Episode 273: The Four Threats to Democracy
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Release Date: 04/08/2025
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
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
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
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
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
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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Episode 271: Trump, Nixon, and the Dismantling of Federal Agencies
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
President Donald Trump kicked off his second term with a wave of executive actions, including efforts to shrink the federal government by gutting or entirely dismantling some federal agencies. While some of these moves are unprecedented, it’s not the first time a president has tried to unilaterally undermine a federal agency. Political scientist breaks down how President Richard Nixon attempted to shutter the Office of Economic Opportunity and the legal and political pushback he faced as a result. LaRochelle draws on this history to explain why presidents can’t slash federal programs on...
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Episode 270: The Ripple Effects of Immigration Raids
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Discussions about immigration and deportation often focus on politics, policies, and legal battles. But what happens to the people at the heart of it all? Professor shares the story of one family’s experience to illustrate the far-reaching consequences of deportation. He breaks down the emotional, health, and financial toll of these enforcement actions—not just on those directly affected, but on teachers, faith leaders, and entire communities caught in the ripple effects. For more on this topic: Check out Lopez’s opinion piece on worksite raids in . Read his book, . ...
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Episode 269: Tariffs, Trade Wars, and American Jobs
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Tariffs are often promoted as a way to protect American workers—but do they actually work? takes us through the fast-moving shifts in U.S. trade policy under President Trump and the ripple effects they’re having on businesses, workers, and consumers. Who benefits, who pays the price, and what happens next? From the backlash against globalization to the forces reshaping American jobs, Dr. Owen explains what’s at stake—and how policymakers can better support workers caught in the crossfire. For more on this topic: Read Owen’s SSN key findings brief, .
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Episode 268: Does AI Have a Role in Education?
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Generative AI has sparked excitement, curiosity, and a lot of unease. For schools, is it a groundbreaking tool for education, or a high-tech shortcut some might call cheating? In this episode, Professor takes us on his journey from middle school science teacher to trailblazer in STEM teacher preparation. Along the way, he breaks down what generative AI is, how schools are using it today, and the game-changing ways it could transform learning in the future. For more on this topic: Check out Ballenger’s opinion piece about AI in the classroom in . Read SSN’s about how his work is...
info_outlineAs 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:
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Read Mettler’s book, Four Threats: The Recurring Crises of American Democracy, written with Robert Lieberman at Johns Hopkins University.
- Check out her opinion piece about a disturbing plot against a Kansas Territory governor in TIME Magazine, co-authored with Robert Lieberman.