permission to produce a new drug or medical device.
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In the News: Slow SCOTUS from 2023-02-21T12:01
Nia and Aughie explore the reasons why the U.S. Supreme Court has released only two opinions since October when their session began.
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In the News: Objects in the Sky from 2023-02-21T12:00
Aughie and Nia briefly touch on the objects in American or Canadian airspace that have been brought down by the U.S. military.
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In the News: Presidential Records 2 from 2023-02-07T12:01
Nia and Aughie discuss the continuing issue of Presidential and Vice-Presidential classified documents being found in inappropriate locations. They further discuss the need for regulations to be...
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Government Numbers from 2023-02-07T12:00
Aughie and Nia start the regular season of episodes with a discussion of how the government used to assign Social Security Numbers and Employer Identification Numbers. They also talk about the l...
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In the News: The Dobbs Leak Report from 2023-01-31T12:00
Aughie and Nia catch up on the results of the SCOTUS investigation of the leak of the Dobbs opinion draft in 2022. The Marshall of the Court released a 20 page report this week detailing the inv...
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In the News: The Debt Ceiling from 2023-01-24T12:01
Nia and Aughie discuss the debt ceiling and the current issues being faced in Congress with raising the debt ceiling. Aughie also discusses historical approaches to the U.S. debt.
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In The News: Presidential Records Act from 2023-01-24T12:00
Aughie and Nia start the new season with a discussion of recent Presidential records issues. Both President Trump and President Biden have been entangled with the National Archives in potential ...
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The Department of Homeland Security from 2022-12-27T12:00
In response to the terrorist attacks on the United states on September 11, 2001, the last department (in the series thus far) was created - the Department of Homeland Security. DHS is made up of...
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The Department of Veterans Affairs from 2022-12-20T12:00
Taking care of American military veterans began in the colonial era, after the Revolutionary War. In 1811, the federal government authorized housing and medical facilities. After each major war,...
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In the News: Railroad Strike Averted from 2022-12-15T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the recent Congressional decision to avert a railroad strike.
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The Department of Education from 2022-12-14T12:00
As with previous departments, the Department of Education was re-created recently, but goes back to 1867, when President Andrew Johnson signed legislation creating the first Department of Educat...
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In the News: Kyrsten Sinema from 2022-12-13T12:00
Nia and Aughie explore the recent decision by Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona to change her party affiliation from Democrat to Independent.
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The Department of Energy from 2022-12-13T12:00
Nia and Aughie move on to the lucky 13th department, the Department of Energy, formed in 1977. While it might seem like a recent department, Energy can trace its beginning agencies back to the M...
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The Department of Transportation from 2022-11-29T12:00
The next department in the series is also part of the Great Society, the Department of Transportation (DoT). Aughie explains how the many subagencies of the department work together in various ...
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In the News: Elections from 2022-11-23T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the statistics and implications of the 2022 midterm elections.
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The Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2022-11-22T12:00
In 1965, we got the next department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as part of President Johnson's Great Society. Nia and Aughie discuss the needs of the nation to find w...
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In the News: SCOTUS and Affirmative Action from 2022-11-15T12:01
Nia and Aughie discuss the recent Supreme Court hearings involving two cases from the Students for Fair Admissions versus Harvard (one case) and SFFA versus UNC (second case). The universities i...
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The Department of HEW/HHS from 2022-11-15T12:00
Aughie and Nia move on to the next department in the series, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, later the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). From Head Start to Medicare...
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In the News: Ye and Hate Speech from 2022-11-08T12:01
Nia and Aughie discuss government intervention, Supreme Court rulings, and hate speech. in light of recent anti-semitic comments made by Ye West.
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The Department of Labor from 2022-11-08T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the Department of Labor as the next in the series. The Bureau of Labor was initially part of the Department of Interior, then its own Bureau but not part of the Cabinet, a...
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The Department of Commerce from 2022-11-01T21:00
Nia and Aughie tackle the next department, the Department of Commerce. Originally formed as the Department of Commerce and Labor on February 14, 1903, It later separated into two departments.. A...
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The Department of Agriculture from 2022-10-25T12:00
Aughie and Nia move on to the next in the series, the Department of Agriculture. At its founding in 1862, the Department of Agriculture was referred to as "The People's Department" by President...
