The Fallon Forum

By Ed Fallon

News & Politics

What's The Fallon Forum about?

Weekly podcast of the Fallon Forum: Independent Voices from the Heartland

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The Fallon Forum episodes:

04.15.2024
Apr 15: Deeply flawed study claims urban ag worse for the planet than conventional ag
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:09) A candid look at third-party politics, with Pat LaMarche; (21:45) The troubling rise in the incidence of incest; (38:27) Biblical literalism: Which animals made it onto the ark?; (53:43) Deeply flawed...
04.08.2024
Apr 8: Destruction of Gaza will play a key role in this fall's election
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:23) Destruction of Gaza will play a key role in this fall's election; (23:19) Our survival demands another long march; (37:43) What's up with No Mow May?, with JoAnn Muldoon; (54:45) How Boston grows … food!,...
04.01.2024
Apr 1: As Iowans celebrate 15 years of marriage equality, some lawmakers want to turn back the clock
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:29) As Iowans celebrate 15 years of marriage equality, some lawmakers want to turn back the clock, with Rekha Basu; (18:38) Two nuns receive prestigious peace award, with Fr. Dave Polich; (38:21) Walking across the...
03.25.2024
Mar 25: Republican hypocrisy on local control
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:53) Trump's most recent incredible, scary pronouncements; (19:02) Republican hypocrisy on local control; (37:54) The Democratic Party is in deep trouble; (54:46) Cities need an office of urban ag, with Kathy Byrnes...
03.18.2024
Mar 18: Why I was thrown out of an Irish pub
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (02:10) Why I was thrown out of an Irish pub; (19:00) Pushing a baby carriage across Ireland for peace; (37:35) Raising cattle sustainably, with Shanen Ebersole; (51:43) Making compost, with Kathy Byrnes Fallon, Birds & Bees...
03.11.2024
Mar 11: Honey, I froze the kids
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:00) Why the Irish voted down two "progressive" amendments to the constitution; (05:20) Was Biden’s State of the Union address mostly a campaign speech?; (20:50) Honey, I froze the kids!; (38:50) A...
03.04.2024
Mar 4: A deep dive into Gaza
On this week's Fallon Forum, Jeffrey Weiss joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:02) Gaza in the context of other Middle East hot spots; (18:32) Driving home Gaza's humanitarian crisis, with Jeffrey Grubler; (38:01) A physician's perspective on Israel's war with Hamas, with Dr....
02.26.2024
Feb 26: Has America become mean?
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:49) Has America become mean?; (22:24) Protecting the Christian majority from persecution; (40:17) Super Bowl ads are a playground for the rich; (54:10) Five fruit trees for beginners, with Kathy Byrnes Fallon,...
02.19.2024
Feb 19: Miracles in El Salvador
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:12) “Miracles in El Salvador,” a book by Rev. Bob Cook; (18:32) Louisiana Governor fights against his own constituents over investigation of contamination and health issues in Cancer Alley, with Dr. MarkAlain Dery; (37:01) Climate...
02.12.2024
Feb 12: A new angle on stopping eminent domain abuse
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (00:54) A new angle on stopping eminent domain abuse, with Rep. Bobby Kaufmann; (17:54) Union busting through child labor, with Charles Goldman; (32:57) “School choice" voucher program going badly, with Charles Goldman; (50:15) Kernza - the...
02.05.2024
Feb 5: Iowa’s elder care crisis
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:00) Iowa's elder care crisis, with State Sen. Claire Celsi; (22:34) States shouldn't wait on feds to fix health care system, with Pat LaMarche; (39:22) Climate update: California flooding; Iowa's three-week winter; a 62-mile curtain...
01.29.2024
Jan 29: How Democrats can regain rural relevance
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (00:43) How Democrats can regain rural relevance; (19:14) Address the root cause of the US immigration crisis; (36:48) Making luxury ice cubes from Greenland's melting glaciers; (54:13) Fruit trees in cities - Philadelphia leads the way,...
01.22.2024
Jan 22: You’re probably getting screwed
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:08) You're probably getting screwed, with Rep. J.D. Scholten; (24:07) The evolving Jan 6 narrative, with Charles Goldman; (38:23) The rise of road rage, with Charles Goldman; (53:43) Maple syruping - the big and the small,...
01.16.2024
Jan 16: Iowa Caucuses: What the losers have to gain
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:41) Iowa Caucuses: What the losers have to gain; (20:23) Here’s where climate denialism comes from; (38:27) Reynolds refuses food for poor kids; (52:55) The poverty-obesity paradox, with Kathy Byrnes, Birds &...
01.08.2024
Jan 8: Israel has become a global pariah
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (00:52) Israel has become a global pariah, with Jeffrey Weiss; (23:21) Update on The Golden Rule’s voyage, with Helen Jaccard; (38:18) Iowa man befriends dumpster, with Steve Hanken; (51:57) January garden Q & A, with Kathy...
01.01.2024
Jan 1: 100% Good News Program
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman and Jeffrey Weiss join Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:31) Panda populations increase; (04:09) Community power initiative in New Orleans; (05:43) France's zero-waste city; (08:39) Dutch climate action ends fossil-fuel subsidies; (12:51) The lasting impact of nonviolent action; (15:30) The...
