OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION
OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION is a nonpartisan news, opinion and public policy solutions platform. Join us in freeing political dialogue from hyper-partisanship. Visit OurNationalConversation.org
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Misguided Political Anger on Social Media
08/15/2025
Misguided Political Anger on Social Media
📅 Published: August 15th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Isabella Carolin, Social Media Intern, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Masie Zasadny, Chief Content Officer, Our National Conversation. How do we come back together? Should Trump supporters feel tricked? Our political climate is reaching a boiling point. Fingers are being pointed at people on both sides of the aisle and social media is filled with hate messages that are more viral than messages of peace. It is clear that a political shift is occurring in the digital age.Today, Isabella Carolin makes her debut as host and sits down with Masie Zasadny to discuss the dissonance. The entire point of the conversation: understanding politics of the social media landscape and discuss the divide between parties that may or may not be so different from one another.
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Undocumented Immigrants: Good or Bad for America?
08/08/2025
Undocumented Immigrants: Good or Bad for America?
📅 Published: August 8th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guests: Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca, Founder of Dreamers Roadmap. Jeff Hall, Former Los Angeles Times VP, Founder and CEO of Our National Conversation. Oscar Ortiz, Video Production Intern, Our National Conversation. Masie Zasadny, Chief Content Officer, Our National Conversation. What should the United States' immigration system look like? How should our population of undocumented immigrants be addressed? In many respects, the Biden and Trump administrations have provided very different answers. Today, I'm joined by a selection of guests and a Zoom audience (thus the poorer video quality). Between the guests and the audience, our conversation benefits from the perspectives of centrists, progressives, conservatives, Trump supporters, and others. We talk about undocumented immigration, immigration more broadly, and what U.S. policy should look like. The entire point of the conversation: to understand alternative perspectives and search for common ground. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. .
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Can Local Journalism Stop Polarization
07/31/2025
Can Local Journalism Stop Polarization
📅 Published: July 31st, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Jeff Hall, Former Los Angeles Times VP, Founder and CEO of Our National Conversation. There are many theories about polarization in America. One theory, which has some significant support behind it, holds that polarization is partially a product of national- and international-scale media. As local journalism, and local discourse more broadly becomes fragmented and piecemeal, the nuanced and cross-cutting identities of communities are swallowed up in the right-left, progressive-conservative binary of national media. Today, I talk to Jeff Hall about his thoughts on this phenomenon. With extensive experience in regional and local journalism, I believe Jeff can shed some light on the question of local journalism and polarization. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. . #localnewsmatters #localjournalism #localnews #polarization #respectfuldebate #newsmedia #media #journalism
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Does Trump Deserve a Nobel Peace Prize?
07/17/2025
Does Trump Deserve a Nobel Peace Prize?
📅 Published: July 17th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Connor Chung, PhD Candidate in Political Science, MA in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Recently, Benjamin Netanyahu followed others in nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. To some, this is laughable; to others, it's well-deserved. In this episode, I check in with a young Trump supporter on this topic. Though he supports much of Trump's domestic policy, Connor argues that the administration's foreign policy is a "mixed bag at best," and that Trump has failed to abide by many of the foreign policy promises he made on the campaign trail. We discuss Ukraine, Gaza and the concept of "realpolitik," which, according to Connor, greatly informs the perspective of many young conservatives. I contest Connor's opinions and try to get a deeper understanding of his perspective, and that of the young conservatives he represents. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. .
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What Does Zohran Mamdani Represent?
07/10/2025
What Does Zohran Mamdani Represent?
