Robin Strathdee And Jon Atkinson

Shows

Fireside BreakdownsS3 | SS14: Fireside JeopardyQ: In this episode of the popular Fireside Breakdowns podcast, hosts Robin and Jon tackle some uncommon current events knowledge, Trebek style. A: What is Fireside Jeopardy? Our plan for this episode was to do a little discussion on a few concepts and terms we’ve seen in the news this week that don’t get explained very often. They’re kind of just thrown around, and everyone listening or reading is expected to know what they mean or put it together using context. So, we wanted to explain what each one means and give some r...2022-11-2146 min

Fireside BreakdownsS3 | SS8: Fireside Unscripted: Weird Things We Learned This Week + In The NewsDid Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation really crash a whole generation of laptop computers? Is paddling the future of school discipline? Synthetic mouse embryos, rabies ravioli... We're talking about the weirdest things we learned this week in this episode of Fireside Unscripted. If you’d like to get in touch… You can leave us a review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside Or you can drop us a note from our Contact page! You can find all of our sources in our Show Notes. And, check out our Patreon Page! Patrons get...2022-09-0548 min

Fireside BreakdownsS3 | SS7: The Espionage ActIt’s been a little while since we did a true From The Headlines episode, and this one is gonna be a doozy. This week, we’re looking at the Espionage Act up-close and personal. We’ll talk about the history of the law, and why it was created in the first place. We’ll highlight some landmark cases. And then we’ll talk about how it might apply to former President Trump. Bonus content this week is a real hoot, too, as we look at some of the absurd reactions that Trumpist politicians and pundits are having to this invest...2022-08-291h 00

Fireside BreakdownsS3 | SS6: Fireside Reads - Invisible WomenThe Fireside team tackles our first ever book report! We read Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, and in this episode we’re going to share what we learned about how women (and data about women) is ignored or excluded in areas of life we interact with every day. We’ll talk about what surprised us, what didn’t, what made us angry, and how we can all work to recognize this kind of data bias in the world around us. If you’d like to get in touch… You can leave...2022-08-2259 min

Fireside BreakdownsS3 | SS5: How to Vet a Political CandidateIn many places, fall primary elections have ended and the final slate of candidates for your November ballot is set. In just a couple of months, you’ll (hopefully) be headed to your local polling place - or filling out an absentee or mail-in ballot - to choose the folks who will represent you for the next several years. You don’t want to wing it. BUT, trying to research even one candidate can be time consuming and intimidating - and you’re facing a whole ballot of them, some with obscure responsibilities! So, how can you vet the...2022-08-151h 01

Fireside BreakdownsS3 | SS4: Fireside Unscripted - The Clickbait That Caught UsIn this Fireside Unscripted, we (Jon, Robin, and Savannah) talk through three articles with clickbait headlines that reeled us in recently... and one that really confused Savannah for a minute. We take some time to talk about the headline and first impressions, and then explain why these particular articles caught our attention and why exactly they count as clickbait. We discuss the articles in order of angry-making-magnitude, and have some good rants about scope creep and the nature of clickbait. Articles discussed: Robin's: https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/03/us/farmington-hills-police-department-black-target/index.html Sav...2022-08-0850 min

Fireside BreakdownsS3 | SS3 The Road We’re On: Runaway TrainThere has been a long-standing effort to create a conservative majority Supreme Court that is willing to reconsider substantive due process rights, reduce the authority of the Federal government, and return the U.S. to an “originalist” state. The final episode in our series, “The Road We’re On,” examines the ideological imbalance on the current Court, discusses the long-term coordinated effort to install conservative justices, examines why “originalism” is so valuable to Conservatives, and asks what can be done to stop the momentum. Bonus discussion, Samuel Alito: Poster Boy for Originalism + Fireside Unscripted: The Problem With Clickbait, are...2022-08-0151 min

Fireside BreakdownsS3 | SS2: The Road We’re On: 1 Step Forward, 2 Steps BackIn Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court released a decision penned by Justice Samuel Alito which held that the right to an abortion outlined in Roe v Wade under the Due Process clause of the 14th amendment was errantly determined. In the decision, Alito wrote, “the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment… has been held to guarantee some rights that are not mentioned in the Constitution, but any such right must be “deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition” and “implicit in the concept of ordered liberty.” Many legal scholars b...2022-07-2548 min

Fireside BreakdownsS3 | SS1: The Road We’re On: The View From HereWelcome to Fireside Breakdowns season 3! We’re wasting no time this season - we’re jumping straight into the deep end with a series about how the Supreme Court decisions that were handed down this Summer could potentially affect life for ALL Americans. We feel like we saw the beginnings of a well-lined path being laid out for the U.S. - some might even say a train track - and we’re concerned about where it will lead us if we don’t pay attention. That’s why we’re going to start by taking a closer look...2022-07-1850 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS48: Everyone With A Uterus, Raise Your HandNOTE: This episode was recorded on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 - previous to the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade. This conversation seems much more significant now that broader reproductive rights - and LGBTQ+ rights - are at such incredible risk. While the focus of the episode was not specifically abortion access, we felt this episode art was most reflective of what many people with uteruses are experiencing today. Join us for a special Fireside Unscripted where Robin and Savannah share their unfiltered (and sometimes unsophisticated) thoughts on navigating hot topic issues that involve people with uteruses, womanhood, w...2022-06-271h 04

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS47: Playing a Zero Sum GameWhy do some people view life with a win or lose perspective? Is it possible to find solutions where everyone benefits when we’re talking about taxes, immigration, or workforce equity? Is it true that someone always gets the short end of the stick? In this episode, we’re talking about another one of the foundational struggles that (the collective) we face when we’re trying to have conversations about difficult topics. We’ve already done episodes on bias, conspiracy thinking, good and bad faith arguments, and now we’re going to round things out by talking about zero...2022-06-2047 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS46: Good Guys With GunsToday, we’re talking about arguing. Specifically, arguing in bad faith. We’ve done it; you’ve done it; and politicians, pundits, and public figures do it all the time. Accusations fly, especially during times of crisis (like after gun massacres) or in election years. But no one ever takes the time to explain what they mean when they accuse someone of arguing in bad faith. I mean, how are you supposed to recognize these outrageous fallacies if no one will tell you how they work?! Knowledge is power, people. And we’re here to make you really dam...2022-06-131h 12

