Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Dispatches from the Divide

The fundraiser exploded overnight — and so did the backlash. As Dave Butler's small act of compassion turns into a national story, a nagging doubt creeps in: what if he's making things worse for the people he's trying to help? In Episode 2 of Dispatches from the Divide, Dave finally makes contact with the family at the center of it all, in a pair of raw, emotional phone calls that neither side saw coming. What happens next puts his decision — and its consequences — into a whole new light. —----- Subscribe to Dispatches from the Divide for more true stories of ordinary people in extraordinary situations that take an unexpected turn. Hosted by Monica Guzman.  —----- Dispatches from the Divide is a co-production of BYUradio, Disagree Better and Braver Angels. Connect with us on social media @DispatchesfromtheDivide If you’re enjoying the podcast, you’ll love the new documentary “A House United.” Find a screening near you: https://www.jojofilm.co.uk/ahouseunited More about Disagree Better: https://disagreebetter.us/ More about Braver Angels: https://braverangels.org/ More podcasts from BYUradio: https://www.byuradio.org/ Listen to Monica Guzman’s other podcast “A Braver Way” https://www.moniguzman.com/abraverway CHAPTERS (0:00) A Risky Fundraiser (0:45) Viral Attention Hits (2:18) Backlash and Doubt (3:57) Mistaken Identity Trouble (4:55) Trying to Reach the Family (6:45) Sister Reaches Out (7:43) A Tearful Drive Call (11:32) Talking to the Widow (14:04) Trust and Ongoing Support (14:42) Nearly 400K Raised (16:05) The Pebble and the Avalanche (18:29) Monica's Takeaway (19:47) Next Time and Credits #GrandBlancShooting #PoliticalPolarization #BridgingDivides #MoralCourage #LatterDaySaints #FaithAndForgiveness #Compassion #BraverAngels #DisagreeBetter #BYUradio

Julie Spilsbury was known around Mesa, Arizona, for two things: her city council seat and her cinnamon rolls. Then one public decision turned people she'd known for twenty years — church members, fellow moms, neighbors down the street — into the architects of an unprecedented recall campaign. And the man leading the charge against her was about to make a move nobody saw coming, including him. This is Episode 3 of Dispatches from the Divide — true stories of  ordinary people in extraordinary situations that take an unexpected turn. Hosted by Monica Guzman.  —----- Dispatches from the Divide is a co-production of BYUradio, Disagree Better and Braver Angels. Connect with us on social media @DispatchesfromtheDivide If you’re enjoying the podcast, you’ll love the new documentary “A House United.” Find a screening near you: https://www.jojofilm.co.uk/ahouseunited More about Disagree Better: https://disagreebetter.us/ More about Braver Angels: https://braverangels.org/ More podcasts from BYUradio: https://www.byuradio.org/ Listen to Monica Guzman’s other podcast “A Braver Way” https://www.moniguzman.com/abraverway CHAPTERS (0:00) Recall Petition Shock (2:00) Why Politics Feels Like War (3:03) Cinnamon Roll Diplomacy (5:13) First Big Council Vote (7:13) Governing by Conscience (9:19) Endorsing Democrats Publicly (11:31) Bob Sparks the Recall (17:01) Signatures and Obsession (19:26) Community Fallout and Hurt (21:48) An Unexpected Meeting Setup (22:41) Next Time and Credits #JulieSpilsbury #MesaArizona #PoliticalPolarization #LocalPolitics #RecallElection #DispatchesFromTheDivide #BraverAngels #DisagreeBetter #BYUradio

A tweet on a quiet Sunday morning stops Dave Butler cold: a shooting at a Latter-day Saint church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. He doesn't know a single victim — but he’s a member of the same faith, so the attack feels personal. As the news spreads and fear turns to anger online, Dave makes a choice that no one sees coming, one that will pull him into the national spotlight and put him directly in the path of backlash he never expected. Dispatches from the Divide features  true stories of  ordinary people in extraordinary situations that take an unexpected turn. Hosted by Monica Guzman. —----- Dispatches from the Divide is a co-production of BYUradio, Disagree Better and Braver Angels. Connect with us on social media @DispatchesfromtheDivide If you’re enjoying the podcast, you’ll love the new documentary “A House United.” Find a screening near you: https://www.jojofilm.co.uk/ahouseunited More about Disagree Better: https://disagreebetter.us/ More about Braver Angels: https://braverangels.org/ More podcasts from BYUradio: https://www.byuradio.org/ Listen to Monica Guzman’s other podcast “A Braver Way” https://www.moniguzman.com/abraverway —----- CHAPTERS (0:00) Breaking News Shock (1:09) Fear Spreads Online (2:03) Welcome to Dispatches from the Divide (3:40) Attack Details Emerge (5:25) Personal Vulnerability (6:30) A Radical Idea Appears (9:05) Walkies And Motives (11:18) Faith And Compassion (13:04) Launching The Fundraiser (14:39) Glitches And A Pivot (16:25) Viral Donations Roll In (17:54) Media Attention And Trolls (18:25) Next Episode Tease #DispatchesFromTheDivide #BraverAngels #GrandBlancShooting #Forgiveness #DisagreeBetter #TrueStoryPodcast #ActsOfCompassion #FaithInAction #PodcastEpisode #BYUradio

Four stories. Four ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances . . . that take some surprising turns. In this limited series, Monica Guzman follows individuals into moments of extreme conflict. Stakes are high—relationships, careers, and communities on the line. But just when you think you know how the story ends, one person does something to turn the whole plot on its head. These are gripping looks at courage, compassion, forgiveness, and the surprising ways people respond when tension is at its peak. Welcome to Dispatches from the Divide. From the team behind Top of Mind with Julie Rose, Dispatches from the Divide is a co-production of BYUradio, Braver Angels, and Disagree Better.

A personal note from Julie with a bittersweet announcement and some exciting changes coming to the Top of Mind feed in the coming weeks.  Watch for Dispatches from the Divide to debut right here on September 28th. A new podcast from the Top of Mind team, Dispatches from the Divide is a co-production of BYUradio, Braver Angels and Disagree Better. It's hosted by Monica Guzman and follows four ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations that take an unexpected turn.

What does it mean to be lonely, and what can we do about it? On this episode of Top of Mind, psychiatrist Dr. Frank Clark explains why loneliness is a public health issue and why it doesn’t always look the way we expect. Charlotte Donlon, author of The Great Belonging, explores loneliness as a longing for belonging, while game designer Matt Fantastic shares how his board-game shop is creating a “third space” where strangers can connect. Together, they ask whether loneliness is something to solve, something to listen to, or both. GUESTS Dr. Frank Clark, psychiatrist at Prisma-Health Upstate, clinical associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville (https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/authors/frank-clark-md). Matt Fantastic, co-owner of Elm City Games in New Haven, Connecticut (https://www.elmcitygames.com/). Charlotte Donlon, spiritual director and author of The Great Belonging: How Loneliness Leads Us to Each Other (https://charlottedonlon.com/the-great-belonging-book). CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (2:30) Loneliness as Epidemic (8:17) Defining Loneliness (10:40) Health Risks Explained (16:54) Meaning Purpose Prescription (20:34) Finding Third Spaces (25:41) Matt Fantastic Origins (26:21) Opening Elm City Games (28:55) Third Space Magic (34:43) Loneliness as Signal (36:30) Meet Charlotte Donlon (37:30) Belonging Defines Loneliness (40:03) Art as Belonging (43:57) Spiritual Loneliness (47:24) Living with Loneliness (49:35) Talking About It (51:11) Conclusion

What does it take to create a new American tradition? For years, Jay Winuk and David Paine have been fighting to transform September 11th into a National Day of Service. Now, just when their effort seems stuck, help arrives from an unexpected place. But getting Washington on board is only the beginning. How do you turn an idea into something millions of Americans will actually do year after year? And as more Americans grow up with no firsthand memory of 9/11, can service preserve something important about the way the country responded in its aftermath? In Part 2, host Julie Rose follows the surprising final chapters of an effort to change what 9/11 means on the American calendar and explores what it takes to keep the memory of that day alive for generations who weren't there to experience it. GUESTS Jay Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day David Paine, co-founder of 9/11 Day Cindy McGinty, 9/11 widow who played a pivotal role in the effort Fred Dombo, attorney and lobbyist Andrea Sorkin, 9/11 Day event leader Learn more and find opportunities to serve at https://www.911day.org/ Other resources for volunteer and service opportunities: https://www.americorps.gov/serve/volunteer/911-day https://createthegood.aarp.org/ https://www.justserve.org/ CHAPTERS (0:00) Part Two Setup (2:30) 2008 Political Opening (3:25) Serve America Act Push (6:02) Cindy McGinty Story (15:52) Bill Signed into Law (16:33) Ad Break (17:09) Making Service Catch On (19:07) Signature Meal Packing Events (21:26) Scaling for 25th Anniversary (23:45) Teaching the Next Generation (25:33) How to Get Involved (26:19) Closing Credits