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The Department of the Interior from 2022-10-18T12:00
Nia and Aughie continue to discuss the Cabinet Departments, in this case the Department of the Interior. The Department of the Interior, founded in 1849, arose from the need to manage most of th...
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The Postmaster General from 2022-10-11T12:00
Aughie and Nia explore the position of Postmaster General from 1753 to modern times in this episode of the Cabinet departments. Aughie explains how the Postmaster General went from running a lar...
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The Department of Justice from 2022-10-04T12:00
Aughie and Nia move on to the next department in the series, the Department of Justice. They discuss the various Attorneys General, the structure of the Department of Justice, and interesting ti...
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The Department of War/Defense, part B from 2022-09-27T12:00
Nia and Aughie conclude with part B of two episodes regarding the 3rd of the Department Series, the Department of War/Defense. Aughie sees listeners through World War i and into the renaming to...
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The Department of War/Defense, part A from 2022-09-20T12:00
Aughie and Nia introduce part A of two episodes regarding the 3rd of the Department Series, the Department of War/Defense. Historians often place the early seeds of the department in the Revolut...
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The Department of the Treasury from 2022-09-13T12:00
Nia and Aughie continue the Department series with part 2, the Department of the Treasury. They explore the Secretaries of the Treasury and their various roles and responsibilities throughout t...
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The Department of State from 2022-09-06T12:00
Aughie and Nia start a new series discussing the cabinet level departments of the United States Government. The first episode starts with the first department created, the Department of Foreign ...
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Summer of SCOTUS 2 Wrap Up: The Big Cases from 2022-08-09T12:00
The second episode of the three part season ending series focuses on a few important rulings from the 21 – 22 term.
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Summer of SCOTUS 2 Wrap Up Overview from 2022-08-09T12:00
The first of the three part season ender is an overview of the general statistics of the 21 – 22 term (vote rates, number of opinions written, etc.)
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Summer of SCOTUS 2 Wrap Up: What's Next from 2022-08-09T12:00
The final episode of the three part finale of Season 10 explores the upcoming docket of the U.S. Supreme Court for the Oct 2022 through June 2023 term.
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Summer of SCOTUS 2: The Myth of Merit, part 2 from 2022-08-02T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the educational backgrounds of the Justices, as well as their career backgrounds, political affiliations, and administrative experience. There are also several tangents taken.
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Summer of SCOTUS 2: The Myth of Merit, part 1 from 2022-08-02T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the educational backgrounds of the Justices, as well as their career backgrounds, political affiliations, and administrative experience. There are also several tangents taken.
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Summer of SCOTUS 2: Gravesites and Tombstones from 2022-07-26T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the tombstone epithets and gravesites of Supreme Court Justices.
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Summer of SCOTUS 2: Tests, part 2 from 2022-07-19T12:00
In the second part, the Lemon test, the trimester framework, the undue burden standard and the Chevron test are covered, along with a discussion of intent.
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Summer of SCOTUS 2: Tests, part 1 from 2022-07-19T12:00
In the first part, Aughie covers rational basis, intermediate scrutiny, strict scrutiny, void for vagueness, overbreadth, the Miller test, and the clear and present danger test.
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Summer of SCOTUS 2: Religion from 2022-07-12T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the religious makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, historically and currently.
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Summer of SCOTUS 2: Interpersonal Relationships from 2022-07-05T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the interpersonal relationships of Justices of the US Supreme Court. From friendships to enemies, some of the more interesting relationships are revealed.
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Tennessee Valley Authority from 2022-05-17T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the Tennessee Valley Authority, a federally-owned electric utility corporation. The TVA also focused on economic development of the middle Appalachia region.
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In the News - SCOTUS Leak from 2022-05-11T14:17:59
Aughie and Nia discuss the recent leak of an opinion out of the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Works Progress Administration - Art from 2022-05-10T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the Works Progress Administrations programs to provide work opportunities for artists, actors, musicians, and writers during the Great Depression. They also discuss some ...
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Works Progress Administration - Labor from 2022-05-03T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor programs to provide jobs and income to men and women during the Great Depression. These jobs often involved physical labor bu...
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Independent State Legislature Doctrine from 2022-04-26T12:00
Aughie explains two clauses in the U.S. Constitution: Article II, Section 1 (the electors clause) and Article 1, Section 4 (the elections clause). Recent SCOTUS cases have called the meaning of ...
