Two Americas Joshcast

Join Josh Lowry on "On Trial," the podcast where we put one pressing issue at a time on trial. From deeply analyzing legislative actions like the controversial "Big, Beautiful Bill" to exploring the complex societal dynamics that shape American politics, Josh dives deep into the heart of the matter. Expect unfiltered commentary, sharp insights, and a passionate commitment to understanding the real-world consequences of political decisions. If you're looking for honest, no-holds-barred discussions about the issues facing America, subscribe to "On Trial with Josh Lowry."

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit landiscomms.substack.com

On this impactful episode of "On Trial," Josh Lowry puts police violence and excessive force under the microscope, prompted by a recent controversial incident in Indianapolis. Moving past the "bad apple" narrative, Josh delves into the cultural and systemic issues within law enforcement, emphasizing the critical need for police accountability.

He's joined by Anuar Velazquez, a former police officer with a decade of experience, now dedicated to reforming toxic police cultures. Anuar offers raw, insightful perspectives on how departmental dynamics, the lack of trauma-informed care, and societal expectations can inadvertently lead to tragic outcomes. They discuss the psychological toll of the job, the "Robocop" persona officers feel compelled to embody, and why de-escalation training often isn't prioritized, even with the presence of body cameras. The conversation also critically examines how the politicization of policing, including discussions around "defund the police", hinders genuine reform and vital mental health support for officers. They further explore the correlation between societal issues like poverty, education, and crime rates, and touch upon the challenges of addressing corruption in policing. This episode argues that true change requires addressing the underlying conditions, not just the symptoms, of excessive force, and calls for a collective societal effort to heal and support those in uniform, as well as the communities they serve.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit landiscomms.substack.com

Welcome to a no-holds-barred discussion on the Josh Lowry Podcast! This week, Josh is fired up about a critical problem: lying politicians. With Pride Month in full swing and personal experiences from his political campaigns, Josh dissects the widespread issue of candidates and elected officials deliberately misleading the public. He pulls back the curtain on how these falsehoods impact everything from national debt and healthcare to local property values, questioning why the truth is so often sacrificed for political gain.

Feeling like you're stuck in quicksand when listening to the news? Josh explores why, and offers a powerful call to action for informed citizens to stand up, speak truth to power, and ensure voters have the facts they need to make real decisions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit landiscomms.substack.com

Josh Lowry dives into the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill" by the House of Representatives. Despite containing significant tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to healthcare that could affect more than 13 million people, the bill garners public support. Lowry, drawing on his experience talking to thousands of voters, presents his "Top 10 Reasons" why individuals might support such a bill, even if it seemingly goes against their self-interest. He explores influences ranging from the "welfare queen" myth and the belief that everyone is lazy, to misunderstandings about government waste and an "unhealthy amount of billionaire worship." The discussion culminates in what Lowry identifies as the number one reason: the pervasive influence of Fox News in shaping public opinion. Lowry aims to provide a nuanced perspective on voter motivations, acknowledging that many supporters operate from a rational, albeit often misinformed, standpoint.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit landiscomms.substack.com

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Josh Lowry Podcast! If you know me from social media, you know I'm all about breaking down how politics impacts your life. And on this episode, we're diving deep into a national issue with very real local consequences: tariffs.

I'm joined by Dr. Michael Hicks, the foremost economist on Indiana's economy and a professor at Ball State University. Dr. Hicks brings the research and facts to dissect the truth about tariffs, drawing crucial parallels to historical blunders like the Smoot-Hawley tariffs that worsened the Great Depression. Fast forward a century, and we're seeing similar rhetoric, but what are the real consequences for American families and businesses?

In this episode, we tackle:

* Tariffs 101: What exactly is a tariff, who pays it, and how does it directly affect your wallet? (Hint: It's a tax on Americans, and companies will pass the cost to you!)

* Worse Than Inflation?: Discover why tariffs can be more detrimental to your purchasing power than traditional inflation, as your wages won't keep pace with rising costs.

* The Lag Effect: Why haven't we seen the full impact of past tariffs yet, and what does Dr. Hicks predict (a mild recession, even at current levels)?

* Who Really Gets Hurt? The painful truth about who bears the brunt of economic downturns caused by protectionist policies.

* The Automation Reality: We cut through the nostalgia to reveal how automation, not just trade, has fundamentally reshaped manufacturing employment. Learn why chasing "jobs of the past" ignores economic evolution.

* The Union Connection: A powerful discussion on how the decline of union power, rather than tariffs, truly impacted American workers' wages and benefits.

* Beyond the Bumper Sticker: I rant (a little!) about the pervasive issue of politicians lying to voters and the critical need for empathy in our political discourse. Why are we willing to sacrifice others' well-being for a promised (and often unfulfilled) personal gain?

This isn't about political talking points; it's about understanding the complex economic forces shaping your future. Dr. Hicks provides invaluable insights that expose the reality behind political promises. Tune in to arm yourself with the facts and challenge conventional wisdom!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit landiscomms.substack.com