Escaping Left, Right, & Center

Escaping Left, Right, & Center episodes:

• 04.30.2024

  2.04 - A (Very) Brief History of Liberalism

  A short introduction to the historical concept of the term "liberalism" and some of the key players. Nothing too heavy, just some mild rambling on an interesting topic. Love the podcast? Hate the podcast? Ideas for future episodes? Send Taylor...

  
• 04.16.2024

  2.03 - Stewardship of the Individual - Pt II

  In this episode we discuss some further ideas about the "individual" as we relate to politics and how the government should avoid trying to interject itself between the actions and outcomes of certain personal choices. Have feedback? Let email the...

  
• 03.26.2024

  2.02 - Stewardship of the Individual - Pt I - Redux

  New Format! Quick, loose, and minimal edits. Getting back into the swing of things, we'll briefly discuss the concept of the individual as a philosophical idea. I will spend more time on this topic in future episodes. Glad to be...

  
• 01.10.2024

  2.02 - Stewardship of the Individual

  Who is responsible for my physical, intellectual, and spiritual health? Is it my doctor? My therapist? My teachers? Join us for part II of the Stewardship conversation as we explore a new framework for thinking not just politically, but on...

  
• 11.21.2023

  2.01 - The Stewardship Framework

  In this episode, we'll lay the foundation for season 2 and introduce the idea of "stewardship" as it relates to politics. We'll also discuss why this isn't another centrist party, pyramid schemes, and the sporadic holiday upload schedule. Upwards and...

  
• 11.08.2023

  1.09 - Season 1 Recap & Season 2 Teaser

  Today we’ll wrap up season 1 by recapping of all the topics we’ve hit on thus far. Additionally, we’ll look ahead into season 2 and reestablish some of our primary goals moving forward. Diving into the philosophical deep end!

  
• 10.27.2023

  1.08 - What is Centrism?

  In this episode, we’ll discuss the idea of “centrism”. If left vs right is bad, why not shoot for something in the middle? Maybe compromise and rationalism will solve all our problems? We’ll examine the facts, hear both sides, and...

  
• 10.18.2023

  1.07 - What is Mixed Member Proportional?

  In today’s episode we will discuss what is (in my opinion) the superior election method for representative bodies, mixed member proportional. We’ve covered a lot of the other systems and discussed their pros and cons, now it’s time to look...

  
• 10.11.2023

  1.06 - There Are Other Election Systems?

  In this episode, we take a (very) high-level look at some other election systems used throughout the world. Plurality systems, majority systems, proportional systems, etc. A good introduction to some alternatives to First Past the Post and all its many...

  
• 10.03.2023

  1.06 - How Do Other Countries Run Their Elections?

  Since we now know that FPTP stinks, what do other countries do instead? In this episode we'll do a high-level overview of some of the many alternatives used around the world. Ranked choice, Block Voting, Transferable Votes, and much more!

  
• 09.29.2023

  1.05 - What is Duverger's law?

  In this episode we explore why there can only ever be two legitimate parties in US politics. 20th century French political theorist Maurice Duverger has the answer. We'll also touch on gerrymandering, the spoiler effect, and why hockey fans never...

  
• 09.21.2023

  1.04 - Only Two Parties?

  We'll discuss the seven eras of US politics and how there are only ever two major parties at work at any one time. Jefferson's anti-federalists, the Whigs, the Republicans, and all other players get their time in the sun today...

  
• 09.12.2023

  1.03 - Where did Left v Right Come From?

  On today’s episode we’ll be learning some political vocab. Left, right, and the folks in the middle. We’ll be going all the way back to 18th century France, discussing the three estates, tennis courts, and accidental seating arrangements as we...

  
• 09.05.2023

  1.02 - What's the Big Problem?

  In this episode, we touch on the history of factions and partisanism in the US, the Federalist Papers, and try to answer the question: What’s the big problem?

  
• 08.29.2023

  1.01 - Welcome to the Show

  In this episode, we'll discuss the "what, why, and how" of this podcast. In addition to laying down some ground rules for language, philosophical jargon, and other technical "stuff". Join us as we work to break the partisan mindset and...