Theory 2 Action Podcast

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

Ready to uncover the secrets behind one of the most transformative elections of the 20th century?

Join us on this Pivotal Tuesdays Series podcast as we dissect Ronald Reagan's monumental victory in the 1980 election.

Learn how Reagan's charismatic conservative campaign struck a chord with voters disillusioned by economic woes and the Iran hostage crisis, leading to a sweeping shift in American politics.

This is our fourth installment of Pivotal Tuesdays Series.   We offer the conventional viewpoint which will be offered by Margaret O'Mara's Pivotal Tuesdays  book and the conservative and politically incorrect viewpoint will be offered from Steven Hayward's, Political Incorrect Guide to the Presidents, Part 2

If you are a conservative, you dont want to miss this insightful episode packed with historical reflections and powerful nuggets of wisdom!

Key Points from the Episode:

• We dive into the nail-biting final week where late-deciding voters tipped the scales, ushering in a Republican control of the Senate and a significant increase in House seats.
• In this episode, we analyze Reagan's conservative revolution that redefined American governance and national values. 
• Contrast the disciplined, charismatic GOP against the fragmented Democratic Party, and discover how Reagan's policies on free markets, government reduction, and family values left a lasting legacy. 
• We'll also explore George H.W. Bush's continuation of Reaganism and address critiques from liberal historians. 
• With insights from Michael Barone's 1986 Almanac of American Politics, gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape of the mid-1980s and the evolving public consensus on national values and policies.

Other resources:


Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate it.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

Are the echoes of 1968 still shaping our political present?

Join us as we dissect the seismic events of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago—a moment that forever altered the landscape of American politics.

We'll unravel how President Lyndon B. Johnson's shocking decision not to seek reelection set off a cascade of chaos, against a backdrop of national grief over the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the turmoil of the Vietnam War.

Our featured book, "1968: The Year That Rocked the World" by Martin Kurlansky, provides essential context for understanding this pivotal period.

Hear about the violent confrontations between anti-war protesters and the Chicago Police, captured live on television, which exposed the deep divisions tearing the country apart.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Explore how the convention's fallout led to sweeping reforms within the Democratic Party, spearheaded by Senator George McGovern, and prompted a shift to the left. 
• Relive the infamous scenes at Grant Park where demonstrators faced brutal police tactics, and Senator Abraham Ribicoff's brave condemnation of these actions along with Chicago old boss mayor, Richard Daley had colorful words for that same Senator.  
• We also draw parallels between the radical changes of the 1970s and today's political landscape, with a spotlight on the Democratic Party's nomination of Kamala Harris for the 2024 election. 

Tune in for a compelling narrative that connects past and present, and reflects on the enduring impact of this turbulent chapter in American history.

Other resources:

Decades presents the 1968:  The DNC  (45 mins)

The Year in Review in 1968:  The Chaos (55 mins)


Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate it.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

Can a single election reshape the destiny of a nation?

Join us on this episode of the Pivotal Tuesdays series as we navigate the turbulent waters of the 1968 presidential election, part 2.

This is our third installment of Pivotal Tuesdays Series.   We offer the conventional viewpoint which will be offered by Margaret O'Mara's Pivotal Tuesdays  book and the conservative and politically incorrect viewpoint will be offered from Steven Hayward's, Political Incorrect Guide to the Presidents, Part 2

Don't miss this insightful episode packed with historical reflections and powerful moments.

Key Points from the Episode:

• We'll untangle the corrected popular vote statistics and revisit the intense three-way race between Nixon, Humphrey, and Wallace. 
• Reflecting on Nixon's eventual victory and the GOP's congressional gains, we explore this pivotal moment from a conservative lens today. 
• Guided by Stephen Hayward's "Politically Incorrect Book of the Presidents, Part 2," we dive deep into the challenges Nixon faced, particularly his controversial handling of the Vietnam War amidst a deeply divided America.
• we turn the spotlight on Nixon's tumultuous presidency. Examining his economic and domestic policies, we scrutinize the decisions that led to increased federal spending and expanded regulation, actions that laid the groundwork for Reagan's later government-shrinking efforts. 
• Nixon's foreign policy maneuvers, including détente with the Soviet Union and the groundbreaking opening of relations with China, are dissected for their far-reaching implications on the Cold War and America's global stance. 

Tune in as we reflect on Nixon's complex legacy and its lasting influence on American politics, setting the stage for the renewed hope brought by Reagan's election in 1980.

Other resources:


Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate it.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

What if one election could forever change the landscape of American politics?

Join us on this episode of Pivotal Tuesdays as we revisit the seismic 1968 U.S. presidential election, exploring a year fraught with turmoil and transformation. From the shocking assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy to the chaos at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, we dissect how these pivotal events shaped the narratives of candidates Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, and George Wallace. Nixon's call for law and order, Humphrey's struggle to break free from Lyndon Johnson's Vietnam policies, and Wallace's segregationist stance all come under the microscope in our detailed analysis.

This is our third installment of Pivotal Tuesdays Series.   We offer the conventional viewpoint which will be offered by Margaret O'Mara's Pivotal Tuesdays  book and the conservative and politically incorrect viewpoint will be offered from Steven Hayward's, Political Incorrect Guide to the Presidents, Part 2

Don't miss this insightful episode packed with historical reflections and powerful moments.

Key Points from the Episode:

• A complete run through of the turmoil of the whole year of 1968
• the results and legacy of the election itself
• We'll also reflect on the fractured state of the Democratic Party post-civil rights era, and how the Republicans capitalized on this division to pave the way for Ronald Reagan's 1980 landslide victory. 
• A special highlight is our recounting of a poignant moment in the 1968 campaign when Bobby Kennedy delivered a heartfelt plea for unity to a shocked African-American audience in Indianapolis after learning of Martin Luther King's assassination. 
• Through a balanced perspective, we shed light on why the 1968 election remains one of the most significant in American history and continues to influence our political landscape today. 

Other resources:

Robert F. Kennedys speech in Indianapolis on the death of Martin Luther King Jr.

Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate it.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

Was the New Deal a beacon of hope or a recipe for long-term dependency?

Join us as we critically examine Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies and their sweeping impacts on the American economy during the Great Depression.

With insights from Burson Folsom's "New Deal or Raw Deal," we discuss the accomplishments and criticisms of these transformative years. 

Key Points from the Episode:

• From the expanded role of the federal government to the creation of Social Security and labor protections, we delve into the transformative yet contentious nature of these programs. 
• We also tackle the ongoing debate on the sustainability of Social Security and the relevance of unions today, providing a nuanced analysis of whether these policies ultimately benefited or hindered America's economic freedom.
• Explore the complex legacy of the New Deal’s infrastructure projects, such as the WPA and CCC, and the controversial agricultural subsidies of the AAA. 
• We dive into the political realignment of African Americans to the Democratic Party, increased economic regulation, and persistent unemployment rates during FDR's presidency. 
• We also scrutinize Roosevelt's tax policies, regime uncertainty, and his fraught relationship with businesses, emphasizing the importance of historical lessons for advocating economic liberty and cautioning against excessive government intervention in future crises.

Other resources:


More goodness
Get your FREE Academy Review here!

Get our top book recommendations list

Get new podcast episodes dropped into your email box easily


Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate that as well.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

Can Franklin D. Roosevelt's innovative campaign strategy during the critical 1932 election offer lessons for today's political landscape?

Join us as we unpack this transformative period in American history, exploring how FDR's promise of the New Deal and his strategic use of radio communication captured the hearts of a desperate nation.

With expert insights from historians Margaret O'Mara and Stephen Hayward, we navigate the stark contrasts between FDR and incumbent President Herbert Hoover, shedding light on the significant political realignment that followed Roosevelt's landslide victory and the dawn of the Fifth Party System.

This is our second installment of Pivotal Tuesdays Series.   We offer the conventional viewpoint which will be offered by Margaret O'Mara's Pivotal Tuesdaysbook and the conservative and politically incorrect viewpoint will be offered from Steven Hayward's, Political Incorrect Guide to the Presidents, Part 2

Key Points from the Episode:

• As we journey through this pivotal era, we also critically examine the lasting impact of FDR's presidency. 
• Delve into the complex legacy of the New Deal's expansive federal policies, the controversies of Roosevelt’s court-packing plans, and the stifling effects these had on business confidence and economic recovery. 
• Featuring a thought-provoking critique from conservative historian Stephen Hayward, we challenge the conventional narratives surrounding Roosevelt’s effectiveness in combatting the Great Depression. 
• Additionally, we reflect on the importance of safeguarding our liberties by drawing inspiration from historians like Amity Shales. 

Join us for a rich discussion that not only revisits these historical truths but also underscores the resilience and enduring value of our republic. 

Other resources:


More goodness

Get your FREE Academy Review here!

Get our top book recommendations list

Get new podcast episodes dropped into your email box easily


Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate that as well.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

What if the president couldn't perform his duties, and nobody knew?

Explore the extraordinary, and almost secret, chapter of American history where Edith Wilson effectively became the acting president after Woodrow Wilson's stroke in 1919.

Dive into the fascinating tale of how she controlled the presidency for 18 months, making critical decisions while keeping Vice President Thomas R. Marshall and the public in the dark.

Our guide for this journey is the book written by William Hazelgrove, "Madam President:  The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson"

Tune in for a compelling narrative on how history's hidden chapters can offer valuable insights for our current political climate.