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In the News - Oil Reserves from 2022-04-21T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the Strategic Petroleum Reserves of the United States, and criticisms of it from all sides of the political spectrum.
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Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon Accountability from 2022-04-19T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon disasters in terms of accountability and settlements. They also explore the ideas around government accountability and conflict of i...
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Congressional Review Act from 2022-04-13T12:00
Aughie thwarts Nia's plan to use the Space Force to take over all the other agencies by explaining the Congressional Review Act. The act requires that agencies submit regulatory changes to Congr...
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Presidential and Congressional Medals from 2022-04-05T12:00
Nia and Aughie explore some of the various military and civilian honors and awards that may be granted by the President or Congress. Some awards are given for very specific contributions while o...
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That is Not in the U.S. Constitution from 2022-03-22T12:00
Nia and Aughie continue their discussion of the text of the U.S. Constitution. This episode focuses on rights that are (and are not) enumerated in the text. The original text has no enumerated r...
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In the News - Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson from 2022-03-15T12:05
Aughie and Nia briefly discuss President Joe Biden's nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
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Dissed Amendments from 2022-03-15T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the amendments that were tardy to be included or not included in the text of the U.S. Constitution. Of James Madison's 20 proposed amendments, only 12 went forward, and on...
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Colorado River Compact from 2022-03-08T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the factors that brought about the creation of the Colorado River Compact. They also discuss the current issues and challenges facing the Law of the River.
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WOTUS - Waters of the United States from 2022-03-01T12:00
Aughie and Nia explore the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and the Clean Water Act. They also discuss the complicated caselaw from SCOTUS regarding "navigable waters" and the ...
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What is the Serial Set? from 2022-02-22T12:00
Nia and Aughie extol the virtues of the United States Congressional Serial Set, especially its historical and political importance. They discuss the content of the set, and encourage listeners t...
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In the News - Russia and Ukraine, February 18, 2022 from 2022-02-18T12:00
Dr. Judy Twigg joins Aughie and Nia to discuss the latest developments on the Russian/Ukrainian border. Dr. Twigg also gives us a primer on recent Russian history and the reasons for conflict be...
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Robert J. (Bob) Dole Memorial from 2022-02-15T12:00
Aughie and Nia commemorate the career of Robert J. (Bob) Dole, (July 22, 1923 - December 5, 2021). They discuss his personal physical battles and inner strength as well as his storied political ...
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Vice Presidents, Part 2 from 2022-02-08T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the office of Vice President of the United States. The second of two episodes explores interesting tidbits about various vice presidents, and ends with some quotes from of...
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In the News - SCOTUS and Vaccine Mandates from 2022-02-01T12:01
Nia and Aughie give a quick take on two recent vaccine mandate rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Vice Presidents, Part 1 from 2022-02-01T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the office of Vice President of the United States. The first of two episodes discusses the evolution of the position.
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Presidential Libraries Part 2: Boxes and Boxes from 2022-01-25T12:00
*Recorded in 2020* Professor Bill Newmann joins Aughie and Nia in the first two episodes of season 9 to discuss visiting presidential libraries. In this second episode, Dr. Newmann explains in d...
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Presidential Libraries Part 1: Two Folders from 2022-01-18T12:00
*Recorded in 2020* Professor Bill Newmann joins Aughie and Nia in the first two episodes of season 9 to discuss visiting presidential libraries. The first episode covers general research visits ...
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D.C. Statehood from 2021-12-14T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the potential difficulties of adding the District of Columbia as a state to the United States. Complexities include representation, balancing federal and state needs, and ...
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Adding a State to the United States from 2021-12-07T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss how territories and protectorates come to join the United States. The discussion includes the barriers to statehood and the requirements that Congress sets out for proto-s...
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Fun with Patents and Trademarks from 2021-11-30T17:00
Aughie and Nia welcome back copyright librarian Hillary Miller. Hillary walks listeners through the process of applying for a patent. The discussion then moves into some of the more interesting ...
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Do You Want to Know a Secret? from 2021-11-23T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the State Secrets Privilege in court, and the potential problems that arise from invoking that privilege. They weigh the pros and cons of protecting information versus tra...