12.25.2023
Dec 25: Eminent domain could be a defining issue in the Iowa Caucuses
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:50) Dems use gerrymandering to fight back; (18:37) US Supreme Court to hear mifepristone case; (37:10) American media ignores internal politics of Israel; (54:03) Don’t fall for fake honey.
12.18.2023
Dec 18: Could RFK Jr. become president?
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:51) Could RFK Jr. become president?; (24:53) COP28 climate summit wrap; (38:51) Uh oh: Moms for Liberty sex scandal; (55:16) In pursuit of Paraguayan beef, it's politics vs farmers.
12.11.2023
Dec 11: Is the end near for the Endless Growth Economy?
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:01) Taking the long view on food and energy, with Mark Clipsham; (17:10) Is the end near for the Endless Growth Economy?, with Mark Clipsham; (35:24) My Christmases, past and present; (54:02) Garden stats and predictions...
12.04.2023
Dec 4: Braver Angels seeks dialogue across the partisan divide
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (00:52) Braver Angels seeks dialogue across the partisan divide, with Melinda Voss; (18:39) Banned books: What porn stars and climate change have in common; (36:33) Roadkill, and Thanksgiving in Paris; (52:11) December garden Q & A,...
11.27.2023
Nov 27: Silencing Israel's critics
On this week's Fallon Forum, Jeffrey Weiss joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:50) Silencing Israel's critics; (18:03) Recent elections fuel the rise of authoritarianism; (36:32) Do we dare hope for real change at climate summit?; (53:24) USDA programs for urban farming make a difference,...
11.20.2023
Nov 20: Kindness can be contagious
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:21) Iowa Governor ignores critical services, with Dr. Maureen McCue; (18:54) Ohio Republicans subvert reproductive rights, with Greg Maynard; (36:18) Kindness can be contagious, with Randy Evans; (53:26) A tribute to my favorite farm and food...
11.13.2023
Nov 13: A Veterans Day Reflection
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:03) “Am I Too Old to Save the Planet?” with Lawrence MacDonald; (19:29) Reflecting on Veterans Day, with Dr. Stephen Goldman; (36:44) My visits to Fort Garland, Colorado, and Omaha Beach, France; (54:40) Avian flu by...
11.08.2023
Nov 8: What should Democrats do about Biden's lousy poll numbers?
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:50) Biden's poll numbers go from bad to worse; (19:05) China and the US discuss climate and nukes; (36:34) A review of Tuesday's off-year election; (53:45) November garden Q & A, with...
10.30.2023
Oct 30: Airport expansions are a climate issue
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:15) Airport expansions are a climate issue, with Dan Castrigano; (19:40) Charles reviews his MAGA mail; (36:38) Christian nationalists elect US House Speaker; (54:18) Big Carrot wages water war on small farmers,...
10.23.2023
Oct 23: We beat Valero and Black Rock!
On this week's Fallon Forum, Jeffrey Weiss joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:00) We beat Valero and Black Rock!; (19:28) Achieving lasting peace in the Middle East; (40:20) Far-right politicians gain ground globally; (53:31) Farms are good for our mental health, with Kathy Byrnes,...
10.16.2023
Oct 16: Meet my detractors
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (00:52) Meet my detractors; (19:22) The insanity of “winning” a nuclear war, with Brian Terrell; (37:35) Presidential candidate Dave Gardner; (53:03) An “addictive substance” food label?, with Kathy Byrnes, Birds & Bees Urban Farm.
10.09.2023
Oct 9: Climate scientist fired for refusing to fly
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:02) Like Trump, Charles chooses electrocution over being eaten by a shark; (03:30) Climate scientist fired for refusing to fly; (08:34) Sen. Bob Menendez needs to step down; (18:25) A review of...
10.02.2023
Oct 2: Polk County residents should vote “no” to airport expansion
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:53) Polk County residents should vote “no” to airport expansion; (18:33) Where does the US rank on the democracy index?, with Jeffrey Weiss; (36:47) Salt water creeps toward New Orleans’ drinking water, with MarkAlain Dery; (53:23)...
09.25.2023
Sep 25: Why we should pay in cash
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:44) Why we should pay in cash; (18:54) Republicans hope to capitalize on labor dispute; (37:46) Kudos to President Biden for taking on Big Pharma; (53:21) Big Puff and the junk food...
09.18.2023
Sep 18: Water and the Endless Growth Economy
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:14) Water and the Endless Growth Economy, with Mark Clipsham; (19:46) Are you a vexatious person?; (36:17) Josh Mandelbaum, candidate for mayor of Des Moines; (53:55) Growing food in historic neighborhoods, with Kathy Byrnes, Birds &...
09.11.2023
Sep 11: A nation of toys
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (00:45) A nation of toys; (17:52) “Waiting for Mr. Kim,” with author Carol Roh Spaulding; (34:53) Climate Update: Coco Gauff, ANWR, blast fishing, and the disappearing Great Salt Lake; (52:51) Invasive species: a local perspective on...
09.04.2023
Sep 4: CO2 pipeline hearing reveals much
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (00:36) CO2 pipeline hearing reveals much; (19:51) What happens when the water is gone? (36:22) The criminalization of nonviolent protest; (53:17) September garden Q & A, with Kathy Byrnes, Birds & Bees Urban Farm.
08.28.2023
Aug 28: Making water from air