Key Points from the Episode:

• This episode sheds light on Edith's unprecedented role and the profound impact her actions had on both domestic and foreign policies, painting a vivid picture of a time when the First Lady became the most powerful person in America.
• As we inch closer to the 2024 political landscape, there's a crucial lesson to be learned from Edith Wilson's secret presidency. 
• Our discussion highlights the importance of having clear processes to prevent any misuse of power and the need to address constitutional ambiguities that could lead to a similar crisis. 
• We reflect on the significance of the 25th Amendment and stress the necessity of invoking it when appropriate to maintain the integrity of our democratic institutions. 

Other resources:


More goodness

Get your FREE Academy Review here!

Get our top book recommendations list

Get new podcast episodes dropped into your email box easily


Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate that as well.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

Curious how a single election could forever alter the landscape of American politics?

Our inaugural Pivotal Tuesdays episode promises to unravel the 1912 election's complexities, featuring the titans of the political arena: Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the impassioned Eugene Debs.

Discover the intricate dynamics of a divided Republican Party and how Wilson's dramatic nomination on the 46th ballot set the stage for an electoral battle that would redefine the nation's political future. We provide a balanced historical perspective by juxtaposing liberal and conservative viewpoints, offering a richer understanding of this monumental election.   

The conventional viewpoint will be offered by Margaret O'Mara's Pivotal Tuesdays book and the conservative and politically incorrect viewpoint will be offered from Steven Hayward's, Political Incorrect Guide to the Presidents, Part 2

Join us as we explore the lasting impacts of the 1912 election and the Wilson presidency.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Dive deep into progressive reforms and the establishment of pivotal systems like the Federal Reserve and the federal income tax. 
• Reflect on Stephen Hayward's conservative critique of Wilson, challenging the conventional narrative and revealing a more radical legacy. 
• From intense electoral competition to controversial policies, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how the 1912 election reshaped American politics and introduced enduring debates about government intervention and individual freedoms. 

Don't miss this riveting exploration that promises to enrich your understanding of a Pivotal Tuesday in our national history.

Other resources:


More goodness

Get your FREE Academy Review here!

Get our top book recommendations list

Get new podcast episodes dropped into your email box easily


Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate that as well.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

What if mastering your emotions could mean the difference between success and failure?

Discover the profound insights from Daniel Goldman's "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" in our latest episode of the Theory to Action podcast.

Join me, David Kaiser, as we break down the timeless wisdom from Goldman's work and its incredible relevance today.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Beginning with a powerful quote from Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics, we explore the complexities of managing anger and how emotional intelligence can guide us through life's toughest moments.
• Hear the gripping story of a high-achieving high school student whose emotional breakdown led to a shocking act of violence, emphasizing the critical need for emotional intelligence in our lives. 
• This episode promises to provide you with practical applications and reflective insights to help you cultivate a balanced, flourishing life. 

Don't miss out on this compelling conversation that blends age-old wisdom with modern psychological understanding, encouraging you to understand and harness your emotional responses for better outcomes.

Other resources:


More goodness

Get your FREE Academy Review here!

Get our top book recommendations list

Get new podcast episodes dropped into your email box easily


Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate that as well.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message

Can historical narratives be truly balanced?

Discover the importance of scrutinizing history through different lenses as we explore pivotal American elections.

In this episode, we confront Margaret O'Mara’s "Pivotal Tuesdays," diving into the elections of 1912, 1932, 1968, and 1992, and sharing our initial excitement about her work.

However, we also express our disappointment about the omission of the monumental 1980 election of Ronald Reagan, a glaring oversight that raises questions about potential bias.

Join us as we announce our upcoming series, "Pivotal Tuesdays," where we will juxtapose conventional liberal perspectives with conservative viewpoints from Stephen Hayward’s "The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Presidents."

Key Points from the Episode:

• We'll discuss O'Mara’s background in the Clinton administration and critique the broader issue of how history is often taught from a liberal perspective, referencing influential historians like Howard Zinn and Doris Kearns Goodwin.
• Highlighting Hayward's extensive work on Ronald Reagan, we emphasize the significance of examining these elections as key moments that reshaped American society. 
• To wrap up, we share a heartwarming tale of reconciliation between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, exemplifying the enduring democratic tradition of the United States. 

Tune in for a thought-provoking journey that challenges you to gain a well-rounded understanding of these pivotal moments in American history.

Other resources:


More goodness
Get your FREE Academy Review here!

Get our top book recommendations list

Get new podcast episodes dropped into your email box easily


Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Because we care what you think about what we think and our website, please email [email protected], or if you want to leave us a quick FREE, painless voicemail, we would appreciate that as well.