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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger delves into major current events, focusing on two key election topics: redistricting battles between Texas and California, and Donald Trump's controversial push to end mail-in voting. Unger discusses Trump's proposed executive order against mail-in ballots. He also discusses the recent meetings between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky, and the Oklahoma State Superintendent's latest measures against 'woke' teachers. The episode further critiques the Trump administration's tactics and examines international relations, notably the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

00:00 Introduction to Discourse
00:41 Today's Main Topics
01:22 Trump's Push Against Mail-In Voting
06:57 Midterm Election Strategies
09:29 Redistricting Battle: Texas vs. California
18:09 Oklahoma's Controversial Education Policies
45:35 International Relations: Trump, Putin, and Zelensky
01:00:41 Conclusion and Social Media Engagement

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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger delves into the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and major universities such as Harvard, Columbia, and Brown. The episode explores Harvard's lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of violating First Amendment rights by freezing federal funds to coerce institutional changes. Unger explains the importance of academic freedom and the necessity of a degree of separation between the government and universities. Additionally, the episode touches on the administration's controversial tariffs and their economic impacts, along with upcoming international political events involving Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

00:00 Introduction to Discourse
00:31 Current Headlines and Trump's Oval Office Redecoration
04:06 Trump-Putin Meeting and Ukraine Conflict
15:53 Inflation, Jobs, and Economic Reports
28:55 Tariffs and Their Impact on the Economy
44:47 Smithsonian Review and Government Influence
45:54 Reagan Museum and Historical Documentation
46:12 Concerns Over Trump's Influence on Smithsonian
47:34 The Importance of the First Amendment
52:15 Harvard's Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration
54:19 Settlements with Columbia and Brown Universities
01:04:21 The Role of Higher Education in Society
01:14:07 The Threat to Academic Freedom
01:28:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

Discourse: Diving into AI Regulation and National Security

In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger, a law professor and former Silicon Valley professional, welcomes the podcast's first guest, Kevin Frazier from UT Austin. Kevin is an expert in artificial intelligence governance policy. They discuss the complexities of AI regulation, the federal government's $1.5 billion investment into AI, and the implications for national security, particularly in the Department of Defense and Homeland Security. The conversation also delves into the recent discussions around a failed AI moratorium and varying political perspectives on AI regulation. Additionally, key issues such as child safety in AI and the challenges of regulating rapidly evolving technology are analyzed. The episode concludes with insights into the legal and ethical considerations of AI in modern warfare and cybersecurity.

00:00 Introduction to Discourse
00:45 Special Guest Announcement
02:14 Breaking News: School Funding
04:58 Political Messaging and Leadership
12:33 Columbia University Settlement
22:21 Interview with AI Expert Kevin Frazier
28:28 AI Regulation and National Security
49:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

Dissecting the 'Big Beautiful Bill': Impacts and Implications. Episode 2 of a two-part series.

In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger dives deep into a comprehensive analysis of the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' examining its numerous appropriations, tax reforms, and budgetary impacts. The discussion covers significant allocations to the U.S. military and Department of Homeland Security, funding cuts to climate and green energy initiatives, tax benefits for various income brackets, and controversial provisions affecting long-term care, border security, and student loans. Join Wayne as he dissects the bill's implications for different sectors and stakeholders and explores the complex interplay of political agendas.

00:00 Introduction to Discourse
00:31 Overview of the Big Beautiful Bill
01:13 Military and Defense Spending
04:19 Federal Spending on Technology and Infrastructure
06:02 State-Specific Appropriations
07:05 Cuts to Climate Change Funding
09:26 Impact on Green Energy and Small Businesses
18:16 Tax Reforms and Their Implications
22:52 Provisions Benefiting Low-Income Earners
31:11 Provisions Benefiting High-Income Earners
38:29 Miscellaneous Provisions and Final Thoughts
47:40 Conclusion 

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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

Dissecting Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill': Medicaid Reforms (Part 1 of 2)

In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger delves into Donald Trump's recently signed legislation, examining its contents and potential impacts. Key topics include changes to Medicaid, such as the elimination of benefits for undocumented individuals and the introduction of work requirements, and the removal of green energy tax credits established by the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act. Wayne critiques the bill's approach to addressing Medicaid fraud and shares insights on the inconsistencies in Republican rhetoric. 

Additionally, the episode covers current events, including the TSA's new policies, controversies surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's client list, and the implications of Trump's tariffs on inflation. The episode concludes with a preview of the next segment, where Wayne will explore the bill's spending initiatives and tax reforms.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:45 Listener Appreciation and Support
01:26 Headlines: TSA, Epstein Papers, and MAGA
10:15 Headlines: Tariffs and Inflation
13:48 Introduction to Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill
15:44 Medicaid Reforms and Implications
32:15 Fraud in Medicaid: Myths and Realities
41:12 Climate Change and Federal Funding Mismanagement
50:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

The Final Three Supreme Court Decisions of This Term

Host Wayne Unger, a law professor and former Silicon Valley expert, introduces a new format for the Discourse podcast. This episode, recorded on July 1st, 2025, includes an unscripted reaction to recent political headlines and a deep dive into three significant Supreme Court decisions. Unger discusses the Senate's split vote on President Trump's legislation, a new poll revealing concerns about American democracy, and three Supreme Court cases involving birthright citizenship, age verification for pornography websites, and religious opt-outs in education. The episode also touches on the challenges facing the Democratic Party and public school teachers.

