Shows
We Made This Political PodcastEp. 09: Ben Klutsey on the Power of PluralismIn this episode, we're joined by Ben Klutsey of the Mercatus Center to discuss pluralism, politics, and parenting. Ben shares his background and personal experiences that fueled his passion for pluralism, including his childhood experiences in Germany contrasted against his warm welcome in Appleton, Wisconsin. He delves into his academic and professional journey exploring pluralism, informed by luminaries like John Izu and through extensive conversations with scholars and public intellectuals. The conversation also touches on how pluralism can be practiced through innovative approaches like the Pluralist Lab and the importance of fostering virtues and curiosity in children. Ben's hopeful...2025-06-3054 min
Plain Talk607: How do we do politics in the classroom? (REPLAY)We all know the old saying. You don't talk about religion and politics in polite company. Only, does that advice make sense in a society like ours, where we practice self-governance? How can we govern ourselves if we can't talk to one another about politics? And, more pertinent to this episode of Plain Talk, how do we teach our kids how to participate in discourse over challenging issues like abortion or gun control if teachers are afraid to tackle politics in the classroom? Lindsey Galvao is a long-time educator -- the social studies curriculum specialist a...2025-05-3034 min
When We DisagreeSeason 2 Finale: PluralismBen Klutsey, executive director of the Mercatus Center whose work to bridge political differences is showcased in the documentary Undivide Us, shares a formative story of encountering racism as a child visiting Germany—a moment of unprovoked hostility that deeply shaped his outlook. Years later, after leaving Ghana and arriving in Appleton, Wisconsin for college, he was met with unexpected warmth, an experience he describes as a healing contrast that sparked his lifelong commitment to what he calls pluralist points. For Klutsey, pluralism means more than diversity—it’s about engaging across difference with tolerance, humility, and patience. When...2025-04-2324 min
Pluralist Points with Ben KlutseyJeffrey Rosen on Virtue and the Pursuit of HappinessIn this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Jeffrey Rosen, the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, about the Founders’ understanding of the pursuit of happiness and how it relates to virtue. They discuss the notion of bounded liberty, the importance of deep reading, literature that contains ancient wisdom and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Recorded March 5th, 2025 Other ways to connect Follow Discourse Maga...2025-03-2838 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyKurt Weyland on Populism vs. PluralismIn this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Kurt Weyland, the Mike Hogg Professor in Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, about the rise of populism. They discuss what factors contribute to populism, how worried we should be about its rise, why populism leads to authoritarianism, and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Recorded February 11th, 2025 Other ways to connect Follow Discourse Magazine on X...2025-02-2845 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyKurt Gray on Moving Beyond Moral OutrageIn this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Kurt Gray, a psychology and neuroscience professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, about our moral understanding and how we react to perceived threats. They discuss why a “protection” narrative is better than a “destruction” one, the pros and cons of moral outrage, why stories matter more than facts in political disagreements, and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Recorded January 9, 2025 Other wa...2025-01-3139 min
Faith and LawLeading Together in Divided TimesIn a democratic society, differences and disagreements are inevitable—but they don’t have to lead to dysfunction. For leaders, especially those guided by faith, understanding pluralism is key to navigating tensions and fostering unity. Ben Klutsey, Executive Director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, will share insights on bridging divides and advancing the common good. Drawing from his experience growing up under military rule in Ghana and his research on pluralism, he will offer practical guidance on how to bring opposing perspectives together in today’s polarized political climate.Support the show2025-01-1530 minFaith and LawLeading Together in Divided TimesIn a democratic society, differences and disagreements are inevitable—but they don’t have to lead to dysfunction. For leaders, especially those guided by faith, understanding pluralism is key to navigating tensions and fostering unity. Ben Klutsey, Executive Director of the Mercatus Center, will share insights on bridging divides and advancing the common good. Drawing from his experience growing up under military rule in Ghana and his research on pluralism, he will offer practical guidance on how to bring opposing perspectives together in today’s polarized political climate.Ben Klutsey is the Executive Director of the Me...2025-01-1530 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyShira Hoffer on Curious Disagreement In this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Shira Hoffer, the founder and executive director of the Institute for Multipartisan Education, about her work as a mediator and the importance of curious disagreement. They discuss self-censorship among college students, how to develop good conflict resolution skills, the Hotline for Israel/Palestine and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Recorded November 11th, 2024. Other ways to connect Follow Discourse Ma...2024-12-2038 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyDaryl Davis on How to Fight HatredIn