📅 Published: July 10th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Joseph Arellano, Social Media Intern, Our National Conversation (ONC). An NYC mayoral race has been making headlines over the past week. Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democrat's primary election. It seems that Mamdani's success can be largely attributed to one word: affordability. He believes higher taxes on the wealthy, several city-run grocery stores, free busing and similar policies can improve the lives of everyday New Yorkers. People across the political spectrum are asking: is Mamdani a promising template for Democratic politics after Trump? In this episode, I speak to a Mamdani-supporter to better understand this candidate. Why is he doing so well among young progressives? How do these voters define Democratic Socialism? Is it "Marxism" or "Communism"? And what do these voters think of their conservative critics? 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. . #zohranmamdani #mamdani #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #nycmayor #ericadams #cuomo #andrewcuomo #socialism #affordability #affordabilitycrisis
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Three Moderates Try to Figure Out What the Big Beautiful Bill Is
07/03/2025
Three Moderates Try to Figure Out What the Big Beautiful Bill Is
📅 Published: July 7th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guests: Masie Zasadny, Managing Editor, Our National Conversation (ONC). Jeff Hall, CEO, Our National Conversation (ONC). The Big Beautiful Bill is currently being debated on the House Floor. This bill, roughly 900 pages long, would extend Trump's tax cuts, impose big restrictions on Medicaid and bolster ICE and the military --- all in addition to about a billion other things. Democrats are saying this is the worst piece of major legislation in modern history --- a bloated and shameless series of tax cuts paid for by gutting low-income services. Most Republicans, meanwhile, are living in a completely different world: this, in their view, is one of the best bills in modern history, securing our boarder, stimulating the economy through tax cuts and imposing common-sense restrictions on welfare services. In this episode, three moderates try to figure out what is going on with this bill. Why are Democrats and Republicans living in completely different worlds? What does the bill actually do? Is it all bad? All good? Or a mix? 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. . #bigbeautifulbill #republicans #democrats #respectfuldebate #policydiscussion #civildiscourse #trump #trumpadministration
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Was Trump Right to Strike? Perspectives on Israel and Iran
06/26/2025
Was Trump Right to Strike? Perspectives on Israel and Iran
📅 Published: June 26th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guests: Joseph Arellano, Social Media Intern, Our National Conversation (ONC). Masie Zasadny, Managing Editor, Our National Conversation (ONC). Last week, the U.S. launched strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. The White House hails the strikes as a huge success that forced Iran to the table, while others argue that they failed to eradicate Iran's nuclear capabilities and unnecessarily dragged the U.S. further into the Middle East. In this episode, I speak with Joseph (a staunch progressive and Trump critic) and Masie (a political moderate) to get their thoughts on the strikes. The result isn't an expert interview: it's an honest conversation between people of different points of view on a developing story. This conversation was recorded a day after the strikes took place. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. . #middleeast #israel #iran #iranisraelwar #iranvsisrael #trump #trumpadministration #nuclearweapons #nuclearfacilities
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Protests and Parades: Talking LA, No Kings and Immigration
06/19/2025
Protests and Parades: Talking LA, No Kings and Immigration
📅 Published: June 19th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Jeff Hall, Founder and CEO, Our National Conversation (ONC). Last Saturday, amidst a DC military parade, cities across the United States saw protests against President Trump and what many perceive to be his authoritarian policies and tendencies. Most of the focus went to LA, where ardent anti-ICE protests occurred. In this episode, I speak with Jeff Hall, an LA resident, about his thoughts on the protests. The conversation turns to the No Kings protests more broadly, whether the Trump administration can be classified as authoritarian, the immigration debate and the different narratives playing out around the protests and Trump's parade. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. . #nokings #nokingsprotest #trump #trumpadministration #militaryparade #protest #protests #policydiscussion #losangeles #laprotests #immigration #government
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Last Week: Debts, Deficits and Middle-School Drama ... In the White House
06/12/2025
Last Week: Debts, Deficits and Middle-School Drama ... In the White House
📅 Published: June 12th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guests: Jeff Hall, Founder and CEO, Our National Conversation (ONC). Connor Chung, Director of Policy Content and Strategy, Our National Conversation (ONC). Last week, we were graced by the first major breakup of Pride Month: Trump and Musk. In this episode, a centrist (Jeff), a conservative (Connor) and a progressive (Sam) discuss the initial drama between the president and the former DOGE advisor, and the spending issues that may have sparked it. That's the second part of this discussion: What are different segments of the ideological spectrum thinking as the deficit grows ever larger with the likely passage of the Big Beautiful Bill? Musk and Trump may be getting back together in some sense, but what about the spending issues that instigated their fight? 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. .
