CROSSOVER EPISODE!  In this first-ever crossover episode between Church Potluck and American Angst 101, host Dale McConkey, political scientist Michael Bailey, and historian Christy Snider dive into a hot-button political and theological controversy surrounding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s recent social media post endorsing ideas from pastor Doug Wilson, a leader in the Confederation of Reformed Evangelical Churches. The trio unpack the historical and ideological roots of Wilson’s views on Christian nationalism, household voting, and the role of women in leadership and public life—views that include the repeal of the 19th Amendment and opposition to same-sex marriage. Along the way, they explore the tension between personal religious convictions and the exercise of political power in a pluralistic democracy, compare contemporary rhetoric with historical suffrage and prohibition-era debates, and add some lighthearted moments, including a “Patriarchy Then or Patriarchy Now?” game show. The conversation blends sharp political analysis, historical context, and wry humor while raising deeper questions about truth, authority, and the future of American public life. 

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey leads this episode of American Angst 101 with a sweeping exploration of how the United States’ founding-era vision of a liberal federal government—meaning one grounded in Enlightenment ideas of individual rights, consent of the governed, and limited purposes for government—continues to shape modern politics. Bailey explains that, unlike the states of the era, which often enforced religious and moral norms, the federal Constitution was deliberately secular, avoiding endorsement of a religion or aristocracy and focusing on protecting rights and promoting shared interests. He traces the nation’s evolution from this mixed system toward a more pluralistic society, highlighting how the Democratic Party’s liberal roots emphasize personal autonomy yet leave it ill-equipped to address Americans’ desire for shared cultural values. Along the way, Bailey contrasts this with conservative visions of moral cohesion, examines MAGA-era counter-revolutionary impulses, and questions whether Democrats can effectively defend pluralism without a stronger cultural framework. Host Dale McConkey keeps the conversation lively with humor, pop culture detours, and a lighthearted celebrity Democrat game show. 

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

In this follow-up to the previous conversation on MAGA critiques of the Democratic Party, Political Scientist Michael Bailey dives into the final three charges: (1) being elitist cultural snobs, (2) soft on crime, and (3) favoring open borders. Bailey examines how charges of cultural condescension, fueled by moments like Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” comment, have long hampered Democrats’ ability to connect with rural, working-class, and religious Americans. He warns that dismissive rhetoric erodes trust in expertise and institutions, feeding anti-establishment populism. On crime, Bailey notes that U.S. incarceration rates remain among the world’s highest, crime has generally declined since the 1990s, and Democrats should claim public safety as a core civil rights issue—balancing effective policing with constitutional protections. Finally, on immigration, Bailey untangles decades of shifting migration patterns, showing how real policy challenges have collided with false narratives. He argues Democrats must defend humane treatment of migrants while acknowledging border security as an essential element of sovereignty. Throughout, Bailey urges the party to pair principle with pragmatism, confront perceptions head-on, and communicate in ways that earn broad buy-in. 

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

In this episode of American Angst, political philosopher Michael Bailey analyzes the first three of six major criticisms often leveled against the Democratic Party by conservatives and MAGA supporters: that Democrats are (1) “woke” and obsessed with identity politics; (2) unpatriotic and ashamed of America; and (3) hostile toward religion. With insight and nuance, Bailey explores where these charges come from, why they resonate with many Americans, and how Democrats might better respond. Host Dale McConkey keeps the conversation moving with humor and curiosity, setting up what promises to be a multi-episode deep dive into the challenges facing the Democratic Party. 

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

In this thought-provoking episode of American Angst 101, Michael Bailey and his longtime friend and fellow political scientist Dr. Steven Taylor join forces to examine the phrase “We’re a republic, not a democracy”—a line increasingly echoed in American political rhetoric. What do people mean when they say it? Where did the phrase originate? And more crucially, what are its implications for American political identity?

Steven brings historical context and global comparisons to bear, highlighting how the phrase has been used—from Madison’s Federalist Papers to the John Birch Society to present-day partisanship—as a rhetorical shield for minority rule. Michael adds observations from years of teaching, noting the fervor with which students defend the phrase, often without understanding its roots. Host Dale McConkey keeps things grounded (and entertaining) with a playful “Newly-Friend Game” and a nod to the podcast’s signature angst. It's a spirited and sobering conversation about democracy, power, and the stories we tell about our system of government.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

In this episode of American Angst 101, political historian and resident expert Michael Bailey takes center stage to explore a deceptively simple question: why do we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th? With Dale McConkey hosting, Bailey delivers a captivating, wide-ranging treatise that combines historical insight, political theory, and cultural reflection. Intermixed with his typical wit, he considers several alternate dates that could logically serve as America’s national holiday—from the actual vote for independence on July 2nd, to the ratification of the Constitution, to the formal end of British rule—and explains why none capture the soul of the American experiment quite like July 4th does.

