Shows
Madison's NotesS4 E40 Interpretations of the Second Amendment: A Conversation with Joel AliceaThe Supreme Court’s ruling in 2022 changed the established methodology for evaluating Second Amendment cases. What was the existing methodology, and what does this shift signify for future interpretations?
We sit down with Joel Alicea, Professor of Law and Director, the Center for the Constitution and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.
We discuss the implication of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen and the new methodology relates to originalist interpretations. He answers questions on how courts define “tradit...
2025-05-2937 minMadison's NotesS4E39 Executive Power and the President Who Would Not Be King: A Conversation with Michael McConnellIn this episode of Madison’s Notes, Michael McConnell examines the gap between the Founders’ vision of a limited presidency and today’s expansive executive power. Drawing on his book The President Who Would Not Be King (Princeton University Press, 2022), we discuss how the Constitution’s safeguards against monarchical authority have eroded over the past century—and what steps might restore balance to our system of government. From war powers to administrative overreach, the conversation tackles the urgent question: How did we get here, and what can be done?
Michael McConnell is a renowned constitutional scholar, Stanford Law professor...
2025-05-2150 minMadison's NotesS4E38 False Dawn: A Conversation with George Selgin on Recovering from the Great DepressionJoin us on Madison's Notes as we sit down with George Selgin, senior fellow and director emeritus of the Cato Institute’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives and professor emeritus of economics at the University of Georgia. In this insightful conversation, Selgin unpacks the myths and realities of FDR’s New Deal through the lens of his book, False Dawn: The New Deal and the Promise of Recovery, 1933–1947 (University of Chicago Press, 2025). While the New Deal is often celebrated as a bold and successful response to the Great Depression, Selgin argues that many of its policies actually prolonged economic su...
2025-05-1458 minMadison's NotesS4E37 Threats to Universities and What We Can Do: A Conversation with Brandice Canes WroneUniversities are under attack, but what exactly are the threats? How does free speech in the last 10 years compare to today? What do we stand to lose if higher education collapses?
In this episode, Brandice Canes-Wrone dives into the major threats facing universities—from defunding to restrictions on free expression—and what we can do to solve them. We explore the history of universities, from their religious roots to the transformative impact of the GI Bill, examine how America’s global leadership is tied to the strength of its higher education system, and discuss why universities must remain...
2025-05-0758 minMadison's NotesS4E36 Institutional Corruption in News Media: A Conversation with William EnglishWhy has trust in the news media declined? How can we combat biased reporting and the spread of misinformation? And how do these challenges compare to the media landscape during America’s founding era?
Join us as we explore these pressing questions with William English, a political economist and Associate Professor of Strategy, Economics, Ethics, and Public Policy at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.
Professor English will discuss his long-standing research on the intersection of ethics, media, and politics, including the Founding Fathers’ views on press freedom and its vital role in maintaining democr...
2025-04-301h 00Madison's NotesS4E35 Slacking: A Guide A Guide to Ivy League MiseducationWhat does a general education from an Ivy League mean? What structures produce the course catalogues that students can choose to customize their education from? Is a world-class degree a world-class education?In this episode, we sit down with the three authors of Slacking: A Guide A Guide to Ivy League Miseducation (Encounter Books, 2025). Adam Kissel, Madison Marino Doan, and Rachel Alexander Cambre guide us through their process of collaboration and their argument that Ivy League institutions are not providing students with a quality education. Through the saturation of DEI-coded or hyper-specialized courses, they ar...
2025-04-2348 minMadison's NotesS4E34 Constitutional Private Law: A Conversation with Garrett WestWhat is constitutional private law, and how does it differ from the way we traditionally think about constitutional issues? When an individual employed by the government breaks the law, do we sue the person or the government? And what do these choices reveal about justice, accountability, and constitutional interpretation?This week Madison’s Notes welcomes Garrett West, Associate Professor of Law at Yale Law School, for a deep dive into constitutional private law, an often-overlooked dimension of constitutional theory. While most discussions focus on government power and structure, this episode explores how constitutional principles might extend into pr...
2025-04-1651 minMadison's NotesS4E33 The World of Academic Publishing: A Conversation with Robert DreesenHow do academic books get published? How do scholars turn dissertations and articles into the books we love? How does academic publishing compare to the world of trade publishing?This week, we speak with Robert Dreesen, a seasoned publishing professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Dreesen has worked in trade publishing at Penguin and Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, and for nearly two decades at Cambridge University Press, where he served as a publisher of economics and political science.In this episode, we explore the world of academic publishing—offering guidance for young scholars lo...
2025-04-0946 minMadison's NotesS4E32: We Have Never Been Woke: A Conversation with Musa al-GharbiWhy does occupation reliably predict political leanings? What is social capitalism, and how does it span income classes? If social capitalists are sincerely committed to equality and “wokeness,” why do they simultaneously benefit from—and perpetuate—the very inequalities they denounce?Join us as we dive into Musa al-Gharbi’s provocative new book, We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite (Princeton University Press, 2024). We explore al-Gharbi’s central argument: the disconnect between the stated values of the "symbolic capital elite" and the real-world consequences of their actions, despite their genuine intentions. Al-Gharbi draws parallel...
2025-04-0243 minMadison's NotesS4E31 The Free Speech and Poetry of Ana BlandianaIn this episode, we sit down with Director and Producer Diana Nicolae and Editor and Camera Matt Jozwiakowski to discuss their documentary film, "Between Silence and Sin." The film explores the life and work of dissident Romanian poet Ana Blandiana, an artist whose voice was threatened, censored, and banned under the Communist dictatorship. In our conversation, we uncover the roots that inspired Diana’s desire to create this film, her personal experiences growing up in Romania, and the importance of understanding a nation’s history in the ongoing fight for democracy and freedom.Diana Nicolae, Producer & Director, is an...
2025-03-2648 minMadison's NotesS4E29 Pt. 2 In Covid’s Wake: How our Politics Failed Us--A Conversation with Stephen Macedo (Part 2)This week on Madison’s Notes, we continue our discussion with Stephen Macedo, co-author of In COVID’s Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us (Princeton UP, 2025). The book examines the institutional failures during the pandemic, including the politicization of science, inconsistent messaging, and the disproportionate impacts of policies.We cover key questions: What did “following the science” mean before COVID-19? Macedo explains that science is inherently uncertain, but this nuance was often lost during the pandemic, leading to unrealistic expectations. He also highlights how poor communication about scientific uncertainty eroded public trust.The conversation addresses contradict...
2025-03-1951 minMadison's NotesS4E29 Pt. 1 In Covid’s Wake: How our Politics Failed Us: A Conversation with Frances LeeIn the first part of our two-part conversation on Madison’s Notes, we speak with Frances Lee, Professor of Politics and Public Affairs at Princeton University, about her co-authored book In COVID’s Wake (Princeton UP, 2025). The book offers a comprehensive and candid political assessment of how institutions performed during the pandemic. It explores how governments, influenced by Wuhan’s lockdown, deviated from existing pandemic plans, leading to policies that often favored the “laptop class” while leaving essential workers vulnerable. Extended school closures disproportionately affected less-privileged families, and the politicization of science marginalized dissent. Lee and her co-author, Stephen Macedo, argue...