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Controlled Substances Act from 2021-11-16T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the Controlled Substances Act and the latest changes to Virginia marijuana laws. They also discuss the positives and negatives of enforcement of state drug laws versus nat...
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2020 U.S. Census Update from 2021-11-09T12:00
Nia and Aughie explore more 2020 U.S. Census data. This episode focuses on the racial demographics of the U.S. currently, and projections for future demographics in 20-40 years.
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Rats' First Amendment Rights from 2021-11-03T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the case of Scabby the Rat and the rights of unions to protest in certain conditions. Aughie explains the early history of the National Labor Review Board and its current ...
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Midterm Elections Preview from 2021-10-26T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss why people vote the way they do in non-presidential elections. Aughie explores the three most common political theories that explain voter behavior in the midterm election...
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R Kelly and the RICO and Mann Acts from 2021-10-19T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the conviction of R&B singer R Kelly in instances of racketeering and Mann Act violations. Aughie explains the history behind, and crimes that may be charged, under th...
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Who Responds to Elections Polling? from 2021-10-12T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss polling and the media prior to the November elections of 2021. They cover common mistakes in polling that can lead to confusion and unreliable results.
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Government Public Relations from 2021-10-05T12:00
Aughie and Nis discuss the Gillette Amendment, 5 United States Code Section 3107, and the use of public relations specialists by the United States Government. The discussion ranges from messy pu...
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Shadow Docket Follow Up, Fall 2021 from 2021-09-28T12:38:43
In this follow up episode, Nia and Aughie discuss two recent controversial SCOTUS shadow docket decisions. The Evictions Moratorium case and the Texas Abortion case decisions may have far reachi...
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Shadow Docket from 2021-09-21T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the nature of the shadow docket, and how it is used by the Supreme Court. Aughie also explains the common scholarly critiques associated with the use of the shadow docket...
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Preliminary 2020 Census Report from 2021-09-14T12:00
Nia and Aughie give their take on the initial data released by the Census Bureau for the 2020 Decennial Census. Results of the new census count are affecting Congressional and in some cases Stat...
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SCOTUS Wrap Up, Part 2 from 2021-09-07T12:01
Season 8 begins with Aughie and Nia discussing the 2020-21 U.S. Supreme Court Term. Part 2 deals with current and possible future trends in rulings.
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SCOTUS Wrap Up, Part 1 from 2021-09-07T12:00
Season 8 begins with Aughie and Nia discussing the 2020-21 U.S. Supreme Court Term. In part 1, topics include general statistics of the Court (number of cases, percentages of agreements and dis...
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Smithsonian Institution, Part 2 from 2021-07-06T12:05
Aughie and Nia welcome back Eric Johnson to discuss James' Smithson's gift to the United States, the funding for "an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men." The f...
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Smithsonian Institution, Part 1 from 2021-07-06T12:04
Aughie and Nia welcome back Eric Johnson to discuss James' Smithson's gift to the United States, the funding for "an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men." The f...
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National Gallery of Art from 2021-07-06T12:03
Dr. Kristine Artello joins Nia and Aughie for an episode about the National Gallery of Art. The discussion covers the basics of visiting the galleries as well as Jazz in the Garden, the chequere...
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National Zoo from 2021-07-06T12:02
Aughie and Nia welcome Dr. Pattie Sobczak to discuss the National Zoo. Topics range from the history of the Zoo, to the basics of planning a visit, and Panda Diplomacy.
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National Parks, Part 2 from 2021-07-06T12:01
In a two-part set of episodes, Nia and Aughie talk with Eric Johnson about the opportunities to see national parks in every state in the union. The first episode focuses on the legislation that ...
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National Parks, Part 1 from 2021-07-06T12:00
In a two-part set of episodes, Nia and Aughie talk with Eric Johnson about the opportunities to see national parks in every state in the union. The first episode focuses on the legislation that ...
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The Moynihan Commission from 2021-06-01T12:00
In the final episode of the Commissions series, Aughie and Nia look at the Commission on Protecting and Reducing Government Secrecy, also known as the Moynihan Commission. Coming at the end of t...
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Banking Commissions, Part 2 from 2021-05-25T12:00
The second of two episodes that find Nia and Aughie exploring the four major Banking Commissions from 1907 to 2010. In part 1, they discussed the National Monetary Commission and the Pecora Inve...