this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with author, activist and musician Daryl Davis, who is known for his work confronting racism through dialogue. They discuss Davis’ first encounter with a member of the Ku Klux Klan, his determination to discover the “why” behind racism, his meeting and eventual friendship with klan leader Roger Kelly and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Recorded September 25th, 2024. Other ways to connect 2024-11-2243 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyCorey Brettschneider on Citizen Checks on Presidential PowerIn this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Corey Brettschneider, a professor of political science at Brown University, about his new book, “The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought To Defend It.” They discuss the early presidential models of Washington and Adams, what categorizes a “recovery” president after a period of crisis, Frederick Douglass as a founder of American democracy, how we haven’t yet recovered from Nixon and much more. Read a full transcript...2024-10-2542 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyCorey Brettschneider on Citizen Checks on Presidential PowerIn this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Corey Brettschneider, a professor of political science at Brown University, about his new book, “The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought To Defend It.” They discuss the early presidential models of Washington and Adams, what categorizes a “recovery” president after a period of crisis, Frederick Douglass as a founder of American democracy, how we haven’t yet recovered from Nixon and much more. Read a full transcript...2024-10-2542 min
Biz-eWerk"Ben Klutsey - UNDIVIDE US Film" Ep96“Unless we come together and get to know somebody, you won’t know how much you have in common.” – Benjamin Klutsey
In this episode, Benjamin Klutsey, Executive Director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University discusses the film UNDIVIDE US. The film reminds us that while polarization is a genuine concern, fostering civil exchange is a crucial step toward building a more cohesive and understanding society. Along with our guests, Pete Calcagno, and Mike Lee, we discuss how individuals can engage in respectful dialogue by recognizing that common ground and shared
values often outweigh perceived differences.
(T...2024-10-2417 min
Speaking of ... College of CharlestonCivility, Conflict and the Power of Disagreement with Michael Lee, Director of the Civility InitiativeSend us a textIn this episode of Speaking of…College of Charleston, we talk to Michael Lee, professor of communication and Director of the Civility Initiative. Lee has been an influential figure at the college since 2002, focusing on political communication. His research delves into political branding, identity, and strategic communication, earning him numerous awards. Lee is getting ready to launch season two of his podcast When We Disagree, which is focused on powerful, human stories about arguments, conflicts and disagreements.The podcast is a guest driven show, and Le...2024-10-0232 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyMusa al-Gharbi on Symbolic Capital and Social JusticeIn this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Musa al-Gharbi, an assistant professor of journalism, communication and sociology at Stony Brook University, about his forthcoming book, “We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite.” They discuss the evolution of terms like “woke” and “politically correct,” how social justice beliefs can be both sincere and self-interested, why elites don’t always realize they’re elite and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video....2024-09-271h 11
The Great AntidoteRobert Doar on Think Tanks and ScholarshipSend us a textWhat does it actually mean to run a think tank, to create harmony within an office building full of idea-confident folk? Some have called the think tank a monastery, some have called it an academic social club, and some have even called it a policy incubator. What truly is it and how on earth do you lead one? Leading a think tank is a multifaceted job, because you have your own scholarship to do too. Today, I’m excited to welcome the president of AEI, Robert Doar, to the podcast for a s...2024-09-2052 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyIlana Redstone on Escaping the Certainty Trap In this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Ilana Redstone, a professor of sociology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, about her new book, “The Certainty Trap: Why We Need To Question Ourselves More—and How We Can Judge Others Less.” They discuss why we ascribe ill intent to others, shortcomings of the term “critical thinking,” the role of education in escaping the certainty trap and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Rec...2024-09-0636 min
Plain Talk530: How do we do politics in the classroom?We all know the old saying. You don't talk about religion and politics in polite company. Only, does that advice make sense in a society like ours, where we practice self-governance? How can we govern ourselves if we can't talk to one another about politics? And, more pertinent to this episode of Plain Talk, how do we teach our kids how to participate in discourse over challenging issues like abortion or gun control if teachers are afraid to tackle politics in the classroom? Lindsey Galvao is a long-time educator -- the social studies curriculum specialist a...2024-09-041h 05
American ViewpointsTalking About How To Talk About The Divisive IssuesIt's one thing to understand the issues. It's another to understand how to debate those issues, which cam be divisive. In this discussion, Mercatus Center Executive Director Ben Klutsey discusses the campaign to teach civil discourse in America. Is there a place for that in our classrooms?
