Honest Politics

Thank you for everything. Find me on social media to see what comes next.

Email [email protected] as soon as possible if you have anything you would like to say. Citation: Anzia, Sarah F. 2019. “When Does a Group of Citizens Influence Policy? Evidence from Senior Citizen Participation in City Politics.” Journal of Politics 81 (1): 1–14. doi:10.1086/699916.

Ever wondered what it is like to be a poll worker on Election Day? This episode gives a simple summary. Questions? Email [email protected]

Scott A. Shay joins the podcast to share how academics on the far-left and the far-right have abandoned their integrity to engage in conspiracies against Jewish people. Learn more and order Scott's book on his website: https://www.scottshay.com 

The authors of this article explored Telegram (an alt-media platform) from an academic perspective. This episode expands on the article's main points. Questions or comments: [email protected] Citation: Walther, Samantha, and Andrew McCoy. “US Extremism on Telegram: Fueling Disinformation, Conspiracy Theories, and Accelerationism.” Perspectives on Terrorism 15, no. 2 (2021): 100–124. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27007298.

Learn the potential dangers of long-term cell phone use. What do the world's leading scientists think? How might they be wrong? How can you limit your exposure to electromagnetic radiation? This episode is not as highly polished as usual because time to edit was limited. Please contact [email protected] for listener mail or to ask questions.

Despite some stark differences, football and politics are surprisingly similar. Join this discussion by emailing [email protected]

Learn facts about obesity, understand what can be done to mitigate it, and examine the public policy implications of this disease. A month of research went into this episode. Sources used were all from academics and doctors who practice obesity management. Citations available upon request. New email: [email protected].

This beast of an episode may seem long, but a summary of important points occurs within the first thirteen minutes. This was Alex's final paper of his Master of Public Policy degree. It is being read out loud for anyone brave enough to listen. Please email [email protected] for a copy of the full paper with citations. Thanks to Professor Daniel Mullins for hosting the class. 

A discussion-style show about Netflix's The Social Dilemma. Be part of the conversation. Send feedback and suggestions: [email protected] Link to the documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224 

Scholarly examination of how Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan managed the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular focus on economic effects. Sources: Article 1: THE JAPANESE ECONOMY AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Author(s): Taro Abe Source: Investigación Económica , ABRIL-JUNIO DE 2021, Vol. 80, No. 316 (ABRIL-JUNIO DE 2021), pp. 56-68 Published by: Facultad de Economía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/27000415 Article 2: THE MACROECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE COVID-19 ECONOMIC CRISIS Author(s): Yeo Hyub Yoon Source: Investigación Económica , ABRIL-JUNIO DE 2021, Vol. 80, No. 316 (ABRIL-JUNIO DE 2021), pp. 5-31 Published by: Facultad de Economía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/27000413 Article 3: MINIMIZING THE SOCIAL DILEMMA Author(s): Kuochih Huang Source: Investigación Económica , ABRIL-JUNIO DE 2021, Vol. 80, No. 316 (ABRIL-JUNIO DE 2021), pp. 32-55 Published by: Facultad de Economía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/27000414

Paul Hickey is the President of PuraVita Medical, which produces face masks in Utah. He faces tough competition from foreign mask makers. This special episode differentiates US made masks and Chinese made masks. Visit PuraVita.com and use code "Alex" for 10% off quality face masks.

I became a Master of Public Policy after graduating from American University's program in Washington, DC. 3 years later, I am here to let you know if it was worth it. Any other questions? I will happily answer. Email [email protected]

I earned a Bachelor's in Political Science from American University in Washington, DC. 4 years later, I am here to let you know if it was worth it. Any other questions? I will happily answer. Email [email protected]

Our brains work efficiently by taking shortcuts, but this can lead to irrational sports betting. Learn how heuristics effect the betting market, and use these lessons to adjust how you invest your money or analyze politics. Photo borrowed under creative common license. Article citation: Woodland, Linda M., and Bill M. Woodland. "The National Football League Season Wins Total Betting Market: The Impact of Heuristics on Behavior." Southern Economic Journal 82, no. 1 (2015): 38-54. Accessed January 2, 2021. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44114320. Go Bills.