Fireside BreakdownsS2|SS45: Fireside Unscripted - Time CapsuleFor this week’s unscripted episode, we thought it would be fun to take stock of where we stand on some current cultural and political hot topics. You see, we’ve all seen our opinions on topics like this change over the last several years and we wanted a way to document where we are now so we can compare in a year, or even two. Oh! And we wanted to give you the same chance as well. You can fill out the survey we talked through (completely anonymous, if you wish) and even grab a screenshot if y...2022-06-061h 11

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS44: Happy... Confederate... Memorial Day?Imagine my surprise when I read the headline: “South Carolina marks Confederate Memorial Day on Tuesday.” I thought to myself surely this had to be some sort of clickbait situation, and that I was going to get to the end of that article and be embarrassed that I fell for their tricks. But it wasn’t. So here we are to talk about Confederate Memorial Day! Like almost everything else we talk about here, we quickly learned that there was more to this day than meets the headline - including a connection to the Ladies Memorial Associations of the...2022-05-301h 10

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS43: Fireside Unscripted: I Can’t Believe I Used to Think...This one’s unscripted, folks, and we’re confessing a few cringeworthy things we can’t believe we used to think. What’s in this episode: Jon was really bad at sports physiology Savannah didn’t know something she said was racist Robin used to be kind of an elitist And, Jon got drugged If you’d like to get in touch… You can leave us a review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside Or you can drop us a note from our Contact page! Y...2022-05-231h 14

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS42: An Unholy Convergence, pt. 5 - Their Kingdom ComeNote: Sorry, Jon accidentally uploaded the wrong audio file the first time. This is the actual episode! Apologies for the delay. Hey folks, thanks for tuning into the last episode in our series “An Unholy Convergence”, where we’re trying to answer a listener’s question about how so many Evangelical Christians became enamored and entangled with Donald Trump, and how that connection might have noticeably changed their attitudes and behaviors on other current events issues, like social justice, immigration, and COVID. This week, we’re going to look at how the Trump administration continued the work hi...2022-05-211h 12

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS41: An Unholy Convergence, pt. 4 - Justified By FaithIn the grand Fireside tradition of biting off more than we can chew (and not realizing it until we’ve already got a mouthful), we’re back this week with part FOUR of our three part series on White Nationalism, Evangelical Christianity, and Donald Trump. This week, we’re going to try to answer the million dollar question: How on earth did a man like Donald Trump win and keep the vote of the deeply religious Evangelical population. What did Evangelical leaders at the time have to say about him, and how did his religious supporters justify his ba...2022-05-091h 03

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS40: An Unholy Convergence, pt. 3 - A Collection of GrievancesThis is episode 3 in our series An Unholy Convergence, where we’re trying to untangle how White Nationalism, Evangelical Christianity, and Trumpism became so enmeshed. The goal of this episode is to paint a picture of what the Trump voter base looked like, and to talk through the constellation of concerns that led them to believe that he was their best advocate. We hope to get to the end of this episode with a clear understanding of why the evangelical voting bloc turned out so hard for Donald Trump in 2016 and in 2020, and set the stage for next week’s co...2022-05-0255 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS39: Fireside Unscripted: We Have Feelings About Student LoansThis is another Fireside Unscripted episode, where Jon, Robin, and Savannah wax poetic on a topic with no research, script, or even show notes. This week we’re discussing student loans - forgiveness, cancellation, and all of our feelings. Listen in as we discuss, and then share your experiences with us! If you’d like to get in touch… You can leave us a review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside Or you can drop us a note from our Contact page! You can (usually) find all of our sources in our Show N...2022-04-251h 12

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS38: An Unholy Convergence pt. 2: One Nation, Under God This week, we’re going to start doing the hard work of untangling the messy intersection between White Nationalism, Evangelical Christianity, and Trumpism. Last week, we shared the listener question that inspired this series and some basic definitions that we’re going to use as we move through the series. From there, we think the most logical place to start building this picture is to begin looking at how Christianity (and eventually Evangelicalism) and nationalism became so intertwined. It feels like a story as old as America itself, so we’re going to tell it using primary sources that illust...2022-04-181h 00

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS37: An Unholy Convergence - White Nationalism, Christianity, and TrumpThis week’s topic was brought up by a friend and listener, who said: "I would love to hear you do an episode on Trumpism/White Nationalism in the church. I feel like the church who I used to love has gone to hell. And that makes me very sad and angry. It just seems like the church’s views and stances on topics have really changed since Trump was elected… Like they are brainwashed. And so deep into these right wing conspiracies and Trump worship that they can't even see right from wrong anymore… This rea...2022-04-111h 09

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS36: A Smattering of SCOTUSContent Warning - Discussion of explicit content of children with regard to sentencing and criminal justice: 31:00 - 56:10. If you’re anything like us, the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson - and the follow up conversations - were of keen interest as we look ahead to the 2022 midterm elections. Both the theatrics staged by the senators on the committee, and the legitimate questions that managed to sneak out in between, raised some points that we wanted to learn more about. And of course, we had plenty of opinions about what we saw. ...2022-04-041h 20

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS35: Fireside Unscripted - Toxic MasculinityWe’re back with another Fireside Unscripted episode, where Jon, Robin, and Savannah wax poetic on a topic with no research, script, or even show notes. This week we’re discussing toxic masculinity: What it means, how it’s experienced in different cultures or regions, and most importantly how it impacts both men and women. Listen in as we discuss, and then share your experiences with us! If you’d like to get in touch… You can leave us a review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside Or you can drop us a note from our C...2022-03-281h 07

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS34: Why is everything so expensive?!Biden says it’s Putin’s fault; Fox News says it’s Biden’s fault; but the one thing most Americans know is that shit has gotten real expensive. Inflation is high, gas prices are high, and confidence in the health of the US economy is really, really low. So, we want to take some time to talk about what the hell is going on. No, you’re not experiencing deja vu right now. We’ve covered these topics before - recently, actually, but a lot has changed since we talked about inflation around Christmastime. And even more since we l...2022-03-2157 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS33: The Russia|Ukraine Conflict - Why Sanctions, Though?On the day this episode airs, March 14, 2022, it has been 18 days since Vladimir Putin directed the Russian army to invade Ukraine. This invasion has had devastating consequences for the people of Ukraine, which you can read about or watch or listen to on pretty much any media channel that exists right now. It’s necessary for the world to see, but it can also be really overwhelming for those of us who don’t need another picture of just how ugly humanity can be. Which is why we’re trying to contribute to the coverage by adding context to the hea...2022-03-141h 00