For more information: https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/teaching-civil-discourse-a-classroom-blueprint-for-all-america/
For More information: Mercatus.org2024-09-0310 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyJoshua Cherniss on Cultivating an Ethos of Tempered LiberalismIn this re-release of an installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, talks with Joshua Cherniss, an associate professor of government at Georgetown University, about challenges to liberalism in the mid-20th century, the current liberal predicament, the thinkers who exemplify a spirit of tempered liberalism, the balancing act of activism vs. detachment and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Originally published January 27th, 2023 Other ways to connect: Follow Discourse Magazine on X ...2024-08-021h 02Pluralist Points with Ben KlutseyYuval Levin on Acting Together While Thinking DifferentlyIn this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Yuval Levin, editor-in-chief of National Affairs magazine and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about the Constitution as a unity document, the relationship between liberalism and republicanism, the benefits of congressional inefficiency, the problems with primaries and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Recorded July 10th, 2024 Other ways to connect Follow Discourse Magazine on X ...2024-07-2647 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyAmanda Ripley on High Conflict to Good ConflictIn this re-release of an installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, talks with Amanda Ripley, an investigative journalist and author, about the benefits of not watching the news, the conflict industrial complex, whether divisions in the U.S. are getting worse, the importance of positive interactions and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Originally published February 24th, 2023 Other ways to connect Follow Discourse Magazine on X Follow Ben on X Fol...2024-07-1951 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyAlan Charles Kors on the Need for Mutual ForbearanceIn this re-release of the first installment of an interview series on liberalism, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Alan Charles Kors about the history of liberalism, the proper purpose of education, and the core liberal value of mutual forbearance. Kors is the Henry Charles Lea Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in European intellectual history of the 17th and 18th centuries. He has published several books and many articles on early-modern French intellectual history and was editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment. ...2024-07-0548 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyJosiah Ober on Democracy as a Civic BargainIn this episode of the Pluralist Points podcast, Ben Klutsey, the executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Josiah Ober, a professor of political science and classics at Stanford University, about democracy as a bargain among citizens, the necessity of civic education, the challenges of scaling democracy as populations become larger and more diverse, and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video. Recorded June 6th, 2024 Other ways to connect Follow Discourse Magazine on X Follow Ben...2024-06-2840 minPluralist Points with Ben KlutseyWelcome to Pluralist PointsAmerica has always had factions; they are a feature—not a flaw—of representative democracy. However, when civil discourse breaks down, these factions can become so entrenched that we face the dangers of toxic polarization. This is where learning and adopting pluralism becomes crucial. Welcome to Pluralist Points, where we unpack the challenges and opportunities of liberalism and pluralism in the 21st century. In a world increasingly divided by tribalism and polarization, Pluralist Points aims to foster understanding, civil exchange, and the open-minded exploration of ideas. Each episode features an in-depth conversation that challe...2024-06-2601 min
The Curious TaskBen Klutsey - How Do We Rebuild Trust?Sabine speaks with Ben Klutsey about political polarization, commonalities between the United States and Canada, and his documentary on the subject entitled "Undivide Us"
Episode Notes:
The documentary's website with more information, a trailer and the option to request a screening: https://undivideusmovie.com/
Kevin Vallier's "Trust in a Polarized Age":
https://a.co/d/gDm6pjz
John Inazu's "Learning To Disagree":
https://a.co/d/1OmKckQ
Kevin Vallier on the Curious Task:
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-isuwy-d16f34
2024-04-171h 01
The Archbridge PodcastTrue Progress: Polarization | Episode 3: Finding SolutionsCreditsWritten, Edited, and Directed by Arash AyromProduced by Clay Routledge and Ben WilterdinkNarrated by Robert Anthony PetersFeaturing interviews with:Ben Klutsey, Director of Academic Outreach, Director of the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange, Mercatus CenterIlana Redstone, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Illinois; Co-Director, Mill Institute, University of AustinClay Routledge, Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab, Archbridge InstituteDan Vallone, Director, More in Common, USATony Woodlief, Senior Executive Vice President at State Policy Network and Author of “I, Citizen: A Blueprint for Reclaiming American Self-Governance” ResourcesThe Hidden...2024-03-1837 min
