The Nexus with Art Swift

The Nexus with Art Swift is a show devoted to the crossroads between politics, communications and culture. It is not "right" or "left" but finds the central point to explore a variety of topics and possibilities. We look at finding common ground, in an objective way.

How to Run for Congress 12/19/2021

How to Run for Congress Matt Castelli, a former CIA officer, is running for Congress in Upstate New York against prominent GOP House leader Elise Stefanik. What’s it like to run for Congress as a Democrat in what may be a Republican “wave” election? We discuss the landscape of Castelli’s unique congressional district, his background in the CIA and the Biden agenda. Also, I wonder if there is a “real America” out there, especially after in light of tornadoes devastating Kentucky. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/21531662

The Facts and Nothing But the Facts 12/13/2021

The Facts and Nothing But the Facts Poppy MacDonald, the President of USAFacts, a not-for-profit organization and website devoted to making government facts and data accessible to the public, joins me in The Nexus to discuss the mission of this organization and why combatting misinformation is so vital. Will people ever be able to accept one set of facts in national discourse? Also, I wonder what has happened to “strong and silent” men and why so many powerful men have become overly emotional and irresponsible. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/21462689

The Future of the Gig Economy 09/09/2021

The Future of the Gig Economy Thomas Bingham, a senior grassroots trainer at Americans for Prosperity, discusses the pending PRO Act in Congress and how it will have an impact on the “gig” economy. Is this legislation a way for independent workers to be protected with benefits and the ability to unionize or will it force many freelancers out of their side jobs? We explore these issues and I tackle Hurricane Ida and climate change. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/20418938

“Self-Boosting” to Stop Covid-19 08/17/2021

“Self-Boosting” to Stop Covid-19 Michael Karlis from Salon.com joins us to discuss the trend of concerned citizens who are taking booster shots for COVID-19 even if they haven’t been legally approved yet. By fervently monitoring their antibody levels, these folks are becoming “citizen scientists.” Are they crazy or on the cutting edge? Also, I’ll offer my personal thoughts on my experience in Afghanistan and how this current crisis compares to Vietnam. The two conflicts are very much not the same. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/20168864

12 Mighty Orphans 07/07/2021

12 Mighty Orphans Lane Garrison, screenwriter, producer and a star of the new movie “12 Mighty Orphans,” discusses why this film about an underdog football team in the Great Depression may be the perfect movie to see post-pandemic. Even if some critics have lambasted the film for so-called “toxic masculinity” and not having enough of a spotlight on women or Latino players. Garrison talks about these issues, plus working with the legendary Robert Duvall, and memories about starring in Prison Break and being on Yellows /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/19728233

Amend: The Fight for America 05/02/2021

Amend: The Fight for America Meet Robe Imbriano, the creator and executive producer of “Amemd: The Fight for America,” a star- studded limited series about the 14th Amendment, hosted by Will Smith. We discuss why equal protection under the law is vital now and how this controversial amendment has had an impact on civil rights, women’s equality, marriage equality and immigration. Robe also mentions how a top shelf Netflix series is made. Also, I’ll talk about the new 2020 Census results and what they mean. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/18942632

Cryptocurrency: Is It Finally Real? 04/15/2021

Cryptocurrency: Is It Finally Real? The Nexus welcomes Greg Schaefer, longtime friend of the show, and a recent investor of cryptocurrency as we explore his journey into this brave new world. Greg is bullish about the prospects of blockchain technology saving the world while redefining how finance is conducted. But is the negative, volatile reputation of cryptocurrency still justified? Also, I’ll discuss whether I think Washington DC should be the 51st state or not. The answer may surprise you. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/18732869

“Pelosi” and the Legacy of Madame Speaker 04/07/2021

“Pelosi” and the Legacy of Madame Speaker Molly Ball, the national political correspondent for Time magazine, discusses her best-selling book “Pelosi,” about the most powerful woman in American history, Nancy Pelosi. We tackle her rise through the Baltimore Democratic political machine, her signature legislative achievement, how she handled President Trump’s two impeachments, and whether there is still a rivalry with “The Squad.” Also, I’ll ponder whether Nancy Pelosi will ever give up power and retire, and who might succeed her as a le /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/18637364

"Lucky": How Joe Biden Barely Won the Presidency 03/11/2021

"Lucky": How Joe Biden Barely Won the Presidency Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, authors of the #1 New York Times best seller “Shattered,” return to The Nexus with their brand new book “Lucky: How Joe Biden Barely Won the Presidency.” They explain why the 2020 presidential race was much closer than commonly reported, how Biden beat the odds and unseated an incumbent, the fierce competition to be vice president, and the dubious role of President Barack Obama. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/18278129

Are the Islamic State and QAnon Similar? 03/01/2021

Are the Islamic State and QAnon Similar? “Are the Islamic State and QAnon Similar?” That is the question asked of Brent Giannotta, a writer and former counterintelligence analyst at the CIA. Giannotta discusses his new op-ed in the Los Angeles Times where he compares the terror group with the conspiracy theorists. How do those from QAnon who stormed the Capitol align with the rest of the 30 million Americans who follow this bizarre story? Also, the disastrous vaccine rollout and how it’s become something of a random free-for-all to get dosed /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/18131726

