Shows
Untangling PodcastThe Real Cost of Trump’s Tax Plan: Wealth Inequality & National Debt | with Michael EttlingerJoin Darina Kulaha as she interviews economist Michael Ettlinger on the economic fallout of the Trump administration’s tax policies. They discuss how wealth inequality has grown, the challenges posed by the national debt, and the broader implications for fiscal responsibility in the U.S.This episode dives into tax reform, deficit spending, tariffs, and the urgent need for investments in clean energy, immigration, and education. A vital conversation for anyone interested in understanding America’s economic future.2025-06-101h 18Untangling PodcastKashmir: 75 Years of War, Peace & Betrayal — With Pakistani Ambassador Jauhar SaleemIn this episode, Pakistani Ambassador Jauhar Saleem joins the show to unpack one of the world’s longest-running and most volatile conflicts: Kashmir.We discuss the historical origins of the dispute, Pakistan’s position, India’s political shift under Modi, and how nuclear diplomacy and global alliances shape South Asia today. Ambassador Saleem reflects on the legacy of colonial partition, the impact of nationalism and terrorism, and the possibility of peace in a nuclear-armed region.Topics include:The 1947 partition and Kashmir’s legal statusThe role of...2025-06-031h 13Untangling PodcastTaiwan, China & the Looming Crisis | Prof. Fubing Su on Identity, Invasion Risk & NationalismIn this episode of Untangling Podcast, Professor Fubing Su explores the past and future of Taiwan-China relations—from historic rivalries and evolving Taiwanese identity to chip industry strategy, public sentiment, and the delicate power balance in the region.We discuss:How Taiwan’s history shaped its current statusWhy Chinese nationalism fuels urgency over TaiwanWhat makes a military invasion unlikely (but not impossible)How public opinion in Taiwan diverges from the mainlandWhat Xi Jinping’s leadership means for future policyWhether you're new to geo...2025-05-271h 11Untangling PodcastRomania’s Far-Right Surge: What’s Really Happening? with Dr. Maria Bucur DeckardUntangling Podcast sits down with renowned historian Professor Maria Bucur-Deckard to explore the political upheaval surrounding Romania’s 2025 elections. Professor Bucur, a leading scholar of modern Eastern European history and gender politics, brings her expert lens to the country’s shifting democratic landscape.🇷🇴 We dive deep into:- The rise of far-right populism in Romania and the surge of the AUR (Alliance for the Unity of Romanians) party- The roles of controversial figures like George Simion and Călin Georgescu- Allegations of foreign interference and the impact of misinformation- The influence of TikTok and social media in shaping voter perception...2025-05-181h 30Untangling PodcastChina’s Global Ambitions: Fubing Su Breaks It DownIn this episode of Untangling Podcast, Professor Fubing Su unpacks China’s international ambitions under Xi Jinping and its complex relationships with regional powers. We discuss the growing role of nationalism, the economic-political balance within the Chinese Communist Party, and what the future may hold for U.S.-China relations.Whether you're curious about China’s rising global influence, its internal challenges, or what its next moves might be—this episode provides sharp insight and thoughtful analysis.2025-05-131h 53Untangling PodcastDon’t Sign That Peace Deal? A Warning on Russia’s EndgameIs Russia a true military superpower—or just projecting strength? In this episode, Darina Kulaha speaks with Dr. Pavel Luzin about the internal weaknesses of Russia’s military system, the myth of its global dominance, and why the Kremlin may need war more than it wants peace. From chaotic military planning to the political elite’s dependence on conflict for legitimacy, this is a powerful breakdown of Russia’s war machine.2025-05-052h 22Untangling Podcast2025 Immigration Crisis: What Every U.S. Immigrant Needs to Know with J.D. Matthew PetersonImmigration lawyer Matthew Peterson joins Untangling Podcast to explain the major risks and rights facing immigrants in 2025. We cover ICE interactions, the future of student visas, IRS data sharing dangers, and why finding the right legal representation is crucial. Matthew offers real-world advice for navigating a complex and changing system, while Darina Kulaha highlights the bigger political and human rights issues at stake. A must-listen for anyone affected by or interested in immigration today.