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Episode 264: Threats, Opportunities, and the Future of U.S. Elections

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

Release Date: 10/01/2024

Episode 281: When the Safety Net Shrinks show art Episode 281: When the Safety Net Shrinks

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

On July 4, President Trump signed a sweeping new law that makes major changes to the social safety net—with serious consequences for families and children. Child and family policy expert Professor breaks down the Republican-backed legislation, which slashes Medicaid, SNAP, and other key supports that millions of families rely on. She examines how the law shifts resources away from low-income and younger Americans—especially children—and toward wealthier, older households. Morrissey discusses how these changes could make inequality worse and what it would actually mean to put kids at the...

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Episode 280: Is the Drop in Gun Violence at Risk? show art Episode 280: Is the Drop in Gun Violence at Risk?

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

Gun violence is down, but you wouldn’t know it from the headlines. This progress didn’t happen by accident—it’s at least partially the result of smart, targeted strategies that address the root causes of violence. Professor explains what’s working, drawing lessons from Camden’s dramatic shift from “murder capital” to record-low homicide rates, and what we stand to lose as federal support for violence prevention is being rolled back. For more on this topic: Read Semenza’s op-ed in Check out a research paper he co-authored:

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Episode 279: Clearing Up Vaccine Confusion show art Episode 279: Clearing Up Vaccine Confusion

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

When Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the entire federal vaccine advisory committee and installed new members, it raised alarms across the public health world. At the same time, measles is making a comeback as more Americans are hesitant about getting vaccines. Professor explains how we got here and what it will take to rebuild public trust. Drawing on her work in community-based health outreach, she shares why clear, consistent communication is critical for vaccine education and how local leaders and trusted messengers can help cut through the noise. For...

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Episode 278: How Taxes Can Save Lives show art Episode 278: How Taxes Can Save Lives

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

Congress is in the middle of a high-stakes budget debate that includes fighting over tax policy and funding for many vital public programs. But what’s often missing from that budget debate is a focus on the people these decisions affect, especially kids. explains how tax policy choices made on Capitol Hill directly affect health and well-being, and why taxes can be a powerful tool to improve health outcomes for everyone. Drawing from her experience as a pediatrician, Professor Junior challenges us to see policy choices through the eyes of a doctor by putting people’s well-being first. For...

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Episode 277: Consumer Protection Under Fire show art Episode 277: Consumer Protection Under Fire

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

Under the Trump administration, major changes at key consumer protection agencies, including widespread staff cuts and rule rollbacks, are raising concerns about the future of efforts to curb unfair or deceptive financial practices. Professor Terri Friedline explains what’s been happening at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, why it matters, and how these shifts impact the people who can least afford to be left unprotected. And she draws on her research to highlight how the financial system has left many behind, despite the promises of new financial technologies.   For more...

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Episode 276: The Fight Over Medicaid  show art Episode 276: The Fight Over Medicaid

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

As Republican lawmakers push for major budget cuts, Medicaid is in the crosshairs. Professor Nicole Huberfeld breaks down why Medicaid matters to millions of Americans and what makes proposed changes—like work requirements and block grants—so complex and potentially harmful. She moves beyond policy details to explore the real-world impact: how budget cuts could hit the most vulnerable, put pressure on hospitals, and widen healthcare disparities between states.    For more on this topic:  Read Huberfeld’s piece about the challenges of trimming Medicaid in , co-authored...

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Episode 275: Higher Ed on the Frontlines show art Episode 275: Higher Ed on the Frontlines

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

Higher education is under fire—from attacks on DEI to threats against research funding, political pressure is mounting fast. While headlines often focus on elite and Ivy League schools, Professor reminds us that regional public universities and rural institutions are also in the crosshairs. These essential but often-overlooked institutions serve diverse student bodies, support regional infrastructure, and anchor local communities. Orphan traces the roots of today’s political backlash and makes the case that if colleges want to keep serving the public good, they’ll need to get organized...

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Episode 274: What’s Happening With Social Security show art Episode 274: What’s Happening With Social Security

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

As the Social Security Administration faces a wave of staffing cuts and administrative shakeups, what’s at stake for the millions who depend on it? Brookings Institution economist Dr. Gopi Shah Goda discusses what these behind-the-scenes changes mean—and why some of the loudest political talking points about fraud and inefficiency don’t hold up. She also explores what is needed to keep the program strong amid looming financial shortfalls. For more on this topic: Read Goda’s commentary about expanding Medicare’s in-home care coverage at the .

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Episode 273: The Four Threats to Democracy show art Episode 273: The Four Threats to Democracy

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

As President Donald Trump’s second term unfolds, one big question looms: How resilient is American democracy? Professor Suzanne Mettler has spent years studying the forces that put democracy at risk and in this episode, she draws on her most recent book to share lessons from events across U.S. history that feel eerily relevant today. From Trump’s expanded executive power to deepening political divisions, she explores the forces that threaten American democracy, and what everyday citizens can do to push back. For more on this topic: Read Mettler’s book, written with Robert Lieberman at...

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Episode 272: Bonus: One Man’s Stand During Watergate show art Episode 272: Bonus: One Man’s Stand During Watergate

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

Political scientist stays post-interview to highlight a lesser-known but powerful chapter of the Watergate era. LaRochelle delves into the story of William S. Cohen, a Republican congressman from Maine who chose truth over party loyalty, helping hold President Richard Nixon accountable. Cohen’s moral courage offers timely lessons for navigating today’s deeply divided political landscape.

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With the 2024 presidential election just around the corner, Professor Paul Gronke joins us for a conversation about the U.S. voting system. He shares insights into the challenges of election security, the increasing harassment faced by officials on the front lines, and how the "Stop the Steal" movement has shaken public trust. Can the current voting system handle threats to the election? And what reforms are needed to rebuild trust in our elections? Professor Gronke dives into these complexities and discusses what’s at stake for democracy in 2024.

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