The Archbridge PodcastTrue Progress: Polarization | Episode 2: Fracturing SocietyCreditsWritten, Edited, and Directed by Arash AyromProduced by Clay Routledge and Ben WilterdinkNarrated by Robert Anthony PetersFeaturing interviews with:Ben Klutsey, Director of Academic Outreach, Director of the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange, Mercatus CenterIlana Redstone, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Illinois; Co-Director, Mill Institute, University of AustinClay Routledge, Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab, Archbridge InstituteDan Vallone, Director, More in Common, USATony Woodlief, Senior Executive Vice President at State Policy Network and Author of “I, Citizen: A Blueprint for Reclaiming American Self-Governance” ResourcesThe Hidden...2024-03-1833 min
The Archbridge PodcastTrue Progress: Polarization | Episode 1: Defining DivisionCreditsWritten, Edited, and Directed by Arash AyromProduced by Clay Routledge and Ben WilterdinkNarrated by Robert Anthony PetersFeaturing interviews with:Ben Klutsey, Director of Academic Outreach, Director of the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange, Mercatus CenterIlana Redstone, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Illinois; Co-Director, Mill Institute, University of AustinClay Routledge, Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab, Archbridge InstituteDan Vallone, Director, More in Common, USATony Woodlief, Senior Executive Vice President at State Policy Network and Author of “I, Citizen: A Blueprint for Reclaiming American Self-Governance” ResourcesThe Hidden...2024-03-1827 min
The Great AntidoteUndivide Us: Ben Klutsey on Exploring and Confronting PolarizationSend us a textBen Klutsey is the Director of Academic Outreach and the Director of the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He is also one of the masterminds behind a recent documentary, Undivide Us, which tackles the affective polarization in America and how to remedy it through thoughtful conversation. We talk about Ben’s journey and how it led him to this project, the findings of the Undivide Us documentary, and potential solutions to the divisions in society today. Near the end, we discuss the re...2024-02-0253 min
Dad Saves AmericaToxic Polarization, Civil War & Local ConversationKristi Kendall, an accomplished television producer and filmmaker, and Ben Klutsey, Director of the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, joined the show to discuss their new documentary film, Undivide Us. The film brings together people from diverse backgrounds to discuss highly contentious topics like gun control, abortion, and immigration, and dives into the pressing concerns of America's current political culture, exploring the risks of national division and the specter of civil unrest.Kristi and Ben stress the significance of local community engagement, advocating for a decentralized approach...2023-12-291h 51
Discourse Magazine PodcastMyths of American Identity: Ben Klutsey talks to Sam GoldmanIn this installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the director of the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, talks with George Washington University professor Samuel Goldman about different historical narratives about American identity, definitions of nationalism and why consensus should not be our goal.Resources:John L. Loeb, Jr. Institute for Religious FreedomPolitics & Values ProgramSamuel Goldman, God's Country: Christian Zionism in AmericaSamuel Goldman,After Nationalism: Being American in an Age of DivisionFrederick Douglas...2022-02-2541 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastTaking Liberal Democracy, and Each Other, for Granted: Ben Klutsey talks to Roland MerulloIn this installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the director of the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, talks with Roland Merullo about taking liberal democracy, and each other, for granted as well as what people can do in our own lives to be more mindful about the decisions we make and how we treat others. Merullo is an award-winning author of 24 books including 17 works of fiction. His book Breakfast with Buddha was a nominee for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and his latest book Once Night Falls...2022-01-2144 min
The Curious TaskYear in Review with Matt Bufton and Sabine El-ChidiacAlex speaks with Curious Task Executive Producer Matt Bufton and Producer Sabine El-Chidiac about topics related to freedom from 2021, and reflect on their favourite moments and accomplishments from the past year of The Curious Task.
References
1. “Welcoming Afghans to Canada” by the Government of Canada
Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan.html?utm_campaign=gac-amc-afghanistan-21-22&utm_source=countrypageafghanistan&utm_medium=notice&utm_content=en
2. “What is Classical Liberalism” The Curious Task Podcast Episode by Nigel Ashford
Link: https://thecurioustask.podbean.com/e/ep-1-nigel-ashford-%E2%80%94-w...2021-12-291h 01Discourse Magazine PodcastHuman Beings, Together and Alone: Ben Klutsey talks to Ian Marcus CorbinIn this installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the director of academic outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, talks with Ian Marcus Corbin about the difference between solitude and loneliness, how the internet is affecting people’s sense of self, the virtues of ska punk music and much more. Corbin is a writer, researcher and teacher in Cambridge, Mass., where he is currently writing a book on solitude and human solidarity.For a full transcript of this conversation with helpful links, visit DiscourseMagazine.com.2021-11-2944 min
The Curious TaskBen Klutsey - How Do We Bridge Divides?Alex speaks with Ben Klutsey about the political polarization that is endemic to American society today, and how novel attempts to bridge the divide are being made by both individuals and organizations.