Bailey argues that what makes July 4th so profound is not the act of separation from Britain, but the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. These ideals—equality, natural rights, government by consent—form what he calls America’s “parchment regime,” an aspirational identity that the country has long failed to fully live out. He reflects on the enduring tension between these high ideals and the country’s lived history, including racism, exclusion, and inequality, and discusses how thinkers like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr. held America accountable to its own words. In the end, Bailey proposes that celebrating July 4th should not only be a patriotic ritual, but also a moment for civic self-reflection on how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

In this episode of American Angst 101, political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey unpacks one of the most pervasive myths in American politics: the presidential mandate. With insight, clarity, and a touch of dry wit, Bailey walks through why claims of sweeping public endorsement—often made by presidents right after elections—are both analytically weak and politically hazardous. From Bill Clinton’s healthcare push to George W. Bush’s Social Security rhetoric to Donald Trump’s wildly exaggerated “129-year mandate,” Bailey explains why the math doesn’t hold up and how this kind of talk often leads to executive overreach and missed opportunities for bipartisan cooperation.

Host Dale McConkey plays the role of the thoughtful instigator, asking pointed questions and inviting Bailey to explore how this rhetorical sleight of hand damages democratic norms and inflates public expectations. Together, they consider how the Founders designed a system built for slow, consensus-driven progress—and how mandate talk undermines that vision. Along the way, they wrestle with big questions about the role of political norms, the fragility of constitutional checks, and the moral costs of zero-sum politics. If you’ve ever wondered whether presidents really “speak for the people,” this episode is a must-listen.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Political scientist Michael Bailey brings his deep knowledge, sharp wit, and characteristic humility to this episode of American Angst 101, hosted by sociologist Dale McConkey. Launching from the massive “No Kings” protest—which coincided with a military parade and President Trump’s birthday—Bailey unpacks the historical, constitutional, and cultural significance of what many see as an unsettling alignment of military symbolism and political power. Through conversation both candid and insightful, he explores what makes this moment in American politics feel different: the erosion of institutional norms, the rhetoric of emergency, and the rise of executive overreach that blurs lines once held sacred.

As McConkey lobs thoughtful questions and occasional jokes from the sidelines, Bailey traces the shifting public trust in institutions, the symbolic appropriation of the flag, and the complicated history of American attitudes toward the military. Together they reflect on immigration enforcement, the role of fear and privilege, and the disturbing normalization of political violence. This isn’t a partisan rant—it’s a deeply informed reflection on how a republic checks power, and what happens when it doesn’t.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

In this second episode of American Angst 101, political philosopher Dr. Michael Bailey and host Dale McConkey continue their dig into the nature of political truth in the age of Trump—and what it means for democracy today. Bailey argues that Trump's rhetoric, far from being random or merely outrageous, functions more like pro wrestling: it’s not about factual truth, but about affirming identity, rallying fans, and naming enemies. From conspiracy theories to casual disinformation, the episode explores how truth is being redefined not just by Trump, but by a fragmented media landscape and deepening distrust in civic institutions. Early on, Bailey asserts the stakes clearly: "If both parties play by these rules, that's the end of the republic."

But the tone isn’t all doom and gloom. With wry humor and a shoulder-shimmering soundtrack, Michael and Dale introduce a new segment where listeners submit questions, giving Bailey room to riff with both depth and delight. The conversation ranges from Harry Frankfurt’s famous essay on “BS” to wrestling with how pluralism, populism, and fractured trust are shaping our political moment. Whether you're already on the edge or just curiously tuning in, this episode offers a thoughtful take on why so many Americans feel like the center isn't holding—and whether it really ever can.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Political philosopher Michael Bailey has spent years thinking carefully about American democracy—its roots, its ideals, and its increasingly shaky relationship to truth. In American Angst 101, he sits down with his friend Dale McConkey to reflect on what’s happening in our political culture, what’s changed, and whether anything can be done about it. The podcast opens with humor (and a theme song contest), but quickly shifts into a deeper discussion about the decline of shared facts and the rise of political dishonesty—not just in general, but in specific, troubling ways.

The goal here isn’t to score points or amplify outrage. It’s to have a good-faith conversation about the forces reshaping American civic life. Michael and Dale don’t pretend to have all the answers, but they do ask real questions—and they try to do it with clarity, curiosity, and a bit of humor. Whether drawn to the political analysis, the honest back-and-forth, or the concern that something vital is slipping away, listeners are invited to think along with them.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.