2025-03-1244 minMadison's NotesS4E28 Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law--A Conversation with Janie NitzeIn the latest episode of Madison’s Notes, I spoke with Janie Nitze, co-author of Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law (Harper, 2004), a book written alongside Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. Janie, a Harvard-educated attorney and former clerk for Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch, discussed the growing complexity of laws in America and their impact on everyday citizens. The book shares stories of ordinary Americans—fishermen in Florida, families in Montana, monks in Louisiana, and more—who find themselves caught in legal mazes created by an overwhelming and often opaque system of regulations.Janie exp...
2025-03-0541 minMadison's NotesS4E27 Religious Freedom: A Conversation on the Conservative Tradition with John D. WilseyIn this conversation, we sit down with John D. Wilsey, Professor of Church History and Philosophy at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Senior Fellow at the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy, to tackle the urgent and often contentious topic of religious freedom in America. Drawing from his forthcoming book, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer (William B. Eerdmans, 2025), Wilsey examines how conservatives have historically understood religious freedom, how those views have evolved, and why the gap between past and present perspectives matters in today’s culture, and how it is the bedrock of American Government.Wilsey addr...
2025-02-2644 minMadison's NotesS4E26 The Anxious Generation: A Conversation with Jonathan HaidtIn this episode of Madison's Notes, Jonathan Haidt, renowned social psychologist and author, dives deep into the impact of digital saturation on today's youth, drawing insights from his latest book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (Allen Lane, 2024). The discussion explores how growing up immersed in social media, video games, and smart technology is reshaping young people’s sense of self and influencing their political engagement. Haidt explains how the constant connectivity may be contributing to an increase in anxiety and how it’s altering their approach to both persona...
2025-02-1955 minMadison's NotesS4E25 Mountain Memories: A Conversation with Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Robert P. GeorgeIn this episode, Henry Louis Gates and Robert P. George share a powerful conversation about their unlikely beginnings in West Virginia. Recorded in December 2024, they reflect on their childhoods, the challenges they faced, and the experiences that shaped their paths to becoming the influential figures they are today. Their discussion offers a unique perspective on overcoming adversity, the power of place, and the importance of intellectual curiosity. Tune in for an inspiring and personal dialogue that highlights how humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary futures.Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Progra...
2025-02-121h 28Madison's NotesS4E24 We Are Free to Change the World: A Conversation on Hannah Arendt with Lyndsey StonebridgeIn this episode of Madison’s Notes, we sit down with Lindsey Stonebridge, author of We Are Free to Change the World: Hannah Arendt’s Lessons in Love and Disobedience (Hogarth, 2024) to explore the enduring relevance of Hannah Arendt’s thought. Stonebridge dives into Arendt’s remarkable ability to teach students how to think, not just what to think, and reflects on Arendt’s own intellectual journey—a mind in constant dialogue with itself. We discuss how Arendt’s conception of thinking serves as a powerful resistance to totalitarian ideologies, emphasizing the importance of critical engagement with the world. Stonebridge also u...
2025-02-0545 minMadison's NotesS4E23 Tolkien, Philosopher of War: A Conversation with Graham McAleerIn this episode, we explore the profound philosophical and theological dimensions of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, particularly his views on war. In his book Tolkien, Philosopher of War (Catholic University of America Press, 2024), McAleer uncovers Tolkien's critique of Enlightenment thought and his deep concern with the apocalyptic politics of his time. He argues that Tolkien’s metaphysical, political, and aesthetic views—shaped by a rejection of gnosticism, a defense of monarchy, and a resistance to Futurism—offer a unique perspective on the dangers of progressivism and total war. We explore Tolkien’s personal experience which inform his writings and the pr...
2025-01-3049 minMadison's NotesS4E22 Truth Matters: A Conversation with Robert P. George and Cornel WestIn the latest episode of Madison’s Notes, we are privileged to join a profound conversation between Robert P. George and Cornel West, two towering figures in political philosophy and social thought. Their discussion, based on their collaborative work Truth Matters, models what robust intellectual engagement and civil discourse can look like, especially when addressing issues that divide Americans today.In this thought-provoking episode, George and West explore the concept of truth and its centrality to our personal and collective lives. They tackle critical questions surrounding truth’s role in the public square, and how we, as a society...
2025-01-2246 minMadison's NotesS4 E21 Congressional Deliberation: A Conversation with Kevin J. Burns and Jordan T. CashIn this episode, we sit down with Professors Jordan T. Cash and Kevin J. Burns to discuss their recently published book, Congressional Deliberation: Major Debates, Speeches, and Writings, 1774–2023 (Hackett, 2024). Drawing on a wide array of primary sources, the book offers a deep dive into key historical debates and turning points in U.S. congressional history. We explored how the dynamics of deliberation in the House and Senate have shaped fundamental issues like war powers, impeachment, civil rights, and legislative leadership. With their expertise in American political thought, constitutionalism, and the history of political institutions, Professors Cash and Burns provide a rich...
2025-01-1554 minMadison's NotesS4E20 Cosmic Connections: A Conversation with Charles TaylorThis week on Madison’s Notes, we sit down with philosopher and author Charles Taylor to discuss his latest work, Cosmic Connections: Poetry in the Age of Disenchantment (Belknap Press, 2024) . Taylor dives into the profound role of poetry in reconnecting us to a sense of wonder and meaning in a world often characterized by disillusionment. Drawing on his vast expertise in philosophy, Taylor explores how poetry serves as a bridge between the mundane and the transcendent, offering a counterpoint to the rational, scientific worldview that dominates modern life. This conversation offers a deep dive into the power of language, imaginat...
2025-01-0849 minMadison's NotesS4E19: Free Inquiry in the Academy and BeyondIn this episode of Madison’s Notes, we’re joined by Professors Amna Khalid and Jeff Snyder for a thought-provoking discussion on the state of free speech in today’s polarized climate. We explore the role of the university as a space for critical inquiry, the challenges to academic freedom, and the growing tensions between open discourse and political pressures. Professors Khalid and Snyder share their perspectives on the biggest threats to free speech today, offering insight into how institutions of higher learning can navigate these complex issues while remaining true to their educational mission. Tune in for a deep di...
2024-12-1853 minMadison's NotesS4E18 Who Cares? A Conversation with Emily KenwayIn this episode, Emily Kenway shares insights from her powerful new book Who Cares: The Hidden Crisis of Caregiving, and How We Solve It (Seal Press, 2023), an eye-opening exploration of the invisible world of unpaid caregivers. Drawing from her own experience caring for her terminally ill mother, Emily sheds light on the challenges faced by millions who provide critical care while being marginalized, unsupported, and overburdened. In our conversation, she urges us to reimagine a society that places care at its core, rather than on the sidelines. This conversation is a call to action for all of us to re...