"Spymaster's Prism" and Russian Aggression 02/08/2021

"Spymaster's Prism" and Russian Aggression The CIA’s former director of operations, Jack Devine, joins me to discuss Russian aggression relating to Alexei Navalny, cyber attacks against the US, Russian bounties and Vladimir Putin’s power. Devine also talks about his new book, “Spymaster’s Prism” and chronicles his overseeing “Charlie Wilson’s War,” among other high profile CIA operations. And I’ll ponder whether we should tolerate those espousing QAnon and election fraud. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/17861582

In the Crosshairs of Twitter 02/01/2021

In the Crosshairs of Twitter With “In the Crosshairs of Twitter,” I am joined by Jordan Tygh, a Coast Guard veteran and former political operative in the California Republican Party. Jordan became a notorious overnight celebrity when he posed with a ballot box in October 2020, asking people to vote for now-Congresswoman Michelle Steel. His life was turned upside down when he was accused of illegal activities on Twitter, drawing the ire of Jimmy Kimmel, Alex Padilla & Xavier Becerra. But was he at fault? This is his story. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/17766902

The Enticing World of Nostalgia 12/16/2020

The Enticing World of Nostalgia In “The Enticing World of Nostalgia,” Estelle Erasmus, an author and professor, joins the Nexus to discuss her article in Wired, “Friends, Fleetwood Mac and the Viral Comfort of Nostalgia.” We dive into why nostalgia is so comforting in 2020, what are some of the cultural items people are nostalgic about, and whether there is a dark side to nostalgia. Also, I’ll talk about the new COVID-19 vaccine and the troubling anti-vaxxer movement. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/17213993

The Golden Age of Television 11/23/2020

The Golden Age of Television In “The Golden Age of Television,” legendary broadcasting announcer Randy West talks about his decades in show business. Randy has worked on some of the greatest game shows and reality shows in history, from The Price is Right to Deal or No Deal, The Weakest Link to Big Brother. He will share his views on the golden eras in television and where the industry is going. His stories about Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest and other luminaries are priceless. Also, what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/16915181

Joe Biden's Victory 11/13/2020

Joe Biden's Victory In “Joe Biden’s Victory,” we break down the impact of the election with Danny Barefoot, a political strategist and managing partner at Anvil Strategies. Barefoot talks about why this victory is a mixed bag, whether President Trump will return, the impact of Nancy Pelosi and why “defund the police” was such a toxic saying in 2020. Also, I’ll reflect on the improbable journey of Joe Biden and why there is a lot of hope for his administration, despite our current rancor. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/16800635

Your Polling Questions Answered 10/18/2020

Your Polling Questions Answered We speak with Jay Leve, the president & CEO of Survey USA, a survey research firm with an “A” rating from website Five Thirty Eight. Leve breaks down what brand new presidential and Senate polls in Georgia & North Carolina mean, while saying Americans should have a “healthy skepticism” about polling overall. Leve provides a lively and witty history of polling, explaining how we got to where we are now. Also, I discuss Fleetwood Mac and Van Halen, why they’re big again and what they mean to me. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/16444481

A Dog Called Hope 09/24/2020

A Dog Called Hope In “A Dog Called Hope,” former special operations officer Jason Morgan joins to discuss his best-selling book about a life-changing service dog. We trace Staff Sergeant Morgan’s journey from being a combat meteorologist for the Air Force to an injury that left him paralyzed. Morgan’s recovery takes on a new dimension when he meets Napal, a service-trained Labrador who helps him find a sense of purpose again. Also, how this warrior’s recovery is an inspiring tale for finding our way in these pandem /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/16141529

The Tragedy of China's Uyghurs 08/20/2020

The Tragedy of China's Uyghurs In "The Tragedy of China's Uyghurs," I'm joined by Nury Turkel, a human rights lawyer who serves on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Turkel, who was born in a "re-education" camp in China during the Cultural Revolution, goes in depth about what is happening in that region in China - concentration camps, exploitation and destroyed families. Are the Trump Administration's efforts to fight the problem working? Also, I'll tackle the mail-in voting morass. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/15689021

Spike Cohen, A Libertarian Vice President 07/23/2020

Spike Cohen, A Libertarian Vice President I'm joined by Spike Cohen, the Libertarian Party nominee for Vice President. Cohen explains why he is ideally suited to govern the United States with presidential nominee and recent Nexus guest Jo Jorgensen. He also details how we can defeat coronavirus, improve race relations and living with multiple sclerosis fuels him. Spike Cohen also offers biting thoughts on Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Finally, a tribute to my father, Arthur Swift Sr., who passed away from coronavirus and how much he inspired me. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/15327566

Putin's People 06/15/2020

Putin's People In “Putin’s People,” reporter and Russia expert Catherine Belton discusses her new book about Vladimir Putin’s rise to power. We cover the fall of the Soviet Union, Putin’s hand in the downfall of Boris Yeltsin, the rise of the Russian oligarchs and the relationship between Donald Trump and Russia. Will Putin rule forever? There are some dark clouds on the horizon that may surprise you. Also, we will look back at 25 great episodes of The Nexus. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/14826866