References
1. “Overdoing Democracy: Why We Must Put Politics in its Place” by Robert B. Talisse
Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Overdoing-Democracy-Must-Politics-Place/dp/0190924195
2. Read more about Ben’s Pluralism and Civil Exchange program at the Mercatus Center here:
Link: https://www.mercatus.org/tags/pluralism-and-civil-exchange
3. “Living Together with Deep Divides” by Ben Klutsey
Link: https://www...2021-11-2454 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastSpeaking Freely in American Universities: Ben Klutsey talks to Keith WhittingtonIn this installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the Director of Academic Outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, talks with Keith Whittington about his latest book, “Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech,” his work with the Academic Freedom Alliance, free speech on college campuses, self-censorship and much more. Whittington is the Nelson Cromwell Professor of Politics at Princeton University. In addition to “Speak Freely,” he has written several books on constitutional law and the judiciary, and he hosts the Academic Freedom Podcast.For a full transcript of this conversation with helpful...2021-10-2249 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastRemixed Religion in America: Ben Klutsey talks to Tara BurtonIn this fourteenth installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the director of academic outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Tara Isabella Burton about religion in America today, encompassing everything from yoga to witchcraft to wellness culture. They discuss the decline of trust in religious institutions, contemporary spirituality’s focus on self-determination, the role of the internet in creating new religious affinities and much more. Burton is a writer of both fiction and nonfiction works, including the novels “Social Creature” and “The World Cannot Give” and the nonfiction book “Strange Rites.” She has a doctorate in...2021-09-1050 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastReaching Our Potential as a Liberal Society: Ben Klutsey talks to Pete BoettkeIn this thirteenth installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the Director of Academic Outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Peter Boettke about the promise held by the idea of liberal cosmopolitanism and the importance of considering the political economy of institutional arrangements in reaching our potential. Boettke is a University Professor of Economics and Philosophy at George Mason University, the BB&T Professor for the Study of Capitalism, and the Director of the F. A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Mercatus. Boettke’s analytical framework is gr...2021-07-1654 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastDefending the Constitution of Knowledge: Ben Klutsey talks to Jonathan RauchIn this twelfth installment of our series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the Director of Academic Outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, talks with Jonathan Rauch about fallibilism, groupthink, cancelers and trolls, and why the constitution of knowledge is better than the marketplace of ideas. Rauch is a senior fellow in the Governance Studies program at the Brookings Institution. His latest book is “The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth” (2021). Previous works include “The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50” (2018), “Political Realism: How Hacks, Machines, Big Money, and Back-Room Deals Can Strengthen American Democracy” (2015) and “Gay Marriage...2021-06-2545 min
Discourse Magazine PodcastConfident Pluralism: Ben Klutsey talks to John InazuIn this eleventh installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the director of academic outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, sits down with John Inazu to discuss what changes in constitutional rules and inter-personal norms can be more effective at better fostering environments of patient, tolerant, and intellectually humble conversations. Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law & Religion and Professor of Political Science at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He specializes in First Amendment freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion, and related questions of legal and political...2021-05-2155 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastThe Psychology of Interactions: Ben Klutsey talks to Juliana SchroederIn this installment of a series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the director of academic outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, sits down with Juliana Schroeder to discuss the psychology underlying how trust and distrust are generated as well as practical ways to better facilitate productive interactions, even across severe cultural, ideological, or other divides. Dr. Schroeder is a professor in the Management of Organizations group at the Haas School of Business and a faculty affiliate in the Social Psychology Department, the Cognition Department, and the Center for Human-Compatible AI at UC Berkeley. She also co-founded and d...2021-04-2349 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastBuilding Trust in a Pluralistic Society: Ben Klutsey talks to Kevin VallierIn this 9th episode on our series on liberalism, Ben Klutsey, the director of academic outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Kevin Vallier about the connections between declining social and political trust as well as possible solutions for rebuilding faith in our neighbors and establishing a broad-based civic friendship. Vallier is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University. His interests lie primarily in philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE), ethics, and the philosophy of religion. He is the author of Liberal