Shows
Feudal FutureTrump's Tariffs and the Future of US-Canada RelationsTrump's threatened tariffs against Canada have sparked more than just economic anxiety—they've triggered a profound identity crisis among our northern neighbors. Joining Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are John Kay (Quillette) and Rob Roberts (National Post), who offer razor-sharp insights into how this diplomatic tension is reshaping Canadian self-perception.The conversation reveals a fascinating psychological whiplash. Kay observes that many Canadians who recently characterized their country as a "genocide state" are now wrapping themselves in the maple leaf flag. This rapid oscillation between self-criticism and patriotism exposes what he describes as Canada's fundamentally "unstable" national identity—"like...2025-04-0140 minFeudal FutureBarking Up the Right Tree: Can DOGE Fix Our Bloated Government?The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has become one of the most controversial initiatives of the Trump administration, but what does it actually represent? We're joined by Shawn Steel, National Committeeman for the Republican National Committee, and Professor Luke Nichter, historian at Chapman University, to explore the deeper meaning behind this government restructuring effort.Our conversation reveals how DOGE taps into profound middle-class frustration with government spending and opacity. As Steele explains, "Elon Musk is taking the great angst of the great middle class in America... What has been going on all these years? Where is this...2025-03-1940 minFeudal Future2024 in Review: Feudalism, Politics, and Global ShiftsWhat if the future of global politics looks more like a return to feudalism than continuous progress? Discover the surprising dynamics of 2024 as Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin discuss the unraveling of the liberal world order and the rise of pragmatic priorities among voters. We uncover how shifting societal trends, from the unexpected support for Donald Trump among Latino voters to the growing focus on job security, are reshaping political strategies and questioning the effectiveness of identity politics.Join us as we navigate through the complexities of education and the economy, highlighting the transformative impact of artificial...2024-12-1731 minFeudal FutureUnderstanding California's Recent Financial DeficitDiscover the unexpected fiscal twists and turns as California confronts its financial future, with insights from Steve Malanga of the Manhattan Institute and ex-Orange County Treasurer John Moorlach. As your guides, we, Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin, promise to lead you through a landscape shaped by COVID-19 aftershocks, federal aid windfalls, and the intricate dance of managing state budgets and pension reforms. Prepare to be enlightened by our conversation on the surprising surpluses, the stark reality of tax collection downturns, and the resilience—or vulnerability—of California's fiscal policies.The Golden State's pension reforms under Governor Jerry Brow...2024-05-2413 minFeudal FutureReviving U.S. Semiconductor Supremacy: Education, Reshoring, and Ohio's Tech RenaissanceUnlock the secrets behind the United States reclaiming its semiconductor sovereignty in the latest Feudal Future Podcast episode. Dr. John Berry and Ashwin Rangan, two trailblazers in the tech and education sectors, join us to dissect the urgent need for reshoring this pivotal industry. You'll gain exclusive insights into the CHIPS Act's role in this mission and the formidable obstacles we face, from cutting-edge technological requirements to cultivating a skilled workforce primed for innovation and growth.As we navigate the transformation of central Ohio from rust belt relic to a burgeoning tech hub, we're met with the...2024-04-2944 minFeudal FutureThe Impact of Third-Party Candidates in Tipping the Election ScaleCould the fate of an entire election hinge on the unsung heroes of American politics, the third-party candidates? Join us as Professor John Compton and Michael Barone unpack that very question, offering an electrifying discourse on the stirrings within third-party politics that could tip the scales in a nail-biter of an election. Our guests peel back the layers on voter disenchantment and the sway of protest votes, zeroing in on the battlegrounds of Michigan and Minnesota. Brace yourselves for an insider's look at the strategic gambits and vice-presidential surprises that could rewrite the rules of political engagement....2024-04-1237 minFeudal FutureAddressing the Housing Affordability Crisis and Protecting the Middle Class DreamUnlock the mystery behind why securing a roof over your head has become an arduous quest in today's Western civilization. This episode promises to gift you with the perspectives of housing experts Joel Farkas, Wendell Cox, and Karla López del Río, as we navigate through the complexities of local and state regulations, fees, and the polarizing anti-sprawl policies that contribute to the housing unaffordability crisis. It's a discussion that extends beyond numbers and policies, touching the lives of middle-class families and reshaping the demographic landscape of entire states.Imagine a world where the American Dream is...2024-03-2839 minFeudal FutureNavigating the Tides of Change: How Global Politics May Shape America's 2024 ElectionsUncover the unforeseen ways foreign policy sways the American electoral tide with us, Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin, as we host a conversation that traverses the global political landscape and its potential shocks to the 2024 elections. With luminaries like former U.S. Ambassador to Italy Ron Spogli and Asia Pacific expert Robert Koepp sharing their insights, this episode is a deep dive into the geopolitical undercurrents—from NATO's strategies to the East Asian power balance. We navigate the complex web of international relations that could very well dictate the next occupant of...2024-03-211h 20Feudal FutureExploring the Impact of Catholic Schools on Underserved CommunitiesUnlock the secrets of a holistic education that goes beyond academics as we engage with Stephannie Saroki de Garcia, Soledad Usura, and Tony Lemus, dissecting the profound effects of Catholic school environments on underserved communities in California. Discover how these institutions foster discipline, character development, and purpose, equipping students with the tools to succeed in life. Our conversation with these insightful guests reveals personal success stories and the critical role of parental involvement, along with an educational approach that safeguards against the pitfalls that often undermine public schooling.Wearing a school uniform might seem trivial, but as...2024-03-0739 minFeudal FutureExploring the Paradox of Peace and Economics in Taiwan-China Relations and International Trade ExpectationsDiscover the nuanced complexities of Taiwan-China relations and the unexpected preferences of their people towards peace, as we're joined by Raymond Kuo from the Rand Corporation and Professor Robert Koepp of Chapman University. Instead of the often-presumed march towards military conflict, we uncover a deeper narrative that highlights the Taiwanese public's recent electoral choices favoring a reduction in tensions with China. Our guests bring to light the intricate economic interdependencies that may be the true linchpins of stability in the region, as well as the strategic wisdom behind Taiwan's bolstering of its defenses—not for war, but as a st...2024-02-2708 minFeudal FutureNavigating the Future of Higher Education: Challenges, Reform, and the Role of Civic EngagementEmbark with us as we traverse the complex terrain of higher education alongside our distinguished panel—Rick Hess, Justin Dyer, and Dean Andrew Moser. Together, we scrutinize the waning public confidence in academic institutions, dissect the legislative counteracts to campus culture, and address the impending demographic shift that predicts a drop in college-age students. Our conversation circles around the importance of alumni, legislative bodies, and political engagement in remedying the challenges that plague both public and private universities. We confront the monoculture in academia, especially within the humanities, and how this ideological conformity, coupled with a culture of self-censorship, st...2024-02-1236 minFeudal FutureThe Top Key Issues Facing Society in 2024Could our current education system really be churning out a generation that's less learned than the last? Joel and I grapple with this unsettling possibility as we investigate the shifting tides within educational institutions, from the revered halls of Harvard to the vibrant classrooms of primary education. As 2024 dawns, we're pulling back the curtain on the existential role of learning in a society saturated with social media and disrupted hierarchies. This candid conversation unravels the future of university degrees and vocational training against the backdrop of AI’s encroachment into the job market, while also spotlighting the potential of ap...2024-01-1814 minFeudal FutureThe Rise of Populism in Europe: Immigration, Nationalism, and the Quest for SovereigntyHow has the mosaic of European politics been recast by the relentless waves of immigration? This pressing question takes center stage as Ambassador Ron Spogli and deputy editor Fraser Myers join me to unravel the complex tapestry of populism's ascent in the West. With the spotlight on Georgia Maloney's prime ministerial triumph in Italy, we peel back the layers of public sentiment that propelled her to power. The narrative reveals a populace not driven by xenophobia but by a fervent desire for reform and sovereignty over their borders, a sentiment echoing across the continent from France to Sweden.2024-01-1033 minFeudal FutureShaping the Future: Challenges and Innovations in California's Education SystemEducation, the cornerstone of our future, teeters on a precipice of change. Former California State Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero and retired superintendent Mike Christensen join us to dissect the intricate web of challenges plaguing California's schools—from the scapegoating of teachers and the undervaluation of family engagement to the contentious rise of charter schools and the debate over the high school exit exam. Their expertise illuminates the tangled tapestry of responsibility and reform needed to empower educators, involve parents, and ultimately, shape our children's destiny.The political battlefield of education is marked by the influence of te...2023-12-2839 minFeudal FutureThe Underlying Political & Economic Issues in the Middle EastOur latest episode featuring Walter Russell Mead, foreign affairs expert, is an eye-opener that transcends typical narratives, providing a profound understanding of how this conflict influences the Middle East. We also