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Banking Commissions, Part 1 from 2021-05-18T12:00
The next two episodes find Nia and Aughie exploring the four major Banking Commissions from 1907 to 2010. In part 1, they discuss the National Monetary Commission and the Pecora Investigation. I...
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The Kerner Commission, Part 2 from 2021-05-11T12:00
In these two episodes of the Commission series, Nia and Aughie explore the report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission. In the first part, ...
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The Kerner Commission, Part 1 from 2021-05-04T12:00
In these two episodes of the Commission series, Nia and Aughie explore the report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission. In the first part, ...
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Tower Commission from 2021-04-27T12:00
The Tower Commission, established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, was to investigate and review the proper role of the National Security Staff in the sale of arms to Iran. Aughie and Nia di...
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The Shafer Commission from 2021-04-20T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the work of the The Shafer Commission. The discussion touches on Reefer Madness and moves to the 1974 report and the recommendations regarding decriminalization of recreat...
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The Brownlow Committee, Part 2 from 2021-04-13T12:00
The Brownlow Committee and report provide the next two episodes in the Commission series. Part 1 is a discussion of the goals of President Roosevelt in forming the Committee as well as their gen...
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The Brownlow Committee, Part 1 from 2021-04-06T12:00
The Brownlow Committee and report provide the next two episodes in the Commission series. Part 1 is a discussion of the goals of President Roosevelt in forming the Committee as well as their gen...
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The 9/11 Commission, Part 2 from 2021-03-30T12:00
Aughie and Nia tackle the 9/11 Commission report and outcomes in the next two episodes of this series. Part 1 concentrates on the precipitating event and the report. Part 2 concentrates on the U...
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The 9/11 Commission, Part 1 from 2021-03-23T12:00
Aughie and Nia tackle the 9/11 Commission report and outcomes in the next two episodes of this series. Part 1 concentrates on the precipitating event and the report. Part 2 concentrates on the U...
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Rogers Commission from 2021-03-16T12:00
Next in a series on Commissions and their reports, Aughie and Nia explore the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident, also known as the Rogers Commission. The Commissio...
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Warren Commission from 2021-03-09T12:00
In this first of a series on government Commissions and their reports, Aughie and Nia discuss the Warren Commission, convened in the aftermath of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. ...
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Vaccines Around the World from 2021-03-02T12:00
Nia and Aughie welcome Judy Twigg, political scientist with a public health specialization, to discuss the worldwide vaccine response to COVID-19. The discussion ranges from joint efforts to vac...
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Texas v Pennsylvania in Depth from 2021-02-23T12:00
Nia and Aughie explore the Supreme Court ruling in Texas v. Pennsylvania, et al. Included in the discussion are the principles of standing, justiciability, arguments between the states, and the ...
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Exemplars of Public Service from 2021-02-16T12:00
Aughie and Nia welcome Bill Newmann as they discuss the public service careers of Elliot Richardson and William Ruckelshaus. In addition to serving in multiple positions in government, Richardso...
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Alexei Navalny from 2021-02-09T12:00
Nia and Aughie welcome Judy Twigg, VCU Political Science professor, to discuss the Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. Dr. Twigg also gives a bit of the background of the current opposition positi...
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Characters in Public Service from 2021-02-02T12:00
Aughie and Nia welcome back Bill Newmann, professor of political science at VCU, to discuss larger than life characters in American public service. They touch upon Presidents Johnson and Truman,...
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Weird Investigations from 2021-01-26T12:00
Aughie and Nia discuss government investigations into unusual phenomena. Included in this podcast are investigations into UFOs, Bigfoot, and the Bermuda Triangle.
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Inaugurations Gone Wrong from 2021-01-19T11:21:02
Nia and Aughie discuss "unusual" historical Presidential Inaugurations. From snubs to brawls to illness to drunk vice-presidents, inaugurations of the past have not always run smoothly.
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NORAD Tracks Santa Claus from 2020-12-18T17:00
** Disclaimer at the beginning of the episode - please DO NOT listen with young children present. Aughie and Nia talk about the origin of NORAD tracking Santa. They also discuss the funding, sta...
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Qualified Immunity from 2020-12-11T17:00
Nia and Aughie delve into the topic of qualified immunity. This discussion revolves around the complexity of the issue, from fairness to protection to reasonable conduct.