Every September 11th, millions of Americans honor the victims of 9/11 by volunteering and doing good in their communities. But how did the anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil become a National Day of Service? In Part 1 of “The Untold Story of How America Remembers 9/11,” host Julie Rose traces the idea back to the aftermath of the attacks, when Americans responded to tragedy with an extraordinary outpouring of service and unity. After losing his brother Glenn—a volunteer firefighter and EMT who rushed to the World Trade Center to help—Jay Winuk joined his longtime colleague David Paine with an ambitious idea: What if Americans could recapture that spirit of unity every September 11th through service? They had no staff, no budget and no roadmap for navigating Washington. And turning their idea into a national tradition would prove much harder than they imagined. GUESTS Jay Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day David Paine, co-founder of 9/11 Day Terry Sears, nonprofit leader and former executive director of Tuesday’s Children Fred Dombo, attorney and lobbyist who helped lead the effort in Washington Learn more and find opportunities to serve at https://www.911day.org/ Other resources for volunteer and service opportunities: https://www.americorps.gov/serve/volunteer/911-day https://createthegood.aarp.org/ https://www.justserve.org/ CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (2:04) Glenn Winuk Story (4:04) Grief and Unity (9:18) David Paine Idea (12:39) Nonprofit Aftermath (16:06) No Holiday Just Action (17:13) Enter Fred Dombo (19:52) Roadblocks on Capitol Hill (22:46) Breakthrough Resolution (24:44) Not Done Yet (25:35) Part Two Tease

Artificial intelligence can write poems, compose music, create works of art, and even help produce podcasts. But if AI can create almost anything, what makes human creativity special? In this episode, we explore one of today's biggest questions with philosopher Lindsay Brainard, illustrator Jon Cockley, musician Kate Brunotts, and pioneering AI artist Claire Silver. Together, they wrestle with whether AI is replacing creativity, expanding it, or simply changing what it means to create. GUESTS Kate Brunotts, freelance music producer (https://www.breakingsound.com/kate-brunotts) John Cockley, co-founder of the illustration agency, Handsome Frank (https://www.handsomefrank.com/) Lindsay Brainard, professor of philosophy at the University of Alabama, Birmingham (https://www.lindsaybrainard.com/home) Claire Silver, AI collaborative artist (https://www.clairesilver.com/selected-work) CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:17) Kids Love DALL-E (2:51) AI Everywhere Now (4:14) Musicians and AI (7:16) Ownership and Credit (9:40) Illustrators Push Back (17:28) Cheese Sonnet Test (25:19) Protecting Creativity and Connection (28:05) Offloading Drudgery to AI (29:38) AI as Creative Enabler (30:19) Claire Silver AI Collaborator (34:08) Promptcraft and Taste (39:14) Authorship Influence and Rights (43:19) Ghost in the Machine Finale

Family estrangement is more common than most people realize and far more complicated than people often assume. In this episode, we explore why parents and adult children become estranged, what makes reconciliation so difficult, and why some families can reconnect after years—or even decades—apart. You'll hear the remarkable story of author Charlotte Gill, who reunited with her father after 20 years apart, alongside insights from psychologist Dr. Joshua Coleman, author of “Rules of Estrangement,” and researcher Sheri McGregor, who has spent years studying the experience of estranged parents. GUESTS Charlotte Gill, author of “Almost Brown: A Memoir” (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705633/almost-brown-by-charlotte-gill/). Sheri McGregor, author of “Done with the Crying: Help and Healing for Mothers of Estranged Adult Children” (https://a.co/d/93JwJ4C). Joshua Coleman, clinical psychologist and author of “The Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict” (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622584/rules-of-estrangement-by-joshua-coleman-phd/). CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:07) Charlotte’s Break (2:58) Why Families Split (9:37) Reunion in Bogota (16:28) No Apology Needed (17:58) Life with Dad Today (21:26) Parents Left Behind (29:10) Choosing Joy Again (31:58) Reconciliation Is Possible (33:29) Culture Fuels Estrangement (38:24) Coleman’s Family Story (42:24) Letter of Amends (45:19) Boundaries and Common Mistakes (49:18) What Reconciliation Looks Like (53:32) Conclusion

Can you joke about anything, or are some topics simply off limits? In this episode, we explore what makes something funny, why people disagree so deeply about what's offensive, and whether comedy has ethical limits. Through conversations with a stand-up comedian and two philosophers, we examine race, satire, intent, workplace humor, and the surprising ways laughter can strengthen or strain our relationships. GUESTS Isak Allen, stand-up comedian (https://www.drybarcomedy.com/isaka). Luvell Anderson, Professor of Philosophy, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; scholar of the ethics of racial humor (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/josp.12384). Mike Cundall, Professor of Philosophy, North Carolina A&T State University; founder of Mirth Management Consulting and author of “The Humor Hack” (https://www.mirthmanagement.co/). CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:09) Meet Comic Isak Allen (2:01) Race Jokes and Family History (5:59) Why Humor Matters (7:02) Comedy as Catharsis (8:39) Avoiding Hacky Stereotypes (9:18) Anything Off Limits (11:09) “Blaccent” and Obama Bit (16:37) Philosophers on Laughter (20:41) Race Satire and Colbert (25:03) Racially Insensitive Humor (31:31) Offense and Power (36:34) Workplace Humor Debate (49:09) Humor as Kindness

Why do some difficult conversations leave us feeling understood while others leave us frustrated and further apart? In this episode, we explore a surprisingly powerful tool that can make even the hardest conversations easier: storytelling. You'll hear about groundbreaking research from BYU showing how personal stories can increase empathy between autistic and neurotypical individuals. You'll learn why vulnerability helps people connect across differences, how stories create understanding where facts and arguments often fail, and why some of the world's leading dialogue facilitators begin difficult conversations by asking people to share a personal story. GUESTS Garrett Cardon, cognitive neuroscientist, audiologist, and Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at Brigham Young University (https://education.byu.edu/directory/view/garrett-cardon). Kennedy Kleinman, storytelling researcher, workshop facilitator, and master’s student in English at Brigham Young University (https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/studentpub_uht/480/). John Sarrouf, Co-Executive Director of Essential Partners (https://whatisessential.org/). Story Slam participants – Zanza, Julie, Benjamin, Emma, and Natalie Top of Mind episode featuring the Abortion Talks - https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-how-to-talk-about-abortion CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:44) The Double Empathy Problem (4:30) Storytelling Experiment Setup (9:52) Five Stories on Stage (15:52) Results Brain Sync and Takeaways (25:55) Transformative Story Framework (29:18) Workshop Steps (32:18) Storytelling Beyond Campus (35:09) Stories in Deep Divides (46:54) Asking for Stories (53:11) Conclusion

Every year, millions of Americans receive a jury summons, but how many of us truly understand the responsibility that comes with deciding another person's fate? In this episode, we explore one of the foundations of American democracy: trial by jury. We’ll hear from a juror who struggled with the weight of a guilty verdict, a man who was wrongfully convicted and sent to death row, and a former felon who argues that America's jury system excludes crucial voices. GUESTS Kristin Campbell, Senior Fellow, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE) (https://www.pacefunders.org/). Herman Lindsey, Executive Director of Witness to Innocence and a former death row prisoner (https://www.witnesstoinnocence.org/). James Binnall, attorney, professor at California State University Long Beach, and author of “Twenty Million Angry Men: The Case for Including Convicted Felons in Our Jury System” (https://www.ucpress.edu/books/twenty-million-angry-men/paper). Valerie Hans, Professor of Law at Cornell University and one of the nation's leading jury researchers (https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/faculty-research/faculty-directory/valerie-hans/). CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:05) Kristin Campbell Jury Shock (3:55) Who Counts as a Peer (5:42) Deliberating the Gun Charge (7:32) Verdict Weight and Aftermath (10:35) Defendant Perspective Herman Lindsey (16:57) How Juries Get Skewed (20:27) Felons Banned from Juries (25:32) Binnall Research on Inclusion (34:43) Host Jury Story and Fixes (49:47) Rebuilding Trust in Juries

Why does it feel like everyone is asking for a tip now? From coffee shops and takeout counters to self-checkout screens, tipping culture in America has changed fast, and many of us feel confused, pressured, or even guilty about it. In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore the hidden psychology of tipping, the history behind it, and what our tipping habits reveal about power, status, fairness, and human connection. Hear from customers who feel overwhelmed by “tip creep,” workers who rely on gratuities to survive, restaurant owners struggling to pay staff fairly, and one of the nation’s leading experts on tipping behavior. GUESTS Matt Johnson, Top of Mind listener from Texas Jaime Wilson, behind-the-counter worker, food blogger and self-employed baker (https://www.jaime-wilson.com/about). Mike Fadem, owner and founder of Ops and Leo, pizzerias in Brooklyn, New York and drummer for The Jealous Girlfriends (https://www.opsbk.com/). Michael Lynn, professor of consumer behavior and services marketing at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration (http://www.tippingresearch.com/). CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:04) Why Tipping Feels Weird (6:24) Workers’ Side of the Counter (10:44) Tipping’s Dark History (17:04) Going Tip Free (19:44) Why Tip Free Failed (22:22) Pandemic Tip Shifts (25:51) Pooling Tips (28:03) Tip Creep Meets Tipflation (34:26) Digital Screens Pressure Us (39:36) Discrimination/Inequity (43:35) Why Ending Tipping Fails (46:44) A Better System (48:00) What Tipping Says About Us (52:17) Conclusion

