Bridge Builder Podcast

In today’s episode, we’re discussing the concept of political hobbyism – what that means, why it is fueling division in our society, and how we can begin to truly engage in politics instead of just talking about politics.

Our guest, Dr. Eitan Hersh is an associate professor in the political science department at Tufts University in Massachusetts where he focuses on American politics, civic participation, voting rights, elections, and political behavior. His book, "Politics is for Power: How to Move Beyond Political Hobbyism, Take Action, and Make Real Change" was published in January 2020 by Scribner.

In our mailbag segment, we answer a question regarding "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" in the Twin Cities and what Catholics can do in response.

In our bricklayer segment, we give you resources for marking the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in a way that provides a deeper understanding of the Church's teachings on integral ecology and taking care of all of God's creation.

In today’s episode, we are speaking with James Chappel, an assistant professor of history at Duke University and author of Catholic Modern: The Challenge of Totalitarianism and the Remaking of the Church. We’re discussing the Church’s political engagement, particularly in Europe, during the 20th Century and the historical events and times that have shaped it.

In our mailbag segment, we’re covering a question about legalizing recreational marijuana.

And, stick around for the bricklayer segment we have details on two opportunities to pray for Our Holy Mother’s intercession at the Capitol. ***Note that this episode was recorded before the outbreak of COVID-19. Any events may, therefore, be canceled due to necessary social distancing requirements.***

In today’s episode, we're joined by Stacy Manning, general editor at Them Before Us an organization that advocates policies that put children's right before adults' desires. We're discussing the political movement to try to normalize polygamy and how advocates are using the same language as advocates for redefining marriage. Plus we discuss the role of enacting policies that put children first.

In our mailbag segment, we’re covering a question about engaging in partisan politics.

And stick around for the bricklayer segment, we have details on four upcoming opportunities for Catholics to advocate and pray together at the Capitol. ***Note that these events may have changed in their format/location or been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.***

In today’s episode, we’re discussing interfaith advocacy and specifically, the collaborative efforts between Catholics and Jews.

Steve Hunegs, the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) joins us in the studio. The JCRC is a great partner with the Minnesota Catholic Conference. Together the Catholic Conference and JCRC are part of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition which also includes faith leaders from the Islamic Faith and Protestant Christian denominations.

In our mailbag segment, we answer a question regarding the need for emergency shelter funding in Minnesota.

In our bricklayer segment, we discuss an interfaith advocacy Day on The Hill. **Note that due to COVID-19 this event has been canceled.**

In today’s episode we’re discussing education and the role of faith and family in addressing the achievement gap. We speak with Dr. William Jeynes a Professor of Education at California State University, Long Beach who has graduate degrees from Harvard University and the University of Chicago. He has written for many academic publications and 14 books along with writing for the White House for both the George W. Bush and Obama administrations.

In our mailbag segment we’re going nuclear! We’ve got a great question about nuclear weapons.

And stick around for the bricklayer segment, we’ve got details on some great opportunities for you to be an advocate with other Catholics at the Capitol this session.

The decline of the family and the household and the impacts that has on greater society.

In our mailbag segment, we answer questions about how to help bridge the partisan divide especially here in Minnesota where our legislature is split.

In the bricklayer segment, we’ve got details on a great opportunity at the Capitol for Catholics to come together with people of other faiths to advocate together for policies that uphold life, dignity, and the common good.

In today’s episode, we’re discussing ethics of surrogacy, egg donation, and beyond plus we delve into specific actions you can take at the Minnesota Capitol to help protect women and children from becoming products that are bought and sold.

In our mailbag segment, we continue the conversation about infertility and what options there are for Catholics struggling to conceive a child.

In our Bricklayer segment, we tell you about a particular bill that would help prevent Minnesota from becoming a haven for the buying and selling of babies and renting of women's wombs. Send a message to legislators here: www.MNCatholic.org/ActionCenter

Christianity and paganism are the focus of this episode's discussion. We examine the conflicts between them both in ancient times and in today’s society. We have a great interview with Dr. Steven Smith the author of “Pagans and Christians in the City”. Dr. Smith is the co-executive director of the Institute for Law & Philosophy along with the Institute for Law & Religion at the University of San Diego.

In our mailbag segment we answer a question about caucusing that is especially helpful for those who’ve never attended a caucus.

And stick around for the bricklayer segment, we delve into primary voting in Minnesota.

Today we have a great interview with Dr. Carlo Lancellotti a professor at the College of Staten Island where he is the chair of the Mathematics department. Not only is he a brilliant mathematician but he is also the translator of the works of 20-century Italian political philosopher Augusto Del Noce.

Augusto Del Noce grew up in Turin, Italy which between the two World Wars was one of the main centers of secular and anti-Fascist culture in Italy. His studies of modern rationalism reflected a broader interest in the relationship between Catholic thought and secular culture.

After World War two Del Noce studied the relationship between Christianity and Communism. His writings also include discussions of Marxism and the role of atheism in modern philosophy.

In our mailbag segment, we discuss the concept of "Days on the Hill" as the legislative session gets underway.

In our bricklayer segment, we delve into a great tool that will help you to track any piece of legislation across Minnesota throughout session.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Crisis of Modernity -

https://www.mqup.ca/crisis-of-modernity--the-products-9780773544437.php

Augusto Del Noce on the “New Totalitarianism” - https://www.communio-icr.com/articles/view/augusto-del-noce-on-the-new-totalitarianism

Our Catholics at the Capitol series continues with an interview with an attorney and lobbyist Reid Lebeau who represents Native American tribes in Minnesota and South Dakota. He is a Minnesota Catholic and member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Reid helps us understand what it is that lobbyists do at the Capitol, recent issues he's worked on for Minnesota's tribes, and the relationship between his Catholic and Native American identities.

In our mailbag segment, we discuss a comprehensive sex ed bill that garnered much attention in last year's legislative session. Then in the bricklayer segment, we discuss how to learn more about the lawmakers who represent you.