Simplifying The State

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Luciano Perlman, Drew Garfinkel, and Nicholas Perrin discuss the recent attempts by the Missouri legislature to remove the state income tax. They break down what the abolition of income taxes could mean, why the costs of goods may rise as a result, and how this may hurt the average Missourian.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Luciano Perlman, Drew Garfinkel, and Nicholas Perrin discuss Proposition O, a $134 million bond issue on the ballot in Clayton on April 7th. They break down what the measure would fund, why taxes won't increase if it passes, and how surrounding districts have benefited from similar initiatives. They also evaluate the district's messaging campaign and make their case for why students, teachers, and homeowners alike should head to the polls.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson and Luciano Perman discuss the results of several primaries and what it could mean for the Senate map in 2026. They also discuss what kind of message Democrats should adopt heading into future elections.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, Luciano Perman, and Drew Garfinkel discuss the recent strikes on Iran and the U.S. efforts to conduct a regime change within Iran. They discuss what this new conflict could mean for Iran and what government might rise from the ashes of this conflict.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson and Drew Garfinkel discuss Missouri HB 2918, which would provide more independence to student journalists across the state. They discuss the role student journalists play in society, and whether they think schools should be allowed to censor specific stories.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel discuss recent comments by Donald Trump about having the federal government oversee elections, a power reserved to the states. Learn what the Constitution says about the issue, and whether it might just be noise.

Adam Watson and Nicholas Perrin discuss why ICE has been in the news much more than ever, and the risks they may pose. They dive into concerns many have about recent ICE behavior, including the killing of two U.S. citizens.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel discuss the complexities of executive overreach and the evolving role of Congress. They explore the dynamics of political power during the Trump administration, the historical context of executive authority, and the implications for future governance.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Nicolas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel discuss the recent geopolitical upheaval involving Venezuela. They discuss the U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the implications for global politics, and the potential impact on countries like Taiwan and Ukraine. They also discuss the strategic importance of Venezuela's oil reserves and the broader consequences of violating international sovereignty.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel talk about the issue of gun control and gun violence in the United States. They discuss the alarming statistics of school shootings, the impact of mental health and social media, and the role of federal and state legislation. They also explore the cultural differences in gun ownership between the U.S. and countries like Switzerland, and the historical context of the Second Amendment.

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.

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 participation can drive change. Don't forget to follow the podcast and to follow us on Instagram for more updates!

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.

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 revelations might impact Trump's MAGA base, swing voters, and the broader American public.

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 future campaigns.

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.

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 understands the use of power.

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.

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 public trust, influence elections, and impact everyday life.

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 in civilian contexts and the potential dangers of militarization.

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 stopped.

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.

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 also touch on the role of social media, the impact of political rhetoric, and the urgent need for universal condemnation of violence across the political spectrum.

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 highlights the need for more comprehensive safety measures in schools, particularly concerning gun violence. The discussion also touches on political maneuvering in Missouri, particularly regarding redistricting and the implications for future elections.

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 unexpected collapse.

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 substantial outcomes from the summit, and the long-term consequences for Russia and NATO. The conversation highlights the complexities of military support, economic challenges, and the uncertain future of geopolitical relations.

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 "overkill" amidst declining crime rates.

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, Nicholas explains why the Democrats U-turned on gerrymandering, why the FBI might hunt down the Texan Democrats who left, and why gerrymandering is such a threat to democracy.

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 regional stability, and the role of ASEAN in mediating tensions. The discussion also touches on the influence of superpowers like the US and China in the region, and the potential for future political upheaval in Thailand.

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 differing views of educators, parents, and students regarding the presence of cell phones in educational settings. The conversation also delves into the arguments for and against these bans, emphasizing the balance between safety and the need for communication in emergencies.

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 sending weapons to Ukraine, Trump growing more critical of Putin while reconciling with Ukraine once more.

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 files, and the impact of conspiracy theories on his political strategy.

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 dynamics of the House and Senate, and the challenges of finding a successor to Donald Trump.

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 learned from Mamdani's campaign, the viability of various Democratic candidates, and the importance of appealing to younger, anti-establishment voters.

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 updates—and why five companies basically hold the U.S. military hostage. Plus: a debate over whether we should nationalize the whole thing. Because trust-busting Raytheon might not be enough.

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 the shocking moment a U.S. senator was detained while asking questions. With a military parade planned on the president’s birthday and threats against governors who oppose him, we explore whether these actions mark a shift toward authoritarianism in America.

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 care cuts with a “we’re all gonna die” defense. Is this the Gilded Age all over again—or just politics as usual? Tune in for the details, the drama, and a few laughs along the way.

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 isn’t there to help. Plus, we ask: are we ready for the next storm?

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.

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.

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 canceled nominations, we look at what these results might mean for the 2026 midterms.

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 that might not even hit its target.

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.

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 about the future of U.S.-Ukrainian relations.We analyze what went wrong, the controversial mineral agreement, and Trump’s shifting stance toward Russia. Plus, we dive into European leaders’ reactions and what this means for NATO, global security, and the ongoing war. Could this signal a major shift in U.S. foreign policy? Tune in to hear our take.

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. takeover is even realistic.

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 its involvement in Cuba, and explore whether its future is in jeopardy.

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 U.S. takeover is even realistic.

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.

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 the implications for the nation. Plus, hear what students have to say about these choices.

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!