2024-12-1150 minMadison's NotesS4E17 Jane Austen's Darkness: A Conversation with Julia YostIn this episode of Madison's Notes, we sit down with Julia Yost, senior editor at First Things and author of the new book Jane Austen's Darkness (Wiseblood Books, 2024). Yost offers a fresh and provocative perspective on the beloved novelist, exploring the moral complexities, spiritual struggles, and often-overlooked shadows in Austen’s works. From the subtle critiques of social conventions to the darker undercurrents of human nature woven into her stories, Yost invites us to see Austen not just as a romantic but as a profound moral thinker. Join us for a rich conversation that will deepen your appreciation of Jane Auste...
2024-12-0452 minMadison's NotesS4E16 The Future of the Political Magazine: A Conversation with Ramesh Ponnuru ’95This week on Madison’s Notes, we welcome Ramesh Ponnuru, renowned journalist and Editor of National Review. In this episode, we dive into his journey, starting with his formative years at Princeton University, where he began shaping his intellectual perspective as an undergraduate. We explore the highlights of his career in journalism, the principles that guide his writing, and his unique insights into the evolution of political magazines in today’s media landscape. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with one of the leading voices in American political commentary.Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Prince...
2024-11-2535 min
Being The ChangePresidential Search Status
Kay Coles James, JMU Board of Visitors member and chair of the presidential search committee, and Donna Harper (’77, ’81M, ’86Ed.S.), secretary of the committee, discuss progress in the search for the next president of James Madison University.
2024-11-2021 minMadison's NotesS4E15 To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: A Conversation with Dr. Benjamin NathansIn this episode of Madison’s Notes, host Laura Laurent sits down with historian Benjamin Nathans to explore his groundbreaking new book, To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement. Nathans offers a deep dive into the history of Soviet dissent, tracing the courageous efforts of Soviet citizens who risked everything to challenge the system from within, spanning from Stalin’s death to the collapse of communism. By invoking the very laws of the Kremlin, these dissidents exposed the regime’s internal contradictions, playing a pivotal role in its eventual downfall.The...
2024-11-2050 minMadison's NotesS4E13 The Impeachment Power: A Conversation with Keith WhittingtonIn this week’s episode we step into conversation with Keith Whittington about his new book, The Impeachment Power: The Law, Politics, and Purpose of an Extraordinary Constitutional Tool (Princeton UP, 2024), we explored the historical and constitutional dimensions of impeachment in American politics. Whittington provided a detailed account of how the Founders intended impeachment to function as a safeguard against executive overreach. We discussed the evolution of impeachment cases, from Andrew Johnson to more recent examples, examining how political partisanship and public opinion have shaped its application over time. Whittington also reflected on the implications of impeachment for the healt...
2024-11-0649 minMadison's NotesS4E12 The Wisdom of Our AncestorsBased on The Wisdom of Our Ancestors: Conservative Humanism and the Western Tradition (University of Notre Dame Press, 2023), this week’s conversation with authors Dr. Grahm McAleer and Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul focus on the enduring relevance of classical and Enlightenment-era thought for modern political and ethical debates. The book explores into how the traditional wisdom of the west still provides insight into contemporary societal challenges.We discuss the ways in which modern liberalism has moved away from these ideals and how a return to the wisdom of our ancestors might help address current social and political fractures. They...
2024-10-3059 minMadison's NotesS4E11 Religion and Republic: A Conversation with Miles SmithIn our latest podcast episode, we sat down with historian Miles Smith, who teaches at Hillsdale College, to discuss his new book, Religion and Republic: Christian American from the Founding to the Civil War (Davenant Press, 2024). In this insightful conversation, we explored the book's themes, which examine the complex relationship between religion and politics in shaping the American republic. Smith delves into how religious beliefs influenced the political ideologies and actions of early American leaders and how these ideas continue to resonate in today's society.During the interview, we touched on the impact of religious thought on th...
2024-10-2350 minMadison's NotesS4E10 The Social Contract in the Ruins: A Conversation with Dr. Paul DeHartIn the latest episode of Madison’s Notes, we sit down with Dr. Paul DeHart, professor of Political Science at Texas State University and author of The Social Contract in the Ruins: Natural Law and Government by Consent (University of Missouri Press, 2024). In this illuminating discussion, Dr. DeHart challenges the prevailing belief that social contract theory and classical natural law are fundamentally incompatible. His book offers a bold argument: political authority and obligation cannot be grounded solely in human agreement but must rest on a deeper, antecedent moral foundation—one that is uncreated and independent of human or divine will. Wit...
2024-10-1656 minMadison's NotesS4E9 The Fragility of China: A Conversation with Dennis UnkovicIn this episode of Madison's Notes, we sit down with Dennis Unkovic to discuss his latest book, The Fragility of China (Encounter Books, 2024). Unkovic delves into the complex forces shaping China's political, economic, and social landscape. From the country's rising internal challenges to its evolving role on the global stage, Unkovic offers a nuanced perspective on why China's future may be more uncertain than it appears. He unpacks the key themes of his book, including economic instability, demographic shifts, and geopolitical tensions, while offering insights into what these trends mean for the rest of the world.Dennis Unk...
2024-10-0957 minMadison's NotesS4E8 From Tribalism to Common Humanity: A Conversation with Dr. John EllisFor most of recorded history, neighboring countries, tribes, and peoples everywhere in the world regarded each other with apprehension—if not outright fear and loathing. Tribal or racial attitudes were virtually universal, with no one group being much better or worse in this respect than any other—understandable, given the conditions of life before the modern era. However, over the past 500 years, relations between different peoples have undergone a slow but profound change.In this episode, we explore Dr. Ellis’ upcoming publication, A Short History of Relations Between People: How the World Began to Move Beyond Tribalism. Join u...
2024-10-0254 minMadison's NotesS4E7 Ethical Machines: A Conversation with Reid BlackmanJoin us as we discuss Dr. Reid Blackman’s new book, Ethical Machines: Your Concise Guide to Totally Unbiased, Transparent, and Respectful AI (Harvard Business Review Press, 2022). We delve into the intricacies of developing AI and explore the intersection of ethics and innovation.Reid Blackman, Ph.D., is the author of Ethical Machines, creator and host of the podcast Ethical Machines, and Founder and CEO of Virtue, a digital ethical risk consultancy. He serves as an advisor to the Canadian government on federal AI regulations and was a founding member of EY’s AI Advisory Board. He is a...