unveil American energy independence's under-appreciated significance and how it shapes the region's geopolitics. No foreign affairs conversation is complete without delving into the complex dynamics of the Middle East. This episode takes an unflinching look at Iran's power plays and the Biden administration's strategies to negotiate these precarious waters. We spotlight the potential benefits and pitfalls of forging a strategic alliance with Israel and Saudi Arabia a...2023-11-3043 minFeudal FutureNavigating Cancel Culture and Free Expression in American EducationImmerse yourself in a profound conversation with Sam Abrams and Daniele Struppa as we set sail into the stormy seas of cancel culture on American campuses. Ponder on the essence of freedom of expression, the intricacies of offensive language, and the implications of a trending phenomenon that is reshaping societal narratives. We dissect the potential hazards of a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion worldview that's propagated within our educational institutions.Our discourse takes a turn towards academic freedom, a principle that could be endangered by personal biases. We underscore the urgency for developing critical thinking skills amongst...2023-11-1040 minFeudal FutureShattering the Green Energy Illusion with Jennifer Shaigec and Robert BryceReady to uncover the startling contradictions in the green energy movement? Promising a journey into the intricate ecosystem of sustainable power, our episode with Jennifer Shaigec and Robert Bryce will have you questioning what you thought you knew about the transition to alternative energy sources. We discuss the irony of advocating for green energy while simultaneously obstructing the very processes that make it possible - the mining and extraction of essential minerals. We also look at how this power shift is impacting economies globally, from the First Nations protests in the Ring of Fire to coal-dependent nations like Indonesia.2023-10-2533 minFeudal FutureThe Political Paradox of Marriage DeclineAre you aware that the decline in marriage rates could be silently and profoundly shaping our society? Today, we're joined by Sam Abrams and Brad Wilcox, esteemed visiting fellows at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect this pressing issue. We deliberate on how the health of marriage could determine the economic mobility of less fortunate children and how the increasing sense of loneliness in society could be linked to this very decline. Intrigued by how the world of politics is influencing marriage? We explore how political heavyweights, specifically mayors like Blasio, Bloomberg, and Giuliani, harness their platforms t...2023-10-0928 minFeudal FutureBehind the Scenes of Global Labor: Asia and AmericaEver marveled at the staggering trends of youth unemployment and labor participation across the globe? Each region presents its unique set of challenges and as we unfold the layers of this discussion, our guests, John Russo of Georgetown University and Rob Koepp of Chapman's Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Initiative, bring their insights to the table. We tackle the phenomenon of 'lying flat' in Asia, the impact of the pandemic on the US workforce, and dissect the intriguing employment structures prevalent in both regions.In the fascinating realm of work ethics, the Asian and American landscapes couldn't be...2023-09-1839 minFeudal FutureUncovering the Economic Transformation and Challenges of AppalachiaEver wondered what's brewing in the land of Appalachian charm? Buckle up as we journey through the changing landscapes of this region, guided by our expert guests Aaron Renn and Jessie Wall. From the sun-soaked South, attracting folks with its warm weather and proximity to buzzing metropolises, to the Northern parts, diversifying their economy from heavy industry and tourism, we paint a vivid panorama of Appalachia's economic transformation.Yet, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The region grapples with a low college degree attainment rate, significantly trailing the national average. The flux in housing demand and the...2023-08-2835 minFeudal FutureIndustrial A.I.On this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by robotics engineer, Wyatt Newman, and executive director of the Twin Institute, Michael Grieves, to discuss industrial artificial intelligence.Dr. Michael Grieves is an internationally renowned expert on Digital Twins, a concept that he originated, and organizational digital transformation. His focus is on product development, engineering, systems engineering and complex systems, manufacturing, especially additive manufacturing, and operational sustainment. Dr. Grieves has written the seminal books on Product Lifecycle Management and the seminal papers and chapterson Digital Twins, He has consulted and...2023-08-1133 minFeudal FutureNurturing California Industries Report*SPECIAL EPISODE*On this special Feudal Future episode, join Joel Kotkin as he sits down with Marshall Toplansky & Sougata Poddar as they discuss Chapman University's brand new report on nurturing California industries.DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE:https://www.chapman.edu/communication/demographics-policy/ca-industries-2023.pdfCalifornia Has the Opportunity to Maintain and Grow Industries That Can Provide Future Jobs to Middle Class Citizens and Make the State More Competitive.ABOUT THE AUTHORS:Marshall Toplansky is an