On our second guest episode, my brother Andrei first talks about masking policies. We discuss how his upbringing may have influenced his views on this issue. Then we discuss police violence and how to advocate for more peaceful solutions going forward. Anyone can be a guest, just email [email protected] and say "I'm in." Episode art borrowed under creative common license from: https://images.app.goo.gl/tXjfdWwaJNA9rKVFA

Let's continue the American experiment

Three more listeners' questions: where to find free and objective policy information, what the electoral college is, and what electoral reforms Democrats should focus on. Timestamps will be added in post-production. Questions? Email [email protected]

Your most pressing elections questions are answered! This episode reveals information on tracking your ballot, the Supreme Court fight, mail-in voting integrity, and how candidates decide to declare victory. Our Democracy hangs in the balance. Send me a message with your question, or to be a guest on the program. [email protected]

California's Proposition 2 gave hens the right to live free from battery cages. This podcast examines that policy change using the ACF, which is a model that explains how policies emerge. After reading the paper, I discuss my decision to become flexitarian. This is something I deeply care about, and I encourage feedback. Email: [email protected] 

Senator Kamala Harris joins Biden's campaign to challenge Trump and Pence. This podcast explores her value as a candidate and as a historic choice for the job. Email [email protected] with mail to be read on the podcast (or just to say hello).

The Broadway play Hamilton inspired an academic article (citation below). After reading the article, this podcast discusses how we examine figures from the past, given how complex it is to interpret morals and motives from 200 years ago. BROWN, MATTHEW. 2017. “A Founding, If You Can Keep It.” Independent Review 21 (4): 489–96. http://search.ebscohost.com.proxyaua.wrlc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a2h&AN=121733248&site=ehost-live. 

Summaries of various academic articles. In order: how government spending prevents recession-based suicides, debating free speech on college campuses, exploring anti-science propoganda, a scholarly debate on how Thailand's universal healthcare came to be, and how recreational marijuana may not increase traffic fatalities. Be a guest on the podcast by emailing [email protected]

Explore the case that banned LGBT+ employment discrimination (Bostock v. Clayton County). By hiring Honest Politics to read Supreme Court decisions for you, we break through traditional media outlets. My motive is not based on clicks, it's based on my clients' best interests. Send me a message to get started: [email protected]. When you finish listening to this, check out Brett and Nazim's awesome podcast; The Citizen's Guide to the Supreme Court. 

First two and a half minutes discuss equality. The rest of the episode explains four policy process models (how stuff gets passed). All of them use the concept of focusing events. Many focusing events are happening in 2020 and each can facilitate policy change. Contact info: [email protected]. Episode is not monetized, there is a disclaimer near the end.

The Constitution needs to be modernized. To fix the most fundamental issues in our country, we must start with our founding document. To clarify, this is a personal project of Alex's, not the business. Read Alex's full proposal here: https://alexatamerican.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/the-2037-constitutional-convention/ Email [email protected] or message me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Constitution needs to be modernized. To fix the most fundamental issues in our country, we must start with our founding document. To clarify, this is a personal project of Alex's, not the business. Read Alex's full proposal here: https://alexatamerican.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/the-2037-constitutional-convention/ Email [email protected] or message me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Constitution needs to be modernized. To fix the most fundamental issues in our country, we must start with our founding document. To clarify, this is a personal project of Alex's, not the business. Read Alex's full proposal here: https://alexatamerican.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/the-2037-constitutional-convention/ Email [email protected] or message me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Constitution needs to be modernized. To fix the most fundamental issues in our country, we must start with our founding document. To clarify, this is a personal project of Alex's, not the business. Read Alex's full proposal here: https://alexatamerican.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/the-2037-constitutional-convention/ Email [email protected] or message me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Want to read hundreds of pages about politicians? If your answer is "no" or "maybe," then consider hiring Honest Politics to read a book for you. This podcast discusses Joe Biden's first autobiography: Promises to Keep, as a rough example of how this could be done for you. When you commission the book reading, you will choose what I focus on, so it will be targeted for you and rich in cited details. This podcast was an unscripted reflection on the book, rather than a commissioned product. Email [email protected] with any message to get started.