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS32: The Russia/Ukraine Conflict - What does NATO have to do with it?Heads up: Because we're talking about the current (2022) Russia/Ukraine Conflict, this episode is highly likely to fall into the category of “pretty heavy stuff” we mention in the intro. Honestly, we had something completely different planned for this week but it feels really important to be a part of the conversation that’s happening right now. We also wanted to make sure that we came to the conversation authentically, in a way that represents what we do on this podcast: creating a foundational understanding of complicated topics so that the proverbial we can come together to work thr...2022-03-0746 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS31: Fireside Unscripted - How to Disagree RespectfullyWe’re coming to you with a new format this week: welcome to Fireside Unscripted. On the last Monday of every month, we’ll be sitting down as a team - sometimes with a good drink on hand - to talk through some of the more practical or timely topics we get asked about. This week we’re discussing how to disagree respectfully. Listen in and hear how we approach these hard conversations, and then let us know what works for you! If you’d like to get in touch… You can leave us a review at...2022-02-2857 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS30: What’s Happening on the Hill? @Dear_White_Staffers + The Congressional Workers UnionCan you imagine working at the White House? Or on Capitol Hill? Well, thanks to an Instagram account called @Dear_White_Staffers - and the voices of many congressional staffers who are taking the opportunity to share their own stories - many of us can now get an idea of what it might be like. And the picture isn’t pretty. In fact, it’s bad enough that they’ve announced their intentions to form a Congressional Workers Union. So, this week we’re taking some time to break down what’s happening on The Hill, and explore what...2022-02-2154 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS29: The Section 230 ExperienceOkay okay, we’re jumping on the bandwagon here. You might have guessed from the clever episode title that we’re gonna talk about Joe Rogan here. But we solemnly swear that it won’t just be about Rogan - we’re only using him as an example of the mess that surrounds Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Turns out we have some opinions about Rogan’s show, so we start the episode with a discussion on where we think the ethical and social responsibility for podcast content should fall. Then, we talk about Section 230 itself - what it me...2022-02-141h 09

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS28: Unfit to (Soft) Serve - Joe Biden, Controversy, and the CourtThis week we're going to talk about the travesty of stopping for ice cream on a Tuesday, cussin' out reporters, and Supreme Court nominations. Even though Congress can't get its act together enough to pass some critical legislation to fulfill more of Biden's campaign promises, the ceaseless judgment of the media seems to be laser-focused solely on whatever Biden is (or isn't) doing at any given time. Fortunately for us, that provides a lot of headlines to highlight points of nuance and, you guessed it, the b-word. No! Not that one… bias. The meat of this episode is Biden’s pro...2022-02-071h 16

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS27 : The Death of ExpertiseWe’re back after two expected weeks off, and one unexpected week of illness! This week, we’re breaking down something commonly referred to as “the death of expertise” - open antagonism toward established knowledge. How did we get to the point where people who have literal and actual college degrees in complicated fields are placed on the same level of authority as opinionated politicians or folks who are moderately competent Google searchers? That’s an excellent question. We would love to tell you. (Unashamed reference to Elyse Myers, who Robin thinks is very funny.) Also include...2022-01-311h 12

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS26: Peace Out, 2021Hello and welcome to the “all diversions, all the time” episode! This week, we’re taking a look back on 2021. We’ve got updates on a couple of episodes, a few “called it” moments, and plenty of bunny trails. We also took some time to talk through the issues we’re watching for 2022, like: voting legislation, redistricting, social media legislation, and - of course - this pandemic situation. As always, if you’d like to get in touch… You can leave us a review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside Or you can drop us a note...2022-01-031h 17

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS25: A Closer Look At InflationWell we’re back here on this old saw: inflation. If you’ve paid any attention to the news for the past… oh, forever, but mainly the last several months, you’ve probably heard nearly unending, daily talk about the inflation rate. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 6.8 percent from November 2020 to November 2021. No, we’re STILL not in danger of becoming the next Venezuela. But we do think it’s time to take another look at what exactly inflation is, how it’s affecting our economy, and why the experience...2021-12-271h 01

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS24: No Steal to StopIn November 2020, a poll by Monmouth University revealed that 32% of Americans polled believed that Joe Biden was president SOLELY because of voter fraud. That same poll, repeated in January and March, showed that the numbers held strong. Nearly one third of Americans believe that widespread fraud, rather than the will of the people, determined the outcome of our election. Election results in all 50 states - even the most contentious - were certified, official electoral votes were cast and accepted. The Department of Homeland Security called this the most secure election ever. So what is it that makes s...2021-12-201h 08

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS23: Vaccine MandatesWell there’s no two ways about this one, folks. Vaccines are currently radioactive. Not… Not literally. Figuratively, metaphorically, and all that jazz. This week we’re going to put on our hazmat suits and wade into the… inexplicably contentious world of vaccines to discuss one very, very small aspect of them: Mandates. This fight against COVID vaccine policy is just the latest in a long line of similar reactions as America has faced new diseases and the science of vaccination has progressed. So, we’ll talk about what the current “mandates” mean, and what’s happ...2021-12-1357 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS22: Ghislaine Maxwell, Filter Bubbles + The MediaThanks for joining us for another From The Headlines episode! Just as a reminder about how these episodes work: Every other week, we take a break from our in-depth research to focus on a topic that’s currently making headlines. This week, we want to talk about the Ghislaine Maxwell trial. But we know that you can get the ins and outs of the case, and what’s happening each day in the trial, from pretty much any news source. Instead, we want to focus on how we believe this case is being used to politicize the victimization of women...2021-12-061h 04

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS21: Native ExcellenceWe’ve spent several episodes now focused on the struggle and the hardship that Native Americans have faced because of European Colonialism and its consequences, but we definitely don’t want to close out this series without celebrating some of the outstanding accomplishments that have been made by Native American people. We really want to end this series on a high note. So today, we’re going to tell you about two Native American people whose stories and accomplishments we think you should know. If you’d like to get in touch… You can leave us a review...2021-11-2946 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS20: A Truthsgiving BreakdownEvery November, teachers break out vocabulary sheets to teach us all about words like “cornucopia” and “harvest” and “pilgrim” while children cut out black, construction paper hats and attach construction paper buckles to construction paper shoes. Refrigerators across the United States find themselves festooned by flocks of mutant, five-finger turkeys. But what if we told you that the holiday we all celebrate as "Thanksgiving" is more the outcome of a game of historical telephone than it is a representation of any actual event? This week, we're trying to figure out just where we get our annual excuse to wear sweatpants to...2021-11-221h 07