award-winning Innovation Professor of Management Science at the Argyros School of Business and...2023-08-0324 minFeudal FutureBlame Ourselves, Not Our Stars - Understanding The California Housing Plague with Wendell CoxSCROLL DOWN FOR A BRAND NEW PUBLISHED REPORT!On this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by American entrepreneur, Rony Abovitz, and author Michael Malone to discuss the future of Silicon Valley.Wendell Cox is principal of Demographia (St. Louis, MO-IL), a demographics and public policy firm. He was appointed by Mayor Tom Bradley to three terms on the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, which was a predecessor to the Los Angeles County MTA. Speaker Newt Gingrich appointed him to the Amtrak Reform Council. He specializes in demographics and...2023-07-1727 minFeudal FutureCollusion: Disinformation & Artificial Intelligence with Jacob SiegelOn this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by writer Jacob Siegel, to discuss disinformation and artificial intelligence.Jacob Siegel is a writer living in New York whose work has been published in The New York Times, Tablet, Politico, the New York Daily News, Vice, and the National Endowment for the Humanities magazine, among other places. He was a former staff writer at The Daily Beast, where he covered war, protest, and digital culture.NEW:Download our newest report: NURTURING CALIFORNIA INDUSTRIEShttps://www.chapman...2023-07-0341 minFeudal FutureThe Future of Work with Michael LindSCROLL DOWN FOR A BRAND NEW PUBLISHED REPORT!On this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by American writer, Michael Lind, to discuss the future of work.Michael Lind is the author of more than a dozen books about U.S. political and economic history, politics and foreign policy. He has explained and defended the tradition of American democratic nationalism in The Next American Nation (1995), Hamilton's Republic (1997), What Lincoln Believed (2005), The American Way of Strategy (2006), and Land of Promise: An Economic History of the United States (2012). His most recent...2023-06-1531 minFeudal FutureThe End of The ValleySCROLL DOWN FOR A BRAND NEW PUBLISHED REPORT!On this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by American entrepreneur, Rony Abovitz, and author Michael Malone to discuss the future of Silicon Valley.Rony Abovitz is an American entrepreneur. Abovitz founded MAKO Surgical Corp., a company manufacturing surgical robotic arm assistance platforms, in 2004 and recently acquired by Stryker for $1.65 billion. Abovitz is the founder of the Mixed reality/Augmented Reality (MR/AR) company Magic Leap and served as its CEO from its founding in 2010.Michael S. Malone has c...2023-06-0144 minFeudal FutureWho's In Control? The Changing Balance of World PowerSupport Our WorkThe Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from...2023-05-2546 minFeudal FutureThe Future of AgricultureSupport Our WorkThe Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from...2023-05-0437 minFeudal FutureCalifornia Jobs: A Multi-Dimensional Problem PromoOur new video series: California Jobs: A Multi-Dimensional Problem is a highlight of our recent report brought to you by The Center for Demographics and Policy at Chapman University. Watch the whole series on Youtube!Marshall Toplansky is an award-winning Clinical Assistant Professor of Management Science at the Argyros School of Business and Economics at Chapman University. He is a research fellow at the Center for Demographics and Policy, and is director of the school’s Analytics Accelerator program. He and co-author Joel Kotkin recently published an economic and socialpolicy brief entitled, “Restoring The California Dream...2023-04-1102 minFeudal FutureUnderstanding The Iranian RevolutionOn this episode of The Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky help us understand the Iranian revolution with project analyst, Mahnaz Asghari, Iranian actress Nazanin Nour, and hematologist Montreh Tavakkoli.Mahnaz Asghari is a Sponsored Project Analyst for Chapman University in Orange, CA. She is also the manager of the Feudal Future Podcast with Joel Kotkin & Marshall Toplansky. Their podcast has over 30,000 downloads worldwide.Nazanin Nour is an Iranian American actress, model and writer. She has appeared on several television films and shows, including Madam Secretary. She is one of the judges of t...2023-03-2138 minFeudal FutureThe Future of Latinos in PoliticsOn this episode of The Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by political demographer, Ruy Teixeira, and author and principal, Soledad Ursua to discuss the future of Latinos in politics.Soledad Ursúa is a principal at Orinoco Equities. She is a Los Angeles native, and an elected local official of the Venice Neighborhood Council and resident of Venice Beach.Ruy Teixeira is an American political scientist and commentator who has written several books on various topics in political science and political strategy. He is most noted for his work on p...2023-03-0132 minFeudal FutureWill A.I. Replace Us? OpenAI & Chat GPTOn this episode of The Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky discuss OpenAI & Chat GPT with mathematician and academic, Daniele Struppa.Dr. Struppa is the author of more than 200 refereed publications, and he is the editor of several volumes. He has edited or co-authored more than ten books, including Bicomplex Holomorphic Functions (2015), Regular Functions of a