The Libertarian Nominee for President 06/09/2020

The Libertarian Nominee for President On “The Libertarian Nominee for President,” Jo Jorgensen enters the Nexus to discuss her platform to win the White House, her plan to alleviate civil unrest and why a third party is the right choice in 2020. Immigration, drug laws, healthcare, coronavirus, defunding the police, foreign military involvement – all are examined in depth in this special episode. I’ll also wrestle with my own feelings about police brutality, peaceful protesting and the silver lining I see on the horizon. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/14753981

Rudy Reyes & How to Stay Motivated in a Pandemic 05/18/2020

Rudy Reyes & How to Stay Motivated in a Pandemic Rudy Reyes, the United States Force Recon Marine who starred in the HBO miniseries “Generation Kill,” offers his thoughts about how to stay motivated in a pandemic. We also discuss how he got involved with Generation Kill, the legacy of this seminal miniseries and how his foundation, Force Blue: Coral Reef Conservation serves as a model for the world getting back on its feet. Also, which TV shows am I watching during the pandemic and are they recommended for you? /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/14459096

Finally, A Two Man Race 04/28/2020

Finally, A Two Man Race In “Finally, a Two Man Race,” David Lauter, the Washington Bureau Chief from the Los Angeles Times assesses how the 2020 presidential race stands now that President Trump and Vice President Biden are the presumptive nominees. Lauter discusses the meaning of an array of new polls, surprising parallels to previous elections, why senior citizens and young people are such crucial voting blocs and the big story the media is missing so far this election cycle. Also, why the US needs to open by this fall. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/14180273

The Instacart Shopper 04/13/2020

The Instacart Shopper On “The Instacart Shopper,” we meet Matt Gillette, an immunocompromised Washington DC resident who is a personal shopper at Instacart. Matt is risking his life to shop for food and groceries so residents in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area don’t have to. This is a story about a new type of first responder. I’ll also offer my predictions for what I think will change after coronavirus is gone from our lives. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/13965179

An Economic Plunge, Coronavirus and My Dad 04/03/2020

An Economic Plunge, Coronavirus and My Dad In "An Economic Plunge, Coronavirus and My Dad," Mark Hamrick, the Washington Bureau Chief and Senior Economic Analyst at Bankrate.com, joins us to discuss the skyrocketing jobless claims and unemployment situation due to coronavirus. Hamrick breaks down what all the numbers mean and why nothing we've experienced before prepares us for this economically. Also, I'll talk about my father, who is now a presumed COVID-19 patient and what we're going through. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/13840349

How the Government is Responding to Coronavirus 03/12/2020

How the Government is Responding to Coronavirus On this episode, Greg Bice of GAP Solutions, a consultant to the federal government on public health preparedness and response, discusses the ongoing efforts by the Trump Administration and government at large to battle COVID-19, the coronavirus. Bice talks about what the agencies are doing and how this pandemic will affect businesses and the public at large. How does this compare to Ebola? Could air travel get shut down? Also, the winners, losers and political outcomes of the virus gripping the nation. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/13527950

Gunfight at the Virginia Corral 01/20/2020

Gunfight at the Virginia Corral In “Gunfight at the Virginia Corral,” we explore the highly controversial gun control legislation in Virginia, which may become a test case in the rest of the country. Will the state compel firearms owners to register their weapons? Will certain semi-automatic weapons be banned or confiscated? My guests include Adam Winkler, the nation’s foremost constitutional scholar on the Second Amendment and a law professor at UCLA, along with Phil Hochevar, a former US Marine, firearms owner & instructor in Virg /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/12803567

Better Off Than Four Years Ago 12/30/2019

Better Off Than Four Years Ago In “Better Off Than Four Years Ago,” Jonathan Allen from NBC News and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Shattered” discusses whether voters are swayed by “game changing” moments or if they are generally set in their voting patterns election to election. We also discuss the aftermath of “Shattered” and what the Clintons may have thought of the book. Also, I’ll talk about what I’ve learned in the first year of the two year presidential campaign. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/12562784

The Long Southern Strategy 12/23/2019

The Long Southern Strategy In this episode, The Long Southern Strategy, Angie Maxwell and Todd Shields from the University of Arkansas make the case about how and why the South went from solidly Democratic to rock ribbed Republican. The reasons aren’t what you may think. Hint: much of it has to do with women and religion. Also, an unofficial look back at the 2010s. It’s the Facebook Decade! /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/12503996

Boris, Brexit and Britannia 12/16/2019

Boris, Brexit and Britannia In Boris, Brexit and Britannia, we speak with Garret Martin, a transatlantic scholar who will break down what the UK election means for Boris Johnson and for Brexit. Is this the end of the United Kingdom as we know it? Or will Britain thrive with the clarity of this outcome? Also, I draw parallels to the current prospects of Donald Trump coming out of this election. /episode/index/show/thenexus/id/12417578

The Nexus with Art Swift

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