Shows
Richard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 277- What's Really in the Big Beautiful Bill for Medicaid? With Rich HelppieThe American healthcare payment system isn't just broken—it's a non-system that systematically fails providers and patients while generating enormous profits for middlemen. The Healthcare Bridge host Nathan Kaufman and his guest Rich Helppie cut through partisan talking points to expose the real impact of recent Medicaid funding changes that threaten to destabilize healthcare nationwide.They unpack the complex provider tax mechanism that states have relied on to patch Medicaid's chronic underfunding. With Medicaid typically reimbursing only 70 cents per dollar of costs, these taxes have been lifelines, not loopholes. The new legislation's gradual reduction of this funding st...2025-07-1018 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeRichard Helppie on WJR Radio- A Deep Dive on Education and HealthcareGet ready for two power-packed days of essential conversations when I take over hosting duties at WJR, the Great Voice of the Great Lakes! Mark your calendars for June 23rd and 24th, from 2-4pm Eastern Time, as we spotlight the critical issues shaping Michigan's communities.We'll dive deep into healthcare challenges and opportunities with renowned expert Nate Kaufman, whose insights have guided healthcare institutions nationwide. Michigan's Lieutenant Governor Garland Gilchrist joins us to discuss his vision as he campaigns to become the state's next governor. The connection between housing policy and community wellbeing takes center stage...2025-06-2102 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 267- Mailbag Musings: Listener Questions Tackled Head-On. With Rich Helppie.Fierce nonpartisanship meets listener curiosity in this mailbag episode where Richard Helppie tackles tough questions spanning economics, social policy, and political comparisons with refreshing candor.When a listener asks whether recent stock market gyrations prove Trump's policies are "all wrong," Helppie cuts through the binary thinking to explore how markets react primarily to uncertainty rather than specific ideological positions. "The stock market doesn't like uncertainty and if one thing this Trump administration is giving the investing markets is a lot of uncertainty, they don't know how to invest," he explains, highlighting how sentiment drives current market conditions...2025-03-2124 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 252- Viewer, Listener, Reader Mailbag! With Rich Helppie.Is the media shaping your opinions more than you realize? Join us for a lively viewer mailbag session where we dissect the intricate relationship between policy, media, and public discourse. Hear our take on the actions of both Republicans and Democrats, including Trump's refusal to concede the election and the Democrats' strategic use of lawfare. We'll also unpack Mark Zuckerberg's revelations about Facebook's censorship, making a strong case for the need for honest media and independent thinking in a healthy democracy.Why is Kamala Harris rising in the polls, and what does it mean for the 2024 election...2024-09-0144 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 248: Protecting Healthcare: Unveiling the Cybersecurity Imperative with Dan DodsonCan cybercriminals paralyze a healthcare system with just a few keystrokes? Find out in this compelling episode of the Common Bridge, where Rich Helppie sits down with Dan Dodson, CEO of Fortified Health Security. We go beyond the headlines to explore the motivations driving cybercriminals to target healthcare institutions. With digital records and interconnected systems at the heart of modern healthcare, even a minor security breach can have devastating consequences. Dan sheds light on the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to ensure the integrity of patient care and protect sensitive data.Discover the pivotal role Managed...2024-07-0734 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 246- A Fun Talk From Inside the Beltway with Justin HigginsEmbark on an enlightening exploration of American politics with me, Rich Helppie, as I welcome Justin Higgins, the insightful host of Politics and Media 101, to dissect the complexities and undercurrents shaping our nation's political discourse. Together, we dissect the overshadowed, yet consequential, races and issues that slip past public scrutiny amidst the hype of presidential campaigns. We probe the perplexing inner workings of the GOP, the centrists' influence on electing the House Speaker, and the broader public dissatisfaction with the recurring Biden-Trump narrative, daring to question the reelection prospects of such polarizing figures.Navigating through the murky...2024-06-061h 05Richard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 243- Stuck on Stupid, or Resist the Partisan PolarizationAre we letting tribal loyalties cloud our judgment in politics? Join me, Richard Helppie, as we confront this burning question on the Common Bridge, where I dissect the alarming repercussions of favoring party over policy. Witness a compelling examination of the dangers that lie in the heart of partisan divides and the pressing need for a paradigm shift toward policy-centric governance. From exposing media propaganda to questioning the bipolar grasp of major parties on our political system, this episode is a clarion call for reason and fairness in the political arena. I challenge you to look beyond the noise...2024-04-2819 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 239- Response to Reader-Listener-Viewer Mail. With Rich HelppieIn