Hold on tight as we examine the roots of tribalism in our media and question the effects of party loyalty on our political discourse. As we wrap up season four of the Common Bridge, we invite you to challenge the mainstream narratives and engage with critical societal issues. The traditional media's role in promoting tribalism is examined with a critical lens, urging you to demand better behavior from our elected leaders.

This episode takes us deep into the world of political tribalism, highlighting how it colors our view of issues and policies. We scrutinize a gripping tale of a dedicated Democrat's grandson, who, despite working on a health system for immigrants, denies the policy due to the person sitting in the Oval Office. We encourage engaging, respectful discussions and emphasize the importance of awareness about the content we consume. Join us as we confront uncomfortable truths and seek solutions for our shared problems - together, we can challenge the status quo.

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While walking through the streets of Detroit, it's hard not to be moved by the sheer resilience of its people. Yet, as we explore the city, we also find ourselves confronted with the stark realities of spiritual and material crises that plague the community. In our most recent conversation with Zoe Kennedy, he shines a light on the work of local activists, bringing forth a tale of strength, perseverance, and hope. He opens the floor to a discussion about Force Detroit, an organization tackling these issues head-on, and shares his belief that the root cause of community violence is deeply entwined with the social determinants of health.

The strength of the criminal mind is a theme we tackle in this discussion, revealing how the iron will of perpetrators often leads to a cycle of victimization and retaliation. We believe that to overcome these challenges, it's essential to empower victims and vulnerable populations, helping them make decisions that result in positive change. We also stress on the necessity of acknowledging cultural and community-based leadership, and how they can work in tandem with law enforcement to provide secondary victim services.

As we draw our conversation to a close, we find ourselves delving into the realm of self-love and its potential to build healthier relationships. Zoe Kennedy shares his insights and experiences with Force Detroit, emphasizing that understanding our own worth is the first step towards loving others. Through our in-depth chat, we aim to illustrate the power of community activism, empathy, and love in instigating social transformation. Join us for an enlightening ride through the streets of Detroit, as we explore the power of love in the face of adversity.

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Ready to decode the tangled web of big tech and government regulation? Today's episode promises to do just that, with an in-depth look at the antitrust investigations into giants like Amazon, Google, and potentially Apple. Our guest, Adam Kovacevich, leader of the Chamber of Progress, lends his expertise as we explore the intricacies of Amazon's Prime bundle, Prime label, and buy box policies. We ponder the potential effects on retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco while considering the long-term consequences of these government actions on the tech world.

Casting our net wide, we delve into federal government lawsuits, the intriguing case of Google's geofence warrant, and the implications for civil liberties. The conversation takes a sharp turn as we scrutinize the sway of the Biden administration and Congress over platforms like Twitter. Can intelligence sharing between government and big tech yield benefits? And what about the potential shadow of government censorship on speech? We navigate through these questions, offering some food for thought.

We round off our conversation by examining the government's role in regulating businesses like GoFundMe. Here, we ask if the government actions are rooted in real consumer complaints or an ideological agenda. With Adam Kovacevich providing insights, we question what constitutes a legitimate problem for the government to solve. So, sit back, plug in, and join us for this enlightening journey as we unravel the intricate relationship between big tech and government regulation.

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Join us on an intense exploration of the US political landscape, with our special guest - Thomas Hicks, a dedicated voter from Atlanta, Georgia. Thomas brings his unique perspective on the voting process in his home state, where recent elections have been nail-bitingly close. Amid the swirling controversy around the integrity of Georgia's voting process, he stands firm in his faith in the system and passionately advocates for the implementation of secure online voting. 

From the legacy of the Trump presidency to the spectre of a Trump-Biden rematch, our conversation traverses a vast political terrain. We delve into the changing dynamics of union votes, the pervasive influence of lobbyists and the dark shadow of money in politics. The repercussions of Trump’s judicial appointments and the spiralling national debt, are some of the high stakes topics we grapple with. We also contemplate how the two main political parties can truly champion the cause of the middle class and society's less privileged. 

But, hold onto your seats because the ride gets even bumpier as we lay bare the recent disturbing events that have shaken the foundation of US politics. We pick apart the multiple legal troubles Trump is currently embroiled in, including the shocking attempted siege of the US Capitol. Discover how the Presidential Records Act could potentially lead to espionage charges against Trump. Lastly, we reflect on our work on the Common Bridge, a platform for productive, non-partisan dialogue, and our ongoing commitment to involving our listeners in these compelling, timely discussions. So gear up and join us in this extraordinarily riveting journey.