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:54) Trump/Tucker vs the other Republican candidates; (20:03) Making water from air, with Oliver Njamfa; (38:12) Charles gets COVID; (53:41) Light pollution - when plants don’t want to “see the light,” with...
08.21.2023
Aug 21: Republicans have a plan to dismantle US climate policy
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:37) Republicans have a plan to dismantle US climate policy; (18:49) Racism, then and now; (37:39) “Oppenheimer” revisited; (53:34) Peeling back the leaves of the artichoke, with Kathy Byrnes, Birds & Bees...
08.14.2023
Aug 14: Our take on Barbenheimer
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:33) Our take on Barbenheimer, with Kathy Byrnes; (18:00) The new peace movement, with Caleb Stewart; (42:40) A reflection from the 2014 Great March for Climate Action; (53:53) "The Terra Cotta Camel", with Kathy Byrnes, Birds...
08.07.2023
Aug 7: Banned books vs freedom
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:15) Banned books vs freedom; (18:00) Presidential incumbent challengers and third parties; (36:41) What next from the radical religious right; (53:44) Heatwaves and worldwide food security, with Kathy Byrnes, Birds & Bees...
07.31.2023
Jul 31: An interview with State Auditor Rob Sand
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:08) An interview with State Auditor Rob Sand; (19:31) Forward Party, with Joel Searby; (38:10) Obama/Biden climate hypocrisy; (53:50) August Garden Q & A, with Kathy Byrnes, Birds & Bees Urban Farm.
07.24.2023
Jul 24: Charles and Ed debate the risk of the US becoming a dictatorship
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (00:44) Is the US on the path to dictatorship?; (20:50) Try what in a small town?; (38:59) Things are heating up; (53:06) New study on dietary choices misses the mark, with Kathy...
07.17.2023
Jul 17: Uranium Derby
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:18) Uranium Derby, with Brittany Prater; (19:20) Where is the US peace movement?, with Brittany Prater; (36:50) The war on voting; (53:00) “Scientists Raise Alarm Over Risk of 'Synchronized' Global Crop Failures”, with Kathy Byrnes, Birds...
07.10.2023
Jul 10: Special session: Iowa lawmakers should protect landowners from CO2 pipelines
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:30) Threads v Twitter: Battle of the billionaires; (06:00) No eminent domain for CO2 pipelines; (18:45) Arizona's record-breaking heat wave; (21:15) The climate “calm down” crowd; (37.30) NY Times treats war in Ukraine like a sporting match; (40:45)...
07.03.2023
Jul 3: Affirmative action - when “fair” may not be fair
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman and Kathy Byrnes cohost: (02:11) Supreme Court weighs in on fairness - affirmative action and more; (36:21) The newest wave in parental rights; (48:31) Foods for the apocalypse.
06.26.2023
Jun 26: Rescuing rich adventurers while migrants drown
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:15) Rescuing rich adventurers while migrants drown; (08:20) “Pregnant people” vs "pregnant women”; (12:45) Trigger warnings might do more harm than good; (21:55) Republicans against crony capitalism?; (35:00) The town where corporations might...
06.19.2023
Jun 19: What's next after Iowa Supreme Court rules against six-week abortion ban
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (05:19) Trump and the fun factor; (19:42) Are we heading toward an autocracy?; (39:04) Iowa abortion ruling: What’s next?; (54:31) New study on lab-grown meat contradicts claims of lower environmental impact, with...
06.12.2023
Jun 12: Beyond "woke"
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:28) One bloke’s woke is some other folks' joke, with Mark Clipsham; (18:46) An eyewitness report from Ukraine, with Peter Lumsdaine; (37:52) Alien vehicles impounded, and news of the bizarre (i.e., Trump, DeSantis); (53:58) “Local” foods:...
06.05.2023
Jun 5: An Interview with Marianne Williamson
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:44) An interview with Marianne Williamson; (26:22) A new call to abolish nuclear weapons, with Kathleen McQuillen; (39:49) When it comes to groceries, Walmart is a bully; (53:11) June Garden Q & A, with Kathy Byrnes,...
05.29.2023
May 29: Memorial Day Edition: A new look at the Civil War
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (04:37) One More War to Fight: Union Veterans' Battle for Equality through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the Lost Cause, with author Dr. Stephen Goldman; (19:16) First Amendment is about freedom...
05.22.2023
May 22: An Interview with former Iowa State Rep. Bill Witt
On this week's Fallon Forum, former Iowa State Rep. Bill Witt joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (01:51) A hard look at long-term care; (17:36) Iowa’s looming budget crisis; (37:15) Iowa: North America’s largest strip mine; (54:33) Record heat will impact food security, with Kathy...
05.15.2023
May 15: Biden's poll number should concern Democrats
On this week's Fallon Forum, Charles Goldman joins Ed Fallon to discuss: (02:12) Biden's poll number should concern Democrats; (18:40) Republican policies that hurt rural communities; (37:10) Supreme Court puts little piggies before big producers; (53:21) Chickens and rats don’t party together, with Kathy...
05.08.2023
May 8: America’s gun-death tragedy is about more than guns
On this week's Fallon Forum, Ed Fallon discusses: (01:28) Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, with Les Knight; (18:56) Summit sues South Dakota landowners, with Craig Schaunaman; (38:18) America’s gun-death tragedy is about more than guns; (53:59) Top crops for small farms, with Kathy Byrnes, Birds...

