Bruin Politics Podcast

Welcome to our 9th episode with special guests from Ignite at UCLA: Filza Vaid and Sara Gibson. We discuss the controversy surrounding the “heartbeat bill” that was recently signed into Texas law and its implications on the legal system and national reproductive rights.

Welcome to our 8th episode: Politics of Protest with Host Mia Thorsen and Director Shannon Courtney. We discuss the recent controversy surrounding Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (AOC) and her Met Gala dress that had the slogan “Tax the Rich” and its implications on the connotations of political elitism in D.C. What some are calling performative activism, while others are calling a courageous demonstration.

Welcome to our 7th episode: Biden's 100 Days in Office with Host Mia Thorsen and Director Shannon Courtney. We discuss Biden's successes and failed attempts at solidifying the promises he campaigned to enact during his first 100 days in the presidential office regarding Covid-19, the environment, racial equity, and immigration.

Welcome to our 6th episode: Anti-Asian Hate with Host Mia Thorsen, Director Shannon Courtney, and special guests Russelie Bongolan and Karmen Pang. We discuss the recent rise of national violence against the Asian community in the United States, political initiatives and strategies to enact proactive change, and the Asian student experience at UCLA.

If you have any suggestions for podcast episode ideas or guests we should bring on the podcast, please fill out this form: bit.ly/3f2nGA0

Welcome our 5th episode: "Politics; Why can't we be Friends?" with special guests Brandon Broukhim, BPU Board Member, and Pierce Monahan, BPU Research Specialist. We highlight how the increased polarization of politics within the United States between Democrats and Republicans has negatively impacted relationships with friends and family and even significant others due to varying political disagreements. 

Welcome to our 4th episode: "The Black Experience at UCLA" with special guests Gene McAdoo of Afrikan Men's Collective and Mr. Fredrick Law UCLA Alumni. We highlight the past and current experiences of Black students and alumni at UCLA, the student-environment at UCLA, and examine the Administration initiative in establishing economic and academic resources to support black students. 

Welcome to our 3rd episode: "Women in American Politics" with special guest Rohila Kusampudi, President of UCLA IGNITE. IGNITE at UCLA encourages women to become civically engaged in the American political system. We highlight women’s role in the United States’ modern political system from prominent grassroots leaders such as Stacey Abrams, prominent representatives in the House such as the Squad, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and the historic percentage of women, especially women of color, in the 117th Congress. 

Welcome to our 2nd episode: "Restoring Civility in American Politics" with special guest Adrian Yu of UCLA Roosevelt. UCLA Roosevelt Institute is a non-partisan organization seeking to promote policy discussion, awareness, and advocacy backed by academic evidence. We will be discussing the events that occurred on January 6th with the insurrection of the United States’ Capitol building to contest the 2020 election and the resulting insecurity of the United State’s role as a political global power and beacon of freedom and democracy.

Welcome to our 1st episode: "International Perception of the United States." Mia Thorsen (Host) and Shannon Courtney (Director) discuss the United States’ role in the international system and global politics during the Trump administration, the upcoming Biden Administration, and the United States' international perception as a global policy change-maker. 

Welcome to the UCLA Bruin Political Union Podcast! During this time of intense political division in the United States, we wanted to create a Podcast platform for students to come together and engage in dialogue. We want to enhance students' voices and involvement in the political process while encouraging collegial and thoughtful political discourse regardless of political affiliation.