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Court Packing from 2020-12-04T17:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the ways that a president could "pack" the court system, focused mostly on the Supreme Court. There is also a discussion of the qualities and levels of experience needed t...
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Presidential Homes and Retreats from 2020-11-27T17:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the various vacation spots used by presidents to get a little R&R. From Buchanan to Trump, Presidents taking a break have often sought to leave the White House and fin...
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Presidential Transitions from 2020-11-20T17:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the importance of presidential transitions to the smooth running of government, especially in areas of security. They also touch on other presidential transitions, some sm...
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Presidential Skill Set, Part 2 from 2020-11-13T17:00
Nia and Aughie explore the skill set required to be President of the United States. In this second part, they explore presidential political skills, public communications, and emotional intellig...
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2020 Election Observations from 2020-11-10T17:00
Aughie and Nia discuss their observations regarding the 2020 elections. Episode recorded Friday, November 6, 2020.
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Presidential Skill Set, Part 1 from 2020-11-06T17:00
Nia and Aughie explore the skill set required to be President of the United States. In this first part, they explore presidential organizational skills, the means by which a president processes ...
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Presidential Personalities from 2020-10-30T17:00
Aughie and Nia explore the personality types of the Presidents of the United States as defined by James David Barber's typologies. These Presidential typologies include active versus passive and...
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Voting and Leadership from 2020-10-23T17:00
Nia welcomes Dr. Patricia Sobczak back to the podcast to discuss the way voters assess leaders. They also discuss voting as hiring as well as outside influencers on public opinions of leadership...
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Referenda, Initiatives, and Recalls from 2020-10-16T17:00
Nia and Aughie explore those densely worded referenda, initiatives, and recalls on the bottom of state ballots. Aughie explains the differences between them, and the purposes and pitfalls of dir...
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Replacing Members of Congress from 2020-10-09T17:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the five reasons a member of Congress might need to be replaced, and the mechanisms for doing so. They also touch upon the power of special elections to steer politics in ...
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Trump's COVID Diagnosis from 2020-10-05T17:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the line of succession as stated in the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. They also debunk some internet rumors surrounding the President's health and its affect on...
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Election Certification from 2020-10-02T17:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the election certification process. They also discuss possible problems with the process at each stage, and potential solutions.
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Wagging the Dog from 2020-09-25T17:05
Nia and Aughie discuss the concept of wagging the dog, a reference to creating a distraction in order to draw attention away from a candidate's behavior. They discuss several examples from event...
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Passing from 2020-09-25T17:00
Aughie and Nia celebrate the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg upon her passing on September 18, 2020. The discussion includes her early work with the ACLU, her jurisprudence, and h...
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Mudslinging from 2020-09-18T17:05
Nia and Aughie begin to explore the election season with an episode on campaign rhetoric. This discussion of lines crossed and regretted utterances circles back to the concept of civilized polit...
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Trademarks in the US from 2020-09-11T17:00
Nia and Aughie welcome Hillary Miller to discuss trademark protections in the United States. The discussion ranges from logos to regular words used in business marks.
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Copyright and the Courts from 2020-09-04T17:00
Aughie and Nia welcome Hillary Miller in the first of three episodes exploring the legal aspects of copyright and trademark law. In this episode, the three focus on copyright law as applied by t...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Wrap Up from 2020-08-14T17:00
Nia and Aughie explore themes from the summer of SCOTUS, from the effects of COVID-19 to who wrote the most opinions. Themes include up and downsides to oral arguments, John Roberts' voting reco...
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Summer of SCOTUS: DACA from 2020-08-07T17:00
Aughie and Nia discuss the SCOTUS ruling in the case involving the Trump Administration's attempt to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The SCOTUS ruling focused ...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Taxes from 2020-07-31T17:05
Aughie and Nia discuss the SCOTUS rulings concerning access to President Donald Trump's tax records, and whether U.S. Presidents can claim absolute immunity from the state criminal process. In t...