2024-09-2552 minMadison's NotesS4E6 Celebrating Constitution Day Pt. 2: A Conversation with Julia MahoneyIn this conversation, we explore key issues shaping today’s legal landscape: the complexities of constitutional interpretation, the evolving role and power of the judiciary, and the impact of corruption on governmental systems. We also examine the critical role civic education plays in maintaining a healthy democracy.Julia D. Mahoney is the John S. Battle Professor of Law and the Joseph C. Carter Jr. Research Professor of Law at the University of Virginia School of Law, where she teaches Constitutional Law and Property Law. Her recent scholarship includes articles on government takings of property, the classical legal tr...
2024-09-1851 minMadison's NotesS4E5 Celebrating Constitution Day Pt. 1: A Conversation with Cass R. SunsteinJoin us for an in-depth exploration of Professor Cass Sunstein's latest work, Campus Free Speech (Harvard University Press, September 2024).Together, we'll examine the book’s intriguing take on free speech in academic spaces and its broader implications for constitutional interpretation. Professor Sunstein also delves into the exercise of administrative power, with timely discussions on COVID-era authority and the Supreme Court's decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council. Gain unique insights from Sunstein on how the Constitution remains a guiding force for the American public in navigating modern challenges.Cass R. Sunstein is the Robert Wa...
2024-09-1149 minMadison's NotesS4E4 In Defense of Bad Science and the Philosophy of BeingWhat role does science play in shaping our laws? How do we distinguish between good science and bad science? Where does science meet its limits due to human nature? And how do we separate orthodox belief from true knowledge? These are just some of the thought-provoking questions we'll explore in our upcoming philosophical conversation on science and human existence.Join us as we dive into these topics with Dr. William Allen, a distinguished scholar renowned for his expertise in political philosophy and the philosophy of science. Dr. Allen has been a long-standing participant in The Conference on...
2024-09-0442 minMadison's NotesS4E3 The Human Advantage: A Conversation with Jay RichardsIn this episode, we explore the insights of Jay Richards, author of The Human Advantage: The Future of American Work in an Age of Smart Machines (Forum, 2019). Richards wrote this book during a time when automation and technology were beginning to redefine the boundaries of human work and creativity. His core argument is that, despite the rise of machines, there are certain uniquely human qualities—such as creativity, moral judgment, and entrepreneurial spirit—that cannot be replicated by technology. These traits, he suggests, are what give us a distinct edge in the face of automation.As we look...
2024-08-2853 minMadison's NotesS4E1 James Madison and the Spirit of Self-Government: A Conversation with Colleen SheehanWho was James Madison? Why were his Notes on Government so valuable to the American founding? Did James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington all achieve what Colleen Sheehan calls “Civic Friendship”? Colleen Sheehan joins Madison’s Notes to discuss her seminal works on James Madison: The Mind of James Madison: The Legacy of Classical Republicanism (Cambridge University Press, 2025) and James Madison and the Spirit of Republican Self-Government (Cambridge University Press, 2019).Colleen Sheehan is a former Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. A former longtime member of the Villanova University faculty, she is currently a profes...
2024-08-1455 minMadison's NotesS4E0 Meet the New Host of "Madison's Notes"host of Season 4, Laura Laurent. They chat about her background and how the James Madison Program is a natural transition from the interdisciplinary spaces she has inhabited.During the episode, Laura notes the following book as particularly influential on her thinking: Alasdair MacIntyre's After Virtue.Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.
2024-08-0711 min
The Mindset and Self-Mastery ShowHow To Embrace Your Challenges And Discover Your Purpose In The Process With James Madison“Self-mastery and creating the life you want is an inside job.”
In this episode, Nick interviews James Madison, the co-founder of On Purpose Life, about finding purpose and living a life in alignment with one’s purpose. They discuss the misconception that purpose must be grand and how it can look different for everyone. James shares his own experience with procrastination and how he has learned to embrace it as a form of wisdom, as well as the importance of trust in oneself and the process of uncovering and replacing limiting beliefs. Together, they explore the distinction betwee...
2024-08-0136 minMadison's NotesS3E28 Citizen Soldiers, Republican Virtues, and the Roman Way of WarHow was the Roman way of war unique, and what were the virtues that defined the Roman Republic? Are there lessons for modern Republics from the Roman one? Annika sits down with 2022-2023 James Madison Program Garwood Visiting Fellow Dr. Steele Brand, a professor of history and director of the Politics, Philosophy, and History Program at Cairn University and former U.S. Army tactical intelligence officer to discuss his book Killing for the Republic: Citizen-Soldiers and the Roman Way of War (Johns Hopkins UP, 2019).Dr. Brand shares why, while serving in Afghanistan, he felt compelled to write a...
2024-06-061h 10Madison's NotesS3E25 Can the Constitution Still Unite Us?: A Conversation with Yuval LevinDuring an era of broad political dissatisfaction, what is the history and role of the Constitution? Does the Constitution still have the power to unite us? Dr. Yuval Levin joins Madison's Notes to discuss his forthcoming book American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation ― and Could Again. Along the way, he delves into key American figures from James Madison to Woodrow Wilson and the reasons for our present discord.Yuval Levin is a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he is the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy, and Director of Social, Cultu...
2024-05-1453 minMadison's NotesS3E23 The Contagion of Covid Policy: Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on Freedom of SpeechAfter a storied career as a health policy expert, Stanford Medicine's Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's work became a political focal point during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he advocated against widespread lockdowns. He co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, an open letter signed by infectious disease epidemiologists and public health scientists which advocated for a focused protection approach to COVID-19, and the Twitter Files revealed that his Twitter account had been placed on Twitter's "black list." In this conversation, he sits down to discuss how the history of American infectious disease affected our COVID response, the mimetic nature of lockdown policy, the imp...
2024-05-0355 minMadison's NotesS3E22 Plutarch as Philosopher and Political Thinker: A Conversation with Hugh LiebertPlutarch is one of history's most influential authors: his insights were foundational to thinkers ranging from William Shakespeare to Alexander Hamilton, Nietzsche to Montesquieu. Yet, today his writings have fallen out of favor, in part because the genre he pioneered, biography, has fallen out of favor within academia, though it retains popularity among the general public. West Point political scientist Hugh Liebert delves into Plutarch's thought, revealing that Plutarch had profound philosophical insights despite his reputation as a historian. Along the way, he illustrates areas where Plutarch's thought might seem foreign to us versus those where his insights are...
2024-04-1850 minMadison's NotesS3E21 Hume, the Epicureans, and the Origins of LiberalismEnlightenment philosopher David Hume enjoyed a tremendous influence on intellectual history. What did Hume believe, why was it so controversial at the time, and why to many does it seem so common-sensical now? What can Humian thought explain, and where does it fall short? To discuss, Aaron Zubia, Assistant Professor at the University of Florida's Hamilton Program and 2019-2020 Thomas W. Smith Postdoctoral Fellow here at the Princeton's James Madison Program joins the show to delve into his new book, The Political Thought of David Hume: The Origins of Liberalism and the Modern Political Imagination (U Notre Dame Press, 2024).