Who owns culture, and who gets to tell its stories? We explore the complex and often uncomfortable debate around cultural ownership, appropriation, and representation. You’ll hear how a hidden figure in a centuries-old painting forced museums to rethink history, why some argue artifacts should be returned to their communities, and how others worry that limiting who can tell cultural stories may actually close doors to understanding. We also explore stories of repatriation and healing, alongside questions about cultural appreciation vs. appropriation. GUESTS Marenka Thompson-Odlum, PhD, Research Curator, Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford (https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/labelling-matters). Tiffany Jenkins, journalist and author of “Keeping Their Marbles: How the Treasures of the Past Ended Up in Museums and Why They Should Stay There” (https://tiffanyjenkinsinfo.com/). Ann E. Meilus Esq., President of the Barre Museum Association Manny Iron Hawk, member of the Lakota Nation; Spokesperson for HAWK (Heartbeat at Wounded Knee) 1890 Survivor Descendants society Renee Iron Hawk, member of the Lakota Nation; Secretary for HAWK 1890 Survivor Descendants society (https://nativenewsonline.net/sovereignty/we-re-going-to-make-a-way-wounded-knee-survivors-and-relatives-travel-to-new-england-to-ask-for-their-artifacts-back). Mia Moody-Ramirez, PhD Chair of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media, Baylor University College of Arts & Sciences (https://www.miamoody.org/). CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:57) Glasgow Portrait Revealed (2:58) Scotland and Slavery Links (4:48) Reframing Museum Labels (7:02) Inside Pitt Rivers Museum (9:57) Three Curator Questions (13:51) Shrunken Heads Removed (16:28) Who Owns the Past (21:17) Case Study Elgin Marbles (28:33) Wounded Knee Repatriation (39:02) Appreciation vs Appropriation (47:49) Navigating Gray Areas

America’s kids are facing serious challenges, from rising anxiety and depression to falling behind in school and growing up in increasingly complex family situations. But there’s also hope. In this episode of Top of Mind, we’ll hear from educators, researchers, and policy experts tackling the biggest issues facing kids today: from teen mental health first aid in schools, to rethinking education after the pandemic, to addressing chronic absenteeism and supporting single mothers. GUESTS Jen Schnormeier, Instructional coach at Gilbert High School, lead trainer for Teen Mental Health First Aid (https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/). Justin Reich, professor of digital media at MIT, Director of the Teaching Systems Lab, host of the Teach Lab podcast, author of “Failure to Disrupt” (https://www.teachlabpodcast.com/). Hedy Chang, founder and executive director of Attendance Works (https://www.attendanceworks.org/). Ronald Mincy, professor of Social Policy and Social Work Practice, Columbia University, co-founder of the Future Families and Child Wellbeing Study (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300330248_Effect_of_Father_Engagement_on_Child_Behaviors). CHAPTERS (0:00) Teachers Unprepared (1:15) Mental Health First Aid (2:29) Why Kids Are Struggling (11:22) Handling Suicide Talk (17:19) Academic Crisis Pivot (18:43) Pandemic Lessons from Students (27:41) Chronic Absence Surge (29:50) Why Attendance Matters (31:25) Barriers Keeping Kids Home (36:52) Single Parenthood Spotlight (41:36) Reframing Nonresident Fathers

Most Americans focus on the general election in November. But what if the real decision is happening months earlier? In this episode of Top of Mind, we take a closer look at primary elections, the often-overlooked part of the political process that determines who actually makes it onto the final ballot. In fact, in many districts, whoever wins the primary is almost guaranteed to win the general election. So why don’t more people vote in primaries? And are the rules of the system helping or hurting our democracy? Host Julie Rose speaks with advocates for and against primary election reform to discuss new possibilities for a more representative future. GUESTS Nick Troiano, founder of Unite America and author of “The Primary Solution: Rescuing Our Democracy from the Fringes” (https://www.uniteamerica.org/). Charlie Buckles, deputy chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party and a delegate to five Republican National Conventions. Doug Goodman, an independent voter and founder of Nevadans for Election Reform (https://www.facebook.com/Nevadansforelectionreform/). Rob Boatright, a political science professor at Clark University, and author of several books on the history of primary elections (https://wordpress.clarku.edu/rboatright/). Top of Mind episode about money in politics - https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-what-can-we-do-about-americas-money-in-politics-problem Top of Mind episode about rebuilding trust in elections - https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-what-will-it-take-to-rebuild-american-trust-in-elections CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:31) Nick’s Run and Wake Up Call (4:45) The Case for One Ballot (13:25) Louisiana Switchback Debate (25:40) Polarization and Primaries (31:46) Fixing Weak Parties (34:49) Ballot Initiatives Roadblocks (36:25) Ranked Choice Voting Explained (37:47) Nevada Top Five Proposal (43:58) Ranked Choice Critiques (45:03) Turnout Versus Rule Changes (45:55) National Primary Day Idea (50:04) Conclusion

Getting pulled over is one of the most common interactions Americans have with police, but do routine traffic stops make our communities safer? In this episode, we explore the real impact of traffic enforcement through powerful personal stories, expert insight, and new data from cities rethinking how policing works. Alexander Landau shares the traffic stop that nearly cost him his life and how it led him to advocate for reform. Valerie Castile reflects on the killing of her son, Philando Castile, and the pattern of stops that preceded his death. Meanwhile, law enforcement leaders and researchers weigh-in on whether reducing low-level traffic stops can improve safety, reduce racial disparities, and protect officers. Original airdate: August 21, 2023 GUESTS Alexander Landau, founder and Director of Community Relations for Denver Justice Project (https://www.denverjusticeproject.org/). Valerie Castile, mother of Philando Castile and President of the Philando Castile Relief Foundation (https://www.philandocastilefoundation.org/). Officer Mark Ross, St. Paul police officer and President of the St. Paul Police Federation (https://sppdfederation.com/). Dr. Thaddeus Johnson, Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Georgia State University, Senior Fellow at the Council on Criminal Justice, and former Memphis police officer (https://time.com/6252760/reducing-fatal-police-encounters-traffic-stops/). Chief Axel Henry, current Chief of Police for the Saint Paul Police Department (https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/police/administration-office-chief). CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:54) Landau Stop Turns Violent (11:49) Philando Castile Pattern (19:22) St Paul Cuts Low Level Stops (22:13) A Friendly Equipment Stop (24:07) Warnings and Compliance (25:58) Officer Safety Mindset (26:42) Worst Case Traffic Stop (29:02) Officer Conduct (33:20) Low Level Stops and Staffing Crunch (36:46) Chief Henry's Mind Change (39:44) Reform Evidence from Fayetteville (42:51) Incentives and AI Risks (51:13) Trauma Informed Policing

Who deserves to be healthy—and who’s responsible for making that possible? In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore one of the toughest questions in modern healthcare: how we decide who gets care, compassion, and lifesaving treatment. A doctor reflects on a moment with a patient that changed his understanding of kindness in medicine. A widow shares the devastating consequences of a transplant policy that kept her husband from getting the organ he needed. And a bioethicist walks us through the uncomfortable reality of deciding who gets lifesaving care when resources are scarce. Original airdate – March 13, 2023 GUESTS Dr. Michael Stein, primary care physician and Chair of Health Policy at the Boston University School of Public Health (https://www.michaelsteinbooks.com/home) Debra Selkirk, Chief Advocacy Officer at the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism and widow of a liver failure patient (https://centerforhealthjournalism.org/debra-selkirk) Dr. Jacob M. Appel, psychiatrist and bioethicist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (https://jacobmappel.com/) Dr. Dayna Bowen Matthew, Dean of the George Washington University Law School and expert in public health and civil rights law (https://www.law.gwu.edu/dayna-bowen-matthew) CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:57) Beatrice and the Broken Promise (3:17) Kindness Over Judgment (5:47) Empathy Improves Outcomes (8:35) Public Health vs Individualism (13:03) Alcohol and Transplant Fairness (26:09) Social Worth Taboo (27:32) Stewardship and Past Choices (29:07) Vaccine Refusal Priority (31:28) Manufactured Medical Scarcity (34:27) Just Health and Family Story (47:16) Racism Stress and Community Action