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Different Perspectives on Biden’s Diagnosis and Trump’s Government
05/29/2025
Different Perspectives on Biden’s Diagnosis and Trump’s Government
📅 Published: May 29th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Joseph Arellano, Social Media Intern, Our National Conversation (ONC). Last week, Biden was diagnosed with cancer. Some have raised questions about government transparency, alleging a "cover-up." Others argue that the diagnosis could have legitimately been made after Biden's term. Even so, concerns exist that many aspects of Biden's mental and physical health were hidden from the public in an effort to stop Trump's return to office. In this episode, I have a conversation with someone who believes that the Trump Administration is an existential threat to democracy. What do they think about transparency under Biden? Were the cover-ups, if they occurred, justified if the aim was to hinder Trump? Or is that thinking itself a threat to democracy? And why do many believe Trump is a threat? Are there other sides to the story? 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. .
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Corruption or Good Government? Talking Qatari Planes, Meme Coins and Ethics
05/23/2025
Corruption or Good Government? Talking Qatari Planes, Meme Coins and Ethics
📅 Published: May 22nd, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Jeff Hall, CEO, Our National Conversation (ONC). Donald Trump has just accepted a major gift from Qatar: a luxury jet that will serve as a temporary replacement for the outdated Air Force One planes. Eventually, this jet will be donated to Trump's presidential library. Does this count as an illegal or ethically questionable personal gift or bribe? Meanwhile, Trump intends to hold a dinner and tour for top investors in his meme coin. All this occurs as charges of corruption, oligarchy and incompetence are levied against the administration. Are these criticisms well-founded? Or is there another side to the story? How do these political antics compare to those of the 1960s when today's guest, Jeff Hall, came of age? And what does all this mean for the health of our democracy? Sam and Jeff explore these questions and more in today's episode. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. . #onc #trump #trumpadministration #corruption #oligarchy #goodgovernance #policydiscussion #democracy #civildiscourse
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Pontiffs and Politics: Current and Former Catholics on Leo XIV and Religion in Policy
05/15/2025
Pontiffs and Politics: Current and Former Catholics on Leo XIV and Religion in Policy
📅 Published: May 15th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Jeff Hall, CEO, Our National Conversation (ONC). Tania Ruedas Ortiz, Director of Community, Our National Conversation (ONC). Pope Francis definitely showed us that the Catholic Church is not afraid to talk politics --- and even call out specific politicians and policies. Last week, Pope Leo XIV became the first American pope in history. Progressives and conservatives are already making predictions. Is this a likely return to tradition? Will the Catholic Church get harder on social and cultural issues? Or will Leo maintain the relatively welcoming and tolerant atmosphere fostered by his predecessor? In this episode, we speak with Tania and Jeff: both raised Catholic, one still practicing. How are they feeling about the appointment? How politically important is this to them and their families? And what do they feel is the proper role of religion in politics and public policy? 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. . Thumbnail uses an image taken by Edgarjbb, who does not necessarily endorse this content. Author and licensing information can be found here: .
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Maple Leaf MAGA? Talking Elections and Conservatism in Canada
05/08/2025
Maple Leaf MAGA? Talking Elections and Conservatism in Canada
📅 Published: May 8th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Sam Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Connor Chung, Director of Policy Content and Strategy, Our National Conversation (ONC). Canada's elections took an unexpected turn as the Liberal Party managed to hold onto power. Many say this is Canada's reaction to Trump's tariffs and rhetoric. Connor, a self-described conservative who studied extensively in Alberta, walks us through his and his peers' opinions and worries. What are Canadian conservatives generally thinking? Do they have a consensus on Trump? What don't they like about Canada's Liberal Party? And, more interestingly, why do they believe what they believe? Sam tries to dig into, contest and understand Connor's views. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. . #onc #canada
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Public Safety or Fearmongering? Talking Mass Deportation and Undocumented Immigration
04/24/2025
Public Safety or Fearmongering? Talking Mass Deportation and Undocumented Immigration
📅 Published: April 24th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Samuel Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guests: Jeff Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). Eric McElveen, Policy and Opinion Writer, Our National Conversation (ONC). The Trump Administration is making major moves on immigration in America, and much of the rhetoric underlying these moves focuses on undocumented immigration. Is this rhetoric mostly fearmongering? Is the Trump Administration voicing important concerns on public safety and security? To explore multiple perspectives on this issue, Sam speaks to Jeff and Eric. Jeff, a centrist, understands critiques of Biden-era immigration policies, but also makes points about the importance of an immigrant workforce (including undocumented immigrants) in the LA region. Eric, meanwhile, defends a largely conservative view on the topic. Sam offers a progressive perspective. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. .