2024-04-1059 minMadison's NotesS3E20 Marie de Vignerot, Richelieu's Forgotten Advisor and HeiressDespite being one of the most influential women of 17th century France, Marie de Vignerot has been largely forgotten. The niece, heiress, and advisor to the infamous Cardinal Richelieu, Marie was deeply motivated by her Catholic faith, yet never re-married after she became a widow at 18. She shaped France and the French empire's political, religious, and cultural life as the unconventional and independent Duchesse d’Aiguillon, a position exceedingly uncommon for a woman to possess in her own right. Bronwen McShea joins Madison's Notes to discuss her book, La Duchesse: The Life of Marie de Vignerot―Cardinal Richelieu's Forgotten Heiress...
2024-04-0252 minMadison's NotesS3E18 How to Be a Good Statesman: Johnny Burtka on Political Leadership from Xenophon to ChurchillWe have a preponderance of books on leadership in business; yet, despite broad dissatisfaction with our political leaders, almost none on how to be a good statesman. John A. Burtka IV, President and CEO of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, discusses lessons on political leadership from thinkers and leaders throughout history, from Xenophon and Aristotle to Machiavelli, Washington and everyone in between. Along the way, he delves into the differences between the theory and practice of statesmanship, the distinctions between Western and Eastern political advice, whether Christianity makes one a better leader, and why the "Mirrors for Princes" tradition can...
2024-03-1949 minMadison's NotesS3E15 Leadership in Business, Leadership Abroad: A Conversation with Dave McCormick *96Dave McCormick *96 has enjoyed incredible success in a wide variety of arenas: after graduating from West Point, where he competed as a varsity wrestler, he served in the Gulf War before going on to earn his PhD here at Princeton in International Relations in 1996. He went on to prominent positions in both the private and public sectors, most notable as CEO of Bridgewater, the world's largest hedge fund, and as Under Secretary of Treasury and as Deputy National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush. Now, he's running for Senate in Pennsylvania. Here, he discusses his recent book: Superpower in...
2024-02-2845 minMadison's NotesS3E12 Free to InvestigateCan we have science without freedom of speech? Dr. Scott Atlas's professional work and personal experiences bring to light an important and often under-discussed element of speech: freedom of speech in the hard sciences. The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a host of new questions and concerns surrounding our medical system and government health agencies: as Special Advisor to the President and a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force from July to December 2020, Dr. Atlas was at the forefront of such debates. In this conversation, he discusses the importance of debate not only to science itself but also...
2024-01-161h 07Madison's NotesS3E11 Roman Politics, Familiar Yet ForeignHow are Roman political assumptions similar to versus different from our own? What did the Founding Fathers get right and wrong about the Ancients? How did Rome deal with class conflict? Is America Rome? Joining Madison's Notes to discuss is Duke Classicist Jed Atkins, a specialist in Roman political thought. The conversation convers important differences between Rome's values and ours, such as their emphasis on hierarchy and honor, the impact of great thinkers like Plutarch and Cicero, and much more.Jed Atkins is the E. Blake Byrne Associate Professor of Classical Studies at Duke University. He is the...
2024-01-0255 minMadison's NotesS3E10 Speech UnboundWhat (and why) can and can't we say? What do empirical examples both at home and abroad tell us about how we should protect freedom of speech? How do we create an environment where speech is not only permitted but encouraged? Does freedom of speech bring people together or sow discord? Nadine Strossen, former president of the ACLU and Professor Emerita at New York Law School, brings her decades of expertise to bear explaining why freedom of speech is foundational to so many other fundamental rights.Nadine Strossen is Professor Emerita at New York Law School, and w...
2023-12-1958 minMadison's NotesThe Adversity of Diversity: A Conversation with Carol SwainToday, we have a BONUS episode of Madison's Notes: the Madison Program's Executive Director Dr. Shilo Brooks sits down with Dr. Carol Swain to talk about her incredible journey from a childhood in poverty to a career as a prominent political and legal scholar, as well as her new book The Adversity of Diversity: How the Supreme Court's Decision to Remove Race from College Admissions Criteria Will Doom Diversity Programs (Be People Books, 2023).Dr. Carol Swain obtained early tenure at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School and went on to become a Professor of Political Science and Law at Vander...
2023-12-1241 minMadison's NotesSpeak Out: 'Unwoke' with Senator Ted Cruz '92How do we defeat woke ideology and the threat it poses to free speech? Senator Ted Cruz '92 joins Madison's Notes to discuss his latest book, Unwoke: How to Defeat Cultural Marxism in America (Regnery Publishing, 2023). Here, Ted discusses how universities, businesses, and other organs of cultural and political life cause woke ideology, what can conservatives do, and some Ted's favorite memories at Princeton studying under the Madison Program's Director, Professor Robert P. George.In addition to his recent book, you can also listen to Senator Cruz on his podcast, Verdict.Annika Nordquist is the Communica...
2023-12-0520 minMadison's NotesProvidence and Power: Rabbi Meir Soloveichik on Jewish Statesmanship from King David to David Ben GurionFor thousands of years, the Jewish people lacked a political state; yet, what can we say about the Jewish tradition of statesmanship? What makes it distinctive, and what can we learn from it? In Providence and Power: Ten Portraits in Jewish Statesmanship (Encounter Books, 2023) , Rabbi Meir Soloveichik investigates ten Jews, from King David all the way to the foundation of Israel, what we can learn from their examples, and how history can provide hope amidst recent events in Israel.Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik is director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University and t...
2023-11-2153 minMadison's NotesSpeak Freely: The Princeton PrinciplesKicking off our new monthly series on freedom of speech, Keith Whittington and Donald Downs discuss the Princeton Principles for a Campus of Free Inquiry. These principles, outlined by a group of scholars convened by Professor Robert P. George here at the James Madison Program in March 2023, expand on the well-known Chicago Principles in ensuring campus free speech and institutional neutrality.Professors Whittington and Downs are both among the original fifteen participants and endorsers of the Princeton Principles, and played significant roles in drafting the document. Keith Whittington is the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Politics in the Dep...
2023-11-0759 minMadison's NotesSparta, Athens, Ukraine, Israel: A Conversation with Paul Rahe on Proxy WarsProxy wars like those in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and now Ukraine have played major roles in military history. Historian Paul Rahe takes us back to one of the earliest yet most influential proxy wars in the West: Athens' invasions of Spartan-backed Sicily. Here, he discusses his most recent book, Sparta's Sicilian Proxy War (Encounter Books, 2023), the fifth in his series "The Grand Strategy of Classical Sparta." Along the way, he explores the structure of ancient Sparta as compared with Athens and with modern America, and what lessons proxy wars in the ancient world can teach us about modern conflicts....
2023-10-2354 minMadison's NotesThe History of Liberalism: A Conversation with Alan Kahan ‘80What is liberalism, and what thinkers shaped it? Does it take a stance on moral and religious issues? What is its relationship with nationalism and populism? Alan Kahan ‘80, Professor of British Civilization at the Université de Paris-Saclay, discusses his latest book Freedom from Fear: An Incomplete History of Liberalism (Princeton UP, 2023). Along the way, he discusses thinkers like Tocqueville, Mill, Locke, and more.Annika Nordquist is the Communications Coordinator of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions and host of the Program’s podcast, Madison’s Notes.