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS19: Let‘s Talk About Standing RockIt’s the third Monday in November, which means this is our second episode as part of Native American Heritage Month! This week, we’re bringing you an in-depth breakdown of the whole situation concerning the protests at Standing Rock Reservation over the Dakota Access Pipeline, the significance of the land (to both parties) and where things stand right now. To really understand the controversy behind the protests at Standing Rock and the fight over the Dakota Access Pipeline, we have to understand the history of mistrust and negligence that marks the relationship between our First Nations people and the U...2021-11-1555 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2|SS18: The One Where We Take a BreakIt finally happened. Our 59 episode streak has ended. Deep in our hearts we knew we couldn't keep this up forever. Eventually, our perfect record would break. Well, friends, this is the week. Some unanticipated personal stuff... well, it hit us like a freight train and we just weren't in the right space to give the next episode our best. At the end of every episode, we encourage you all to take care of each other - and this week, we had to take our own advice. We hope you all have a chance to rest and...2021-11-0803 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS17: The True Story of Our National ParksWe’re bringing you another From The Headlines episode today, but this week’s headline isn’t as controversial as what is or isn’t making into the latest spending bill, or even what President Biden’s doing in Rome. What caught our attention this week is the nomination of Charles Sams III - or, as his friends call him, Chuck - for Director of the National Parks Service. Sams would be the first Native American person to hold this position in its 105 year history, and we figured that would be a great story to kick off Native American Heritage M...2021-11-011h 04

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS16: Breaking Down Life With ADHDDid you know that October is ADHD Awareness Month? You do now! This week, we want to talk a little bit about ADHD, what it is, and what the realities of living with it actually are. You’ve heard of it many times. We mention it just about every other episode, since we both have been diagnosed with it. And, honestly, it rears its head with us when we’re writing every episode. It’s why we end up digressing from our intended topic and why we’re often doing a last minute research push right before we record...2021-10-251h 14

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS 15: Facebook, Whistleblowers + Good HygieneThis week is another From the Headlines episode! We’re talking about the recent whistleblower testimony from former Facebook employee Frances Haugen, “The Algorithm” (how Facebook and other platforms determine which content you see), and what it means to practice good data hygiene. With a special guest appearance by everyone’s favorite topic: bias. If you’d like to get in touch… You can leave us a review at: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside Or you can drop us a note from our Contact page! You can find all of our sources in our Show...2021-10-181h 15

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS14: Decolonize the Day | Exploring Indigenous Peoples‘ DayIf you’re listening to this episode on release day, we’d like to wish you a happy Indigenous People’s Day! We’re taking this week to talk about this new, but also not new, holiday - what it is, why it’s important, and why it (like so many other things these days) is the cause of such a ruckus. So, put on your comfy clothes and get a warm drink (or keep driving to work or whatever you’re doing when you listen) and allow us to dive into some history. It’s been a minute since...2021-10-111h 10

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS13: Is it Racist? Racist phrases, Missing White Woman Syndrome, and Replacement Theory.Sensitive Content Warning: Gabby Petito discussion from 24:45 to 47:15. Here we are again with another late night, smooth jazz recording to bring you a ripped from the headlines, kinda from the hip, discussion session. This time we’re taking some headline news and asking the question, “Is it racist?” We cover the racist origins of some common phrases, Missing White Woman Syndrome, and the Great Replacement, and we try to determine whether or not it’s accurate to attribute racial bias, animus, or insensitivity to them. As a reminder, these episodes are pretty top level. Sometimes we cover...2021-10-041h 11

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS 12: Pumped Up PricesYou know how some topics seem unnecessarily… polarized? Like, conversation about them just ends up with someone ranting about how the other political party is to blame for all the world’s problems? The price of gas is one of those topics. So this week, we decided to try to put those rants to rest with a breakdown of why gas prices are what they are, and a look at whether or not the rise and fall of prices can be blamed on (or credited to) one political party or the other. We also spend a few minutes talking abou...2021-09-2759 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS 11: Bridges + Busses + Broadband... Oh my.This week, we’re covering the sexiest of all topics… Infrastructure! Okay okay, not objectively sexy. But sexy in that reality TV drama way. Funding for essential functions of U.S. infrastructure hang in the balance as Democrats in Congress battle it out over social programs and the national debt. Plus also, we figured out just how long it would take to earn $3.5 Trillion. Listen in to find out. Spend Bill Gates’ Money: https://neal.fun/spend/ If you want to listen to our Filibuster episode, click here! If you’d like to...2021-09-201h 09

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS10: An Exercise in BiasThis week, we’re spending some time talking about bias. Yes, we know that there are so many headlines and conversations that are begging for a rational and information based perspective. Trust us, we want to and will talk about those things. But we’ve noticed - a lot lately - that at the roots of many of these conversations are some basic dysfunctions that keep us from being able to effectively and civilly discuss these topics. Bias is one of those dysfunctions, so we’re going to start there. Explicit, implicit, cognitive... We’re talking about all of it. And...2021-09-131h 13

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS 9: Texas V Roe... AgainWe’re trying something new in this episode! We’re still going to bring you the deep dives we love the most. But starting with this episode, we’re also going to sprinkle in some ripped-from-the-headlines content and try to contribute to the conversation with information grounded in fact rather than polarized opinion. This week, we’re talking about TX SB8 - The Texas Abortion Law. No pressure. We're talking about what Roe v. Wade really means, why this law is tricky and what implications it might have, and why the term "fetal heartbeat" is more spin...2021-09-061h 04

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS8 : Stranger ElectionsThis week we’re going to close out our series breaking down the viral Twitter thread from a commentator named Darryl Cooper, known on Twitter as MartyrMade. It’s been an interesting exercise, to say the least, as we moved tweet by tweet through the events he claims have shaped conservative perspectives over the last 5 years and led to the mindset that justified forcefully breaching the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. It was hard to bring the same enthusiasm to this breakdown considering the very heavy events taking place in the middle east. But we're glad to bring you t...2021-08-301h 12

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS7 : Stories from AfghanistanNo show notes this week because... well, things hit the fan, to be honest. We tell you all about it in this week's episode. Guest Savannah Cannon discusses aspects of her time as a Marine serving in Afghanistan, and the impact the sudden reemergence of the Taliban has had on veterans. If you would like to donate to help the family discussed in this episode, Savannah is currently using Venmo until the GoFundMe is authorized. You can donate to @Savannah-Cannon1. All funds go to assisting the family and providing food, shelter, and transportation as they work to e...2021-08-2351 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | SS6: Insurrectionist Logic - Color Revolutions and Pee TapesWell, if it isn't obvious from the title of this episode, we're back again breaking down more #CooperClaims. This time, we're talking about the difference between riots and protests; looking at his claims of cooperation between protest organizers, local officials, and media outlets; learning about Color Revolutions; talking about the nuts and bolts of media censorship; and spending more time talking about pee than we ever have before. Buckle up kids, this one's a wild ride. If you’d like to get in touch… You can leave us a review at: https...2021-08-161h 22

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | Session 5: Insurrectionist Logic - Ukraine Edition!”We now know that Trump's request for Ukraine to cooperate w/the DOJ regarding Biden's financial activities in Ukraine was in support of an active investigation being pursued by the FBI and Ukraine AG at the time, and so a completely legitimate request.” - Darryl Cooper (@MartyrMade) Those, sir, are some big claims. We’re back this week with our second episode breaking down Cooper’s viral Twitter rant. This time, we’re going to jump a little out of order. And, honestly, this one could easily be a series by itself. Buckle up, because it's time to di...2021-08-0955 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | Session 4: Insurrectionist LogicThis week, we’re moving from one big headline topic to the next as we pivot from talking about Critical Race Theory and focus our attention on the insurrection at the Capitol. We know there's a lot of ground to cover there, but this episode doesn't focus on a play by play of that day’s events. Instead, we’re breaking down a Twitter monologue. Darryl Cooper, or @MartyrMade on Twitter, published one hell of a rant filled with a combination of asserted "facts" and rationalization for the thoughts and feelings of those who stormed the Capi...2021-08-021h 04

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | Session 3: Critical Race Theory... That's Not What It MeansIn our intro we promise you complex and controversial conversations, and we are back again to wrap up our conversation on one of the most complex and controversial topics of the last 12 months - Critical Race Theory. Last week, we told you the story of how this bootstrapped, leap of faith framework came to be; and how it came to dominate conversations in the news media and at the company watercooler. This week we’re diving into the shallow end of the pool of academia to talk about how CRT and other social science theories are used, and...2021-07-2655 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | Session 2: The Story of Critical Race TheoryWe’re going to take an educated guess here, and assume that you’ve probably heard of tonight’s topic - Critical Race Theory. And that you’ve been hearing about it almost constantly for more than a year. It’s a deep and nuanced subject, and everyone from former President Trump, to the leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, to your uncle Pete at the 4th of July BBQ has an opinion on it. And, just about every issues-focused podcast, social media channel, or even news channel has their own explanation of what it is. That’s why tonigh...2021-07-1950 min

Fireside BreakdownsS2 | Session 1: ONE YEAR!We did it! We made it a whole year! And we’re kicking off Fireside Breakdowns Season 2 with a look back at some of the things we loved - and learned - the most this year. That is, after we give a little clarifying context to our last series on voter-rights issues. And we definitely don’t make a Bare Naked Ladies reference. Definitely. We spent the episode chatting, so no detailed notes this week. BUT you CAN still find some of our favorite memories on our social media accounts (just search Fireside Breakdowns). You can...2021-07-121h 07

Fireside BreakdownsSession 42 - Bills, Bills, Bills. (H.B. 85, H.R. 1, and States Rights)We're closing out our series on Voter Rights with a potpourri of relevant topics: H.B. 85 (a bill from Missouri that essentially flaunts the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution to protect "gun rights"), H.R. 1 (which we touched on very lightly last week), and the idea of States Rights. If you want to check our sources, or find out where you can read the full text of any of these bills, check out our Shownotes: If you'd like to leave us a review, you can do that right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/fir...2021-07-051h 02

Fireside BreakdownsSession 41 - Restriction, Expansion, and the Latest in Voting LegislationWelcome to the second half of our series breaking down issues impacting Americans' ability to vote. Last week, we talked at length about partisan gerrymandering and how that practice allows political parties to ostensibly control the outcomes of elections through shifty redistricting practices like packing, cracking, hijacking, kidnapping, and other tactics that sound like they belong in a Nice Cage movie. This episode… well, we're talking about legislation. Legislation that some folks believe protects American Democracy, and others believe threatens it. Our goal here is to break down some of the state and federal voting access bills from...2021-06-281h 13

Fireside BreakdownsSession 40 - Gerrymandering: Stupid Name. Serious Topic.This week we’re going to dive into another conundrum, and kick off another series. We’re bringing our focus back to the political realm again as we return to a topic that has the potential to reshape the United States for the next decade or more. Listen in as we tackle everyone's favorite debate... is it GIF or JIF. Just kidding. We're talking about Gerrymandering, folks. It's way more fun. Find our full shownotes (with all our sources) right here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/shownotes-session-40-gerrymandering-stupid-name-serious-topic/ And, fin...2021-06-211h 02

Fireside BreakdownsSession 39 - Highway To HyperinflationOur episode topic this week comes to us from a listener and friend who has found himself in a bit of a predicament. Someone close to him is profoundly convinced that America is on the fast-track to becoming the next Venezuela because of our progressive government and through rapidly rising inflation. This listener would love to be able to have a well-thought out conversation with his loved one, using facts and research to steer the ship, but he doesn’t even know where to start. So today, we’re going to do our civic duty and walk you (and him) t...2021-06-1459 min

Fireside BreakdownsSession 38 - The State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth?Everyone knows that the D.C. in Washington, D.C. stands for District of Columbia. But what if it stood for Douglass Commonwealth - named after Black American abolitionist Frederick Douglass? This week we're exploring the idea of statehood for Washington, D.C. - especially when it comes to the Constitution, Representation, and Racial Justice. You can find our complete shownotes, with all our sources, right here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/shownotes-episode-38-dc-statehood/ If you feel so inclined, we would LOVE it if you'd leave us a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/fire...2021-06-071h 08

