Episodes
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2026 Election: Thoughts and Predictions
This pre-election episode of Civics Over Politics gets into the 2026 elections with some fair but spirited thoughts and predictions.
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MAGA's Golden Era
This episode of the Civics Over Politics podcast explores the achievements of the MAGA Golden Era through the lens of reality and the law. Listeners might have forgotten about some of these "accomplishments" amidst the chaos of the daily political news. The mid-term election is ongoing and…
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Checks and Balances
This episode of the Civics Over Politics podcast examines the state of more or less 1 party rule that exists in Missouri, as well as the unified control of the federal government by the Republican Party presently. Show Notes: Overview of control of Missouri State Government:...
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Abortion
This episode of Civics Over Politics delves into the subject of abortion, which is particularly relevant in 2026 as Missouri has a statewide legislative initiative to remove abortion protections from the state constitution this November. Abortion is tackled on this episode by looking into the...
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Missouri Amendments on the November 3 General Election Ballot
On this episode, we get into some good Schmitt about the amendments on the November 3, 2026 Missouri General Election ballot. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Show Notes: Link to Secretary of State's Ballot Amendment Info: https://www.sos.mo.gov/petitions/2026ballotmeasures
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Supreme Court Orders Missouri To Use The Correct Map
Today's show briefly reviews the chain of events that led to the Supreme Court of the United States to order Missouri to use the 2022 Congressional map in the 2026 General Election. The order of the court is then read aloud, making the details of the case accessible to a listener who doesn't have...
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State Dinner Honors for Perpetrators of Genocide?
This episode of Civics Over Politics gets into yet another round of litigation over the Missouri Congressional maps. The recent State Dinner for Chairman Xi is also addressed. Show Notes: Initiatives and Referendums Provision of the Missouri State Constitution...
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Remembering 9/11 and More Missouri Map Updates
This episode of Civics Over Politics remembers the 9/11 attack that took place 25 years ago. There are also further developments in the Missouri congressional district maps situation. The show tackles these and some legal background on the complexities of this case Show Notes: 9/11 Timeline:...
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Jeff City Elites v the People of Missouri
This episode delves into a discussion about universal values and constitutionalism. We also tackle the ongoing situation involving Missouri’s “Missouri First Map” and initiative petition challenging it. Show Notes: Missouri Constitution:...
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Why Do Politics Matter
This episode of Civics Over Politics delves into the very nature of why politics is important, using the lens of a couple of examples: of Alexander Hamilton's thoughts during the Constitutional debates and the fallout from the conflict between the United States and Iran. The show closes with a...
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Political Identity
This episode delves into the questions of what drives voter behavior and identity. Examples that frame the review include the recent Missouri primary election, the legacy of Jerry Litton, the politics of beef, and cultural markers or issues. Show Notes: Missouri August 4, 2026 Primary Election...
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Missouri Amendments 4 and 5
This episode of Civics Over politics delves into Missouri Amendment 4 (citizen initiative petitions) and Amendment 5 (taxation). We close with a shout out to a great St. Joseph, Missouri institution.
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America Turns 250
Happy Independence Day to everyone! This episode celebrates the spirit of independence. From the declaration, to Frederick Douglass, to Abraham Lincoln, to the present day, the American experiment continues. We should not take this for granted. Show Notes: Declaration of Independence:...
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Redistricting, Trump on our money, and MAHA vaccine recommendations
This episode of Civics Over Politics explores the ongoing mid-decade redistricting, Trump’s image and likeness all over official things, and MAHA’s “gold standard” science insanity. Show Notes: Louisiana Redistricting:...
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Race and American History
On this 20th episode of the Civics Over Politics podcast, the show takes an introspective look at how race has played a role in American history. Special attention is paid to the massive resistance of the newly enshrined civil rights in the 1950s and 1960s. We close the show with yet another…
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Politics and Religion
Show Notes: This episode of Civics Over Politics explores the connections between politics and religion, from the Roman Empire to the present day. The show closes with another travel recommendation. Last week's suggested destination was the St. Francois Mountain region in Missouri. Constantine…
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Identity Politics
Not the cable news version, but a take on the dominant identity politics of our era. Plus a travel recommendation.