2023-10-101h 00Madison's NotesBargaining for Democracy: A Conversation with Josiah Ober on Ancients and ModernsAmidst increasing acrimony and political strain, many worry that democratic governance has an expiration date. To answer these concerns, Josiah Ober looks to the ancients. Here, he discusses his recent book (co-authored with Brook Manville), The Civic Bargain: How Democracies Survive (Princeton UP, 2023). How did civilizations like Athens, Rome, and England deal with the challenges of democratic governance while growing larger and wealthier? How did the ancients influence the American Founders? What lessons can they teach us for preserving democracy today?Josiah Ober is the Constantine Mitsotakis Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford Univ...
2023-09-261h 03Madison's NotesReligion and Politics in the Lord of the RingsJ.R.R. Tolkien's masterwork The Lord of the Rings delighted so many of us as children, yet it and its vast body of accompanying work, such as the Silmarillion, contain a rich depth not well understood by most adults. Tolkien's work reflects his academic interests in the history of language and the Medieval world, as well as his Catholic faith. What purpose and religious message does his writing contain? Does his work carry a political meaning?Here to discuss is Professor Rachel Fulton Brown, Associate Professor of Medieval History at the University of Chicago. In addition to...
2023-09-121h 02Madison's NotesS3E1 How Should Protestants Engage With Natural Law Theory?Natural law theory is known to be more emphasized among Catholics than Protestants. Why is that the case, and should it be? Do Protestants need to focus more on philosophy? Today's guest, Andrew T. Walker of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses why Protestants need natural law too, and specifically the work of the Madison Program’s founder and Director, Professor Robert P. George. We discuss Dr. Walker's book, Social Conservatism for the Common Good: A Protestant Engagement with Robert P. George, which features essays from a variety of Protestant scholars on Professor George and the importance of his contributions to th...
2023-08-2948 minMadison's NotesParatroopers in the Pacific: A Conversation with James FenelonIn the final episode of Season 3, Annika sits down with James Fenelon, a veteran-turned-historian, who served in the Army for over a decade and is a graduate of the US Army’s Airborne, Jumpmaster and Pathfinder schools. They about his latest book, Angels Against the Sun: A WWII Saga of Grunts, Grit, and Brotherhood (Regnery, 2023), which chronicles the 11th Airborne Division, nicknamed "The Angels," and their campaign.A bit about the book: The Pacific theater of World War II pitted American fighting men against two merciless enemies: the relentless Japanese army and the combined forces of mon...
2023-08-1545 minMadison's NotesS2E29 Talking Clarence Thomas: A Conversation with Amul ThaparAs the last few months of landmark Supreme Court decisions have showcased, Clarence Thomas is one of the most important men in America. To wrap up our Summer of Law series, Judge Amul Thapar discusses his recent book, The People's Justice: Clarence Thomas and the Constitutional Stories that Define Him (Regnery Publishing, 2023), digging into Justice Thomas's judicial legacy and some of his most interesting, influential, and surprising decisions.Amul Thapar is serves as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He became the first South Asian Article III judge in American histor...
2023-08-0142 minMadison's NotesMere Natural Law: A Conversation with Hadley ArkesWhat is natural law, and what does it have to do with originalism? Why does the Right defend religion yet so often struggle to define it? Next up in our "Summer of Law" series, Hadley Arkes, the Edward Ney Professor Emeritus of Jurisprudence Emeritus at Amherst College and the Founder and Director of the James Wilson Institute sits down to chat about his recent book, Mere Natural Law: Originalism and the Anchoring Truths of the Constitution (Regnery Publishing, 2023).
More on Prof. Arkes is available here.
About the The James Wilson Institute, here.
The Stanford Review's "religion," referenced during the p...
2023-07-181h 04Madison's NotesS3E27 The Supreme Court's Past, Present, and Future: A Conversation with John YooIt has been a momentous few weeks for the Supreme Court. What better time to discuss the Court's history and future? We are therefore launching our "Summer of Law" series to shed light on the legal world .Kicking the series off is John Yoo, the Heller Professor of Law at the University of California at Berkeley. He is also a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and a Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He has written 8 books and over 100 academic articles, and is a regular contributor at a wide variety of publications i...
2023-07-0353 minMadison's NotesAfter the Pill: A Conversation with Mary EberstadtThe pill has rocked our society to its core: but have we fully examined all its repercussions? Influential author and essayist Mary Eberstadt thinks we've only scratched the surface; in her most recent book, Adam and Eve after the Pill, Revisited (Ignatius Press, 2023) she argues that the papal encyclical Humane Vitae predicted our deep loneliness and other modern woes.Mary Eberstadt holds the Panula Chair in Christian Culture at the Catholic information center in Washington, D.C., and is a Senior Research Fellow at the Faith and Reason Institute.
Number of children per family, broken down by rel...
2023-05-2348 minMadison's NotesChristianity and the American Founding with Mark David HallQuestions about the nature of the American founding undergird our fraught political discourse: was the American Revolution justified? How religious were the Founding Fathers? How should we deal with the fact that they owned slaves? What is Christian Nationalism? Mark David Hall, current Garwood Visiting Fellow with us at the James Madison Program and Herbert Hoover Distinguished Professor of Politics at George Fox University, addresses these questions and more in his latest book, Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans (Fidelis Books, 2023). In this conversation, Mark and Annika have a liv...
2023-05-0956 minMadison's NotesWhy Do We Still Need Statesmanship? A Discussion with Daniel J. MahoneyIn an era of broad disappointment in the integrity of political figures, Dr. Daniel J. Mahoney, author of The Statesman as Thinker: Portraits of Greatness, Courage, and Moderation (Encounter Books, 2022) revives the idea of statesmanship, dwelling on figures ranging from Alexis de Tocqueville to Vaclav Havel, all of whom sought to preserve freedom in times of crisis.Professor Mahoney, a 2020-21 Garwood Visiting Fellow here at the Madison Program, is a professor emeritus at Assumption University and fellow at the Claremont Institute. His most recent book has been awarded the Intercollegiate Studies Institute's 2023 Conservative Book of the Ye...
2023-04-2540 min
James Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 108: Solutions to the campus free speech woes: An interview with ALL IN Democracy Challenge's Stephanie King and JMU DebateIt feels like free speech has become the number one issue confronting higher education today. Campuses are now hotbeds of discontent. Students are sitting in, protesting questionable speakers on campus. State elected officials are dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programming. So what is being done to address the campus free speech woes? Stephanie King, senior director of strategic initiatives for the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, and Dannise Brown and Adonis Ortiz, members of the Madison Debate Society at James Madison University provide us with some answers to campus free speech issues.