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Is Civility Possible? Talking Trump and Commentary w/ @SecretServiceSam
04/17/2025
Is Civility Possible? Talking Trump and Commentary w/ @SecretServiceSam
📅 Published: April 17th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Samuel Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guest: Samson Crouppen (SecretServiceSam), Comedian and Influencer. Americans don't feel like they can talk to "the other side" about politics. Many commentators, influencers, and politicians feed into and benefit from this division, stoking hatred and refusing to engage with alternative perspectives. Denouncing the other side is seen as the only possible move. But is that right? SecretServiceSam has gained a significant social media following by sharing his thoughts on politics and current events. I ask him about his experience as a commentator, his thoughts on the MAGA movement, and whether he thinks widespread, respectful dialogue is possible today. If so, what needs to change so we can achieve it? 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. .
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The Price of Progress? Talking Tariffs
04/10/2025
The Price of Progress? Talking Tariffs
📅 Published: April 9th, 2025 🎙️ Host: Samuel Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guests: Connor Chung, Director of Policy Content and Strategy, Our National Conversation (ONC). Eric McElveen, Opinion Writer, Our National Conversation (ONC). Are conservatives united behind Trump's tariffs? Connor and Eric, both self-described conservatives, have different views on Trump's trade policies. While Connor believes tariffs will allow the United States to correct unfair trading practices and bring manufacturing back home, Eric thinks they'll likely do more harm than good, are only useful as a negotiating tactic, and may compromise American security. Both conservatives try to understand one another's perspectives. Sam, as per usual, plays devil's advocate. This podcast was recorded before Trump's 90-day tariff pause. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - / ournationalco. . | 💼 LinkedIn - / our-. . #onc #trump #tariffs #tradewar #trade #foreignpolicy #industry #economy #economics #debate #discussion
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Borders on Beliefs? Talking Speech and Deportation on Campuses
04/03/2025
Borders on Beliefs? Talking Speech and Deportation on Campuses
📅 Published: April 3rd, 2025 🎙️ Host: Samuel Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Our National Conversation (ONC). 👤 Guests: Connor Chung, Director of Policy Content and Strategy, Our National Conversation (ONC). Tania Ruedas Ortiz, Director of Community, Our National Conversation (ONC). Is the Trump Administration infringing on the rights of visa/green-card students? Students like Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk are being detained for participating in pro-Palestinian student movements and being suspected of "pro-Hamas" activity. The Trump administration is citing national security concerns, while critics argue that the speech rights of visa and green-card holders are being violated. Three current students / recent graduates discuss this issue. Connor gives us a nuanced conservative perspective while Tania approaches the topic from a progressive point of view. Sam moderates and plays devil's advocate. 🔗 Connect with ONC: 📷 Instagram - / ournationalconversation | 🐦 Twitter - https://x.com/OurNatlConvo | 🎵 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ournationalco... | 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/our-...
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The Lobby and the Land: Talking the Pro-Israel Lobby and Trump’s Israel-Palestine Policy
03/27/2025
The Lobby and the Land: Talking the Pro-Israel Lobby and Trump’s Israel-Palestine Policy
Is the pro-Israel lobby too powerful? Are Trump's Israel-Palestine policies useful? Sam and Connor talk about American-Israeli relations and their influence in Washington. Connor, a self-described conservative and Trump supporter, finds himself more in agreement with the Left on this issue. Sam tries to understand the nuances of Connor's cross-cutting perspective. The pair discuss whether the Israel-Palestine issue seems to be a partisan issue, a generational one or both.
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Making Moves: Talking Changes in the Department of Education
03/20/2025
Making Moves: Talking Changes in the Department of Education
Tania and I talk about the MASSIVE changes we're seeing in the DOE: ~50% slashes to the workforce, cuts to research, and layoffs in the Office of Civil Rights. Is this government efficiency in action or cause for great concern? Both? Tania presents her worries while I articulate some conservative views. We aren't established policy experts: we're just students committed to respectful dialogue, understanding the other side and looking for common ground. Go to the news to see the latest information and expert commentary; listen here to see ideas interact.
