Shows
Deep Dive with ShawnState of the Union: 2024 (w/ Drs. Sara Benesh, Edward Watts, & James Hawdon)It's the end of the year, and that means our annual State of the Union episode is here! In this episode, I'm joined by judicial scholar Dr. Sara Benesh, historian and expert on the fall of Rome, Dr. Edward Watts, and scholar of political violence, Dr. James Hawdon. We draw striking parallels between Rome's transition from a republic to an autocracy and the current state of American politics, and we discuss the erosion of institutional integrity, the rise of political violence, and the unsettling warning sign found in events like the January 6th Capitol attack. We question whether America's...2024-12-2953 min
Deep Dive with ShawnAfter America E4: White Supremacy, Red Alert - Right-Wing Extremism's Threat to DemocracyWhite supremacist and right-wing militia groups are threatening American democracy. Join us as we unveil the alarming rise and evolution of these extremist ideologies, tracing their roots from historical moments like Ruby Ridge and Waco to modern-day influences bolstered by political figures such as Donald Trump. In this episode, we uncover how political rhetoric has emboldened these groups, posing significant risks leading up to the 2024 election. Discover how the internet has become a breeding ground for radicalization, connecting extremists and mainstreaming their dangerous ideologies, shedding light on the role of media bubbles and algorithms in empowering these...2024-07-211h 05
Deep Dive with ShawnCountdown to After America: Extremism, Judicial Power, and Political Violence w/ Drs. Faris, Benesh, & HawdonAs we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail?Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay------------- Can America’s democracy survive the rising tide of extremism, judicial assertiveness, and political violence? Dr. David Faris kicks off the conversation by dissecting the radical shifts within the Republican Party and their profound implications for...2024-06-161h 04
Deep Dive with Shawn2023 State of the Union (w/ Drs. Faris, Benesh, and Hawdon)Embark on a critical journey through the shifting political landscape of America as I host a powerhouse trio of experts to help us understand the most pressing issues facing the nation. Dr. Sarah Benesh examines the Supreme Court's recent decisions, Dr. James Hawdon dissects the undercurrents of political unrest, and Dr. David Faris unpacks the Democratic Party's internal struggles and the quest for a unifying agenda. As the 2024 election horizon looms, we delve into the complexities of voter disenchantment, ideological battles, and the quest for a proactive vision of America's future.The stakes have never been higher...2023-12-311h 01