Can a nation truly heal from historic injustice, or does there come a point when it’s simply too late? In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore what it really means to repair the harms of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism — not just through money, but through truth, relationship, and repentance. A genealogist and descendant of enslaved people and a descendant of the largest slave-trading dynasty in U.S. history share the powerful story behind their book, “Gather at the Table,” and the unlikely friendship that grew from confronting their families’ painful pasts. We also examine how other nations have attempted repair. A leading expert explains what South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission got right (and what it didn’t), and a rabbi outlines a five-step process for repentance and repair that challenges America’s tendency to rush to forgiveness without doing the deeper work. GUESTS Sharon Leslie Morgan, founder of Our Black Ancestry and co-author of “Gather at the Table” (https://gatheratthetable.net/) Tom DeWolf, director and manager at Coming to the Table and co-author of “Gather at Table” (https://comingtothetable.org/) (NOTE: Sharon Morgan died suddenly on Feb. 24, 2026. Read Tom’s tribute to her here: https://tomdewolf.com/2026/02/25/remembering-sharon-leslie-morgan/) Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm, professor of Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention at Binghamton University (https://www.binghamton.edu/i-gmap/people/core_team.html) Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author of “On Repentance and Repair” (https://danyaruttenberg.net/) Original airdate: December 12, 2022 CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:52) Meet Sharon and Tom (1:55) Unearthing Family Histories (6:07) Coming to the Table (9:16) Parallel Worlds Exposed (12:13) Alabama Cemetery Reckoning (26:53) TRC Impact on Victims (27:25) Reparations Promises and Reality (28:01) Did the TRC Worsen Race Relations (28:26) Limits of Truth for Healing (30:22) When Truth Commissions Work Best (31:10) America’s Patchwork Truth Efforts (33:17) What Individuals Ca

The death penalty - maybe more than any other question of crime and punishment - poses a conundrum for America as a majority Christian nation. Since colonial times, Christian ministers and believers have been among the strongest supporters of capital punishment for murder. Today, American Christianity is more divided. And the Bible offers seemingly contradictory guidance. From the Old Testament’s call to justice and retribution to the New Testament’s emphasis on grace and forgiveness, Christians wrestle with what kind of justice system reflects the will of God. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose seeks for clarity on the matter as a Christian herself. She speaks with a Baptist pastor who ministers to death row inmates and opposes capital punishment, a Presbyterian pastor who considers the Bible clear in its support of the death penalty as God’s law, and a Southern Baptist seminary graduate and trial lawyer who questions America’s ability to implement capital punishment as God intended. GUESTS Pastor Kevin Riggs, senior pastor of Franklin Community Church. Co-author of “Today! The Best Day of My Life” with Pastor Kevin Burns, who is on death row in Tennessee. https://www.amazon.com/Today-Best-Day-My-Life/dp/B0DBJNP92T Reverend Rom Prashkapalan, pastor at Zion Presbyterian Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia https://www.zion-presbyterian.com/ Matthew T. Martens, Southern Baptist seminary graduate, trial lawyer and author of Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal https://matthew-martens.com/ CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:38) History and Modern Divide (4:43) Case for Abolition (9:02) Restorative Justice and Victims (18:32) Pro Death Penalty Theology (27:34) Why God Punishes (28:55) Life in Prison vs Execution (30:38) Repentance and Exceptions (34:27) Wrongful Convictions Debate (44:13) Reforming Justice with Love

Americans work more hours than people in nearly every other wealthy country—are we better off for it? In this episode of Top of Mind, we unpack the deep roots of the American work ethic and why so many of us feel overworked, burned out, and unable to step away from our jobs. From the rise of “meaningful work” to the hidden costs of hustle culture, this conversation explores how work became central to our identity—and what that’s costing us. GUESTS Joshua Fields Millburn, co-founder, “The Minimalists” (https://joshuafieldsmillburn.com/) Jamie McCallum, author of "Worked Over: How Round-the-Clock Work is Killing the American Dream" (https://www.jamiekmccallum.com/) Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, author of "Shorter: Work Better, Smarter, and Less—Here's How" (https://www.4dayweek.studio/) Ursula Mead, founder, and CEO of InHerSight (https://www.inhersight.com/) CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (2:38) From Corporate Climber to Minimalist (7:44) America's Work Culture (13:55) Evolution of Work in America (18:23) Income Inequality and Overwork (19:33) Less Work and More Meaning (22:21) Unions and Corporate Responsibility (23:18) Four-Day Work Week (40:18) Paid Time Off and Flexibility (41:56) Unlimited Paid Time Off (49:15) Work-Life Integration During the Pandemic (51:18) The Societal Impact of Working Less

Family history can sometimes feel distant, irrelevant, or even risky. Why look back when the past may hold stories we’d rather not claim? In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore why learning about our ancestors matters—how their stories, traditions, and struggles can shape our identity and strengthen family bonds. We also wrestle with a harder question: what do we do when our history includes dark or painful truths? Together, we consider how facing the full story of our past can foster resilience, understanding, and growth. GUESTS Christopher Jones, BYU History Professor (https://christophercjones.com/) Libby Copeland, author of “The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are” (https://libbycopeland.com/) Edward Di Gangi, author of “The Gift Best Given: A Memoir” (https://www.digangiauthor.com/) Gaynell Brady, owner of Our Mammy’s (https://ourmammys.com/) CHAPTERS (0:00) Family Reunion Memories (1:23) Discovering a Complicated Legacy (6:43) Teaching and Reconciling History (8:02) A Personal Family History Project (15:03) Adoption and Biological Roots (19:53) The Search for Biological Family (24:18) Unexpected Discoveries (26:15) Connecting with Ancestral Roots (27:59) A Dream Visit from Grandmother (28:31) Uncovering Family Tragedies (30:06) The Popularity of Genealogy (31:41) American Identity and Genealogy (39:02) African American Genealogy Challenges (48:56) Healing Through Genealogy (53:21) Conclusion Original airdate: August 29, 2022

Disgust is one of our most primal emotions—hardwired into the brain, yet shaped profoundly by culture, upbringing, and personal experience. While we often associate it with spoiled food or foul smells, disgust reaches far deeper into the human psyche. It influences how we judge others, how we draw moral boundaries, and even how we vote. In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore why we feel disgust and the surprising power it holds in shaping our lives. From an artist who uses revulsion to prompt deeper conversation, to a pioneering scientist studying the psychology of disgust, to a political scientist tracking its influence on policy preferences—and parents navigating everyday moments of discomfort and connection—we uncover why disgust deserves serious attention in a time marked by division and distrust. GUESTS Samuel West, co-founder of the Disgusting Foods Museum in Sweden (https://disgustingfoodmuseum.com/) Andrea Hasler, London-based sculptor (https://www.andreahasler.com/) Paul Rozin, retired professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania (https://psychology.sas.upenn.edu/people/paul-rozin) Samantha Aeschbacher, mother of two Cindy Kam, political science professor at Vanderbilt University (https://as.vanderbilt.edu/political-science/bio/cindy-kam/) Jane Andersen, mother of 4, Arizona State Director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/staff/jane-andersen) How sensitive to disgust are you? Try this quiz: https://www.idrlabs.com/disgust-sensitivity/test.php CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:00) Exploring Disgusting Foods (2:37) The Science Behind Disgust (4:16) Art and Disgust (8:46) The Fascination with Disgust (23:15) Disgust in Politics and Society (31:43) Overcoming Disgust (41:03) Conclusion

What if the world believed you couldn’t understand it—while inside, your mind was full of thoughts, poetry, and frustration you had no way to express? In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose sits down with Emily Grodin, who spent 25 years unable to speak, and her mother Valerie Gilpeer, to share the extraordinary story of the moment Emily finally found her voice through typing after a devastating meltdown on a transatlantic flight. Emily’s poems and reflections challenge long-held assumptions about autism, communication, and intelligence. Her story is paired with insights from journalist Eric Garcia, psychologist Dr. Monique Botha, and nonprofit executive Sarah Nannery, each offering perspective on what life is really like for autistic individuals in a world not built for them. GUESTS Emily Grodin and Valerie Gilpeer, co-authors of “I Have Been Buried Under Years of Dust.” Eric Garcia, journalist for The Independent and author of ‘We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation.” Monique Botha, community psychologist and researcher at the University of Stirling Sarah and Larry Nannery, co-authors of “What to Say Next: Successful Communication in Work, Life and Love with Autism Spectrum Disorder.” CHAPTERS (0:00) A Turbulent Flight (1:58) Introduction to Top of Mind (2:45) Emily's Journey (4:39) Emily's Reflections on Communication (6:42) Valerie's Belief in Emily's Potential (10:41) Emily's Breakthrough (17:32) Eric Garcia: Autism and Advocacy (26:52) University Challenges (27:21) Universal Design for Disabilities (28:11) Accommodations? (30:37) Cure Research? (32:58) Mental Health and Autism (34:34) Challenges for Autistic Researchers (38:38) Workplace Dynamics and Autism (42:13) Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies (53:17) Conclusion

What makes you nostalgic for home? In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore the surprising science behind place attachment — why certain places feel like home, and why traditions, parades, festivals, and quirky community rituals bring us closer together. Writer and researcher Melody Warnick joins the conversation to unpack what connects us to the places we live. Through stories from around the country, we dive into: - A 63-year-old factory whistle concert that entertains an entire town early on Christmas morning - How a tiny Colorado town doubles in size for beloved bluegrass festivals - Why preparing strawberries with strangers can make you fall in love with your community - The surprisingly deep meaning behind quirky traditions like earmuff parades and “cutest little chick” contests GUESTS Melody Warnick, author “This is Where You Belong” and “If You Could Live Anywhere” Don Ryan, Whistlemaster of York, PA Penny Meservier, former director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in Farmington, Maine, home of “Chester Greenwood Day” Marie McCusker, Executive Director of the Petaluma, CA Downtown Association and Visitor Program, home of “Butter and Egg Days” Zach Tucker, Vice President, Planet Bluegrass, Lyons, CO Stephanie Driggs from Pleasant Grove, UT home of “Strawberry Days” Natasha Szilagyi from Seattle, WA Ralph Tobias from Reading, PA CHAPTERS (0:00) Intro (1:00) Melody Warnick on place attachment (6:00) Listener stories (14:00) The factory whistle that unites a town (22:00) How local traditions evolve (27:00) Music festivals and community identity (36:00) Celebrating agricultural heritage (46:00) Why participating makes you love where you live (51:00) Final thoughts Originally aired on December 19, 2022