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Preparing for the Next Fire: Can Salt Water Help?
03/18/2025
Preparing for the Next Fire: Can Salt Water Help?
In this episode, Jeff Hall, host and CEO at Our National Conversation, speaks with experts and local leaders on how to address California's fire problem in the wake of the Palisades. Jeff and citizens from Brentwood (right next to Pacific Palisades) ask two experts whether salt water could be used to supplement traditional water supplies, which failed during the recent fires. After all, San Francisco has had a saltwater pumping and storage system in place since 1909. The expert guests are Dr. Sal Mercogliano, as associate professor at Campbell University in North Carolina (and an experienced firefighter), and Steve Ritchie, assistant GM at the San Francisco Department of Water, Power & Sewer.
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Are Trump and Vance Right About Europe? Free Speech and Security
03/14/2025
Are Trump and Vance Right About Europe? Free Speech and Security
Sam, host, is joined by Eric McElveen, ONC writer and self-described conservative. The two have a conversation about America-Europe relations. Is the Trump administration right to pressure Ukraine and diminish ties with Western Europe? Are Trump, Vance and Musk's critiques of European speech policy justified? How do these critiques factor into security policy? Sam and Eric focus on trying to understand one another's perspectives on this issue, exploring conservative, progressive and mixed points. Note: This podcast was recorded before Ukraine agreed to ceasefire talks.
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Trump's First Full Month Back: Our Progressive and Conservative Writers Discuss
03/06/2025
Trump's First Full Month Back: Our Progressive and Conservative Writers Discuss
Sam, host, is joined by a mix of progressive, moderate and conservative student writers. The group discuss Trump's first full month in office. How is the new administration doing? How effective are its policies? Where is there cause for concern? Connor gives us a conservative, pro-Trump perspective, while Alexis, Maelyn and Nirati provide progressive to moderate views. During the conversation, our writers focus on trying to understand perspectives they disagree with.
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Is DOGE a Constitutional Crisis?
02/26/2025
Is DOGE a Constitutional Crisis?
In this podcast, Eric and Sam, host, discuss whether DOGE represents a threat to the U.S. Constitution or American democracy. The pair explore where they disagree and where they can find common ground. Sam and Eric then discuss America's foreign policy and Trump's actions with respect to Ukraine.
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RFK Jr. and Gender-Affirming Care
02/20/2025
RFK Jr. and Gender-Affirming Care
Sam, host, discusses healthcare policy with Tania Ruedas Ortiz, ONC's Director of Community. Tania works in the public sector to research the effects of health policies on the state level (we cannot disclose further details). The pair talk about RFK Jr., Trump's executive orders, and gender-affirming care. They try to work through conservative takes on the issue and present what they wish conservatives knew about their progressive position. We recognize that the conversation was limited by the fact that it did not include (1) members of the genderqueer community or (2) conservatives with respect to gender-affirming care. Sam and Tania acknowledge the limitations in their experiences and perspectives. Links to some of the research Sam mentions, from newest to oldest:
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Mexico, Canada and China: What Should Trade Policy Look Like?
02/13/2025
Mexico, Canada and China: What Should Trade Policy Look Like?
In this ONC podcast, Eric walks Sam (host) through the pros and cons of Trump's tariffs. The pair have a conversation about trade policy.
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Trump Tours the Man-O-Sphere, Kamala Sits Down with CNN + "Reject Modernity, Embrace Tradition" w/ Connor Chung
09/07/2024
Trump Tours the Man-O-Sphere, Kamala Sits Down with CNN + "Reject Modernity, Embrace Tradition" w/ Connor Chung
This week on "Our National Conversation", host Chris No is joined by guest host Connor Chung, director of policy at ONC. We dive into Connor's thought-provoking article, "Reject Modernity, Embrace Tradition," where he calls for a return to traditional religious values in response to what he sees as the moral decay of modern society. We also break down Kamala Harris' first interview with CNN since becoming the Democratic nominee for President. The interview has drawn heavy criticism from the right for its brief duration, softball questions, and accusations of flip-flopping on key issues. Continuing with our 2024 election coverage we'll compare Vice President Kamala Harris' traditional media approach with former President Donald Trump's recent string of podcast appearances, designed to resonate with disaffected young voters. Which strategy will prove more effective: sticking with mainstream outlets or embracing alternative media?