#Immigration #DeportationDefense #ImmigrationRights #MatthewPeterson #UntanglingPodcast2025-04-281h 02Untangling PodcastHow Trump Weaponized the Constitution’s Biggest Flaws with Aziz RanaIn this episode, Darina Kulaha sits down with constitutional scholar Aziz Rana to examine why the U.S. Constitution is failing to meet the demands of modern democracy. From Trump’s presidency to judicial overreach, from gerrymandering to political polarization, Aziz lays out the structural flaws and how we might fix them.Topics include:Executive power and the myth of checks and balancesElectoral dysfunction and the erosion of “one person, one vote”National identity and the post–Cold War political vacuumThe need for democratic reform and grassroots politica...2025-04-211h 04Untangling PodcastIs Congress for Sale? The Truth Behind PACs & Stock Trading with Nico AgostaIn this episode of Untangling Podcast, host Darina Kulaha interviews Nico Agosta about his groundbreaking project that grades the financial integrity of Congress. Inspired by a Twitter controversy, Nico reveals how he evolved his formula to track PACs, Super PACs, and the ethical lapses in campaign finance. Listen as we explore the influence of money on political campaigns, the prevalence of insider trading among lawmakers, and the pressing need for transparency in Washington.Tune in to understand how our political system is being shaped—and what that means for future reforms.To follow Nico: https://li...2025-04-111h 05Untangling PodcastInside Putin’s Mind: Why the West Still Gets Him Wrong — with Andrew KuchinsWhat makes Vladimir Putin tick? In this episode, Darina Kulaha interviews Andrew Kuchins, a leading expert on U.S.-Russia relations and former director of the Carnegie Moscow Center. From Putin’s early ambitions to the deep historical tensions shaping today’s war in Ukraine, this conversation unpacks why Western leaders still fail to understand Putin’s worldview — and what it means for the future of global diplomacy.Topics include:The psychology of Putin’s leadershipRussia’s evolving identity post-Soviet UnionThe impact of NATO expansionWhy Ukraine is existenti...2025-04-051h 31Untangling PodcastJobs, Wages, and Immigration – What the Data Says with Sarah Pearlman💡 Does immigration help or hurt the economy? In this episode of Untangling Podcast, I speak with Sarah Pearlman, an economist and professor, to break down the numbers behind one of the most heated debates today. We dive into how immigration affects jobs, wages, and key industries like construction and hospitality, plus the real economic consequences of mass deportations.🎙️ Topics we cover:Are immigrants taking American jobs?Do they lower wages for native workers?How much do key industries depend on immigrant labor?What does history tell us about...2025-03-291h 17Untangling PodcastTrump, the Courts, and the Constitution: Unpacking a Crisis with Richard BornIs American democracy in crisis? In this episode of Untangling Podcast, I sit down with political scientist Richard Born to explore the legal and political challenges shaping the U.S. today. We discuss the constitutional implications of Donald Trump's presidency, the rise of the unitary executive theory, and the impact of judicial decisions on the balance of power.From civil service protections to emergency powers, from political polarization to the role of media in shaping public opinion—this conversation unpacks the forces reshaping governance in America. We also dive into the Democratic Party’s internal struggles, the futu...2025-03-211h 53Untangling PodcastTrump, Russia, and the New Cold War? Historian Igor Lukes Breaks It DownIn this thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with renowned historian and Boston University Professor Igor Lukes to explore the dangerous parallels between today's political landscape and some of the most turbulent moments in modern history.We dive into the connections between Trump and Mussolini, examining whether democracy is under threat in ways eerily similar to the 1930s. Professor Lukes shares his expert insights on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the future of U.S. foreign policy, and the hidden forces shaping global power.Other key topics include:The history of post-Soviet Russia and how it informs Putin’s current ambi...2025-03-141h 19