Confidence in America’s higher education system is slipping, even as the government spends nearly half a trillion dollars a year on it. The average US taxpayer invests $1,700 a year in higher education – whether you went to college or not. And frustration with the system runs across the political spectrum – from anger over high tuition and student loan debt to concerns that universities are too liberal. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose explores what it would take for more of us to feel like we’re getting our money’s worth from our tax investment in higher education. We’ll look at new ways of defining success for universities, trace the history of government funding for higher education, unpack some of today’s biggest criticisms, and highlight a little-known college that tops the list of “Best Schools for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars GUESTS Paul Glastris,  editor-in-chief of Washington Monthly Magazine, publisher of alternative college rankings (https://washingtonmonthly.com/) Christopher Loss,  professor of education and history at Vanderbilt University (https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691163345/between-citizens-and-the-state?srsltid=AfmBOoqHJIpoSu23FIEujBxu66SPPNrRJM1oh1uValB1A8y6aZGu3jk-) Renu Mukherjee, fellow at the Manhattan Institute (https://manhattan.institute/) Cullum Clark, director of the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative (https://www.bushcenter.org/) Cheryl Nixon, president of Berea College (https://www.berea.edu/) Jordan Shands, Berea College alum and administrator of Ultimate Test Prep in Lexington, Kentucky (https://ultimatetestprep.com/lexington/jordans-schedule/) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 04:06 Historical Funding of Colleges 05:44 WWII, The GI Bill & Post-War Education Boom 09:56 Modern Criticisms & Political Pressures 13:15 DEI Policies in Universities 22:13 Return on Taxpayer Investment 30:35 Advice for University Research Priorities 32:54 Alternative College Rankings 40:18 Berea College: A Unique Educational Model 41:17

From a small town in Wasatch County, Utah, comes the remarkable true story of the Karren family — a journey through illness, unlikely connections, and the quiet evidence of God in the details. On Memorial Day weekend 2020, Brady Karren suddenly became gravely ill and was diagnosed with liver failure. Around the same time, his wife, Meranie, had been searching for information about her birth parents, hoping to uncover the story behind her adoption. With the help of a distant relative passionate about family history, she finally learned her biological parents’ names—but hadn’t yet planned how to contact them. Unexpectedly, Brady’s illness set in motion a series of miraculous connections that helped Meranie uncover the truths she had waited a lifetime to find. In this special episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose and guest host Amber Borowski Johnson of KPCW radio share the stories of the people whose faith, service and love brought light into the Karren family’s darkest season. In a world that can feel divided, their story is a reminder of the shared humanity that quietly connects people through small acts of kindness. The episode highlights Light the World, an initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that encourages bringing light to others this holiday season. Visit www.lighttheworld.org GUESTS Brady Karren, husband and father from Daniel, Utah diagnosed with liver failure in 2020. Meranie Karren, wife and mother from Daniel, Utah. Tammy Felt, distant relative of Meranie, passionate about family history research. Curt Clyde, local farmer and neighbor of the Karren’s from Daniel, Utah. Kenneth Kimber, military pilot in the military for 21 years and husband of Meranie’s cousin. Brock Beebe, biological half-brother of Meranie. Cynthia Blades, neighbor and friend of the Karren’s from local congregation in Daniel, Utah. Featuring: Amber Borowski Johnson of KPCW in Park City, Utah.

Why are we so uncomfortable with grief? In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore America’s fear of grief and mourning and what we lose when we rush people to “move on.” Writer Jacqueline Dooley shares how she keeps her daughter’s memory alive years after her death. Historian Brandy Schillace takes us back to Victorian mourning rituals when grief was public, visible and communal. And grief expert Lisa Athan offers clear, compassionate advice on what to say (and not say) to someone who’s lost a loved one. We’ll also hear stories of miscarriage, pet loss, and the unexpected ways people find healing when they finally let grief in. GUESTS Jaqueline Dooley, writer and essayist (https://jacquelinedooley.medium.com/) Brandy Schillace, author of “Death's Summer Coat: Our Strange, Unsettled History of Mourning” (https://brandyschillace.com/deaths-summer-coat/) E.B. Bartels, author of "Good Grief: On Loving Pets Here and Hereafter" (http://www.ebbartels.com/good-grief/) Katie C. Reilly, writer and attorney (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/09/pregnant-after-miscarriage-emotional-pain) Lisa Athan, founder of Grief Speaks (http://griefspeaks.com/index.html) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 03:25 Cultural Perspectives on Grief 11:42 The Victorian Era: Mourning Rituals and Practices 17:00 Modern Grieving 21:11 Disenfranchised Grief 22:50 Pet Grief: A Missed Opportunity for Learning 31:36 Katie Riley: A Skilled Griever 32:13 Katie's Journey with Miscarriage 35:09 Why We Should Talk About Miscarriage 38:20 How to Support Grievers 46:35 Encouraging Healthy Grieving 47:40 Self-Care During Grief 51:19 Conclusion (This episode was originally released in September 2022)

American patriotism is at a historic low. Gallup polls show fewer and fewer Americans say they feel “extremely” – or even “very” proud to be American. When you dig into the polling data on patriotism, you find significant differences depending on political party, racial identity and age. Why are some groups of Americans much less likely to tell posters they’re proud to be American? And does it really even matter to the nation’s health? On the one hand, national pride seems to have a worrisome way of sliding into nationalism and protecting our own interests at the expense of others. At the same time, research clearly shows that people who feel pride in their country are more likely to vote, write their members of Congress, and volunteer in their communities. Meanwhile, expressions of patriotism—flying the flag, standing for the anthem—have become divisive flashpoints that leave many Americans unsure what even means to be patriotic. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose explores how Americans are redefining patriotism in the 21st century. From disillusionment and division to new forms of civic engagement, the meaning of pride in America is shifting in ways that will shape the country’s future. GUESTS Susan (not real name), Top of Mind listener Karlyn Bowman, senior fellow emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute (https://www.aei.org/profile/karlyn-bowman/) Michelle Duster, author and public historian (https://mldwrites.com/) Douglas Satterfield, retired Brigadier General of the U.S. Army and blogger (https://www.theleadermaker.com/) Steven Smith, professor at Yale University and author of Reclaiming Patriotism in an Age of Extremes (https://politicalscience.yale.edu/people/steven-smith) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Decline in American Patriotism 02:05 Struggling with Patriotism 04:28 Historical Context and Public Opinion 10:49 Patriotism Among Different Demographics 20:28 A Veteran's Perspective 28:53 Reclaiming Patriotism in Modern America 42:14 Conclusion

What happens when the justice system convicts an innocent person? Anthony Graves spent 18 years in prison—12 of them on Texas death row—for a crime he didn’t commit. His story is one of unthinkable injustice, unbroken faith, and a determination to reform the system that failed him. Criminal defense attorney David Rudolf reveals the patterns of human error and bias that lead to wrongful convictions. And Sheriff Walt McNeil and former public defender Emily Galvin-Almanza share how policing and defense work can evolve to keep innocent people out of prison. Can we ever make the system truly just? GUESTS Anthony Graves, exoneree, author “Infinite Hope: How Wrongful Conviction, Solitary Confinement, and 12 Years on Death Row Failed to Kill My Soul.” (https://www.beacon.org/Infinite-Hope-P1347.aspx) David Rudolf- author, “American Injustice: Inside Stories from the Underbelly of the Criminal Justice System” (https://davidsrudolf.com/) Emily Galvin-Almanza, co-founder of Partners for Justice (https://www.partnersforjustice.org/) Walter McNeil, sheriff of Leon County, Florida (https://www.leoncountyso.com/about-us/meet-the-sheriff) (This episode has been updated from its original release in May 2022.)

Americans are having fewer babies than ever before. The fertility rate in the United States has dropped to an all-time low of 1.6 births per woman. In response, the Trump Administration has urged Americans to have more children and proposed a range of pronatalist policies including baby bonuses, an expanded Child Tax Credit and making IVF treatment more affordable. Critics of the Trump Administration worry the underlying intent is to restrict access to contraception and return women to primarily domestic roles. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose explores the complex choices American women face when deciding how many children to have. We’ll dive into the history of fertility trends in the U.S. and take a look at how France managed to sustain a higher fertility rate than most European countries. We’ll also unpack the cultural and political tensions driving the pronatalism debate to discover a bit of common ground in the concept of “reproductive justice.” GUESTS Mother and daughter Melody (12 kids), Jaynee (3 kids) Karen Benjamin Guzzo, professor of sociology, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill(https://www.cpc.unc.edu/) Laurent Toulemon, population researcher at the French Institute for Demographic Studies in Paris (https://www.ined.fr/en/) Mara Gordon, mother of 1, family physician in Camden, NJ, author of “Your Doctor Friend” on Substack (https://maragordonmd.substack.com/) Lyman Stone, director of The Pronatalism Initiative at the Institute for Family Studies (https://ifstudies.org/pronatalism-initiative) CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:42 Fertility in the US 03:58 Personal Stories: Melody and Janie 04:31 Generational Differences 10:15 Challenges of Modern Parenthood 16:38 Role of Government Support 27:35 French Family Policies 29:30 Shifting Norms in Family Size 33:29 Reproductive Justice 37:34 Debate on Government's Role 41:38 Encouraging Marriage & Addressing Housing Issues 52:19 Conclusion

Extreme heat kills more Americans most years than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined, but we don’t give it the same emergency treatment. The government doesn’t name heatwaves like it does storms. And extreme heat doesn’t qualify for federal disaster funding. But record-breaking temperatures are now a yearly reality across the U.S. Cities are scrambling for solutions—from planting trees to setting up cooling centers—but experts say quick fixes aren’t enough. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose speaks with heat researchers about how policy, planning, and public awareness must evolve to confront rising temperatures. From deadly heatwaves to heightened risks for vulnerable communities, the danger isn’t just about how hot it gets—it’s about how prepared we are to respond. GUESTS Larissa Larsen, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Michigan (https://taubmancollege.umich.edu/faculty/directory/larissa-larsen/) Rob Meade, Research Fellow for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (https://hsph.harvard.edu/profile/robert-meade/) Michelle Litwin, Heat Response Program Manager for the Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation (https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/heat.html) TIKTOK ACCOUNTS HIGHLIGHTED IN THIS EPISODE: @Junifrec, @Ascocool, @Mitchellfranxman, @Jenwhite, @Ashley_simone1108, @Hardline_daily, @Jordanjchart, @Stefanies.lifestyle, @Damarypaz, @abbymcduck CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:43 The Growing Threat of Heat Waves 02:27 Heat as an Emergency 04:43 Historical Heatwave Impact 06:07 Urban Planning and Heat Resilience 17:42 The Human Body's Response to Extreme Heat 23:55 Behavioral & Physiological Responses to Heat 26:11 Cooling Strategies 28:25 Phoenix's Heat Response Initiatives 31:02 Challenges & Solutions in Phoenix 39:08 Data-Driven Heat Mitigation 40:25 Conclusion

How is the balance of power supposed to work when a U.S. President aggressively pushes for more? In his first 100 days of his second term, President Donald Trump issued more executive orders than any president in history, and the Supreme Court has largely let them stand while legal challenges play out. Whether that troubles you depends largely on how you feel about the President and his policies. But within four years, someone else will hold that office and may wield the same power toward different priorities. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose explores the origins of “checks and balances” in American government, including the surprising history of how the Supreme Court became “supreme.” We hear from a conservative legal scholar who worked for the George W. Bush Administration and thinks America benefits when Presidents push the limits of their power and Congress pushes back. Then we’ll explore why some Americans believe their local “Constitutional Sheriff”—not federal officials—is the ultimate authority in their community. GUESTS Timothy Johnson, Professor of Political Science and Law, University of Minnesota (https://www.trjumn.com/) John Yoo, Professor of Law, UC Berkeley; Distinguished Fellow, Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin (https://www.law.berkeley.edu/our-faculty/faculty-profiles/john-yoo/) Richard Mack, Former Sheriff of Graham County, Arizona; Founder of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (https://cspoa.org/) CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 3:00 Chapter 1 — Who Made the Supreme Court Supreme? (Timothy Johnson) 18:00 Chapter 2 — How Strong is Too Strong? (John Yoo) 36:00 Chapter 3 — "The Constitution is King" (Richard Mack) 53:00 Conclusion

Is Housing First a viable solution or just repeating the past? What actually works to end homelessness? Communities across the U.S. have debated and tested solutions, from housing first to human first, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters. But Housing First has gained national traction, a strategy that prioritizes permanent housing without conditions, followed up by supportive services. In this episode of Top of Mind, Julie Rose dives deep into Salt Lake City’s commitment to the Housing First approach, which launched two decades ago, making it one of the first cities in the country to fully embrace this model. Nearly two decades later, Salt Lake City serves as a revealing case study for the successes, challenges, and evolving nature of efforts to solve homelessness in America. GUESTS Tyler Clancy, Utah State Representative Michelle Flynn, Executive Director of The Road Home since 2020 (https://theroadhome.org/). Dave Durocher, Executive Director of The Other Side Academy (https://www.theothersideacademy.com/). Amy Daeschel, Director of Outreach, Clinical Intake & SSP at the Odyssey House of Utah (https://www.odysseyhouse.org/). Robbie Myrick, Director of Human First Culture at The Other Side Village (https://theothersidevillage.com/about-the-village/) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Utah's Housing First Success Story 01:37 Challenges and Criticisms of Housing First 02:14 Permanent Supportive Housing 07:21 The Magnolia Apartments: A New Approach 19:21 Policy Shifts and Legislative Actions 28:19 Personal Stories and Impact 30:52 A Turning Point: Accepting Treatment 31:18 The Journey to Recovery 32:15 The Other Side Academy: A Unique Approach 33:36 Jared Campbell's Story 34:50 Life at The Other Side Academy 42:22 The Other Side Village: A New Beginning 50:36 Reflections and Conclusion

It’s easier than ever to connect with our representatives in Congress, so why doesn’t it feel like they’re listening? The 1st Amendment guarantees the right to “petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Given how frustrated Americans are with the job Congress is doing, how secure is that right in 2025? In this episode, we talk with two members of Congress (a Republican and a Democrat) about how they are handling angry town hall meetings and increasing volume of calls and emails from constituents. What’s the best way to influence their positions on issues? We also unpack the history of our right to petition the government and why members of Congress added constituent services to their duties in the 1970s. A former Congressional staffer offers advice on how to influence elected officials, and an Iowa mom explains how she’s become an effective advocate for issues she cares about. Guests: John Curtis, US Senate (R-Utah) Chrissy Houlahan, US House (D-Pennsylvania 6th District) Ben Schneer, professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School Bradford Fitch, former CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation (https://www.congressfoundation.org/), author of “Citizens Handbook to Influencing Elected Officials” Tiffany Welch, volunteer advocate with Save the Children Action Network in Iowa (https://savethechildrenactionnetwork.org/) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Challenges of Town Hall Meetings 03:21 Senator Curtis's New Approach to Town Halls 06:50 Balancing Diverse Constituencies 08:23 Impact of Constituent Feedback on Policy 11:56 Representative Chrissy Houlahan's Approach 16:26 Petitioning the Government 20:06 The Role of Petitions in History 22:52 The Decline of Traditional Petitioning 23:40 Modern Ways to Air Grievances 25:40 Constituent Services: A New Avenue 27:24 The Evolution of Congressional Staff 28:33 Influencing Congress 31:13 A Personal Journey in Advocacy

Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life, but should they have a place in the classroom? Half of U.S. states have recently passed laws restricting or banning phones in schools, igniting a passionate national debate. Some parents say phones are vital for student safety and emotional regulation. Others argue they’re fueling a mental health crisis and stifling face-to-face connection. Students are caught in the middle, and teachers are left to enforce policies that vary widely from school to school. How do we balance safety, learning, and connection for students in a world where phones are always within reach? Guests: Sabine Polak, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement (https://phonefreeschoolsmovement.org/) Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union (https://nationalparentsunion.org/) Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology and Education and author of Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World (https://iste.org/) Anna Clayton, high school student in Utah (https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2025/02/14/voices-i-want-my-fellow-young/) Doug Welton, Utah Republican State Representative Nina, high school teacher CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Student Perspective 04:56 Utah's Phone Ban Bill 07:23 Parental Concerns 09:33 The Phone Free Schools Movement 15:16 The National Parents Union's Stance 22:58 Teacher's Perspective 26:29 Challenges and Concerns with Phone Bans 29:12 Positive Approaches to Technology Use in Schools 30:46 Implementing Effective Technology Norms 37:48 Promoting Safe and Positive Device Use 40:08 Final Thoughts