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Allow Us to Explain: Project 2025
09/04/2024
Allow Us to Explain: Project 2025
In this episode of "Allow Us to Explain," Christopher No discusses Project 2025, a controversial political initiative by The Heritage Foundation, centered around their viral publication, Mandate For Leadership: The Conservative Promise. While Heritage claims it aims to dismantle the administrative state and restore self-governance, critics have labeled it a threat to civil liberties. Joining the conversation are Connor Chung, ONC’s director of policy content and strategy, Maeve Fishel, a social issues policy writer, and Tania Ruedas-Ortiz, ONC’s director of community events. The discussion covers the Heritage Foundation's long-term influence on today's political landscape, questioning the actual power of independent regulatory agencies and whether or not conservatives are overestimating their authority. The panel also scrutinizes the potential risks of replacing one "deep state" with another through this initiative, questions the validity of the label of a Christian Nationalist Manifesto, and investigates Trump's distancing from these policies. Additionally, the conversation seeks to identify any potential compromises within Project 2025 and considers whether this vision aligns with the future that Gen Z envisions. Follow Our National Conversation on Social Media Instagram: TikTok: YouTube: X:
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Gen Z For Trump? + Queen Kamala & BIG UPDATE on Trump Trial
09/01/2024
Gen Z For Trump? + Queen Kamala & BIG UPDATE on Trump Trial
This week on "Our National Conversation", we’re joined by special guest Ryan Dulaney, a policy writer for ONC, and Jeff Hall, the founder of ONC. We dive into Ryan’s latest article, “Kamala's Koup,” discussing the recent surge in support for Vice President Kamala Harris and the ongoing dysfunction within the Trump campaign and the Republican Party. We also explore the latest New York Times poll highlighting the stark gender divide within Gen Z, with men favoring Trump and women leaning towards Kamala. In addition, we cover the significant update in the Trump 2020 election case, where Special Counsel Jack Smith's office has narrowed the indictment, making the case against Trump even more formidable, according to legal experts. We also examine a viral clip from Fox News where Jesse Watters made controversial remarks about Vice President Harris regarding the Afghanistan withdrawal. Jeff Hall shares insights into the origins of ONC, the mission behind our non-partisan media organization, and our book, "Let's Fix America." We also discuss the top concerns facing Gen Z today and what the future might hold for this pivotal generation. ---
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Allow Us to Explain - Labor Organizing and Gen Z
08/21/2024
Allow Us to Explain - Labor Organizing and Gen Z
In this episode of "Allow Us to Explain," we look at the labor movement and its impact on Gen Z. Join host Makayla and ONC Policy Content Writers Alison and Mason as they discuss how labor organizing has evolved over time, the significance of social media, and the future of unions. Follow Our National Conversation on Social Media: Instagram: TikTok: YouTube: Twitter: Works Cited Glass, Aurelia. “The Closing Gender, Education, and Ideological Divides behind Gen Z’s Union Movement.” Center for American Progress, 5 Oct. 2022, www.americanprogress.org/article/the-closing-gender-education-and-ideological-divides-behind-gen-zs-union-movement/. López Restrepo, Manuela. “Gen Z Is the Most pro Union Generation Alive. Will They Organize to Reflect That?” NPR, National Public Radio, 11 Apr. 2023, www.npr.org/2023/04/11/1169314853/union-rutgers-strike-gen-z-labor-work-workforce-starbucks-organizing. Burns, Hilary . “Gen Z Is Driving a Wave of Unionization on College Campuses — and Employers Should Pay Attention.” The Business Journals, 22 Oct. 2022, www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/news/2022/10/13/unionization-colleges-gen-z.html. Stack, Megan K. “Opinion - inside Starbucks’ Dirty War against Organized Labor.” The New York Times, 21 July 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/07/21/opinion/starbucks-union-strikes-labor-movement.html.