What's The Fallon Forum about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Fallon Forum episodes:

Apr 15: Deeply flawed study claims urban ag worse for the planet than conventional ag

Apr 8: Destruction of Gaza will play a key role in this fall's election

Apr 1: As Iowans celebrate 15 years of marriage equality, some lawmakers want to turn back the clock

Mar 25: Republican hypocrisy on local control

Mar 18: Why I was thrown out of an Irish pub

Mar 11: Honey, I froze the kids

Mar 4: A deep dive into Gaza

Feb 26: Has America become mean?

Feb 19: Miracles in El Salvador

Feb 12: A new angle on stopping eminent domain abuse

Feb 5: Iowa’s elder care crisis

Jan 29: How Democrats can regain rural relevance

Jan 22: You’re probably getting screwed

Jan 16: Iowa Caucuses: What the losers have to gain

Jan 8: Israel has become a global pariah

Jan 1: 100% Good News Program

Dec 25: Eminent domain could be a defining issue in the Iowa Caucuses

Dec 18: Could RFK Jr. become president?

Dec 11: Is the end near for the Endless Growth Economy?

Dec 4: Braver Angels seeks dialogue across the partisan divide

Nov 27: Silencing Israel's critics

Nov 20: Kindness can be contagious

Nov 13: A Veterans Day Reflection

Nov 8: What should Democrats do about Biden's lousy poll numbers?

Oct 30: Airport expansions are a climate issue

Oct 23: We beat Valero and Black Rock!

Oct 16: Meet my detractors

Oct 9: Climate scientist fired for refusing to fly

Oct 2: Polk County residents should vote “no” to airport expansion

Sep 25: Why we should pay in cash

Sep 18: Water and the Endless Growth Economy

Sep 11: A nation of toys

Sep 4: CO2 pipeline hearing reveals much

Aug 28: Making water from air

Aug 21: Republicans have a plan to dismantle US climate policy

Aug 14: Our take on Barbenheimer

Aug 7: Banned books vs freedom

Jul 31: An interview with State Auditor Rob Sand

Jul 24: Charles and Ed debate the risk of the US becoming a dictatorship

Jul 17: Uranium Derby

Jul 10: Special session: Iowa lawmakers should protect landowners from CO2 pipelines

Jul 3: Affirmative action - when “fair” may not be fair

Jun 26: Rescuing rich adventurers while migrants drown

Jun 19: What's next after Iowa Supreme Court rules against six-week abortion ban

Jun 12: Beyond "woke"

Jun 5: An Interview with Marianne Williamson

May 29: Memorial Day Edition: A new look at the Civil War

May 22: An Interview with former Iowa State Rep. Bill Witt

May 15: Biden's poll number should concern Democrats

May 8: America’s gun-death tragedy is about more than guns