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Summer of SCOTUS: McGirt from 2020-07-31T17:00
Nia and Aughie grapple with SCOTUS rulings and questions of racism and Congressional neglect as they pertain to treaties with Native American tribes. In this case, the SCOTUS ruled that the Cree...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Faithless Electors from 2020-07-24T17:05
Aughie and Nia follow up an earlier podcast (Electoral College) with the rulings that were pending at that time. In a unanimous decision, the...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Religious Employment from 2020-07-24T17:00
In the rulings for these two cases, Aughie and Nia wrestle with the competing interests of the 1st Amendment's causes regarding religion, civil rights, and moral exceptions for employers. In th...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Seila Law, June Medical, and Espinoza from 2020-07-18T09:41:30
In this long episode, Nia and Aughie talk about three Supreme Court rulings: Seila Law, June Medical, and Espinoza. The Seila ruling considers whether a government official can fine companies, w...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Pipelines, Sanctuary Cities, and Guns, oh My! from 2020-07-10T17:00
In this episode, Nia and Aughie discuss three SCOTUS rulings: the pipeline ruling under the Appalachian Trail, the sanctuary city ruling, and the declination to take a Second Amendment case from...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Bostock from 2020-07-03T17:30
Nia and Aughie discuss the meaning of "sex" as written into Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, considering how it may pertain to being fired for being homosexual or transgender. They also t...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Guns of New York from 2020-07-03T17:00
Aughie and Nia discuss this Second Amendment case, originally opposing the travel ban on guns outside of going to firing ranges, as set by New York City. The case eventually is eventually declar...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Georgia Annotations from 2020-06-26T17:00
In this episode, Aughie and Nia discuss the Georgia v Public Resource case decided before the Supreme Court, October term, 2019. The holding: Under the government edicts doctrine, the annotation...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Writ of Certiorari from 2020-06-19T17:00
In this episode, Nia and Aughie discuss the application for a hearing before the Supreme Court, called a writ of certiorari. Aughie details the division of labor, brief building process, and cle...
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Summer of SCOTUS: SCOTUS on Zoom from 2020-06-12T17:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the new rules for oral arguments as the Court adjusts to meeting under social distancing guidelines. Mention is made of the problems created by using a zoom-like software ...
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Summer of SCOTUS: Marbury Starts Us Off from 2020-06-05T17:00
Nia and Aughie are spending the next several weeks focusing on the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). This episode explains the case Marbury v Madison, which led to judicial review, an...
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President Adjourns Congress from 2020-04-24T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the Constitutional powers granted to the President to adjourn Congress or call a session of Congress. There are very narrow circumstances under which a President may adjou...
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Russian Politics from 2020-04-17T12:00
Nia and Aughie are joined by Dr. Judyth Twigg of the VCU Political Science department. Dr. Twigg specializes in global public health issues and all things Russia, and gives Nia and Aughie a prim...
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The Gold Standard from 2020-04-10T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the gold standard, what backs American currency, and the beginnings of the national economy. They also explore the philosophical questions around debt and currency as soci...
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The Census from 2020-04-03T12:00
Nia and Dr. Nina Exner discuss the Census and how the data is used. Nia and Nina discuss the difficulties of counting every American, as well as the ways in which other types of sampling data is...
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501 (c) 3 - Taxes for Non-Profits from 2020-03-27T12:00
Nia is joined by guest Dr. Patricia Sobczak to discuss the rules surrounding non-profit organizations and their tax status. Dr. Sobczak also gives advice about giving money to charity.
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Price to Be Paid from 2020-03-20T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss civility in political discourse, as it relates to Senator Schumer's remarks regarding the Supreme Court. A plea for more civility follows the discussion of a "price to pay...
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McGahn Subpeona from 2020-03-13T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the House of Representatives' appeal to have a subpoena for former White House Counsel Don McGahn enforced. They ruminate on the future of this situation and the potential...
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Creating a Federal Holiday from 2020-03-06T12:00
Nia and Aughie talk about how federal holidays are created. They also explore the idea of new federal holidays, and the consequences of such celebrations.
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Impeachment from 2020-02-28T12:00
Nia and Aughie explore the impeachment process regarding President Trump, and the possible outcomes of the acquittal. A discussion of the peaceful transition of powers ensues.
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Space Force from 2020-02-21T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the creation of a Space Force, as well as how agencies are created and changed in general.
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Iowa Caucus from 2020-02-14T13:00
Nia and Aughie discuss the messiness of the Iowa Democratic caucus at some length. Aughie offered a historical look at the caucus process, and the primary process in general.