For over 150 years, the U.S. has granted automatic citizenship to babies born on American soil, a principle rooted in the 14th Amendment and seen by many as key to equality and opportunity. But most countries don’t follow jus soli (“right of soil”), granting citizenship instead by bloodline. Critics, including President Donald Trump, argue birthright citizenship encourages illegal immigration and birth tourism, cheapening the value of citizenship. In this episode, legal scholars and policy experts weigh in on what the 14th Amendment guarantees and what remains open to interpretation. We also meet people whose lives have been shaped by birthright citizenship: a newly naturalized citizen, an undocumented mother, and someone born a U.S. citizen who no longer wants that status. Guests Rogers Smith, political scientist and author of Citizenship Without Consent (www.live-sas-www-polisci.pantheon.sas.upenn.edu/people/standing-faculty/rogers-smith) Abdi Soltani, Executive Director, ACLU of Northern California (www.aclunc.org/staff/abdi-soltani-hehim) Lora Ries, Director, Border Security & Immigration Center, The Heritage Foundation (www.heritage.org/staff/lora-ries) Christian, writer and undocumented mother of five U.S.-citizen children (www.lacuenta.substack.com/) Daniel Burciaga, recently naturalized U.S. citizen Jessica Burciaga, U.S. citizen by birthright Kate Panova, journalist, founder of UAWelcome (www.uawelcome.org/) Fabien Lehagre, founder of L'Association des Américains Accidentels (www.americains-accidentels.fr/) Credit: Audio of Sen. Lindsey Graham from NBC’s Meet the Press, Jan. 26, 2025 Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:58 Naturalization 03:37 History 05:09 Trump’s EO 06:33 Critics’ Views 09:32 Real Impacts 18:43 Birth Tourism 27:51 Accidental American 32:17 14th Amendment 41:24 Modern Takes 51:58 Final Thoughts

Alcohol is a deeply embedded part of American life—woven into celebrations, identity, and social norms. But from health warnings to sober-curious trends, new questions are surfacing about what we drink, how much, and why. In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore how cultural attitudes toward alcohol have evolved and why more people today are rethinking what it means to drink responsibly. We also look at the science behind alcohol’s health impacts and the history of how it became so normalized in the first place. What do these shifting perspectives mean for the future of drinking in America? Guests: Sarah Levy, author of Drinking Games (https://www.sarahllevy.com/) Lisa Jacobson, history professor at UC Santa Barbara and author of Intoxicating Pleasures: The Reinvention of Wine, Beer, and Whiskey after Prohibition (https://www.ucpress.edu/books/intoxicating-pleasures/paper) Dr. Tim Naimi, physician and director of the University of Victoria’s Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (https://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/cisur/about/scientists/profiles/naimi-tim.php) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Sarah Levy's Alcohol Story 02:38 The Cultural Shift in Alcohol Consumption 08:54 The Decision to Quit and Finding Support 14:42 Prohibition and Its Aftermath 27:14 Distilled Spirits During Wartime 28:42 Whiskey's Cultural Transformation Post-WWII 31:36 The Rise of Responsible Drinking Campaigns 33:58 Modern Perspectives on Alcohol and Health 36:01 The Science Behind Alcohol Consumption

School integration in America is widely viewed as a civil rights milestone— but decades later, U.S. schools are as segregated as they were in the 1970s. So, in this episode of Top of Mind, we look at the complicated legacy of school integration in America: who it helped, who it hurt, and what struggling schools need to thrive. Dr. Noliwe Rooks shares her family’s four-generation story with integration, highlighting both its benefits and its lasting harms. We also visit schools in Oakland and Florida that show how communities can support student success—even in segregated settings. What does real educational equity look like? And what lessons have we missed about integration’s impact? Guests: Noliwe Rooks, L. Herbert Balou Professor of Africana Studies at Brown University and author of Integrated: How American Schools Failed Black Children (https://www.noliwerooks.org/) Roma Groves-Waters, principal of MLK Jr. Elementary in Oakland, California (https://mlk.ousd.org/) Kamryn Young, Evans High alum and development director for Children’s Home Society of Florida (https://chsfl.org/) Andry Sweet, CEO of Children’s Home Society of Florida (https://chsfl.org/leadership-blog/andry-sweet-president-ceo/) Audio excerpted with permission of Penguin Random House Audio from INTEGRATED by Noliwe Rooks, read by the author. © Noliwe Rooks ℗ 2025 Penguin Random House, LLC. All rights reserved. Get the audio book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721962/integrated-by-noliwe-rooks/audio/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:42 The Untold Story of School Integration 03:02 Integration & Black Educators 04:08 Segregation in Schools Now 08:49 Rooks' Journey & Family History 18:15 Challenges of Integration for Black Students 22:09 The War on Poverty 26:11 Life as an Integrator 30:09 Jelani's Middle School Experience 33:59 Navigating Racial Dynamics in Education 35:43 Community Schools as a Solution 45:43 Evans High School Transformation 52:22 Conclusion

In this special bonus episode of Top of Mind, Julie Rose revisits the challenge of credit card debt - a topic that hits home for many of us – by sitting down with Thomas Nitzsche, a financial educator at Money Management International (MMI) and Susan, who shares her personal journey of paying off $80,000 in debt over four and a half years with help from MMI. While some feel skeptical of credit counseling agencies, this conversation digs into how these credit counseling agencies work, how to find a reputable one, and the real benefits they offer. If you’re looking for practical insights on how structured debt management can offer both financial relief and peace of mind, this conversation is for you. Original episode on credit card debt - https://www.byuradio.org/making-sense-of-americas-credit-card-debt CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Interview with Thomas Nichi from MMI 01:14 Susan's Debt Story 04:19 How Credit Counseling Agencies Work 11:46 Debt Management vs. Debt Settlement 18:19 Finding Reputable Credit Counseling Agencies 19:42 Final Thoughts and Advice 20:58 Conclusion and Outro

Credit card debt is at an all-time high in America. Half of all Americans with a credit card have carried a balance in the past year, and one in three have more credit card debt than emergency savings. And with interest rates soaring, that debt is becoming even more expensive. It’s easy to see credit card debt as a personal failing, caused by overspending. While that’s often true, nearly a third of U.S. credit card holders say they use their cards to cover essentials like rent, food, or medical bills. That complicates the narrative. Credit card debt might be a burden—but access to credit can also be a lifeline. On this episode of Top of Mind: - How should we think about credit card debt in America? - How much personal responsibility do we bear? - What are the risks of making credit card debt “cheaper”? - How can consumers navigate a system designed to promote debt? Guests: Jamie Feldman, journalist and co-host of the Debt Heads podcast (https://debtheadspodcast.com/) Elena Botella, author of Delinquent: Inside America’s Debt Machine (https://elenabotella.com/books) Tris, credit card user Nicholas Anthony, policy analyst at the Cato Institute’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives (https://www.cato.org/people/nicholas-anthony) Matt Schulz, Chief Consumer Finance Analyst at LendingTree and author of Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More (https://www.mattschulz.com/book/) Michael Reynolds, certified financial planner and owner of Elevation Financial (https://www.elevationfinancial.com/about) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Jamie's Debt Journey 03:35 The Reality of Credit Card Debt in America 09:23 Elena Botella's Insider Perspective 15:16 The Evolution of Consumer Credit 25:13 Tris' Story: Overcoming Financial Hurdles 26:25 Using Credit Cards Responsibly 28:18 Rebuilding Credit Scores 29:52 Debate and Impact: Interest Rate Caps 37:03 Tips for Managing Credit Card Debt 46:45 The Debt Snowball Method 48:49 Credit Card Rewards and Spending Habits 52:18 Conclusion

In 2017, the US and a coalition of more than 80 countries ran ISIS out of its strongholds, killed the group's top leaders, and declared victory. But that wasn't the end. Instead, ISIS reinvented itself as an even greater threat to the United States homeland—and did so more successfully than any other foreign terror group. National security experts now say a 9/11-style attack is no longer the main worry. It's "domestic terrorism" by "lone-wolf" attackers radicalized online to murder their fellow Americans. On this episode, we consider how ISIS has revised the radicalization playbook to become "the easiest club in the world to join," as one expert describes. We'll hear how groups embracing other extremist ideologies – including white supremacy, male supremacy and anti-government sentiment - are using that same playbook. And we'll get concrete advice on how to prevent radicalization in young people. Guests: Christianne Boudreau, Co-founder of “Mothers for Life” and “Hope Regained” (https://www.hoperegained.com/) Joby Warrick, national security reporter for the Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/joby-warrick/), author of Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/233775/black-flags-by-joby-warrick/) Cynthia Miller-Idriss, professor at American University, founding director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL https://perilresearch.com/)

Americans reported reading 12 books on average in 2022. That’s the lowest number since Gallup started polling on this in the 90s. Survey data from 2023 show nearly half of US adults didn't read—or listen to—even one book that year. It's no wonder; book reading has to compete with endless news feeds, social media sites, streaming services, and even podcasts for free time. Teachers are starting to worry about this. College professors report their incoming freshman seem unable to stick with long, complicated texts. At the high school level, teachers are taking novels off their curriculum entirely, sticking to excerpts and movie-versions of the classics. Book reading in the digital age is more convenient than ever. You can listen to an audiobook in places you would never read a physical book—when you're driving, for example, or doing the dishes. And just one e-reader can store thousands of books, which makes reading more transportable and accessible. But even the ease of modern tech hasn't reversed the overall decline. And it begs new questions: do our brains interact with a screen the same way they interact with a paper page? And does listening to a book really count as reading it? Americans are consuming fewer books than ever. Does that matter in 2025? Guests: Della Cassia, freelance writer (https://www.dellacassia.com/) Victoria Waller, educational therapist and author of Yes! Your Child Can: Creating Success for Children with Learning Differences (https://www.drvictoriawaller.com/the-book) Jonathan Malesic, writer and professor at Southern Methodist University (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/25/opinion/college-university-students-reading.html?unlocked_article_code=1.U04.5KzJ.G2qOw1rujKCq&smid=url-share) Anna White, avid audiobook reader Naomi Baron, professor emerita of linguistics at American University and author of How We Read Now: Strategic Choices for Print, Screen, and Audio (https://www.amazon.com/How-We-Read-Now-Strategic/dp/019008409X) and Who Wrote This? How AI and the Lure of Efficie