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Prepare to set sail on a voyage of discovery with us  in the third and final part of a three-part series of conversations with our insightful guest, Robert Greenfield.  We're mapping out the territories of Indigenous Peoples' rights, immigration complexities, and the landscape of digital media. We're journeying through the rich historical narratives of Aboriginal people in Australia to the ongoing debate on their recognition. As we navigate these waters, we promise you'll gain new perspectives on the global surge of Indigenous rights, highlighted by the Maori reclaiming the name Aiotera in New Zealand.

Our expedition doesn't stop there, as we examine the intricate routes of immigration in the context of the United States. Enter the debate arena as we weigh the implications of affirmative action and a recent Supreme Court decision's effect on selective universities. Finally, we're casting our nets into the vast ocean of digital media, focusing on platforms like Substack and Radio Garden. We'll reveal how podcasting has become a crucial instrument in promoting dialogue and transmitting ideas. So, join us on this journey - let's bridge the gap of understanding together!

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What if you could navigate the stormy seas of today's political climate with a non-partisan compass? Picture yourself engaging with the deep-seated narratives around election deniers and dementia deniers, the political prosecutions of Donald Trump, and the impact of age on voters' preferences. We also highlight possible alternatives to Trump, like Gavin Newsom, and the intriguing proposition of DeSantis and Christie banding together to challenge Trump.   Join Richard and Robert Greenfield in the second part of a three-part conversation.

Step with us into the controversial arena of social media censorship, as we light up allegations of Democrats stifling dissenting opinions. Ponder over whether social media giants should possess the power to censor content and the implications of such control on public perception. We also explore the question of qualifications in politics, paying particular attention to the offspring of Trump and Biden. As we wrap up, we shift our focus to Joe Biden's responsibilities and Trump's conviction with a keen eye on the politicization of the justice system. 

Finally, we plunge into the world of social media and blogging, emphasising the value of dialogue and open conversation. Joined by our esteemed guest, Robert Greenfield, we explore ways to cultivate meaningful dialogue and civil discourse. Introducing the Common Bridge, a platform created for non-partisan discussions, we invite you to participate and add your voice to the conversations happening there. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey as we navigate today's political landscape with a fresh, impartial perspective.

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Join us as we welcome back our favorite globetrotter, Robert Greenfield! As he navigates his recent move from Australia to Europe, he brings a fresh perspective on life, culture, and the political landscape following the pandemic. We kick off with a unique blend of sports and travel, diving into the thrill of a Detroit Tigers game, the anticipation of Detroit Lions' playoffs, and the lifestyle transition from a tropical Australian climate to chilly Europe. 

Brace yourselves as we venture into the heartland of global politics, with Robert's insightful commentary on the Ukraine War. From the European perspective to China's influence and Russia's strategy, we leave no stone unturned. Not just that, we scrutinize the role of US diplomats, the Western expenditure, and the potential repercussions of NATO's presence near the borders. As the conversation unfolds, you'll witness a comprehensive examination of the crisis that has gripped the world.

But we don't stop at world politics. Back home, we delve into the profound effects of Trump's presidency on the Republican Party and the changing face of American politics. We also explore the economic implications, NATO expansion, and the role of media in political divisions. As we wind up, we turn our gaze to California, discussing the challenges faced by cities like San Francisco and the potential role of immigration in rejuvenating the city. Tune in for this enlightening conversation that promises to educate, engage and entertain!

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Join us on The Common Bridge as Rich talks with stage, screen, and television star Greg Jbara's inspiring journey from a public school system to Juilliard and his rise in the performing arts. We explore the impact of the ongoing Writers Guild strike, differences between guilds, challenges faced by actors and producers, and how automation is reshaping the industry. We emphasize supporting artists and understanding the issues driving the strike. Tune in as we navigate the shifting sands of entertainment.

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Join Rich in a  thought-provoking discussions with Konstantin Kissen, a prominent comedian and YouTube sensation. They explore his journey from Moscow to England, the influence of censorship and cancel culture on comedy, and the limitations of the right versus left political paradigm. Delving into public perception versus media portrayal, they analyze hypocrisy among political leaders and the erosion of public trust. They discuss declining caliber among politicians fueled by social media and 24-hour news cycles. Konstantin's experiences in the Soviet Union highlight his passion for freedom of expression. We emphasize critical thinking, the power of ideas, and avoiding being a 'useful idiot'.

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Rich responds to selected questions and comments from his nearly four million viewers, listeners and readers of The Common Bridge.  Topics range included censorship, Big Tech, First and Second Amendments, and more. 

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