Politics and Public Faith: Beyond Separation, Must Politics Be War? Restoring O...2021-03-2655 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastGreater Social Trust: Ben Klutsey talks to Virgil StorrIn this week’s episode, Benjamin Klutsey, the director of academic outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Virgil Storr about bottom-up solutions for facilitating greater social trust and a generally liberal ethos, especially the market mechanism. Dr. Storr is the Vice President of Academic and Student Programs and Don C. Lavoie Senior Fellow in the F.A. Hayek Program in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He specializes in Austrian economics, culture and economic development, and economic sociology. His books include Do Markets Corrupt our Morals? and Community Re...2021-02-0548 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastPluralism and Liberalism: Ben Klutsey talks to Roger BerkowitzIn this seventh installment of our series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the director of academic outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, sits down with Roger Berkowitz to discuss the effects that democratic conversations, elite technocratic prejudices, and mass loneliness have on pluralism and liberalism. Dr. Berkowitz is the Founder and Academic Director of the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities and Professor of Politics, Philosophy, and Human Rights at Bard College. He specializes in law, political theory, and continental philosophy. His books include The Gift of Science: Leibniz and the Modern Legal Tradition and Thinking I...2021-01-081h 01Discourse Magazine PodcastCivic Friendship: Ben Klutsey talks to Danielle AllenIn the sixth installment of our series on liberalism, Benjamin Klutsey, the director of academic outreach at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, speaks with Danielle Allen about trust, civic friendship, political and social equality as an essential foundation for liberty, and the importance of overcoming our fear of talking (and really listening) to strangers. Dr. Allen is the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University, and Director of Harvard’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics, specializing in democratic theory, political sociology, and the history of political thought. Widely known for her work on jus...2020-12-0435 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastOverdoing Democracy: Ben Klutsey talks to Robert TalisseOn today’s episode, Ben Klutsey, our Director of Academic Outreach at Mercatus, sits down with Robert Talisse, author of Overdoing Democracy: Why We Must Put Politics in its Place. Dr. Talisse discusses how political saturation of the social space and polarization are affecting how we do democracy and associate with each other outside of the political sphere. The audio, as well as the transcript of this conversation between Klutsey and Talisse, has been slightly edited for clarity. Love the show? Consider giving us a rating on Apple Podcasts and be sure to check out the...2020-11-061h 23Discourse Magazine PodcastFor a New Liberalism: Ben Klutsey talks to Richard EbelingDr. Richard Ebeling, BB&T Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Free Enterprise Leadership at The Citadel, joins us for today’s podcast. Dr. Ebeling discusses his new book, For a New Liberalism, and the importance of living out the ideals of Liberalism in our lives every day. The audio, as well as the transcript of this conversation between Klutsey and Ebeling, has been slightly edited for clarity. Love the show? Consider giving us a rating on Apple Podcasts and be sure to check out the Discourse Magazine for more. Resources mentioned: Richard Ebe...2020-10-161h 06Discourse Magazine PodcastLiberalism and Viewpoint Diversity: Ben Klutsey talks to Ilana RedstoneIn this installment, Ben Klutsey talks with Dr. Ilana Redstone, Professor of Sociology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and founder of Diverse Perspectives Consulting. We dig into the epistemic question of how we know what we know and the usefulness of respecting viewpoint diversity by focusing on Dr. Redstone’s new course, Bigots and Snowflakes: Living in a World Where Everyone Else is Wrong, and her forthcoming book, Unassailable Ideas: How Unwritten Rules and Social Media Shape Discourse in American Higher Education. The audio, as well as the transcript of this conversation between Klutsey and Re...2020-09-2554 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastDesign Principles for Civil Discourse in a Pluralistic and Open Society: Ben Klutsey talks to Emily Chamlee-WrightIn this episode, Ben Klutsey, Director of Academic Outreach at Mercatus, chats with Dr. Emily Chamlee-Wright, President and CEO of the Institute for Humane Studies. Dr. Chamlee-Wright explores the benefits of tolerance, good faith, and humility in a society of diverse individuals. The audio, as well as the transcript of this conversation between Klutsey and Chamlee-Wright, has been slightly edited for clarity. Love the show? Consider giving us a rating on Apple Podcasts and be sure to check out the Discourse Magazine for more. Resources mentioned: John Stuart Mill, On Liberty Jacob L...2020-09-0456 minDiscourse Magazine PodcastA Brief History of Liberalism: Ben Klutsey talks to Alan KorsIn this conversation, Director of Academic Outreach at Mercatus, Ben Klutsey, speaks with Dr. Alan Charles Kors, Henry Charles Lea Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kors surveys the history of Liberalism’s triumphs and setbacks from the Enlightenment to modern college classrooms. The audio, as well as the transcript of this conversation between Klutsey and Kors, has been slightly edited for clarity. Love the show? Consider giving us a rating on Apple Podcasts and be sure to check out the Discourse Magazine for more. Resources mentioned: Voltaire, Let...2020-08-1449 min