00:00 Introduction to Discourse
00:46 New Format Announcement
01:38 Supreme Court Decisions Overview
02:13 Senate Passes Key Legislation
05:18 Poll on Democracy's Future
10:44 Democratic Party Leadership Crisis
19:27 Supreme Court Case: Trump v. Casa
29:54 Equitable Remedies and the Judiciary Act of 1789
31:27 Supreme Court's Decision on Nationwide Injunctions
32:30 Hypothetical Scenarios and Class Action Lawsuits
36:14 Free Speech Coalition vs. Paxton: Age Verification Law
38:01 Debate on Scrutiny Levels in First Amendment Cases
45:40 Mahmud vs. Taylor: Religious Opt-Outs in Education
59:12 Taylor Swift's Heartwarming Hospital Visit
01:00:07 Conclusion and Podcast Information

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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

Unscripted: Elon vs. Trump, Supreme Court Rulings, and Iran Tensions

In this episode of 'Discourse,' host Wayne Unger diverges from the usual script to provide an unscripted, rapid-fire discussion on a variety of pressing topics. The episode touches on the Twitter feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, Trump’s extension of deadlines for TikTok, a controversial Supreme Court decision on Tennessee's SB1 law affecting transgender youth, and recent U.S. military actions in Iran. Unger also covers President Trump's military parade, the No Kings protest, and a Supreme Court case regarding fuel companies' standing in challenging California's emissions standards. The episode aims to offer thoughtful analysis and critical thinking on these significant issues.

00:00 Introduction to Discourse
00:33 Unscripted Episode Overview
01:39 Elon Musk vs. Donald Trump Feud
03:40 TikTok Sale Deadline Extension
07:52 Supreme Court Decision on SB1
29:50 Trump's Military Parade and No Kings Protest
36:10 Supreme Court Case on Emission Standards
40:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

Discourse is now a Top 40 News Commentary podcast in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts. Help us keep this show commercial free by becoming a subscriber and supporting us with a monthly monetary donation. Visit discoursepod.org and click the Support button today!

In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger delves into the recent ruling by the United States Court of International Trade, which declared that former President Trump did not have the legal authority to impose broad, global tariffs under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA). Unger explains the court's role, the statutory limitations of presidential power, and the constitutional separation of powers that grants Congress the exclusive authority to impose taxes, including tariffs. He also discusses the broader implications of the ruling, potential appeals, and the reactions from Trump and his supporters. The episode provides a thorough analysis of the legal frameworks involved, including the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA) and the National Emergencies Act (NEA). Unger emphasizes the importance of judicial review in maintaining the balance of power within the U.S. government.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:33 Episode Introduction and Current Events
01:29 Understanding the Court of International Trade
03:27 Historical Context and Legal Framework
09:25 Court Ruling and Its Implications
20:27 Major Questions Doctrine and Separation of Powers
27:32 Trump's Response and Political Reactions
34:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

Discourse is now a Top 40 News Commentary podcast in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts. Help us keep this show commercial free by becoming a subscriber and supporting us with a monthly monetary donation. Visit discoursepod.org and click the Support button today!

Decoding Prescription Drug Prices: A Deep Dive into the Hidden Costs and Executive Orders

In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger discusses the complexities behind high prescription drug prices in the United States. Unger examines President Donald Trump's recent executive order targeting drug costs, compares drug prices in the U.S. and Europe, and explores the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in driving up costs. The episode also highlights bipartisan efforts to reform the system and the impact of political maneuvering on legislation aimed at lowering drug prices. A special focus is given to initiatives like Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs, which seeks to offer medications at significantly reduced prices by bypassing traditional PBM structures.

00:00 Introduction to Discourse
00:48 Today's Topic: Prescription Drug Prices
01:35 Listener Appreciation and Support
02:23 The High Cost of Truvada
06:38 Exploring Injectable HIV Prevention Drugs
09:16 Insulin Price Comparison
10:13 Why Are Prescription Drugs So Expensive in the US?
11:47 Understanding Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)
12:06 Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs Initiative
16:11 The Role of PBMs in Drug Pricing
33:11 Trump's Executive Order on Drug Prices
37:31 Bipartisan Efforts to Lower Drug Prices
42:29 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Announcement: Follow the Discourse podcast on TikTok (@discoursepodcast1) and Instagram (@discoursepodcast) where we post daily shorts!

Discourse is now a Top 60 News Commentary podcast on Apple Podcasts! For us to continue this work commercial-free, please join us as a subscriber to provide a monthly donation. Visit www.discoursepod.org and click the Support button today!

Diplomatic Gifts or Glaring Grifts: Examining the Qatar Plane

Understanding Corruption and Its Implications in Modern Politics

In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger dives into the topic of corruption, using a recent controversy involving Donald Trump and a potential $400 million gift from the Qatari royal family as a springboard. The episode discusses the constitutional implications of accepting gifts from foreign states, explores the meanings and forms of corruption, and examines the historical and modern context of political corruption in the United States. Unger highlights the importance of civic engagement, free press, and cultural rejection of corrupt practices to maintain the integrity of democratic institutions. He also touches on landmark Supreme Court cases influencing current corruption dynamics, particularly in the Trump administration.

00:00 Introduction to Discourse
00:36 Today's Topic: Corruption
01:08 The Boeing 747 Controversy
03:28 Legal Implications and the Emoluments Clause
05:23 Public Reactions and Opinions
11:12 Defining Corruption
13:44 Historical and Modern Examples of Corruption
16:07 Combating Corruption: Lessons from History
22:09 Supreme Court Cases and Corruption
27:41 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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