S1 E24 The Crisis of Hope by Brian Smyers. Interviewed by Julius Knapp. You turn on the news, whether it be the TV, website, or podcast, and you find yourself immediately becoming depressed. The news just keeps getting worse and worse, and there is more uncertainty from the top, whether it be from the government, your employer, or family members. Politically, this is a high stress time.

This article and interview examines some pretty famous conspiracy theories and what drives them.

This is a discussion about the reactions and implications of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Susan Smyers,, Julius Knapp, and Brian Smyers No Article with this post. Rather a discussion between Julius Knapp, Susan Smyers, and Brian Smyers on the reactions, coverage, social media impact, and implications of the Charlie Kirk Assassination. These "Wednesday Insert Editions" are rare, meant to cover an event that has large potential to affect people's world view, whether it be in areas of foreign policy (Zelensky Press Conference), a protest movement (No Kings) or in this case how we view each other, and our relationship with the government.

The Ascendant Project explores how mortality intensifies our politics and creates drive in our lives.

Brian and Julius read and discuss the Declaration of Independence. We look at it through the lens of today as well as discuss historical context.

Coverage and discussion of the No Kings Protest, specifically the Frederick Maryland instance.

One of your friends brings ups a current event. You are on the opposite side of the political aisle than your friend. What do you do?

by Brian Smyers "What is Truth" by Brian Smyers. Interviewed by Julius Knapp. When I was young and in college, I was part of a Bible Study call the Search of Truth. The series started with a friend of mine, Kelly, reading John 18:36-38 which occurs during Jesus’s trial in front of Pontius Pilate. 36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.

A deep friendship forms across political lines through mutual acts of empathy and respect.

Julius and Brian discuss the Hands Off Protests that occurred 4/5/25, with special attention paid to Frederick and Westminster Maryland.

Now that we are in Trump 2.0, Democrats must ask themselves if they were better off with Joe Manchin in their party than they are today.

No Episode this week. Will be back 4/5/25

Unaffiliated by Julius Knapp. Interviewed by Brian Smyers I registered to vote when I turned 18. I remember being so excited to practice what I felt was my civic duty. Being able to finally participate in American democracy, in “the great experiment”, was an honor. So few people before me (historically speaking) or globally had the option to experience that honor.

"Dueling Visions". by Brian Smyers. Interview by Julius Knapp. Recorded 3/15/25. As I have mentioned in previous posts and interviews, it has been a long time since I’ve been able to see out of my left eye.   The lens with the cataract was removed 4 weeks ago, but the cataract had spread to the capsule around the lens.  However, as the inflammation has lessened, now I’m beginning to see images, and lines on the road are becoming visible. 

"Constitutional Crisis" by Julius Knapp. Interviewed by Brian Smyers Written and Recorded 3/1/25 It’s difficult, verging on impossible, to articulate all the feelings of the past several weeks. President Donald Trump was inaugurated on January 20 and has been hard at work stretching the limits of executive authority and power. Among the more alarming executive orders are: Implementing the Presidents “Department of Government Efficiency” cost efficiency initiative…

Here it is 5 years later, and I have decided to start this project anew. Trump has been elected for the second time and has already issued a flurry of executive orders and brought in Elon Musk to s…

I’ve been in or around politics for over a half-century now. I’ve watched as corporations ransacked our system. In 1952, the corporate share of federal tax revenue was 32%. In 2020, it was down to 7%. Here’s how we break the corporate oligarchy and return power to the people. Watch More: What's the Real American Story? ►► https://youtu.be/vvCtwDAQta0 For more videos like these, be sure to subscribe. If you'd like to support our work, you can do so here: www.inequalitymedia.org/donate Follow Robert Reich: Facebook: facebook.com/RBReich Twitter: twitter.com/RBReich Instagram: instagram.com/rbreich/