this episode titled "Response to Reader-Listener-Viewer Mail" of the host, Richard Helppie, delves into a diverse range of thought-provoking questions and comments from his engaged online audience. Touching upon hot-button topics of the time, Richard fearlessly navigates the murky waters of politics, starting with an insightful examination of the Trump v Biden rivalry. With his uniquely unbiased and diplomatic approach, Richard analytically dissects the policies, achievements, and controversies surrounding both figures, encouraging his viewers to engage in respectful discourse and critical thinking.Continuing on this riveting journey, Richard delves into the complex issue of gun control, p...2024-03-0334 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 228- Leaving Binary Politics Behind; Season 5 of The Common Bridge. With Richard Helppie.Welcome to Season 5 of The Common Bridge as we sift through the political and media chaos with your host Richard Helppie. As we strip away the narratives, we promise to offer our growing audience of over 4 million viewers, readers, and listeners, a fiercely non-partisan perspective on the escalating tensions within the Republican and Democratic parties, the corruption tainting our media, and the looming threats to our justice system. We'll dissect key political figures, from Donald Trump to Joe Biden, to provide a thorough understanding of their roles, behaviors, and fading relevance. This isn't just another political podcast episode. It's a ca...2023-10-0915 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 227- Tribalism vs. The First Amendment: Reflections on Season Four of The Common Bridge. With Richard HelppieHold on tight as we examine the roots of tribalism in our media and question the effects of party loyalty on our political discourse. As we wrap up season four of the Common Bridge, we invite you to challenge the mainstream narratives and engage with critical societal issues. The traditional media's role in promoting tribalism is examined with a critical lens, urging you to demand better behavior from our elected leaders.This episode takes us deep into the world of political tribalism, highlighting how it colors our view of issues and policies. We scrutinize a gripping tale...2023-10-0208 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 222- Navigating Today's Political Climate: A Non-Partisan Perspective. With Robert GreenfieldWhat if you could navigate the stormy seas of today's political climate with a non-partisan compass? Picture yourself engaging with the deep-seated narratives around election deniers and dementia deniers, the political prosecutions of Donald Trump, and the impact of age on voters' preferences. We also highlight possible alternatives to Trump, like Gavin Newsom, and the intriguing proposition of DeSantis and Christie banding together to challenge Trump. Join Richard and Robert Greenfield in the second part of a three-part conversation.Step with us into the controversial arena of social media censorship, as we light up allegations of Democrats s...2023-08-2741 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 218- Viewer, Listener, and Reader Mailbag. With Rich HelppieRich responds to selected questions and comments from his nearly four million viewers, listeners and readers of The Common Bridge. Topics range included censorship, Big Tech, First and Second Amendments, and more. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2023-07-3035 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 207- Time for a New Playbook- A Richard Helppie Editorial OutlookIn the aftermath of the the CNN Town Hall, Rich argues that Donald Trump lacks the skills required to be President and would not be a good choice to lead the Republican Party in the upcoming elections. Despite Trump's appeal to some voters, Helppie suggests that the country needs to move on from the Biden versus Trump narrative and choose better candidates, citing issues with the current administration, fear of censorship, and concerns over Biden's age and health as factors contributing to Trump's continuing popularity.Support the showEngage the conversation on...2023-05-1210 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 205- The Rise and Fall of Civilizations: Today vs Antiquity. With Dr. Richard Enos.In a very popular episode from Season 3, Rich welcomes Professor Emeritus of Texas Christian University to talk about society and civilization in history and how common forces or influences can affect stability today just as it did in antiquity. A fascinating conversation that involves reflections on Greece, Rome, Russia and the US. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2023-04-3036 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 204- A Big Development with Significant Implications. With Richard HelppieUpon his return from vacation, Rich addresses headlines in the news and fields a few audience queries. He sifts through topics, seeking out the ridiculous and the impactful. These include the Trump indictment, Tennessee House Expulsions, the role of guns in the nation's issues, Dominion Voting Systems & Fox News, George Santos & Congressional Circus, Majorie Taylor Green, Diane Feinstein & Senate Replacement from California, the distinction between nonpartisan public service and politics as entertainment, the position of Bud Light, the role of transgenderism in society and the search for reasonable middle ground, Ukraine War Leaks, and the 2024 Elections.Support...2023-04-1834 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 193- Response to Reader, Listener, and Viewer Mail. With Rich HelppieRich responds to comments, emails, and reactions from Common Bridge readers, listeners and viewers. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2023-02-0533 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 192- Make Way for The New Media Model. With Richard HelppieThe old media model on its deathbed? Soon to follow the idea of profiting from political polarization? Rich sits for an interview to reflect on nearly 200 episodes. Seems there is an audience to hear, see and read about good people doing good things and learned people providing deep insight. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2023-01-2736 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 188- Goodbye to 2022 and Welcome to 2023. With Rich HelppieRich talks about the emerging new media model and invites your participation on The Common Bridge. Follow and comment on this episode on Substack https://thecommonbridge.substack.com/Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2023-01-0205 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 181- How to Eat an Elephant: Mid-Term Election Recap with Richard Helppie.In an quick and sometimes irreverent episode, Rich comments on midterm election results that saw the extremes crumbling, abortion decisions returned to the states, new voting methods employed and what may loom ahead for 2024, indictments and more. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2022-11-1418 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 180- Thank Goodness! Campaign Season Ends. A Commentary by Richard HelppieRich recaps the recent campaign season of ads, debates, “reporting” and of course social media postings from candidates and the punditry. In this short episode Rich’s disgust and amusement sometimes spills over into sarcasm. We hope you enjoy this entertaining take on the midterm election. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2022-11-0315 min
Politics + Media 101Richard Helppie: Healthcare, PartisanshipJustin and John are joined by Richard Helppie, host of the Common Bridge podcast. Richard proposes an idea for universal health insurance and shares his views on U.S. partisan politics.Subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoyed the conversation.2022-10-1159 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 174- Reflections on Season 3 of The Common Bridge – The Promise of a New Media Model- with Rich HelppieRich wraps up a successful season three with an analysis of the media landscape and how The Common Bridge is playing its part in providing a fair, fiercely non-partisan platform for intelligent discussion of policy and solutions.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2022-09-2519 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 166- 2024 Won’t Be A Biden-Trump Rematch- With Richard HelppieOn this weeks fiercely nonpartisan discussion, Rich takes down the notion that the 2024 presidential election will be a rematch of Joe Biden versus Donald Trump. January 6th prosecution decisions aren’t a factor, but pose other risks. Listen, read or view The Common Bridge at substack.com. Add to the discussion there , and enjoy broader content. The Common Bridge also always available on your favorite podcast outlet and YouTubeTVSupport the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2022-07-2720 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 162 Independence Day Reprise - Richard HelppieThis is a much-requested replaying of Rich’s 2021 honoring of Independence Day. He takes some time to reflect on why we still should celebrate our nation's birthday even though our history has been imperfect.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2022-07-0311 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 144- The Rise and Fall of Civilizations: Today vs Antiquity. With Dr. Richard EnosRich welcomes Professor Emeritus of Texas Christian University to talk about society and civilization in history and how common forces or influences can affect stability today just as it did in antiquity. A fascinating conversation that involves reflections on Greece, Rome, Russia and the US. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2022-03-0736 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 136- Addition of The Common Bridge to Substack- Richard HelppieRich talks about his expansion of The Common Bridge program to now include a space on Substack in addition to his successful podcast and YouTube channel. With this addition at richardhelppie.substack.com, Rich is further facilitating the growth of his popular fiercely non-partisan policy discussion as more and more people move away from the predictable divisive discussion on cable and network news.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2022-01-1005 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 131- The Disintegration of American Journalism- With Matt TaibbiRich brings back author, journalist, and political analyst, Matt Taibbi to talk about the circling of the drain of American journalism. What used to be news has now become affirmation and entertainment programming. What used to be the search for truth, has now been replaced with glamour talking heads with no journalism background who ignore stories that don't fit that show's narrative, or just revert to outright lies in order to gain ratings and feed their audience what they want to hear. While Fox, CNN and MSNBC cultivate a national divisive war on television, Facebook, Google, and Twitter are keep...2021-12-0448 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 129- Congress, Rittenhouse, the Mailbag with Rich HelppieRich and Brian go through viewer mail and answer questions about the Infrastructure bill, congressional challenges, minimum wage, the Rittenhouse case and more.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2021-11-2233 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 124- Down Route 66 and Beyond with Rich HelppieRich reflects on the past year, and what's ahead for America after a cross country trip down Route 66. He sets the stage for his Common Bridge Season 3 and talks about the important policy decisions ahead, and as a country, what we've gotten right and what we've gotten wrong.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2021-10-1834 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 109- Independence Day- with Richard HelppieRich releases his weekly episode a few days early this week in honor of Independence Day. He takes some time to reflect on why we still should celebrate our nation's birthday even though our history has been imperfect.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2021-07-0110 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 97- Rich Helppie's Solution for Sensible Gun ControlRich talks about a sensible solution to gun control in America.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2021-04-1313 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 94- Immigration: A deep dive into history and policy with Laura CollinsRich brings to The Common Bridge Immigration Expert Laura Collins. Collins and Helppie talk about the history of immigration policy, where we are today as a country, and what the future may hold. This is a departure from the dueling talking points so prevalent in our news.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2021-03-1854 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 91- Climate Change, Global Warming for the Common Man with Dr. Richard AlleyRich has a special guest, Dr. Richard Alley, a Geologist and Climatologist from Penn State University discussing Global Warming, Climate Change and the fuzzy math in between.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2021-02-2843 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 82- 2020 Year End Review with Rich HelppieRich goes over the astonishing year 2020 was. A look back at what was happening with The Common Bridge and world news.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-12-2633 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 72- Purges and PunishmentMore Election Night Thoughts from Richard Helppie.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-11-0406 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 64- Wildfire of the VanitiesRich takes a fresh and important look at President Trump's Covid 19 diagnosis and what it means going forward.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-10-0513 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 63: Civil Discussion and Not Civil War with Dr. Dawn Asper and Robert GreenfieldRich brings back Robert Greenfield and introduces Dr. Dawn Lancaster Asper in a terrific episode that's a rapid run-through of today’s topics in a civil discussion with guests speaking for Democrat and Republican POTUS candidates, including 2020 Election, Judiciary & Supreme Court, Healthcare, Immigration, Guns, Economy, Big Tech & Antitrust, Environment, Society, Law Enforcement, International Relations, other topics and some forecasts for the next few months. Don’t miss Episode 63 of “Richard Helppie’s Common Bridge” . Sample in 5-minute segments or a long listen for the entire podcast, its great.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at...2020-09-281h 40Richard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 62- Part 2 of Policing and Police Policy with Retired Police Officer Bruce Helppie.This is the second of a two-part interview Rich had with retired and decorated Toledo Police Officer, Bruce Helppie.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-09-2138 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 61- Special Edition- The Passing of Justice Ruth Bader GinsburgRich has some thoughts on the passing of Justice Ginsburg and how the country could move forward in the wake of this loss.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-09-2007 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 60- A Discussion about Policing with Retired Police Officer Bruce HelppieRich has an informal discussion about policing and police practice with his cousin Bruce Helppie, who is a decorated retired Toledo Police officer who was shot in the line of duty while on a domestic call in 1984. This is part one of a two-part series.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-09-1431 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 59- Big Tech, Antitrust and Fascism with Daniel CraneRich talks with Anti-Trust expert and scholar, Professor Daniel Crane from the University of Michigan about big tech, privacy, and the impact of neglecting current antitrust laws that have been on the books since the time of Taft, McKinley and Roosevelt.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-09-0649 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 58: The Morning After- Digesting the Virtual Political ConventionsRich takes a look at both the Democratic and Republican virtual conventions and talks about what worked, what didn't, and the road to Election Day...and a warning about what comes after.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-08-3142 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 57- The Detroit Lions, NFL and Social Justice in the Age of CovidRich talks with Detriot Lions President and CEO, Rod Wood about the upcoming season and all the changes and precautions that are taking place, as well as a discussion about social justice impacts going into the 20-21 season.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-08-2240 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 56- Top Ten Takes for the Week that was.In this episode, Rich is asked to break down 10 Topics from the week that amoung other things, included Biden's VP pick, Riots in Chicago, and the cancellation of much of college football.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-08-1632 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 55- Reimagining Healthcare with Guest Dean ClancyRich and Dean talk about alternative ways to provide healthcare that would actually work, as compared to anything we offer today.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-08-0739 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 54- China Policy with Robert Greenfield and Aaron BoeskyRich invites past guests, Robert Greenfield an expert in Asian commerce affairs, and Aaron Boesky, the Founder and CEO of Marco Polo Pure Asset Management, based in Hong Kong, to discuss current US-China relations business relations.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-07-311h 02Richard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 53- Rich's Take on an Assortment of Today's Headlines and ChaosRich goes over civil unrest, and reaction on both sides, and as always, seeks to find solutions and a place to discuss them, on his Common Bridge. He also teases topics to come in the next two months that will complete Season One.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-07-2740 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 52- Social determinants of Health in the Age of Covid-19 with Chris AllenRich talks with Chris Allen, a former hospital administrator in Detroit and founder of Authority Health, which explored social determinants as barriers to good health in urban areas in our country. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-07-1847 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 51- Hunter Howard and Surviving Covid 19: A Patient with Solutions.Rich talks with entrepreneur Hunter Howard about his struggles with contracting Covid-19, and the massive action he is taking to find global solutions to manage the disease until a vaccine is found.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-07-1041 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 50- A Discussion about Policing with Sheriff Jerry L. ClaytonRich talks with Washtenaw County (Michigan) Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton about policing, the role of police and relationship building with the community.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-07-0538 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 49- Half way Through 2020, and Historically Epic Six MonthsRich breaks down what could go down as one of the most historic six month periods in U.S. history, and sets up what could top that in the final six months.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-06-2824 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 48- Rich runs some Quick Takes on Today's ChaosOnce again Rich gets the surprise call to answer off-the-cuff questions on current events. He covers CHOP, a fun turn on things that nobody has ever said, and a whack at Trump and Biden all with same swing. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-06-2524 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 47- Civil War or Civil Discussion Part 2 - What happened and What’s Next?Rich picks up on a theme started back on May 2 asking the question if we can't talk about our issues in a civil manner, are we bound for another Civil War. Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-06-2234 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 46- Part 2 of Rich Helppie's interview with Barbara McQuadeIn the second and final part of Rich Helppie's interview with former US Attorney Barbara McQuade, Rich and Barb talk about George Floyd, Police reform, The Second Amendment, and policy ideas as they pertain to law enforcement.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-06-1630 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 45- Part 1 of Rich's interview with Barbara McQuadeThis is first of a two-part interview with former United States Attorney, Barbara McQuade. In part 1, Rich and Barbara talk about the conviction of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, and the federal case of Micheal Flynn as well as the Russian collusion story.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-06-0753 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 44- Restarting Sports after Covid with Stu GrimsonRich talks with former National Hockey League enforcer turned attorney and executive, Stu Grimson about his new book, life in the NHL, and what it's going to take and look like to get the NHL season restarted this year.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-05-3139 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 43- Environmental Impacts of Covid 19 with Michele Arquette-PalermoRich talks with Biologist Michele Arquette-Palermo about the environmental effects that Covid-19 has had.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-05-2332 minRichard Helppie's Common BridgeEpisode 42- Rich Helppie Quick Takes on Vice Presidential Picks and the Failure of the MediaRich goes over his analysis of the Vice Presidential candidates as well as discusses why we need to demand better from our politicians and the media.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!2020-05-2222 min