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Electoral College from 2020-02-07T12:00
Nia and Aughie discuss strategies likely to be employed in the 2020 presidential election. They also explore two cases before the US Supreme Court involving faithless electors, and the potential...
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War Powers from 2020-01-31T12:00
In this episode, Nia wants to invade Canada when she is President, and Aughie explains why she might want to get Congressional buy-in for an invasion. We talk about the War Powers Act and the re...
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The White House Christmas Tree from 2019-12-06T12:00
This episode discusses the annual tradition of the White House Christmas Tree, its origins, history, and current practices.
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Turkey Pardons from 2019-11-29T12:00
This episode introduces listener's to the tradition of the president's pardoning of turkeys at Thanksgiving and uses that as a springboard for discussion about presidential powers to issue pardo...
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Commerce Clause 3 from 2019-11-22T12:00
The final episode in this series tackles the Commerce Clause from the standpoint of the Affordable Care Act and the use of federal funds as both a carrot and a stick to induce individuals and st...
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Commerce Clause 2 from 2019-11-15T12:00
This episode continues the discussion of the Commerce Clause, including cases about farmers growing extra crops and grandmothers growing medicinal marijuana.
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Commerce Clause 1 from 2019-11-08T12:00
This episode introduces the listeners to the Commerce Clause, including when and why it was included in the Constitution, what it regulates and its importance to the oversight of commercial inte...
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Tell Me About the 25th Amendment from 2019-11-01T12:00
This podcast takes a look at the 25th Amendment, which was proposed after the death of President Kennedy and which provides the procedures for replacing the president or vice president in the ev...
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Rules for the Rulemakers: The Federal Register from 2019-10-25T12:00
This podcast reviews the Federal Register (AKA the bible for bureaucrats) which is defined as: "…the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and org...
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Down With Broccoli! Executive Orders from 2019-10-18T12:00
This podcast reviews the process and internal working of what it takes to issue a presidential executive order and the subsequent issues including potential legal ramifications, injunctions, etc...
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History of the Post Office from 2019-10-11T12:00
This podcast discusses the creation of the post office to unify the country, to create a way to connect sellers and buyers and also to help aid in the migratory patterns of the United States. Th...
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Getting on a Postage Stamp from 2019-10-04T12:00
This podcast reviews the process of getting a picture on a postage stamp. It all starts with the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee. According to the committee, you have to be dead and have had s...
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Federal Budgeting: Congress' Turn from 2019-09-27T12:00
This podcast continues the conversation about the federal budget process but this time focuses on Congress’ role. It follows the path of the budget from the president’s office through Congressio...
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Federal Budgeting: The President Starts from 2019-09-20T12:00
This podcast reviews the federal budget process starting with the president (through the Office of Budget and Management, OMB), the OMB sending out memos to each federal agency for their require...
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Eviction Part 1: the Short Take from 2019-09-13T12:00
This podcast discusses the VCU Common Book, Evicted by Matthew Desmond, and the eviction process in general. It covers both the technical definition (the legal process that leads to som...
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Eviction Part 2: the Longer Take from 2019-09-13T12:00
This podcast is a continuation of the podcast Eviction Part 1: the Short Take. It discusses cases of eviction, how the instability of housing impacts individuals and neighborhoods, section eight...
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Getting a Bill through Congress Part 2 from 2019-07-17T14:15
This podcast is the second of two that delves into how to get a bill through Congress. This podcast picks up where we left off last time – at the point where the Senate majority leader has almos...
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Getting a Bill through Congress Part 1 from 2019-07-17T14:15
This podcast is the first of two that delves into how to get a bill through Congress. The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 is used as an example of the process of creating a bill and what happens...
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15 Unicorns Part 3 from 2019-07-17T14:15
This podcast, 15 Unicorns Part 3, is the third in a series of three about the process of becoming a cabinet secretary for the US Government. In this part, the key elements neede...
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15 Unicorns Part 1 from 2019-07-17T14:15
This podcast, 15 Unicorns Part 1, is one in a series of three about the process of becoming a cabinet secretary for the US Government. In this part, the key elements needed to b...
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15 Unicorns Part 2 from 2019-07-17T14:15
This podcast, 15 Unicorns Part 2, is the second in a series of three about the process of becoming a cabinet secretary for the US Government. In this part, the key elements need...
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