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Allow Us to Explain - A.I. and Generation Z
08/06/2024
Allow Us to Explain - A.I. and Generation Z
This episode of Allow Us to Explain focuses on artificial intelligence and Generation Z. Join host Chris and ONC policy content writer Greta (Justice and Public Safety) as we explore how AI is transforming Gen Z's experiences, viewpoints, and opportunities. We'll talk about how AI is affecting Gen Z, from its involvement in politics to its influence on the labor market, and see what the future holds. - - - Follow Our National Conversation on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ournationalconversation/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ournationalconversation YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/ournationalconversation Twitter: https://x.com/OurNatlConvo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ournationalconversation - - - References Pinto, T. (2023, October 24). Types of ai. Artificial Intelligence Act. https://artificialintelligenceact.com/understanding-ai-types-of-ai/ Delcker, J. (2020, January 28). Politico AI: Decoded: How Cambridge Analytica used AI - no, Google didn’t call for a ban on face recognition - restricting AI exports. POLITICO. https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/ai-decoded/politico-ai-decoded-how-cambridge-analytica-used-ai-no-google-didnt-call-for-a-ban-on-face-recognition-restricting-ai-exports/ Looney, A., Matthew Fiedler, L. A., & Korinek, A. (2021, January 4). How disinformation evolved in 2020. Brookings Institute. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-disinformation-evolved-in-2020/ DFRLab, A. C. (2024, January 17). #stopthesteal: Timeline of social media and extremist activities leading to 1/6 insurrection. Just Security. https://www.justsecurity.org/74622/stopthesteal-timeline-of-social-media-and-extremist-activities-leading-to-1-6-insurrection/ Risk in focus: Generative A.I. and the 2024 election cycle. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. (2024, January 18). https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/Consolidated_Risk_in_Focus_Gen_AI_ElectionsV2_508c.pdf Panditharatne, M., & Giansiracusa, N. (2023, October 5). How AI puts elections at risk - and the needed safeguards. Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-ai-puts-elections-risk-and-needed-safeguards McLellan, J. (2024, June 25). Ai: Pope expresses concern over “technocratic” future. USCCB. https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/ai-pope-expresses-concern-over-technocratic-future Henrik Skaug Sætra, (2020, June 8). A shallow defence of a technocracy of artificial intelligence: Examining the political harms of algorithmic governance in the domain of Government. Technology in Society. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160791X19305925 Cameron F. Kerry, J. P. M., Matt Perault, J. S. B. B., Norman Eisen, N. T. L., Yang You, M. M., & Valerie Wirtschafter, D. B. (2024, March 5). How public AI can strengthen democracy. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-public-ai-can-strengthen-democracy/ Larson, J., Angwin, J., Kirchner, L., & Mattu, S. (2016, May 23). How we analyzed the compas recidivism algorithm. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/how-we-analyzed-the-compas-recidivism-algorithm Managing bias in AI - Clarkson University. (n.d.-a). https://lin-web.clarkson.edu/~jmatthew/publications/ManagingBiasInAI_CAMERAREADY.pdf Patricia Gestoso (2022, June 10). How artificial intelligence is recolonising the Global South. The Mint Magazine. https://www.themintmagazine.com/how-artificial-intelligence-is-recolonising-the-global-south/ Leffer, L. (2024, February 20). Your personal information is probably being used to train generative AI models. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/your-personal-information-is-probably-being-used-to-train-generative-ai-models/ Duke University. (2023, November 29). How Companies Should Think About Compensating Users for Private Data. Fuqua School of Business. https://www.fuqua.duke.edu/duke-fuqua-insights/how-companies-should-think-about-compensating-users-private-data Sharma, G. (2024, July 30). Sam Altman-funded study suggests basic income could be key in AI-driven job market. TechGig. https://content.techgig.com/technology/sam-altman-funded-study-suggests-basic-income-could-be-key-in-ai-driven-job-market/articleshow/112125566.cms Varanasi, L., & Niemeyer, K. (2024, May 13). OpenAI’s Sam Altman has a new idea for a universal basic income. Yahoo! Tech. https://www.yahoo.com/tech/openais-sam-altman-idea-universal-213637146.html
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