Authoritarian governments have built-in advantages when responding to emergencies like SARS and COVID-19.  How can democratic governments compensate and respond effectively? Citation: “Compensating for the Authoritarian Advantage in Crisis Response: A comparative case study of SARS pandemic responses in China and Taiwan,” Journal of Chinese Political Science Vol. 17(3) (September 2012): 313-332. China-Taiwan-SARS-JCPS-Final12-19  Author's website: https://hawksites.newpaltz.edu/schwartj/

This policy analysis to determine how to increase Ohio's voter turnout was a signature accomplishment towards earning my Master's in Public Policy. I highly recommend listening to the first couple minutes, then skipping to the last four and a half minutes, unless you want to hear the less-than-thrilling details of policy analysis and the voting structure in 2016 Ohio. Paper and citations available upon request: [email protected]

In this episode, we explore how animals advance medical science. If you want to find the most relevant COVID information for you, listen to the second half of the podcast. Send comments (or sponsor a more advanced episode)  by e-mailing [email protected]

Learn why there has not been many recent episodes. I told you the “news section” would be a minute or two but I got carried away! Email [email protected] to be a guest.

Quick podcast on Bernie Sanders’ win and where the rest of the field stands. Email [email protected] with comments.

I recorded this late at night before New Hampshire votes on Tuesday. After a quick Iowa recap, we examine New Hampshire and listen to Alex’s predictions for the top 5 finishers. Email: [email protected]

Who will win? Listen to Alex’s analysis and predictions before votes are counted in the Iowa Caucuses. Comments? Email [email protected]. Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Andrew Yang compete for the nomination!

Learn about the limits of exemplars, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, using this discussion of an academic essay. Email [email protected] with comments or to be a guest (for free). Citation: Hamilton, Brian. 2019. “Navigating Moral Struggle: Toward a Social Model of Exemplarity.” Journal of Religious Ethics 47 (3): 566–82. doi:10.1111/jore.12276.

This prediction was made by Alex Gamcsik (not by Honest Politics) using a system Allan Lichtman created for predicting presidential elections. Read Alex's article here: https://alexatamerican.wordpress.com/2020/01/03/trump-wins-re-election-heres-why/  Email [email protected] with comments.

This Trump-supporting episode covers the president's most recent campaign stop! I can cover all events from all perspectives, just email [email protected]. You can also message my Facebook or Twitter account. Just search "Honest Politics LLC."

I tried my best to pronounce her name. Why was Senator Harris forced to drop out of the race? Email: [email protected] or go to HonestPoliticsLLC.com  

Academic research, my background knowledge, and a little bit of history. To skip my introduction/promotion of the business, go to 1:50. Contact me: [email protected] (capitalization optional, like all email addresses).

It’s midnight. I watched the debate. Here are some professional thoughts on it. I rustled the microphone around. Yes, you can skip this episode if you’d like, but if you are craving post-debate content, I’m out of the gate earlier than many other podcasts!

This presentation was meant to be delivered in full before the 2019 Monroe County elections took place. Looking back, how did Republicans lose ground in this election? Let's use some lessons from Political Science to find out. Send me a message at [email protected]. This was meant to be a neutral political analysis.

Elections happen every year. Hire Honest Politics LLC to help you decide who to vote for. I can research how to go about voting in your local area. Send me a message on HonestPoliticsLLC.com or through social media. Thank you.

