logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
1h 2m

Two former congresspeople, a Democrat an...

Zachary Elwood
About this episode
I talk to former members of the House of Representatives Luke Messer (Republican) and Elizabeth Esty (Democrat). We talk about: political polarization; their experiences being in congress during such a highly polarized period of time; their ideas for reducing toxic polarization, and more. 

Learn more and sign up for a premium subscription at PeopleWhoReadPeople.com.

Up next
Jun 27
The "deep whys" behind autistic behaviors | with Barry Prizant
I talk to Barry Prizant, author of the popular book "Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism," about the often misunderstood world of autism. We explore the idea that many so-called “autistic behaviors” are actually meaningful responses to stress, overwhelm, or attempts ... Show More
1h 11m
Jun 18
Why we freak out when the world stops making sense | with Stephen Heine
Why do we feel so unsettled and agitated when the world doesn’t make sense? In this episode, I talk with psychologist Steven Heine about his Meaning Maintenance Model — a theory that explains how we react when our sense of meaning is threatened. We explore how disruptions to our ... Show More
1h 5m
Jun 11
How blockchain tech could revolutionize journalism and reduce polarization
Can blockchain tech reinvent journalism—and reduce toxic political polarization in the process? In this episode, Zachary Elwood talks with Don Templeman, founder of Aemula, a radically new kind of news platform. Inspired by the decentralization and transparency of cryptocurrency ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2021
Checks and Balance: Steal works
Election administration used to be a sleepy corner of American bureaucracy. Now it’s the latest victim of extreme polarisation. A privately-funded audit of votes by Republicans in Arizona reveals how democratic norms continue to erode since Donald Trump left office. Idrees Kahloo ... Show More
41m 25s
Sep 2021
Democrats Are Running Out Of Time To Negotiate On Major Priorities
Congressional Democrats are trying to wrap up negotiations on their reconciliation package, fund the government, and deal with the debt ceiling. But with looming deadlines with big consequences, someone is going to have to compromise. The big question: who's it going to be? Plus, ... Show More
26m 4s
Dec 2021
Extreme Wing Of House Republican Party Worries Rest Of Caucus Before Midterms
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is feeling hopeful about the midterms: President Biden's approval numbers are low and inflation is at least temporarily high. But some Republican representatives are worried their peers are too focused on Trump-style bomb-throwing and jeers to ... Show More
15m 19s
Mar 2017
Mad Dogs and Obamacare Repealers
Ezra and Matt are joined by Yochi Dreazen to talk about national security policy in the Trump era, the latest on ACA repeal, and research indicating the internet's not to blame for political polarization.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
1h 20m
Apr 2022
How Extremist Republicans Have Reframed Politics In Idaho
Far-right activists and a militia figure are a major force in the state's Republican politics, where even orthodox conservatives like Gov. Brad Little are described by opponents as "too liberal." Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin, who has cozied up to white nationalists, is ru ... Show More
14m 28s
Mar 2018
Trigger warning: Discussion of White House chaos and political correctness
Vox senior politics reporter Jane Coaston joins Ezra and Matt to talk about Trump turmoil, political correctness and the latest research on the state of the parties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
1h 8m
Sep 2022
Checks and Balance: The elephant in the boardroom
The close relationship between the Republican Party and the corporate world has shaped American capitalism for decades. Businesses are used to disdain from Democrats, but vitriol from the right is newer. This has been on display in public brawls between lawmakers and companies, a ... Show More
42m 53s
Aug 2023
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer On Climate Law
The New York Democrats discussed the landmark climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, a year after he helped to pass the legislation. He said it will take time to for its provisions to be felt by the American public. This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, congressio ... Show More
15m 55s
Jul 2022
Massively Popular Ideas Can't Pass Congress. Is It Time To Reform The System?
The overwhelming majority of gun owners are in favor of universal background checks, of raising the minimum age to buy guns to 21 and so-called "red flag" laws to remove guns from potentially dangerous people, a new NPR/Ipsos survey finds. That mirrors the support among the rest ... Show More
14m 22s
Mar 2024
64. Caroline Lucas: Leading the Green Party, leaving politics, and the importance of protest
How hard is it to be a one person party in parliament? What can the left learn from the populist right? Could electoral reform actually help Keir Starmer? On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by the Green Party's Caroline Lucas to answer all these questions ... Show More
1h 7m
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami