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Utterly Moderate Podcast
by Connors Institute
The Utterly Moderate Podcast is the official podcast of Connors Institute for Nonpartisan Research and Civic Engagement at Shippensburg University. The core mission of the Connors Institute is to disseminate high-quality nonpartisan information to the public. Utterly Moderate is hosted by Lawrence Eppard, a researcher, university professor, and director of the Connors Institute. On each episode, Eppard is joined by a guest (or two or three!) who helps listeners understand important topics by focusing on just the weight of the empirical evidence and none of the unneeded opinions or political agendas. We are aggressively nonpartisan in our approach. Be sure to visit us at ConnorsInstitute.org to learn more about all that we do!
Episodes
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The Problem of Political Myths (w/Michael Huemer)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are joined by Michael Huemer, a professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is here to talk about political myths and why they are dangerous. Political myths are factual claims which are believed by members of a political...
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First 100 Days of Trump 2.0 (w/Jim Swift)
Today’s Utterly Moderate podcast episode focuses on the positives and negatives of President Trump’s first 100 days in office in this his second term. We are joined by Jim Swift, a longtime Republican and senior editor at The Bulwark. If you aren’t familiar with the work that they do over at The...
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Improving American Sociology (w/Bradley Campbell, Jukka Savolainen, & Jacob Mackey)
This episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast deals with liberal bias in higher education and what to do about it, with a specific focus on the field of sociology. According to Gallup, a strong majority (68%) of Americans believe that higher education is headed in the wrong direction. Barely more...
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Red America vs. Blue America: Is This Really What We Want? (w/Robert Talisse)
America is separating into two nations with two different experiences of reality itself: Red America and Blue America. As Robert Talisse, Vanderbilt University political theorist and today’s Utterly Moderate podcast guest, writes: “[O]ur everyday social environments are increasingly segregated...
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How Luck & Randomness Shape Our Lives (w/Mark Robert Rank)
From all of us at the Connors Institute at Shippensburg University, we thank you for listening and hope you have a truly Happy Thanksgiving! Wherever you spend the holiday and whoever you spend it with, we hope you have lots to be thankful for and good people to be thankful with. On this episode…
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Donald Trump, Hunter Biden, Jan. 6, and More. . . How the Pardon Power Is Used (and Abused!) (w/Kimberly Wehle)
Before we begin, don't forget to check out Lawrence Eppard's new book, The Poisoning of the American Mind, and to read the newest piece in the Connors Journal on single parenthood in the U.S. Now on to the podcast. . . Kimberly Wehle, a constitutional law expert at the University of Baltimore's...
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Single Parenthood and Its Consequences for Children (w/Kay Hymowitz)
Single parenthood has risen dramatically in the United States over time. Today, 34% of all children live in a single parent household, up from 9% in 1960. There are regrettable negative consequences of these statistics, as The Bulwark’s Mona Charen notes: “[C]hildren in mother-only homes are five...
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"The Poisoning" Is Here! (w/Jacob Mackey)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, the authors of the brand new book, The Poisoning of the American Mind, talk about the book and its implications for America. So what is their argument? A significant amount of research suggests that most people seek out news and information sources...
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Celebrating America by Talking About George Washington (w/Denver Brunsman)
We want to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore. He was killed during the attempted assassination of former President Trump. According to NBC Philadelphia, Comperatore raised two daughters with his high school sweetheart and spent his final moments...
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Spotting Real Expertise & Examining Your Own Knowledge (w/Jacob Mackey)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, host Lawrence Eppard and Connors Institute co-director Jacob Mackey discuss techniques and shortcuts that you can use to spot real expertise in a world where people with expert credentials are sometimes frauds and where people without expert...
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Misleading Claims in American Educational Curricula (w/Wilfred Reilly)
Before we talk about this episode, we hope you didn’t miss the latest research from the Connors Institute on the gender pay gap. Check it out now! We talk quite a bit on this podcast about some of the things that many liberal and conservative Americans believe that just ain’t so. In fact, we just...
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Space is Littered With Junk (w/Varoujan Gorjian)
Before we talk about this week’s podcast episode, don’t forget to check out the Connors Institute’s new documentary, The Poisoning of the American Mind, an illuminating film about how conservatives and liberals in America regularly fall for misinformation and disinformation. On this week’s…
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Saving the Social Sciences (w/Michael Jindra)
We’ve talked a lot on the Utterly Moderate Podcast about how both liberals and conservatives in America are bombarded with misleading information on a regular basis. On the left, unfortunately, a lot of this bad info comes from an academic research community which is overwhelmingly liberal. A...
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How Should Non-Scientists Evaluate the "State of the Science"? (w/Dr. Sallie Baxendale)
It is extremely hard for the average citizen to understand what the “state of the science” is on many issues. We can all type our queries about a particular topic into Google but, when we get the flood of results, most of us are not trained to be able to (a) understand the complicated statistical...
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Gender in the News (w/Jacob Mackey)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are joined by Jacob Mackey to discuss two big gender-related stories in the news. The first story is positive, and we have covered it in the Connors Newsletter—a big new research study shows that we have made great progress combatting sex...
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Is Ideology Hurting Science? (w/Lisa Selin Davis)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are joined again by Lisa Selin Davis, a writer who covers issues related to gender and gender affirming care. Davis joins the program to discuss a recent UnHerd article “Why did three journals reject my puberty-blocker study? Trans children…
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American Colleges Under the Microscope (w/Jacob Mackey)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we discuss recent controversies at and concerns about colleges and universities in the United States—from highly publicized instances of campus unrest to a lack of intellectual diversity among faculty to hypocrisy on free speech. This episode’s…
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New George Floyd Documentary (w/Robert VerBruggen)
Before we get to today’s episode, check out this article about the Connors Institute in The Sentinel newspaper! On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are joined by Robert VerBruggen from the Manhattan Institute to discuss a new documentary which claims to disprove that George Floyd…
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The Good Old Days Are Now (w/Johan Norberg and Piper Kull)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Connors Institute at Shippensburg University! Since this Utterly Moderate episode is both our Christmas program and our 100th PODCAST EPISODE, we thought we would try to be as uplifting as possible. In that spirit, we are being joined by Johan Norberg,...
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Jim Swift on Immigration, Disinformation, Dog Birthdays, and More!
Jim Swift from The Bulwark joins the Utterly Moderate Podcast to discuss the fraught nature of the immigration debate in the U.S. Both sides in the immigration debate have important points to bring to the table, and good faith discussions and compromises are badly needed. Unfortunately, such...
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Calculate YOUR Poverty Risk With This Calculator! (w/Mark Robert Rank)
Leading American poverty researcher Mark Robert Rank joins the Utterly Moderate Podcast to discuss his Poverty Risk Calculator, the record-low poverty rates that the U.S. saw in 2021, Dr. Rank’s research on the risk Americans face of experiencing poverty throughout their lives, a new book he has...
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New Book on Disinformation (w/Lee McIntyre & Tom Nichols)
Friend of the Connors Forum and frequent Utterly Moderate guest, Lee McIntyre, has a new book out titled On Disinformation: How to Fight for Truth and Protect Democracy, a “powerful, pocket-sized citizen’s guide on how to fight back against the disinformation campaigns that are imperiling…
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The Case for Nuclear Power: An Answer for Climate Change? (w/Robert Zubrin)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we discuss both the pros and cons of nuclear power, especially as it pertains to combatting global climate change. The international community is attempting to keep the world from warming no more than 1.5-2.0 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial...
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The Replication Crisis in Psychology (w/Lee Jussim)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are going to be talking about something called the “replication crisis.” Most people will not be familiar with this since it has been happening in academia but we promise it is not only quite intriguing and full of juicy details but it also has...
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Race & Police Shootings in America (w/Robert VerBruggen)
On this Utterly Moderate Podcast episode we tackle a sensitive issue that is hard to find a clear, definitive answer to: does race play a significant role in fatal shootings of civilians by law enforcement in America? Our guest, Robert VerBruggen, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, has done...
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Controversies Surrounding Gender Affirming Care for Minors (w/Lisa Selin Davis & Amber Alt)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are going to tackle a very sensitive topic, the debate and controversies surrounding gender affirming care for minors who display signs of distress at an incongruence between their gender identity and their biological sex. In several countries,...
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Anatomy of a Viral Conspiracy Theory (w/Jim Swift)
Did you know that President Joe Biden was bussing unauthorized immigrants to a hotel near Orlando, Florida and giving them pre-loaded credit cards, hotel rooms, and clothing—all on your dime?!? You say you didn’t know? Good, because the story was a complete fabrication. On this episode of the...
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Don't Be a Doomer (w/Mona Charen)
Before we get to today’s episode, GREAT NEWS for American democracy! The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the independent state legislature theory in Moore v. Harper. If they had not ruled this way, it could have opened the door in presidential elections for state legislatures to ignore the votes…
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Think Twice Before Messing With Social Security (w/Kathleen Romig)
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER! On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are going to discuss a topic that was back in the news recently with the debt ceiling negotiations: Social Security. A number of politicians and elected representatives have recently suggested…
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The Questionable Science of Microaggressions (w/Lee Jussim)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are joined by Lee Jussim, Rutgers University distinguished professor of psychology. He is here to discuss the questionable science behind microaggressions. If you are unfamiliar with the term, microaggressions are claimed to be “acts, often...
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America CAN Reduce Gun Violence (w/Garen Wintemute)
Another massacre in America. It feels like we are living in a nightmare—and we should refuse to become numb to it. Instead, we should use our anger and sorrow and demand that our leaders do the things that most Americans support to stop the carnage. I include links to some *extremely* graphic...
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Conspiracy Theories in America (w/Michael Shermer from Skeptic Magazine)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are joined by Michael Shermer from Skeptic Magazine to discuss the rise of conspiracy theories in America. Make sure to check out Shermer's new book on the subject, Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational. The Connors Forum is an...
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Reducing Extremism & Radicalization (w/Jay Jackson & Pasha Dashtgard)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we discuss the difficult tasks of reducing extremism and radicalization in the U.S. as well as improving our political discourse. In segment one we are joined by Pasha Dashtgard, Director of Research for American University’s Polarization and...
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The Woke Wars (w/Jacob Mackey)
Longtime Connors Newsletter subscribers and Utterly Moderate Podcast listeners know how concerned we are about post-truth America—that is, the fact that we now live in a time where objective facts are becoming less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief....
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Going Back to the Moon and Then to Mars (w/Varoujan Gorjian)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are joined by friend of the show, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory astrophysicist Varoujan Gorjian, to discuss NASA’s plans for taking humans back to the Moon, setting up a Moon base, and then going to Mars. We also discuss other exciting...
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CRT, Abortion, & Other Mailbag Questions! (w/Madison Laughman)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, we answer your mailbag questions! Our podcast listeners and newsletter subscribers (subscribe for free instantly!) have been sending their questions to our website and today is the day that we answer them on the air! Visit us any time at...
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Women in STEM (w/Brighid Cantwell)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast we are discussing women in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the U.S. According to the AAUW: "Women make up only 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and men vastly...
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What Does It Mean To Be a Conservative Today? (w/Bill Kristol)
In the fall of 2022 the Connors Forum invited our newsletter subscribers to a free live taping of this show where we talked to conservative heavyweight Bill Kristol about a variety of topics, including the meaning of conservatism today, the state of the Republican Party and its future, the health...
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Let's Get Outraged!! (w/David Beckemeyer)
The Connors Forum would like to extend both Christmas and holiday greetings to all our podcast listeners and newsletter subscribers. We hope you have a very meaningful celebration with family and friends! On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, host Lawrence Eppard is joined by David...
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Cartooning the News (w/Phil Hands and Adam Zyglis)
We're back with another episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast! But first things first—if you missed it, on November 29th our Connors Newsletter subscribers got to take part in an exclusive live podcast taping with heavyweight political commentator Bill Kristol from The Bulwark. Our subscribers...
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Thanksgiving Message to YOU!
Thank you for being a valued member of our wonderful Utterly Moderate community of reasonable Americans. We hope you have a joyous Thanksgiving celebration with those closest to you! Happy Thanksgiving :) The Connors Forum is an independent entity from the institutions that we partner with. The...
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Thanksgiving's Complicated History (w/David Silverman)
While you listen, don’t forget to subscribe to our free email newsletter! It takes only seconds! This is our Thanksgiving episode! Here at the Connors Forum we are deeply grateful for YOU, our wonderful community of subscribers we have built over the last few years with our podcast and…
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Election Preview! (w/Lonce Bailey)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, Shippensburg University political scientist Lonce Bailey joins the show to discuss the midterm elections: Which party will likely control the House of Representatives? Which party will likely control the Senate? Which issues do voters say are most...
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The Failures of Reconstruction & Rise of Jim Crow (w/Jeremi Suri)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, host Lawrence Eppard is joined by University of Texas historian Jeremi Suri to discuss his new book, Civil War by Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight for Democracy. In addition to helping listeners understand the failures of...
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George Washington: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (w/Denver Brunsman & True Tamplin)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast. . . Segment One: The Life and Times of George Washington George Washington University historian Denver Brunsman joins the show to share his insights on the life and career of George Washington, as well as his general reflections on the study of...
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Ukraine Momentum Shift? And How Neighborhoods Impact Children (w/Paul Poast)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast. . . Segment 1: Ukraine Momentum Shift? Paul Poast, an international relations expert at the University of Chicago, joins the program to assess the current state of the war in Ukraine. Segment 2: How Do Neighborhoods Impact Children? Utterly…
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Can U.S. Gun Violence Be Reduced? (w/Garen Wintemute)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, host Lawrence Eppard is joined by Garen Wintemute for a nonpartisan explanation of the research on reducing gun violence in the U.S. Wintemute is the director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis. He is…
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The Disappearing Great Salt Lake (w/Bonnie Baxter, Robert Gillies, & Chloe Fender)
On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, after a brief discussion of President Joe Biden's plan to forgive some student loans, host Lawrence Eppard and his guests discuss the drying up of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. You’ll remember from our previous article in our free email newsletter…
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Political Violence, Autocracy & Other Threats (w/Rachel Kleinfeld & Ken White)
Join the Connors Crew by subscribing to our free email newsletter TODAY! On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, host Lawrence Eppard discusses the threat of political violence, America’s slide toward autocracy, and more with guests Rachel Kleinfeld and Ken White. Articles/other stuff...
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Hitler and the Pope (w/David Kertzer)
Join the Connors Crew and subscribe to our email newsletter today! On this episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast, host Lawrence Eppard is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning Brown University scholar David Kertzer to discuss his newest book, The Pope at War: The Secret History of Pius XII…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Utterly Moderate Podcast is the official podcast of Connors Institute for Nonpartisan Research and Civic Engagement at Shippensburg University.
The core mission of the Connors Institute is to disseminate high-quality nonpartisan information to the public.
Utterly Moderate is hosted by Lawrence Eppard, a researcher, university professor, and director of the Connors Institute. On each episode, Eppard is joined by a guest (or two or three!) who helps listeners understand important topics by focusing on just the weight of the empirical evidence and none of the unneeded opinions or political agendas. We are aggressively nonpartisan in our approach.
Be sure to visit us at ConnorsInstitute.org to learn more about all that we do!
HOSTED BY
Connors Institute
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Utterly Moderate Podcast have?
Utterly Moderate Podcast currently has 117 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Utterly Moderate Podcast about?
The Utterly Moderate Podcast is the official podcast of Connors Institute for Nonpartisan Research and Civic Engagement at Shippensburg University. The core mission of the Connors Institute is to disseminate high-quality nonpartisan information to the public. Utterly Moderate is hosted by Lawrence...
How often does Utterly Moderate Podcast release new episodes?
Utterly Moderate Podcast publishes regularly with 117 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to Utterly Moderate Podcast 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 Utterly Moderate Podcast?
Utterly Moderate Podcast is created and hosted by Connors Institute.
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