Fireside BreakdownsSession 37: Trackers and Shedding? More COVID Myths!We’re finally breaking down that complicated COVID Vaccine - 5G Tracker - Microchip - Population Culling theory. Which actually turns out NOT to be all that complicated once you tease out all the pieces. And - by listener request - we’re taking a closer look at vaccine shedding and whether or not there’s evidence of it affecting women’s reproductive health. And, you know, a rant or two. Because that’s what we do around here. Find the detailed shownotes, with all our sources, here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/shownotes-session-37-trackers-and-shedding-more-covid-myths/ If you're so...2021-05-311h 09

Fireside BreakdownsSession 36 - Private Prisons: Definite DownsidesHere we are, part three of our series on private prisons. Parts one and two covered the history of and arguments for private prisons. In this episode, we’re going to be talking about the arguments AGAINST private prisons - or at least against private prisons as they currently stand. You can find all the sources for this episode in our shownotes, here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/shownotes-episode-36-private-prisons-definite-downsides/ If you loved this episode, you can leave us a review right here: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside AND, if you'd like to...2021-05-241h 18

Fireside BreakdownsSession 35 - Private Prisons: The Upsides?This week, we're talking about who's included in the 116,000+ inmates serving time in for-profit prisons in the US. Then we examine the list of purported pluses proffered by private prisons. Spoilers: We had a hard time gathering any definitive data. But it did give us the opportunity to talk about some of the challenges that thorough research presents. If you need a reminder of something you hear, or you'd like to take a look at our sources, they're all available in our shownotes here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/shownotes-episode-35-private-prisons-the-upsides/ If you'd li...2021-05-171h 06

Fireside BreakdownsSession 34 - Private Prisons: A HistoryIn the American private prison system, private enterprises purchase prisons from the government and become responsible for their staffing and upkeep needs. All staffing needs, from the warden to the correctional officer to the maintenance staff are employees of the company; contractors. The state or federal government provides funding to cover the costs of keeping the inmates incarcerated, and the company treats this funding like revenue and endeavors to run the prison at a profit. We have thoughts and feelings about the prison industry - especially private prisons - but before we can really break this topic d...2021-05-1038 min

Fireside BreakdownsSession 33: COVID Myths and LegendsThis week we're breaking down 5 COVID myths and legends, exposing the science behind the rumors. We're talking about everything from water droplets trapped in masks, to whether the vaccines affect fertility, to why mRNA doesn't alter your DNA. You can find our full shownotes with sources here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/shownotes-episode-33-covid-myths-and-legends/ You can file a grievance via social media by searching Fireside Breakdowns on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. And, you can tell us how much you appreciate our sleuthing by leaving us a review on your favorite podcast pla...2021-05-031h 15

Fireside BreakdownsSession 32: We Failed George FloydWe wanted to take some time this week to talk about our feelings on the Derek Chauvin trial, to talk about some of the changes being proposed in the wake of the death of George Floyd, to recognize the impact Darnella Frazier has made on the world (and the trauma she has experienced) and to talk about how our conversations around this case have shaped how we talk about other cases of police force against people of color. There's not a ton of research in this episode, so no detailed shownotes this week. Do check out the r...2021-04-261h 26

Fireside BreakdownsSession 31 - People of Trans Experience**Content warning: This episode contains discussion of Transgender issues, and of violence against Transgender people. Also, the interview in this episode has been edited for clarity.** When we say you may want to have a drink on hand for some of our episodes, we’re specifically talking about episodes like this one. This, specifically, is a dry red wine episode. The topic is deep, and we’re going to ask you to get introspective and honest with yourself. And, well, that’s what a red wine is good for. Today, we are honored to welcome a guest...2021-04-191h 17

Fireside BreakdownsSession 30 - The Fight Against Fairness We’re back to talk more Fairness Doctrine this week. Last time we covered the basics: What the rule was designed to do, where it came from, and whether or not it actually accomplished what it was supposed to. This week, we’re bringing you the good stuff, the DRAMA, the controversy! And the crazy real life story of one preacher who waged war on the Doctrine for almost 20 years. You can find our shownotes here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/shownotes-session-30-the-fight-against-fairness/ If you'd like to leave us a review, you can do that h...2021-04-1258 min

Fireside BreakdownsSession 29: A History of FairnessThis week we're exploring the fabled Fairness Doctrine - hailed by some as the solution to pervasive media bias, criticized by others as a glaring example of government over-reach. What was it, and did it work? Find our shownotes here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/shownotes-episode-29-the-fairness-doctrine-part-1/ Find us on social media by searching Fireside Breakdowns. And, if you'd be so kind, leave us a review here: ratethispodcast.com/fireside 2021-04-0553 min

Fireside BreakdownsSession 28: How We ThinkThis week, we're taking a break from our usual research-heavy deep dive. Instead, we're walking you through how we analyze news headlines - personally, professionally, and for the podcast. No in-depth shownotes this week, but check social for a glimpse at the headlines we covered. Just search firesidebreakdowns and you'll find us. And, if you would be so kind, we would appreciate it if you would leave us a review. You can do that quickly and easily here: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside 2021-03-291h 02

Fireside BreakdownsSession 27: The Bare Minimum (Wage)Today we’re talking about the minimum wage. You’ve probably seen discussion of it going around here or there: should we or should we not raise the minimum wage. The latest round of coronavirus relief almost included a provision for a $15 minimum wage, but that got nixxed so it would pass. There are… a lot of big feelings about whether or not we should increase the minimum wage and what the effects of such an increase would be. Luckily, we’re here to provide a primer about the minimum wage, and what the arguments both for, and against, raising...2021-03-2256 min

Fireside BreakdownsE26: The Paradox of ToleranceThis week we’re FINALLY getting to the crux of the conversation: The Tolerance Paradox. We wanted to jump right into it last week but we realized that we had some foundation work to do on the concept of tolerance itself, so we spent some time defining what we mean when we talk about tolerance, and why (as a collective, and especially Americans) even value it. This included some pretty… wonky philosophy about the nature of human discourse and what drives it. You may recall the phrases “classical” and “fortress” being mentioned. Then, because so much of our context aro...2021-03-151h 01