2023-04-1742 minMadison's NotesThe Roots of Equity and Equality: A Conversation with Teresa BejanThe ideas of equity and equality are all over the news, yet there seems to be little agreement on what exactly each term means. Political theorist and intellectual historian Teresa Bejan of Oriel College, Oxford discusses the origins of our notions of equality, from the Roman Empire to the present, focusing particularly on Early Modernity and the influence of the French Revolution and English political movements like the Levellers, Diggers, and Quakers. Along the way, she uncovers surprising facts like the relationship between equality and hierarchy, and that Marx was not as pro-equality as is now popularly believed....
2023-04-111h 01Madison's NotesSchool Authority, Parents' Rights: Rita Koganzon on Early Modern EducationAmericans have always had mixed emotions about schooling: in popular literature and television, teachers are often depicted as tyrannical authorities, even as in classroom settings they often try to style themselves as "friends." Dr. Rita Koganzon, professor of political science at the University of Houston, discusses the history of the idea of authority in education, dwelling on Enlightenment thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Bodin. Along the way, she covers contemporary issues like homeschooling and parents' rights, and how attitudes towards those concepts have changed from the Early Modern period to the present. Koganzon is the author of Lib...
2023-03-301h 00Madison's NotesModern Crises, Ancient Wisdom: A Conversation with Spencer Klavan"The narrative that old books are worthless is designed to keep you from discovering that they are not." Spencer Klavan, author of How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for Five Modern Crises discusses the West: why it's so important to preserve it, how its greatest ideas can still help us today, and the limits of science in addressing modern problems.Spencer Klavan received his PhD in Classics from Oxford and is Associate Editor of the Claremont Review of Books and Features Editor at the American Mind.
His book, How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for...
2023-03-1453 min
Madison's NotesThe Life and Legacy of Robert E. Lee: A Conversation with Allen C. GuelzoWhy should we study Robert E. Lee? Why did he make the fateful decision to betray his country? How should we judge Robert E. Lee? Allen C. Guelzo, Director of the James Madison Program's Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship, joins Madison's Notes to answer these questions and others.Guezlo is the author of Robert E. Lee: A Life.
2022-02-281h 20
Madison's NotesIntroducing Our Free Speech Initiative: A Conversation with Keith Whittington and Bernard HaykelThe James Madison Program's new Initiative on Freedom of Thought, Inquiry, and Expression (the "Free Speech Initiative") will "promote, explain, and defend free speech and academic freedom." Keith Whittington and Bernard Haykel, co-directors of the Initiative, join Madison's Notes to discuss the need for and work of the Initiative.
2022-01-1029 min
Madison's NotesThe Capitulation of MIT: A Conversation with Dorian AbbotDorian Abbot is an Associate Professor of Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had invited Abbot to deliver their prestigious Carlson Lecture, but rescinded the invitation after receiving complaints about an article Abbot had written for Newsweek, titled "The Diversity Problem on Campus." In response, Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions invited Abbot to speak at the James Madison Program. He'll do so live on Zoom on October 21st, at 4:30 PM ET. Abbot joins the podcast to discuss MIT's capitulation, academic freedom in the hard sciences, and more.
2021-10-1143 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 74: 9/11 at 20 Lieutenant Colonel Dan CurranTo commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United states and explored the consequences of the U.S. response, the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement and JMU X-Labs have parterened to share and highlight the contributions of James Madison University alumni who commissioned through the ROTC and served in the Global War on Terror. In this episode, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Curran shares his experiences with the JMU ROTC program and the impact it has, what makes a patriot, as well as the betrayal of the Kurds.
2021-08-1646 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 72: 9/11 at 20 Marilyn HoudeTo commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and explore the consequences of the U.S. response, the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement and JMU X-Labs have partnered to share and highlight the contributions of James Madison University alumni who commissioned through the ROTC and served in the Global War on Terror. In this episode, Marilyn Houde shares her experiences in the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade. She discusses how we can learn from local leaders and improve governance through defense, diplomacy and development.
2021-08-0325 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 70: 9/11 at 20 Terry KesslerIn this episode, Terry Kessler shares his experiences, including two tours of duty as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Terry attended James Madison University where he was commissioned through ROTC as a Medical Service Officer in 2003. He was also a member of the Virginia Army National Guard from 1997 to 2003. Terry is now working for the Department of Veteran Affairs at the Martinsburg, WV VAMC with Veterans as a Licensed Certified Social Worker.
2021-07-2622 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 68: 9/11 at 20 Mini Series Dr. Mark EhlerTo commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and explore the consequences of the U.S. response, the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement and JMU X-Labs have partnered to share and highlight the contributions of James Madison University alumni who commissioned through the ROTC and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this episode, Dr. Mark Ehlers, shares his experiences and observations from his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2021-07-2035 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 67: 9/11 at 20 Mini Series Samantha HuieTo commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and explore the consequences of the U.S. response, the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement and JMU X-Labs have partnered to share and highlight the contributions of James Madison University alumni who commissioned through the ROTC and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this episode, we talk with Samantha Huie. Samantha was a helicopter pilot and served as Brigade Aviation Officer, Company Commander and most recently as an Aviation team Lead.
2021-07-1518 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 66: 9/11 at 20 Mini Series Gregory SullivanTo commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and explore the consequences of the U.S. response, the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement and JMU X-Labs have partnered to share and highlight the contributions of James Madison University alumni who commissioned through the ROTC and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this episode, Gregory Sullivan shares his experiences, which included two combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and two years as a diplomat in Bogota, Colombia during the historic war-to-peace time transition.
2021-07-1421 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 65: 9/11 at 20 Mini Series Major Michael BennerTo commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and explore the consequences of the U.S. response, the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement and JMU X-Labs have partnered to share and highlight the contributions of James Madison University alumni who commissioned through the ROTC and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this episode, Major Michael Benner, shares his experiences and observations from five deployments. He concludes by encouraging everyone to 'be part of something bigger than yourself.'
2021-07-1333 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 54: How Can Parties Bring More Women Into Power and Politics?In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kristin Wylie, associate professor of political science at James Madison University, about political violence against women, the state of women's political representation and participation, and reforms to address structural barriers that prevent women from running and serving in office. See the show notes with links mentioned in this episode at https://j.mu/news/civic/2021/03-10-democracy-matters-episode-54.shtml
2021-03-1028 min
Madison's NotesPlato and the Dialogues: A Conversation with Marcus GibsonWhy and how should we read Plato? Why did Plato write dialogues? Is Plato a friend to democracy? Dr. Marcus Gibson, John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University's James Madison Program, joins Madison's Notes to provide an introduction to Plato in preparation of a series of episodes on individual Platonic dialogues.