Our first interview episode! Topics mentioned: political participation, LGBT+ issues, the church, refugees, health insurance, abortion, guns, birth control, and more! Discover the origins behind your own political opinions. Be a guest (anonymous or otherwise), by sending a message containing "podcast request" to [email protected] 

Thoughtful discussion on the exciting Democratic Debate. If you would like to be a guest (perhaps on the next debate episode) send an email to [email protected] and we will get you on. It's a cool publication to share with your friends!  

This is, by my reckoning, a conservative estimate of what it would cost to build and maintain a moat filled with alligators on the southern border of the United States. President Trump seemed to think it was a good idea at one point. How many of your tax-dollars would fund this project? Learn about alligators, cost analysis, and water flow in this exciting episode. Email [email protected] for full citations and methodology! (happy to share).

Two short essays from a Presidential History class in college. These were written shortly after Trump's 2016 election. The class was titled something like: 'The Modern Presidency from FDR to 2016,' taught by Professor Allan J. Lichtman at American University. Got a question or angry comment? Email [email protected] and I may read it on the air! (I will always ask your permission first)

A dense, academic insight on South Korea's democratization. Interestingly, it was the specific instance within South Korea, rather than any one democratization theory, which transformed the country. If you want the full paper with citations, just email [email protected]. I also take any comments! Have a great day. 

Azerbaijan is an excellent case study of countries that have remained authoritarian.  In contrast to Georgia, it is a post-Soviet nation that benefits from an oil economy and a culture of clan loyalty. Find out more on this episode! 

To find out why these analyses are different, listen to the July episode a couple months ago. I isolate myself from outside influence and try to give an objective record of who did well, who did poorly, and how it will effect the presidential race. I try to be unbiased, with the caveat that unconscious bias is literally impossible to eliminate. Enjoy, and I welcome any feedback! 

Quick update on the release schedule. Comments? Email [email protected] (capitalization not necessary, provided for clarity).

This is the story of how this business was born (don't worry, this podcast is safe for the whole family).  Want to start a business as a side hustle, to get into the gig economy, or as a new career? Learn from my experience! To skip the explanation of my services, begin at the 8 minute mark. For a quick explanation without many details, listen to the last 3.5 minutes. Want to be a guest on the podcast? Scroll to the bottom of HonestPoliticsLLC.com and send me a message saying, "Podcast Request." Thank you!

The release of Julián Castro's animal welfare policy was a pivotal moment for anyone who cares about animals. At the 10 minute 30 second mark, see what scholars think about video games causing violence. Citations will be uploaded to the blog section of HonestPoliticsLLC.com. If you want to be a guest, email [email protected] saying "Podcast Request."

In a world creeping towards authoritarianism, this tiny country exemplifies democratization . What is a democracy, really? Answers await you shortly. For the full paper and citations, visit: https://www.honestpoliticsllc.com/blog

PET has important implications for today's politics. How do policy objectives (like public school budgets) get passed? This podcast scratches the surface by examining a study from Professor Flink.  Citation: Flink, Carla M. “Rethinking Punctuated Equilibrium Theory: A Public Administration Approach to Budgetary Changes.” Policy Studies Journal 45, no. 1 (February 2017): 101–20. doi:10.1111/psj.12114. (Accessed via American University's Remote Access Library).

This overview of a peer-reviewed academic article helps you understand that political scientists do have an ethical role in their jobs as researchers. Citation: Bevir, Mark, and Jason Blakely. “Why Political Science Is an Ethical Issue.” Political Studies 66, no. 2 (May 2018): 425–41. doi:10.1177/0032321717723503.

Mostly objective debate analysis and tips for watching events like these. Second night starts at 11:30. Want to be a guest? Go to HonestPoliticsLLC.com and scroll to the bottom. Send a message saying "Podcast Request."

Welcome to the Honest Politics podcast. Find me at HonestPoliticsLLC.com. If you want to be a guest, go to the website and scroll to the bottom. Send me a message saying, “Podcast Request.” Thank you.