Quaternionic Variable (2013), Noncommutative Functional Calculus: Theory and Applications of Slice Hyperholomorphic Functions (2011), Analysis of Dirac Systems and Computational Algebra (2004), Fundamentals of Algebraic Microlocal Analysis (1999), and The Fundamental Principle for Systems of Convolution Equations (1983).While serving as chancellor...2023-02-1321 minFeudal FutureThe Urban Future - Views From The Left CoastToday's special episode is Joel's talk on urban cities from his recent event at Chapman University. Enjoy.The Future of CitiesThe Western US has long been an innovator in developing the urban form, notably in the creation of suburbanized, multipolar cities. Yet now that model is showing strain, and there’s a fierce debate about how western cities should grow. The panel will explore these issues, from homelessness to high housing prices and the impact of regulation.With an all star lineup including:Charles Blain- Urban Reform InstituteKarla López del...2023-01-3120 minFeudal FutureIs There Anyone Left?On this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by author Dr. Nicholas Eberstadt to understand the crisis and shortage of men exiting the labor pool.Nicholas Eberstadt holds the Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he researches and writes extensively on demographics and economic development generally, and more specifically on international security in the Korean peninsula and Asia. Domestically, he focuses on poverty and social well-being. Dr. Eberstadt is also a senior adviser to the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR).His...2023-01-1339 minFeudal FutureSPECIAL INVITE: The Future of Cities *FREE IN PERSON EVENT 1/20/23*Join us January 20th at Chapman University:The Future of CitiesThe Western US has long been an innovator in developing the urban form, notably in the creation of suburbanized, multipolar cities. Yet now that model is showing strain, and there’s a fierce debate about how western cities should grow. The panel will explore these issues, from homelessness to high housing prices and the impact of regulation.Register at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejj4wlm4790ebc21&oseq=&c=&ch=Register by 1/10/23This event is al...2023-01-0601 minFeudal FutureThe Creator EconomyOn this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by author and entrepreneur Tyler Wagner to discuss the creator economy and the future of authorship.Entrepreneur and podcast host Tyler Wagner founded and started a company, Authors Unite, that helps people write, publish and MARKET their books. It’s a one-stop-shop for book writers that aid all throughout the process of writing, publishing, and successfully marketing their book.The company has helped countless authors in writing, publishing and marketing their books. Their clients have sold thousands of copies of their bo...2022-12-3033 minFeudal FutureAn Explanation on the Global Energy CrisisOn this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by author and energy expert, Robert Bryce, and structural engineer, Hügo Krüger, to discuss the global energy crisis.Robert Bryce is an author, journalist, filmmaker, and the host of the Power Hungry Podcast. He has been writing about energy, power, innovation, and politics for more than three decades. Bryce has authored six books in which he has covered Enron’s bankruptcy, corn ethanol, digital drilling rigs, renewables, batteries, nuclear energy, and the future of the electric grid.Hügo Krüge...2022-12-2330 minFeudal FutureThe Debate on EV's: Are They Really The Future?On this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by energy consultant, Ronald Stein, and Jennifer Hernandez, environmental law expert, to discuss the future of electric vehicles and energy.Ronald Stein is an internationally published columnist and energy consultant, and a policy advisor for The Heartland Institute.Ronald Stein is the co-author of the newly released book, Clean Energy Exploitations: Helping Citizens Understand the Environmental and Humanity Abuses That Support Clean Energy. The latest book is a Nominee for the 2022 Pulitzer Prize competition in the General Nonfiction category. Ronald is...2022-11-2141 minFeudal FutureA Newsom Nation: Is Gavin Next?On this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by author Dan Walters, and professor Lori Cox Han, to speak about the implications of a Gavin Newsom presidential run.Dan Walters has been a journalist for more than 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. He began his professional career in 1960, at age 16, at the Humboldt Times in Eureka, while still attending high school, and turned down a National Merit scholarship to continue working as a journalist. At one point in his career, at age 22, he...2022-11-0341 minFeudal FutureAmerica's Declining Education SystemOn this episode of Feudal Future, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are joined by former state senator, Gloria Romero, on the state of US education.A forceful advocate for education reform and parental school choice, former California State Senator Gloria Romero (D-East Los Angeles) is the Founder/Executive Director of Scholarship Prep Charter School located in Santa Ana, CA. A TK-8th grade charter school, Scholarship Prep was established as a countywide-benefit charter school with a strategic focus on closing the achievement gap for high poverty and foster youth using Project-based learning.Prior to...2022-10-2040 min