Democracy on the Move

Kevin Howard drops by again for a lively discussion about how wealth has co-opted our media and government. He references the Powell Memorandum, written in 1971, which was a blueprint for persuading the masses to support corporate takeover. This effort greatly influenced the infamous “Citizens United” Supreme Court ruling of 2010, which elevated corporate influence over individuals by allowing them to dominate large media companies and shape popular opinion, thereby vastly increasing their sway over U.S. policy.

Numerous examples are cited illustrating how the Powell Memorandum has made the United States vulnerable to many ills, including the 9/11 terrorist attack, and contributed to the conflict in Ukraine. Kevin explains how people following the tenets of the memorandum have led to significant geopolitical consequences, challenging the mainstream narratives often presented to the public.

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking hour that we hope will encourage you to question everything you’re being told about America.

Amanda Taylor drops by to discuss her campaign to represent District 103 in the Missouri House of Representatives. The House currently has a Republican "super-majority," so Amanda, running as a Democrat, has her work cut out for her. We discuss her main campaign issues, what she hopes to accomplish as a state legislator, and the current state of politics in Missouri and the rest of the nation. The day's issues may seem epic and impossible, but we break them down over this hour-long podcast, providing interesting discussion sprinkled with a bit of humor.

You can find more information about Amanda at voteamandataylor.com

To keep from killing each other, people just don’t talk about the topics of politics and religion at the family dinner table or during outings with friends. This is unfortunate because these are the topics that undermine unity in our nation. Corey Nathan, however, bravely steps into this space and produces a podcast that’s unafraid to take on these topics. What results is a series of engaging, provocative, and fun conversations. The podcast is called, “Talkin’ Politics and Religion without Killin’ Each Other,” and it has logged nearly 200 interesting episodes. Join us as we discuss the political and religious divisions in our nation, how to act rationally in a politically charged atmosphere, and how your political representative can act in such an anti-Christian manner while claiming to be a good Christian.

In this episode, we talk about Universal Healthcare with two guests - Dr. Ed Weisbart, an advocate for a single-payer national health program, and Franklin Delano “Denny” Roth II, a U.S. Congressional candidate for Missouri’s 8th district. We unpack some of the major challenges of implementing Universal Healthcare in the United States.

Dr. Weisbart, with his extensive background in medicine and health advocacy, represents the Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP). He brings his expertise from a career spanning multiple roles in the healthcare sector to advocate for a comprehensive national health insurance system where every person in America is covered. He passionately cares about providing accessible and equitable healthcare for all Americans.

Denny Roth addresses the political hurdles and societal resistance to Universal Healthcare. Even though Universal Healthcare presents a simpler and far less expensive alternative to today’s current healthcare system, there are political barriers to overcome nevertheless.

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Howard, author of Onward At Last, a compelling collection of essays exploring the root causes of American unhappiness and the pathway to personal and collective progress. Raised in the Bronx and having served in the US Army, Kevin navigated a successful career in business banking before realizing a critical void in his seemingly accomplished life. His book delves into how deeply ingrained values of independence, competition, and self-interest, while driving capitalism, can obstruct societal contentment and ecological balance. As our nation grapples with fear, unhappiness, and division, Kevin's insights offer a transformative perspective on our interconnectedness and the importance of embracing our collective humanity. Join us as we discuss the moral imperative of moving beyond self-centered views, acknowledging our universal oneness, and learning to rely on each other in a world teetering on the edge of self-destruction.

In this episode, we're joined by Patrick Lovell, the creative mind behind the eye-opening documentary series The Con. Our conversation digs into the critical issue of how major financial institutions, with the tacit approval of a complicit government, have manipulated the United States' financial system. We explore the troubling "revolving door" phenomenon, where government officials, responsible for regulating banking laws, seamlessly transition to roles within the banks they once oversaw. This practice has facilitated numerous inside jobs, often at the expense of the average American worker.

The 2008 financial crisis, far from being an isolated event, was merely an attribute of a continuous and systemic exploitation of America's financial systems by those positioned as guardians of our economic well-being. Through years of meticulous research, Patrick Lovell has uncovered the deteriorating integrity within the finance sector's legal and regulatory framework. His documentary series The Con is an essential watch for understanding this complex and significant issue.

Join us as we discuss the intricate and alarming details of what might be the largest racketeering conspiracy in global history, one that continues to impact us all.

In this episode of our podcast, we engage with Franklin Delano “Denny” Roth, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Congress from Missouri's 8th District. Facing a formidable challenge against the incumbent Republican, Jason Smith, Roth is undeterred despite the district's strong Republican lean and Smith's significant political standing. Our conversation, set in the tranquil surroundings of Roth's home near Hillsboro, Missouri, delves into his multifaceted background as a farmer and truck driver, and his perspectives on critical issues like the economy, healthcare, reproductive rights, social security, education, equal rights, immigration, and firearm regulation. Roth's campaign focuses on addressing the economic distress of the district, highlighted by the closure of a Tyson Foods' plant in Dexter, Missouri, which significantly impacted local jobs and economy. This episode offers a candid and in-depth look at the political landscape of Missouri's 8th District through Roth's eyes, reflecting the podcast's commitment to exploring diverse viewpoints and understanding the complex dynamics shaping our political system.

This week we talk with Jojo Stewart about the disturbing rising tide of fascism in America. Jojo is an activist, avid blogger and social media manager for a candidate who's running for the U.S. House of Representatives. We discuss the historical origins of fascism, its core tenets, and the warning signs that indicate its presence. We also talk about the current political climate in the United States and whether or not the conditions exist for the rise of fascism in this country. Finally, we offer suggestions for how to recognize and combat fascism.

Jeff Basinger, an attorney from Columbia, Missouri, fights for the initiative process in Missouri. This process allows citizens to directly petition the government for ballot measures, giving them the ability to exercise direct democracy. In essence, it is democracy in action. However, certain people within the government have taken it upon themselves to interfere with the initiative process, denying citizens their right to direct democracy. Ohio tried the same thing in early August, and now it is Missouri's turn for its citizens to fight for their rights.

Freedom and democracy are not free. It takes people like Jeff to stand up to our government and assert our rights. Listen in as we discuss what is at stake in this fight, and learn how you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments and maybe even get involved!

I’m going on hiatus for a few weeks. But before I go, I’d like to introduce you to a new project I’m working on, called “Dirt Road Radio.” If you’re interested in joining an effort to help heal our national divide, we would love to hear from you! Go to www.dirtroadradio.com, check it out, and fill out the contact form. We would love to hear from you!