2021-02-2236 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 51: Insurrection and Sedition ExplainedIn this episode of Democracy Matters, James Madison University History and Political Science faculty experts explain the ongoing insurrection, and help us understand the events of January 6, 2021, the complicity of the president of the United States, and efforts to undermine American elections, and democratic norms and institutions. See the show notes with links mentioned in this episode at https://j.mu/news/civic/2021/01-13-democracy-matters-episode-51.shtml
2021-01-131h 02
Madison's NotesThe Storming of the Capitol: A Conversation with Robert P. George and Allen C. GuelzoOn January 6th, 2021, the world watched in disbelief as rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol while the results of the Electoral College were being formally presented—and challenged—in Congress. The riots left at least 4 dead, and many others wounded. Robert P. George, Director of the James Madison Program, and Allen C. Guelzo, Director of the James Madison Program's Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship, discuss the significance of this attack on the Capitol, the state of the Nation, and what Republicans and Democrats alike can do to fix this.
2021-01-081h 00James Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 50: 'Democracy Is an Act'In an essay published posthumously, civil rights icon and Member of Congress John Lewis, wrote, "Democracy Is Not A State. It Is An Act." The team at the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement reflects on 2020 and our nonpartisan efforts to promote informed electoral participation, ensure a complete count in the 2020 Census and create opportunities for people to learn about and take on action on the problems they care about most. The team also shares what more they would do to strengthen democracy. 2020 Team: Abe Goldberg, Carah Ong Whaley, Logan Zeigler, Angelina Clapp, Diego Salinas, Sarah Gully, Emily Baker...
2021-01-041h 05James Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 44: Achieving Health EquityAmericans today live shorter, sicker lives than people in other developed countries, and, across the nation, health varies by income, education, race and ethnicity, and geography. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Linda Plitt-Donaldson, Associate Dean of College of Health and Behavioral Studies and Director of the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services at James Madison University, and with Dr. Laura Merrell, Assistant Professor in Health Sciences, about the social determinants of health and why everyone should care about health equity. See the show notes with links mentioned in this episode at https://j...
2020-11-1428 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 43: Diversity and Democracy Through Higher EducationIn this episode of Democracy Matters, we talk with Dr. Mildred García, president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and with Jonathan Alger, president of James Madison University, about the role of higher education in advancing diversity and democracy, and higher education's special responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the communities in which they are situated. See the show notes with links mentioned in this episode at https://j.mu/news/civic/2020/11-12-democracy-matters-episode-43.shtml
2020-11-1244 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 36: Election Emotions and What We Can Do About ThemAre you feeling anxious, fatigued, worried, angry or hopeful about the election? In this episode we talk with Dr. Benjamin Blankenship, assistant professor of Psychology at James Madison University about what drives election emotions and what we can do to cope. See the show notes with links mentioned in this episode at https://j.mu/news/civic/2020/10-08-democracy-matters-episode-36.shtml
2020-10-0840 min
Madison's NotesThe Founding: A Conversation with Robert P. GeorgeOn July 4, 2000, the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions was founded at Princeton University. Robert P. George, Director of the James Madison Program, returns to Madison's Notes to discuss how and why the Madison Program came to be. After the conversation with Professor George you'll hear Allen C. Guelzo, Director of the Madison Program's Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship, read Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address—a fitting and proper way to celebrate the 4th of July.
2020-07-0453 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 29: Athletlics and Social JusticeThis episode features a conversation with Semaj Sorhaindo, JMU Football Student-Athlete; Nikki Oppenheimer, JMU Women's Basketball Student-Athlete; Arthur Moats, JMU alumn and linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals; Ta' Frias, JMU Track and Field Head Coach; Jeff Bourne, Director of Athletics, James Madison University; and Roger Soenksen, Faculty Athletic Representative and Professor in JMU School of Media Arts and Design about the role and agency of athletes, teams and athletic organizations in addressing racial injustice, systemic racism, and creating a more just and inclusive society and democracy. See the show notes with links...
2020-06-251h 29
Madison's NotesHumble Beginnings: A Conversation with Robert P. GeorgeRobert P. George is McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. In this inaugural episode of Madison's Notes, he speaks about his childhood, his decision to enter academia, the purpose of the university, academic freedom, and more.
2020-05-271h 01James Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 23: The World Needs U.S.-China CooperationAs headlines declare relations between the United States and China have sunk to a new low, we talk with China expert and James Madison University Political Science Professor Dr. Edward Yang about how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting China-U.S. relations, and what can be done to improve and reinvigorate diplomacy between China and the U.S. See the show notes with links mentioned in this episode at https://j.mu/news/civic/2020/05-06-democracy-matters-episode-23.shtml
2020-05-0641 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 19: Leadership in a Time of Global Crisis: Serving the campus, community and beyondIn this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with James Madison University President Jonathan R. Alger about what kind of leadership is needing during a global crisis and what it has been like to make important decisions on big matters with incomplete information at an unprecedented pace - from reorganizing courses for distance and online learning to responding to local community needs. See the show notes with links mentioned in this episode at https://j.mu/news/civic/2020/04-04-democracy-matters-episode-19.shtml
2020-04-0544 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 11: Women Breaking Barriers: A Timeline2019-2020 marks the 100th anniversary since the passage and ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution which articulated that, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." The 19th amendment was the result of centuries of activism and contributions from many social movements to ensure through the highest law of the land a "right through which all other rights could be secured." But as suffragist leader Frances Harper observed in 1893, "I do not think the mere...
2019-09-0427 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 10: Inclusive Music and the Value of 'Being With'What is inclusion and how can inclusive music contribute to a culture of democratic engagement through authentic experiences of participatory musicking? JMU's Center for Inclusive Music Engagement is facilitating innovative opportunities for all persons-particularly those are often marginalized in institutional music education contexts-to create, perform, respond, and connect with, in, through, and around music in ways they find meaningful. In this episode we talk with Dr. Jesse Rathgeber, an assistant professor of music education at James Madison University and associate director of the Center for Inclusive Music Engagement, and with Emily Veramessa, who graduated from JMU in 2019 with a...
2019-08-1844 minJames Madison Center for Civic Engagement: Democracy MattersEpisode 3: Bringing Democracy to LifeFrom teaching information literacy, to providing community gathering spaces, to fostering access to information, to connecting people with each other, and more, James Madison University Librarians Kristen Shuyler and Liz Chenevey discuss their research about how libraries of all types in Virginia and across the country support democracy and the civic life of their communities. See the show notes with links mentioned in this episode at https://j.mu/news/civic/2019/07-15-democracy-matters-episode-3.shtml
2019-07-1541 min
The James Madison ShowRobert Picardo, Guest LIVEActor Robert Picardo joins the James Madison Show LIVE From Quark's Bar in Las Vegas, with a little crowd participation, and the latest on Mr. Picardo's upcoming and recent projects, this is one of our most highly anticipated shows yet!
2007-08-1244 minThe James Madison ShowActor Garrett Wang, GuestActor Garrett Wang (Star Trek: Voyager) Joins us Live on The James Madison Show, a must listen!
2007-07-2957 min