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Political Violence
Today’s episode delves into the threats and instances of political violence in our country. The show also gives a bit of background on me and how I approach the issues. We close with a tribute to the modern miracle of vaccines. Vaccines save lives: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/04/1167377
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Pope Leo and Trump, Iran War updates, and Ketanji Brown Jackson
Today’s episode delves into the recent dust up between the Pope and the President, the war with Iran, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and an awesome movie recommendation. Show Notes: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Yale Law School Lecture on the Emergency Docket:...
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St. Joseph Municipal Election Recap, War Update, John Milton, and the Joys of Baseball
This episode recaps the April 7 St. Joseph local elections and their low but change-oriented turnout, tackles the latest in the Iran war situation , takes in the perspective of John Milton on Charles I, and closes with a reflection on the joys of baseball.
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Local election, war, and citizenship
This episode goes deep on the local election and the issues that matter, the war in Iran, and our citizenship. Show Notes: The Birthright Con by Jamelle Bouie:...
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Politics of Dehumanization
On this episode, the show dives into the history of the Soviet Union, National Socialism, Chinese Communism, and contemporary American politics to show the devastating effects of dehumanizing rhetoric and policies. Show Notes: Thomas Hobbes Leviathan:...
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Episode 12: Young Men
For this episode, we feature a wide ranging interview with my stepson Jackson about all things politics, sports, and a bit more. This one is an interesting and fresh one.
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Special Episode on Ireland
Today’s episode, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, will focus on Ireland. We will delve into the political and social history of Ireland by exploring a few notable periods of Irish history. These include the Norman conquest and subsequent Lordship of Ireland in 1177, the Cromwell era and its...
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Women… interview with Maggie, and some Mary Wollstonecraft and Abigail Adams
Today’s episode, which is the show’s 10th, will focus on women. We will bring you an interview with my step-daughter Maggie, who is 16, almost 17, focusing on her civic perspectives. The episode will close with some historical perspectives on women’s rights and feminism. Show Notes: About Mary...
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War
Show Notes: Air Combat Command Article on Operation Epic Fury: https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4420221/hegseth-says-epic-fury-goals-in-iran-are-laser-focused/ Just War Theory: https://iep.utm.edu/justwar/ Abraham Lincoln’s Letter:...
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Left Versus Right, MAHA, and Scouting America DoD
Today’s show will feature some discussion about what the meaning of left and right are in terms of political alignment and ideology. We’ll also dive into the RFK Jr. phenomenon and the MAHA movement and how this is impacting America in 2026. Today’s episode will close with some updates and…
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Does America Want an Autocrat?
Does America want an autocrat? Plus some history of the Iranian situation, the epistemology of news consumption, and a book recommendation. Today’s show will feature some news and discussion about Executive power and Trump’s brand of leadership, delve into United States foreign policy involving...
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Epstein-Prince Andrew, Tariffs at SCOTUS, and Birthright Citizenship
On this episode, the show tackles Prince Andrew, tariffs and the dramatic Learning Resources Supreme Court decision in the justices’ own words, and birthright citizenship. The show closes with a classic TV show recommendation. All in under 17 minutes. Show Notes: Statement from King Charles:...
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Rule of Law versus Law and Order
New and improved audio for this episode, Wilkes v Wood and the rule of law as opposed to law and order, Operation Metro Surge, Jesse Jackson’s legacy, and an album recommendation. Show Notes: Rule of Law Primer from UVA Law School:...
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FDR: Communication Skills Without Equal?
Today’s episode features FDR’s background and some of his own words, some comment about race and the Presidency, and a classic post-World War 2 movie recommendation. Show Notes: Fireside Chat 12/9/1941 https://youtu.be/cAGnPSJP5YQ?si=tQ4ziNGhl7fZX03Q FDR Biography - FDR Presidential Library &...
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I Like Ike President’s Day Tribute
This episode packs a punch in a short time with a nod to Ike’s Farewell Address, an episode from the Korean Conflict, some reflections on the Department of Defense, some baseball talk, and closes with some Hannah Arendt. Show Notes: Home | Eisenhower Presidential Library...
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George Washington: Spirit of the Farewell Address
This is the second of several tributes to great American Presidents in honor of President’s Day. This episode features the Farewell Address of President Washington as well as some updates and commentary on current events, including the SAVE Act, emoluments and the World Liberty Financial dealings...
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Lincoln’s Birthday: First Episode
Lincoln’s birthday and second inaugural, the DOJ attempts to indict 6 members of congress, and immigration enforcement. With a shout out to William Blackstone. Are we citizens, or subjects? Show notes: Today in History - February 12 | Library of Congress...