Fireside BreakdownsSession 25: Foundations of ToleranceIf you’ve been listening along to the previous couple of episodes, you know that this session aims to explore the ideas of tolerance vs. intolerance, and how the two collide. I’m just going to warn you up front, you’re likely to leave this one with more questions than answers. Such is the ironic nature of philosophy. In our quest to find answers, we often just generate more questions. And surprise surprise, this got way bigger than we anticipated it getting so we’re going to have to split this into two. This week, we’re giving y...2021-03-081h 03

Fireside BreakdownsSession 24: Antifa - More History Than We ExpectedIn part 2 of our series on Antifa, we're exploring the history of anti-fascist activism (and there's much more than we anticipated!). We also spend a little time talking about the "values" of the movement and/or it's activists and look at the points of unity outlined by the Torch Network. Plus good news, plus ALSO a black inventor to whom you may very well owe your life. Shownotes are here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/e24-shownotes-antifa-more-history-than-we-expected/ Leave us a review here if you'd like: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside 2021-03-011h 13

Fireside BreakdownsSession 23: What is - and isn't - Antifa?Oh man. We just jumped right into it this week. In this episode, we spend an hour untangling what Antifa is... and well, mostly what it isn't. Is is a proper noun? A collective or plural noun? An adjective? You're just going to have to listen because it's hard to explain. As always, you can find shownotes here: https://firesidebreakdowns.podbean.com/p/e23-what-is-and-isnt-antifa/ You can leave us a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/fireside And you can find us on most social media platforms a...2021-02-221h 07

Fireside BreakdownsSession 22 - Busting the FilibusterWhat are we talking about this week, you ask? The Filibuster! I know, I know - how much more exciting can we get?! There’s an impeachment trial going on, cabinet members are being confirmed, and we decided to tackle… the filibuster. But the fact of the matter is that this is actually a really timely topic. There is much discussion as to the fate of this legislative checkmate maneuver, and there’s a chance we could see significant decisions made concerning its use. Plus, it’s one of the few times we get to talk about full grown Senators p...2021-02-151h 05

Fireside BreakdownsSession 21 - 100 Days LaterOver the last few months we’ve taken a closer look at some of the trappings surrounding the end of a presidency - presidential transitions, presidential pardons… This week we want to chat about a concept that has come to define the beginning of an American presidency - The first 100 days. We wanted to know just where this concept comes from, and why there’s so much pressure on an administration to accomplish so much in such a short time. And then we’ll also talk some about what incoming presidents (and their administrations) are trying to accomplish, and how the p...2021-02-081h 04

Fireside BreakdownsSession 20 - Conspiracies: Getting RadicalIn our last episode, we took a high level look at conspiracy theories. We talked about what exactly makes up a conspiracy theory, who’s likely to believe them, and why. This week, things are going to get a bit heavier as we talk about the ways in which these conspiracy theories affect the people who believe them (and the people around those people), and then how this kind of thinking paves the path to radicalized thinking for many. We’ll talk about some historical examples, too. And then we’ll end by summarizing just how a conspiracy theory can put...2021-02-011h 21

Fireside BreakdownsSession 19 - Conspiracies! Who, What, and OMG WHY?This week we are talking about America’s National Embarrassment and the topic of the hour - conspiracy theories! So, if you’re a drinker, might we suggest something that pairs well with morbid curiosity. But to be very clear, we’re not planning to talk about specific theories. Oh no, you’re perfectly capable of going out there and falling through those rabbit holes yourselves. We want to talk about the brass tacks of this stuff - what makes a conspiracy theory, who believes them and WHY. And then in subsequent parts we’ll get into the fallout...2021-01-251h 14

Fireside BreakdownsSession 18 - Everyone Gets a Pardon! (Pardon Me? Part 2)In part two of our discussion about the presidential clemency power, we discuss the often controversial history of the pardon power. Which presidents issued the most pardons, which issued the fewest, and some of the most significant, and repugnant, pardons in US history. There were definitely some surprises in there for both of us. Feelings were had. We then wrap the discussion by addressing the big question on everybody's mind: Can the president pardon himself? As always, you can find supplemental info, episode promotions, and more on Facebook and Instagram (@FiresideBreakdowns). And, please, leave...2021-01-181h 18

Fireside BreakdownsSession 17 - Pardon Me? Part 1We begin the episode with some whisk(e)y, some reflection, and some expletives as we discuss the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Then, we discuss the ins and outs of Presidential Pardons - well, clemency, to be exact. We talk about where the power comes from, and how the Department of Justice process works. Oh, and we threw in some trivia just for fun. Because, who doesn't love trivia?! Find cool supplemental info, episode promo, and more on Facebook and Instagram (@FiresideBreakdowns). And, leave us a review if your platform allows! It...2021-01-111h 04

Fireside BreakdownsSession 16 - State of the PodA laid back episode in which we muse on the past 6 months and look ahead to what we'd like the podcast to look like in 2021. No show notes for this one, folks. Just our thoughts and feelings. PC: Matt Botsford on Unsplash 2021-01-0453 min

Fireside Breakdowns#FirstWorldProblems - Breaking Down Country ClassificationsIn this holiday season session, we’re breaking down a listener requested topic. JW Lindsey asked, “Can y'all do an episode on what exactly is considered a first, second and third world country (I actually think that's now considered an offensive term) and whether or not America could still be considered a first world country any more? And/or what the new technical terms are?” So, that’s exactly what we’re going to do in this episode! We’ll look at where those terms came from in the first place, and what characteristics defined each group. Then we’ll t...2020-12-281h 04

Fireside BreakdownsSession 14 - Representation Matters pt. 3Sometimes, we get representation wrong. But we need to acknowledge our mistakes to learn from them, right? So, stereotypes, over-representation in negative contexts, and tokenism are the topics of conversation as we wrap up our discussion on why #representationmatters. Like what you hear? Find us on Facebook and Instagram, @firesidebreakdowns. And, if your favorite podcast platform allows, leave us a review! And, as usual, all our notes and sources are available on our Podbean site. 2020-12-2159 min

Fireside BreakdownsSession 13 - Representation Matters pt. 2#RepresentationMatters, part 2. The discussion on representation continues with a look at major areas in which we should be looking for representation, and what the research says about under-represented groups in those areas. There are a lot of numbers, but in those numbers lies a wealth of opportunity. This episode covers: LGTBQ+ and Minority Representation in the media LGTBQ+, Female, and Minority representation in the workplace Minority and Disability representation in the classroom Representation in our authority figures Images of Wealth And, as usual, some good news! - Leave us a review, or ch...2020-12-141h 22