The current state of education in America is a troubling picture. Reading proficiency scores have reached historic lows. Chronic absenteeism is on the rise—more than a quarter of K-12 students miss at least 10% of the school year. And the achievement gap in test scores between the highest and lowest performing students has widened. On this podcast episode, we take a closer look at education reform in America. Would more students show up to school if they were learning material that felt applicable to their goals in life - instead of being funneled through a cookie-cutter system designed for the industrial era? How would a focus on increasing background knowledge, known as knowledge-building curriculum, help students develop their understanding of core subjects better than our current model of skills-based instruction? And how might school choice policies—like open enrollment, charter schools, and magnet schools—address rising levels of school segregation? Could racial and socioeconomic integration be the key to closing America’s persistent achievement gaps on standardized test scores? Guests: Cory Steiner, Superintendent of Schools for Northern Cass School District: https://www.northerncassschool.org/page/personalized-learning Jenee Henry Wood, Chief Learning Officer at Transcend and co-author of Extraordinary Learning for All: How Communities Design Schools Where Everyone Thrives: https://transcendeducation.org/resources/extraordinary-learning-for-all/ Russ Williams, Executive Director of Center City Public Schools in Washington, D.C.: https://centercitypcs.org/about/meet-our-team/#biokellydickens Kate Merrill, Managing Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Center City Public Schools in Washington, D.C. Halley Potter, Senior Fellow and Director of PK-12 Education Policy at The Century Foundation: https://tcf.org/experts/halley-potter/ Milly Arbaje-Thomas, President & CEO of METCO (The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) in Boston: https://metcoinc.org/about/ More Top of Mind epi

More Americans use cannabis every day, or almost every day, than use alcohol on a daily basis. That's in large part because marijuana is a lot more accessible than it used to be. More than half of us live in a state where marijuana is recreationally legal.  Nearly 8 in 10 live in a county with a marijuana dispensary. But marijuana is still illegal in the eyes of the federal government, which means legalization is being managed almost entirely by a patchwork of state policies. Doctors and scientists are starting to worry about what that means for public health. Is marijuana legalization working out like we thought it would? And where do we go from here? Guests: Amber Post, realtor from Owasso, Oklahoma Yasmin Hurd, Director of the Addiction Institute at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York (https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2024/09/to-protect-public-health-federal-government-should-provide-guidance-to-states-that-have-legalized-marijuana-close-hemp-regulatory-loopholes-create-public-health-campaign) Jonathan Caulkins, Professor of Operations Research and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.16519) 00:00 Introduction and Personal Story 01:31 Amber Post's Marijuana Journey 02:43 Health Issues and Discovery 05:20 Legalization and Public Perception 11:13 Medical and Scientific Insights 15:31 Cannabinoids and Their Effects 23:49 Policy and Future Outlook 25:15 The Impact of Potent Cannabis Products on Youth 26:00 The Role of Policy and Regulation in Cannabis Safety 26:51 The Need for FDA Regulation in Cannabis Products 28:21 Concerns About Vulnerable Populations 30:02 The Evolution of Cannabis Legalization in the U.S. 32:59 The Rise of Daily Cannabis Use 36:06 Challenges in Regulating Cannabis Products 43:57 The Future of Cannabis Legalization and Regulation 52:35 Personal Reflections on Medical Marijuana 53:26 Closing Remarks and Additional Resources

They started off as ideological enemies. Mark Rosenberg pioneered the public health approach to preventing gun violence and opened a branch of the CDC to fund that research. Jay Dickey, the "NRA's point man in Congress", pushed a ban on CDC funding for gun violence research that lasted 20 years – and got Rosenberg fired. On this episode of Top of Mind, we tell the unlikely story of their friendship and what it can teach us about reducing gun violence in America. Americans are split right down the middle on whether it's more important to control gun ownership or protect the right to own guns. But we agree that too many people die from firearms. They are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 19 in the United States today. Mass shootings are so common they barely capture headlines beyond a day. In 2024, about 40,000 Americans died from gun violence. More than half were suicides. If Mark Rosenberg and Jay Dickie could come to agree on the need to reduce gun violence, while preserving the rights of law-abiding gun owners, can we do the same? Podcast Guests: Mark Rosenberg, MD, public health researcher, former director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCPIC at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199310073291506) Jay Dickey, former Republican Congressman from Arkansas, gun rights advocate and sponsor of the “Dickey Amendment” (Dickey died in 2017 https://www.nwaonline.com/obituaries/2017/apr/23/jay-dickey-2017-04-23/. We hear archival tape in this episode) Betty Dickey, former Arkansas State Supreme Court Justice, Congressman Jay Dickey’s ex-wife Rachel Dickey Haithcoat, Congressman Jay Dickey’s daughter Garen Wintemute, MD, emergency medicine physician, director of the Violence Prevention Research Program, University of California at Davis Bindi Naik-Mathuria, MD, pediatric trauma surgeon, gun violence researcher

It’s been about two years since the public got a taste of ChatGPT for the first time. Now, artificial intelligence has seeped into nearly every aspect of our lives. You can use AI to check your grammar or to generate content for social media. Students use it to write essays. AI can also generate artwork, music or audio in seconds. We’re relying more and more on generative AI tools like MidJourney, DALL-E, Claude, Perplexity, and Copilot—and the more we use it, the better it gets. But can AI really be creative? What does it even mean to be creative in the age of AI? Guests: Kate Brunotts, freelance music producer (https://www.breakingsound.com/kate-brunotts) Jon Cockley, co-founder of the illustration agency, Handsome Frank (https://www.handsomefrank.com/) Lindsay Brainard, professor of philosophy at the University of Alabama, Birmingham (https://www.lindsaybrainard.com/home) Claire Silver, AI collaborative artist (https://www.clairesilver.com/selected-work) Links: Letter from the Artist Rights Alliance: https://artistrightsnow.medium.com/200-artists-urge-tech-platforms-stop-devaluing-music-559fb109bbac

A 2024 Knight Foundation report found one in four college students think schools need to protect students by banning speech they may find offensive or biased, the largest share of students to answer that way since the survey first asked the question in 2016. 2024 also set a record for the number of attempts to disrupt or disinvite speaker, cancel performances, take down art exhibits and prevent the screening of films on US college campuses, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). What do these competing interests--to encourage student wellbeing and protect free speech on campus--mean for students and administrators trying to strike a balance? Guests: Jillian Lederman, Joseph Rago Memorial Fellow at The Wall Street Journal, 2024 graduate of Brown University ( https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/opinion/antisemitism-jews-campus.html) Kaleb Bakari Autman, undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Emma Camp, assistant editor at Reason Magazine, 2022 graduate of the University of Virginia (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/07/opinion/campus-speech-cancel-culture.html) Steve Bahls, president emeritus of Augustana College (retired in 2022), director of Presidential Mission and Vocation for the Council of Independent Colleges More 1st Amendment episodes from Top of Mind: Religious freedom: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-christian-or-not-unpacking-americas-religious-identity Free Speech: https://www.byuradio.org/d47c4b86-02d4-4a4d-997b-d1510ba9048b/top-of-mind-with-julie-rose-weighing-the-pros-and-cons-of-free-expression Free Press: https://www.byuradio.org/68e6b06a-73bb-4a0f-ace8-5f2b55bd066f/top-of-mind-with-julie-rose-can-the-news-be-trusted-americans-arent-too-sure Links: 2024 Knight Foundation Report on Free Expression: https://knightfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Knight-Fdn_Free-Expression_2024_072424_FINAL-1.pdf FIRE Databases:  https://www.thefire.org/research-learn?_page=1&keywords=&_limit=6&resource_type=1562

In his parting prescription for the country, outgoing US Surgeon General, Doctor Vivek Murthy writes that he is worried about how exhausted and alone Americans are. Public health experts say loneliness has become an epidemic. Research shows social disconnection is about as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and more harmful than obesity. But loneliness in America is hardly new. Sociologists like Robert Putnam, author of the groundbreaking book Bowling Alone, have been sounding the alarm for nearly 25 years. In that time, loneliness has only accelerated, with online interaction replacing much of our face-to-face connection. What exactly is lacking for so many people in this country? What is the most useful way to think about this problem? And how can we solve it? Guests: Dr. Frank Clark, psychiatrist at Prisma-Health Upstate, clinical associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville ( https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/authors/frank-clark-md) Matt Fantastic, co-owner of Elm City Games in New Haven, Connecticut (https://www.elmcitygames.com/) Charlotte Donlon, spiritual director and author of The Great Belonging: How Loneliness Leads Us to Each Other (https://charlottedonlon.com/the-great-belonging-book) Links: Dr. Vivek Murthy’s Parting Prescription for America: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/my-parting-prescription-for-america.pdf US Surgeon General’s Advisory Report on Loneliness: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf