Explore every episode of the podcast American Musecast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP10 | American Bureaucracy & the Draining of Institutional Expertise | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:46:37 | |
Episode summary introduction: America’s executive branch is comprised in part by “the bureaucracy,” those agencies which buttress American institutions. Historically, those agencies are led by the most prominent experts in the country, if not the world. Historian Tom Nichol’s book, The Death of Expertise; The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters, delves into the crisis of trust in expertise, and the damage done to American institutions by propaganda. Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP09 | The Courage to Resist Tyranny | 03 May 2025 | 00:33:02 | |
As America slides ever deeper into an authoritarian regime hell-bent on achieving the aims of Project 2025, one Facebook user speaks truth to power through his inspiring post to American citizens, reminding them that non-violent resistance is needed to save democracy. This episode places the outcome of democracy in the hands of Americans. We are reminded that "this isn't fate, unless we accept it as such," and in this episode find a three-pronged approach to actions for self, community, and broader American institutions under siege. Episode Music: An Epic Story, by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP02 | American Mayday - Ziblatt & Levitsky's: "How Democracies Die" | 24 May 2024 | 00:35:52 | |
As those with authoritarian tendencies escalate their rhetoric and show their intentions, the work, How Democracies Die, by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky offers a guide for identifying the markers we're seeing around us. For citizens unconvinced that democracy is at stake, this episode makes clear that the fate of America lies in the hands of a new dynamic citizenry.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode: “Trump Reveals How He Would Govern If Reelected to Another Term in the White House.” YouTube, YouTube, 1 May 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBCevsqSKZw&t=3s. “What Is Christian Nationalism and Why It Raises Concerns about Threats to Democracy.” YouTube, YouTube, 1 Feb. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgC7YQAtGOw. Nawaz, Amna, and Saher Khan. “Trump’s Ramped-up Rhetoric Raises New Concerns about Violence and Authoritarianism.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 13 Nov. 2023, www.pbs.org/newshour/show/trumps-ramped-up-rhetoric-raises-new-concerns-about-violence-and-authoritarianism#audio. “Sheriffs in Texas, Elsewhere Seek Validation as New Election Police.” Public News Service, www.publicnewsservice.org/2023-04-05/civil-rights/sheriffs-in-texas-elsewhere-seek-validation-as-new-election-police/a83834-1# . Accessed 17 May 2024. “Trump: ‘We Will Never Concede.’” YouTube, YouTube, 6 Jan. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCdpGeA6g3Q. McCammon, Sarah. “Donald Trump Delivers Speech Attacking Hillary Clinton as Corrupt.” NPR, NPR, 22 June 2016, www.npr.org/2016/06/22/483129527/donald-trump-delivers-speech-attacking-crooked-hillary. “PBS NewsH Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP01 | America on a Hero's Journey | 31 Mar 2024 | 00:28:54 | |
The literary construct of Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey" offers insight into the America’s quest for a stronger democracy, and for its citizens, struggling to appropriately engage in pursuit of that healthier democracy. This episode outlines the ways that citizens individually, and America, as a collective, engage in aspects of the hero’s journey.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Episode Audio Embed: Episode Music: Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of sponsors, underwriters, advertisers or guests. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP00 | American Democracy's Call to Quest | 30 Mar 2024 | 00:11:24 | |
In these troubling times, the rule of the people requires our participation lest democracy slip from our fingers altogether. American Musecast invites listeners to a journey through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. Using elements of positive psychology and drawing from the archetypes of the hero’s journey found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, Susan Travis presents American democracy and its citizens as flawed heroes on an aspirational expedition of hope and determination.
Episode Audio Embed: Episode Music: Episode Tags: Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of sponsors, underwriters, advertisers or guests. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP08 | The Quest for America's Multi-Racial Democracy | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:41:41 | |
As America poises on the brink of the authoritarian vision posed by Project 2025, pro-democracy citizens must brace for an assault on democratic principles by stewarding themselves. The real work lies ahead in a resistance to the oncoming efforts to dismantle our democracy. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of sponsors, underwriters, advertisers or guests. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP07 | American Democratic Backsliding Into Project 2025 | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:55:32 | |
America is at a crossroads between saving our democracy and a hard right turn toward fascism. Our journey to this crossroads has been of our own making, through a citizenry disinterested, complacent and cynical about our political future. Our inattention has allowed "democratic backsliding" characterized by the erosion of our democratic institutions, restrictions on our civil liberties, a relentless manipulation of electoral processes, attacks on political opponents, a weakening of our rule of law, an over-emphasis on national security, and the erosion of democratic norms. Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP6B | Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny" - Daily Life | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:54:11 | |
Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, offers important reflections on the fragility of democratic systems and the rising momentum toward authoritarianism in contemporary politics. Most importantly, it offers citizen tools aimed at fortifying vulnerabilities characteristically targeted by autocrats, dictators, despots and tyrants, each of whom aim at consolidating power for their own ends. Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP6A | Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny" - The Big Picture | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:40:13 | |
Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century offers important reflections on the fragility of democratic systems and the rising momentum toward authoritarianism in contemporary politics. Most importantly, it offers citizen tools aimed at fortifying vulnerabilities characteristically targeted by autocrats, dictators, despots, and tyrants, each of whom aim at consolidating power for their own ends. Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP5B | Sorting the Language of Dynamic Citizenry | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:45:28 | |
America needs an engaged and informed citizenry capable of defending democracy, but what if they aren't sure what democracy means? Too many Americans have become disillusioned or disengaged when they encounter confusing concepts amid a fire hose of misguided conspiracies, fact-free opinions and disinformation. In order to grasp the complexities of our political system, it's time to embark on a little “refresher course” of civic vocabulary needed to navigate today’s complex political landscape.
Episode Music: An Epic Story, by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP5A | The Naming of Parts in a New Normal | 03 Aug 2024 | 00:15:50 | |
As our host, Susan Travis, reports on the fires and floods in her hometown of Ruidoso, New Mexico, the Summer of 2024 roars through its own tumultuous times, and for both, a new normal emerges. This episode is a prelude to Episode 5B: Sorting the Language of Governing, and includes a reading of the poem, "The Naming of Parts," by Henry Reed.
Donations to Ruidoso Fire Victims Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP04 | Richard Haass' "The Bill of Obligations" for American Citizens | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:45:47 | |
As Americans waken to the authoritarian threats facing democracy, Richard Haass' book, The Bill of Obligations; Ten Habits for Good Citizens, offers a 10-habit plan for stewarding ourselves toward a more robust dynamic citizenry. His gracious regard for democracy postures Americans of every party and persuasion to become better, more competent citizens for the 21st century. Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||
| EP03 | American Democracy Relies on an Engaged Citizenry | 25 May 2024 | 00:31:26 | |
Throughout history and culture, throughout our personal and collective lives, we are at times “called,” to a task, epic to the moment. Yet, the scope of such a calling can seem overwhelming, and for a number of reasons, many never get past an initial resistance to be more, be better, solve the problem, or to heed the call. This episode explores American resistance to political engagement, despite alarming threats to democracy. Right wing extremism, white nationalism, and the rise of authoritarian tendencies are misunderstood, and fail to spark the engagement needed to strengthen and preserve democracy. Facing the greatest threat of our nation’s history since the Civil Wars, Americans sleepwalk their way forward with a lackluster response. Right wing extremism, white nationalism, and the rise of authoritarian tendencies are misunderstood, and fail to spark the engagement needed to strengthen and preserve democracy. What holds us back a full-throated “Hell NO!” when faced with this kind of “mayday?” How can we overcome our own resistance to responding? And how can we competently engage as dynamic citizens? Topics discussed in this episode: 20:00 Complacency Episode Audio: <div id="buzzsprout-player-15133734"></div><script src="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318949/episodes/15133734-ep03-american-democracy-relies-on-an-engaged-citizenry.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-15133734&player=small" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script> Episode Music: An Epic Story, by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of sponsors, underwriters, advertisers or guests. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. Send Susan a one-way text! For a reply, include your name and contact info. The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.) | |||