Fireside BreakdownsSession 12: Representation Matters pt. 1Fun things happening around here this week! We're moving to a weekly episode, which means we can bring you more great content! This week, we're talking about why Representation matters, and how important it is for us to see ourselves (our race, our gender identity, our core identities) reflected in the world around us. Though there are a lot of different groups we could discuss, we're choosing to focus on: Representation of/for women Representation of/for people of color Representation of/for those with LGBTQ identities Representation of/for those living with disabilities You c...2020-12-0758 min

Fireside BreakdownsSession 11 - Presidential TransitionsThis week we’re taking on the timely topic of Presidential Transitions. With all the talk of task forces and transition budgets, we wondered what exactly happens in the 2 months between the election and inauguration day. Why is it taking so long for the General Services Administration to release the transition budget? Have there ever been messy presidential transitions before? Turns out, there’s a lot happening there. So, grab a drink and get ready to learn some stuff! 2020-11-231h 31

Fireside BreakdownsSession 10 - WTH Is Happening?This week, we're taking a break from our usual deep dive format to answer some of the questions we've been asked about the outcomes of Election2020. Recorded on Nov 5, 2020 this episode answers questions like: What happens if no one earns 270 Electoral Votes? Is there any legal reason not to count votes that arrive after election day? And, is there really evidence of fraud in the battleground states? Oh, and we rant a little too. Because that's what we do. Photo Credit: Markus Spiske on Unsplash 2020-11-091h 43

Fireside BreakdownsSession 9: The Electoral College vs. Direct ElectionSeeing as how the 2020 election is right around the corner, we thought we’d be of service to the American people by breaking down the Electoral College in this episode. This behind-the-scenes process has a long and interesting history in American elections, and elections in the past 20 years have raised some serious questions about its continued value here. In this episode, we're breaking down it's history, how it works, and some of the reasons folks do and don't love it. We'll also talk a bit about the most prominent alternative - Direct Election. Welcome to our f...2020-10-262h 04

Fireside BreakdownsSession 8 - Debate Takes and Boogaloo BoisAre you Ready for the Big Luau? This time, we’re learning all about The Boogaloo Movement. Turns out, neither Jon or Robin knew much about The Big Igloo, so we decided to dig in and see what we could find! What we found was...interesting (thanks, Internet). Tune-in to episode 8 to learn all about the history, values and beliefs... and attempted revolutions of The Boogaloos. If you find this episode compelling, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen on. This link can walk you through the steps: www.rateth...2020-10-121h 28

Fireside BreakdownsSession 7 - Affirmative ActionWhat exactly is Affirmative Action? Is it really all about quotas and preferential treatment? Do all companies have to have Affirmative Action Plans? Jon and Robin take on this hot topic, and examine what the research says, in their first listener-requested episode. 2020-09-281h 23

Fireside BreakdownsSession 6 – Bad Apples and Other Arguments Against Systemic RacismThis time, Robin and Jon are capping off the series on Systemic Racism by addressing arguments against the idea that Systemic Racism is - in fact - a thing, and looking at some of the counter theories presented by those who stand in opposition. Using feedback from real-live people and research (as always) to guide the discussion, they set aside their own biases and examine the points folks make about America being a meritocracy, about Systemic Racism being a myth invented by the media, about the core of the problem being a “few bad apples” (pun intended), and about wealt...2020-09-142h 00

Fireside BreakdownsSession 5 - Systemic Racism pt. 4After a whirlwind couple of weeks, Robin and Jon dive back in to the complex world of systemic racism. This session focuses on how systemic racism in healthcare developed, and how it impacts people today. It's another big episode. Fair warning: some of the information in this session is pretty rough. If you want to understand how this crucial part of every American's life is not quite set up to work for every American, this is a good place to start. If you found this episode compelling, please leave a review on whatever platform you...2020-08-311h 42

Fireside BreakdownsSession 4 -Vote By MailThis week Robin and Jon take a break from discussing systemic racism to address an issue making headlines every day: voting by mail. This topic is incredibly important in the face of the global pandemic. There's so much information (and disinformation) floating around that it can be hard to figure out what is true and what is... colorful exaggeration. So, in order to clear the air a bit, this breakdown covers the history of mail in voting, then talks about some arguments for and against the practice. You can decide which method you prefer to g...2020-08-171h 29

Fireside BreakdownsSession 3 - Systemic Racism pt. 3This week, Jon and Robin are taking a closer look at systemic racism in education. There was SO MUCH INFORMATION to cover! Too much, really. But this episode gives listeners some insight into the racist ideas that informed explicitly racist education systems, what those explicitly racist systems looked like, and how systemic racism impacts education today. There's also some talk about outcomes for students of color, a few rants, and even some good news at the end. All our shownotes and sources are available on Podbean and Facebook (Fireside Breakdowns). If you'd leave us a...2020-08-031h 56

Fireside BreakdownsSession 2 - Systemic Racism pt. 2Robin and Jon take a closer look at systemic racism as it relates to housing and land rights. They discuss the racist ideas behind the seizure of native land, assimilation and segregation; they look at some of the explicitly racist programs and policies that affected Black and Indigenous Americans; they discuss what systemic effects those policies and programs still have today; and consider the outcomes of people of color because of this systemic racism. This episode’s outline - including sources - is available on the podcast Facebook page (Fireside Breakdowns). And, as usual, we’d love to he...2020-07-201h 42

Fireside BreakdownsSession 0 - IntroductionWelcome to the Fireside. In this episode, your hosts Robin and Jon introduce themselves and talk a little bit about who they are, why they're doing this podcast, and what they hope to accomplish. 2020-07-0625 min

Fireside BreakdownsSession 1 - Systemic Racism pt. 1Update 14 July 2020: The original upload has been replaced with a newer version due to sound balancing issues. The contents remain the same. The only change is the audio mix. We apologize for the original issues. Robin and Jon are jumping right into the mix! In this episode, they're breaking down systemic racism - what it means, what it doesn't mean, how it developed, and how it impacts all people - especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Then, they discuss what systemic racism in the American criminal justice system looks like, and how it...2020-07-061h 43