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Simplifying The State
by CHS Globe
"Simplifying the State" is a student-run podcast that simplifies U.S. politics for high school students. Each week, we break down the most important stories, election analysis, and any relevant developments in a way that's easy to understand, helping young listeners stay informed and engaged in today's fast-changing political landscape.
Episodes
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$5000 For a Vote?
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam, Drew, and Nicholas discuss the upcoming midterm elections. Control of both chambers is on the line on Nov. 3, and it could come down to just a few key races. Tune in to hear which messages may be resonating with voters, and what actions may be…
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WWE or DOE?
In this episode, Adam, Drew, and Nicholas discuss the changes in education policy under the second Trump administration. They also discuss whether education policy should be determined at the local level or the federal level.
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A Joe Rogan of the Left?
Creator of the "Righting" Howard Polskin stops by to talk to Adam about the new right-wing media ecosystem and its effects. They also discuss the decline of legacy media, how new media trends have fueled a surge of independent journalism, and how AI could affect the future of journalism and media.
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Providing a Choice
Gregory Upchurch sits down to talk to Adam about his campaign for Missouri State Auditor. They discuss what makes the State Auditor's office special, the effects of efforts to remove the income tax, and the importance of transparency in the auditing process.
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Should Missouri Change a Different Tax?
Candidate for Missouri's 99th House District, Nathan Mai-Lombardo, stops by to talk to Adam about his campaign for the State House. The two discuss a variety of issues, including the ongoing debate surrounding the Republican-backed plan to eliminate the state income tax to spur economic...
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Dinner Table Discussions: Tori Schafer
In this episode of Simplifying the State, I spoke with a candidate for Missouri House District 99, Tori Schafer. Our discussion touched on several issues, including the increased cost of living for young people and data center construction. We also discussed her plans to work with Republicans in...
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The Global Candidate: Boris Abadzhyan
Candidate for Missouri's 99th state house district, which encompasses Clayton, Boris Abadzhyan talks with us about his campaign and his interesting path to politics. Then we discuss some of the things he wants to do if elected, from fighting Republican attempts to working with them to institute...
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Should The U.S. Withdraw From The World Stage?
Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel discuss the new U.S. national security and foreign policy shifts. From Trump's strategy to the U.S.'s role in global affairs, they discuss diplomacy with China, obligations to Ukraine, and Middle East withdrawal.
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Will Democrats Win in 2026?
In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson and Drew Garfinkel talk about the upcoming midterm elections, exploring the Democrats' chances of reclaiming the House and the potential impact of gerrymandering. They discuss the importance of young voter turnout and how political...
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Why Trump’s Saudi Meeting Matters to You
In this episode, Adam, Nicholas, and Drew talk about the complexities of US-Saudi relations. They explore the moral implications of recent diplomatic engagements, the historical context of the partnership, and the potential impact on high schoolers and the broader public.
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Epstein Emails and Trump
In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel talk about the explosive release of some of the Epstein emails. With 20,000 emails now public, they discuss the potential political fallout for Trump and the Republican Party. They explore how these...
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A Big Week for Elections
Adam, Nicholas and Drew unpack the latest election results and what they could mean for the Democratic and Republican parties heading into the midterms. They break down why Democrats saw strong results, how GOP leaders might respond, and what Zorhan Mamdani’s win in New York could signal for…
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The Shutdown, One Month In
Adam, Nicholas, and Drew discuss the ongoing government shutdown, now more than a month in. They look at how cuts to SNAP benefits affect millions of Americans, what the shutdown means for air travel and other federal services, and how public opinion is forming around who is responsible.
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Trump’s New War on Drugs
Adam and Drew discuss the Trump administration’s military buildup in the Caribbean and the attacks on alleged Venezuelan drug boats. Learn about the administration’s justification, the legal and ethical questions surrounding it, and why this matters for America’s image—and for how our generation...
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Universities Under Pressure
Adam, Drew, and Nicholas discuss the Trump administration's Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Learn about this proposal's effects on universities, their autonomy, the ramifications for students' rights, and how it may affect a few nearby St. Louis universities.
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How Will AI Affect Politics?
In this episode of "Simplifying the State," hosts Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel talk about the complex world of AI and its potential impact on politics and society. From the rise of deepfakes to the bipartisan push for AI regulation, the discussion explores how AI could reshape...
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Is the Military Becoming a Political Tool?
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson and Drew Garfinkle discuss the recent speech by President Trump to the top military leaders in the country, exploring the implications of his rhetoric on the military and domestic politics. They talk about the use of the National Guard and ICE...
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The Impending Government Shutdown and Its Consequences
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam, Nicholas, and Drew talk about the looming government shutdown on October 1st at 12:01 AM. If no deal is reached before then, hundreds of thousands of people could lose their jobs, and many people could go without pay while some social benefits are...
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Discord Elects a Prime Minister: The Collapse of the Government of Nepal
In this episode, we explore the collapse of the Nepalese government, which was driven by widespread corruption and economic disparity. Discover how a social media ban ignited protests, leading to a swift governmental change, and the role of Nepal's youth in demanding reform.
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The Danger of Political Violence
In this episode, hosts Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel delve into the alarming rise of political violence in the United States. They discuss recent events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and explore the deepening political polarization that fuels such violence. They...
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Schools, Politics, and Policy with Ian Mackey
In this Episode, Adam interviews Representative Ian Mackey about the recent cell phone ban in Missouri schools and its implications. Representative Mackey discusses his support bill that included the ban, emphasizes the disconnect between lawmakers and students regarding technology use, and...
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Syria Stands Solid Facing Forward but Not Unfazed
In this episode, Adam and Nicholas delve into the complexities of the Syrian Civil War, the fall of the Assad regime, and the implications for the future of Syria. They discuss the aftermath of Assad's rule, the involvement of international players, and the factors that led to the regime's...
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From Anchorage to Kyiv: The State of the War and Peace Prospects
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson and Nicholas Perrin discuss the recent summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska, the current state of the Ukraine war, and the implications of ongoing diplomatic efforts. They analyze the stagnation of the war frontlines, the lack of…
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Trump Deploys National Guard to D.C.
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson discusses the recent deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., examining the legal framework behind it, the implications for local governance, and the political motivations driving this decision. He critiques the deployment as...
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The Age of Gerrymandering -- Why Trump Is Openly Asking For It, and Democrat Efforts to Retaliate
The new congressional district maps drawn up for Texas recently sent shockwaves through the state. When Democrat lawmakers left Texas to prevent the bill from passing and reducing Democrat House seating by five, shockwaves were sent through the nation. In this edition of Simplifying the State,...
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The Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict Explained
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson and Nicholas Perrin delve into the complex political landscape of Southeast Asia, focusing on the historical and contemporary relations between Thailand and Cambodia. They explore the roots of their border conflicts, the implications for...
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Bell to Bell: Missouri's New Classroom Cell Phone Ban
In this Episode, Adam and Nicholas explore the recent trend of cell phone bans in schools across the United States, focusing on legislative actions in states like Missouri, Florida, and Alabama. The discussion highlights public opinion on these bans, the impact on students' mental health, and the...
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Trump Looks to Europe-New NATO 5% Target, Trump Warms up to Ukraine and Sours on Russia
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Nicholas explains the recent increase of the NATO spending goal, from 2% to 5%, why Spain is pushing back against it, why the Slovenian government is in turmoil because of it, and predicts what will end of it. He also goes over the recent plan to continue...
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The Epstein Files Fallout: Trump's Political Dilemma
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson and Nicholas discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files and its implications for the Trump administration and the Republican Party. They explore the reactions from Trump's base, the fallout from his failure to release the...
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The Future of the Republican Party: Challenges Ahead
In this episode, Adam Watson and Nicholas Perrin discuss the future of the Republican Party, focusing on the implications of recent legislation, the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, and potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election. They analyze the impact of healthcare policies, the...
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Mamdani's Victory: A New Direction for Democrats?
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam and Nicholas discuss the recent Democratic primary victory of Zorhan Mamdani in New York, exploring its implications for the Democratic Party's future strategies and potential candidates for the 2028 election. They analyze the lessons that can be...
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Monopoly in Uniform
The Pentagon’s budget is nearing $1 trillion. A missile that used to cost $25,000 now runs $400,000. And the company that makes your calculator? Yeah, they also build weapons. Adam and Nicholas unpack how the military-industrial complex quietly took over everything from jet engines to software...
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Freedom of Speech, Terms and Conditions Apply
In this episode, we dig into recent protests across the country and how the government is responding with an unprecedented show of force — from thousands of National Guard troops to Marines in the streets. We talk about what it means when peaceful protests meet heavy-handed crackdowns, including...
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The Gilded Age 2.0: What’s Really in the Big Beautiful Bill?
Republicans push their “One Big Beautiful Bill” through the House by a single vote, but what’s actually inside this thing? Adam and Nicholas break down the bill’s sweeping tax cuts, attacks on clean energy, and new hurdles for Medicaid, SNAP, and asylum seekers. Plus, a senator shrugs off health...
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A Tale of Two Cities
Tornadoes tore through the St. Louis area on May 16, leaving behind a billion dollars in damage—so why does it feel like some neighborhoods are being left behind? In this episode, we break down the possibility of uneven disaster response, why the sirens didn’t go off, and what happens when FEMA...
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From FDR to Trump: The Evolution of 100 Days
Trump’s firing off executive orders fast—143 in his first 100 days. But what does that actually mean? In this episode, we break down the history of the first 100 days, how past presidents have used them, and what Trump’s early moves say about where his second term is headed.
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Protesters Today, Prisoners Tomorrow?
The Trump team says they want to deport “the worst of the worst.” But what happens when that starts including student journalists, activists — and possibly U.S. citizens? In this episode, we break down what these escalating deportation plans signal.
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What Recent Special Elections Might Reveal About 2026
Special elections don’t usually grab national headlines—but maybe they should. In this episode, we break down recent races in Florida’s 1st and 6th districts, a surprising result in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, and why Elon Musk’s political bets might not be paying off. From close margins to...
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The Price of Protectionism
Tariffs are back—and they’re coming for more than just your wallet. In this episode, we unpack how trade restrictions could drive up prices on everything from burgers to hospital beds. Insurance? That’s going up too. We’re talking short-term inflation, long-term uncertainty, and a policy move…
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Sino-U.S. Relations: A History of Conflict and Cooperation
From 19th-century treaties to modern-day tensions, U.S.-China relations have been anything but simple. We’re unpacking the history, the current power struggle, and what might come next.
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A Diplomatic Disaster: Trump, Zelensky, and the Future of Ukraine
In this opinion-based episode of Simplifying the State, Adam and Nicholas break down the explosive press conference between President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The discussion quickly turned into a heated shouting match, raising major questions...
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Greenland: The Island America Keeps Trying to Buy
Why does the U.S. keep trying to buy Greenland? In this episode, we break down the history of Greenland, how Denmark took control of it, and why the U.S. has repeatedly tried to acquire it. We also dive into Trump’s renewed interest in the island, its strategic importance, and whether a U.S....
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USAID: Global Impact and Political Tensions
Why is USAID at the center of political debate? In this episode, we break down the history of the agency, its role in global aid, and why it's caught in the crosshairs of political figures like President Trump and Elon Musk. We also dive into the controversial moments in USAID's past, including…
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The Panama Canal: Why Trump Wants It Back
Why is Trump suddenly interested in the Panama Canal? In this episode, we break down the history of the canal, how the U.S. lost control of it, and why Trump is talking about taking it back. We also dive into China's presence in the region, Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to Panama, and whether a…
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Born in the USA: The Debate Over Birthright Citizenship
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam and Nicholas break down the history and significance of birthright citizenship in the United States—and what its fate may be. Tune in as they explore how this policy has shaped the nation and the debates surrounding its future.
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Cabinet of Controversy: Trump's Future Coworkers, Who, What, and Why
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Nicholas breaks down Donald Trump’s latest cabinet picks for his potential second term. From Chris Wright’s controversial appointment as Energy Secretary to Marco Rubio’s hawkish stance as Secretary of State, he explores the people, their policies, and…
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Attorney General 101: What They Do and Why They Matter
We’re diving into the Attorney General—what the job is, why it’s so important, and how recent controversies surrounding the most recent nominee are shaking things up. Plus, we kick off a fun new segment to close the show!
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Trump's Picks and Policies: What Comes Next?
Trump’s 2024 cabinet picks are making headlines, and we’re here to unpack what it all means. Adam and Nicholas dive into the potential impact of these choices, explore upcoming policy proposals, and discuss how opposition leaders might respond.
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Trump's Win: What's Next?
In this episode of Simplifying the State, the shocking outcome of the 2024 election, where Donald Trump secured the presidency by winning all seven key swing states and achieving a significant Electoral College victory. We analyze the demographics behind the vote, discuss the implications of a...
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4 Days Left: The Key Races to Watch
With Election Day fast approaching, the stakes are higher than ever in battleground states across the country. In this episode, Adam and Nicholas break down the key Senate and governor races that could shift the balance of power. From tight polls in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to unexpected heat…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
"Simplifying the State" is a student-run podcast that simplifies U.S. politics for high school students. Each week, we break down the most important stories, election analysis, and any relevant developments in a way that's easy to understand, helping young listeners stay informed and engaged in today's fast-changing political landscape.
HOSTED BY
CHS Globe
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Simplifying The State have?
Simplifying The State currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Simplifying The State about?
"Simplifying the State" is a student-run podcast that simplifies U.S. politics for high school students. Each week, we break down the most important stories, election analysis, and any relevant developments in a way that's easy to understand, helping young listeners stay informed and engaged in...
How often does Simplifying The State release new episodes?
Simplifying The State has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Simplifying The State?
You can listen to Simplifying The State on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Simplifying The State?
Simplifying The State is created and hosted by CHS Globe.
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