At the Square

American Public Square at Jewell is thrilled to be hosting its annual premier event, Evening at the Square, on December 4th at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. This year's event will feature a conversation between two renowned political experts, David Axelrod and Michael Steele. David Axelrod is a political strategist, commentator, and former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Barack Obama; he was the founding director of the University of Chicago's non-partisan Institute of Politics and now serves as a senior fellow to that organization.  Michael Steele is the former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, the former Lt. Governor of the State of Maryland, a political analyst for MSNBC, and host of The Michael Steele Podcast.  This conversation is moderated by American Public Square at Jewell Executive Director, Claire Bishop and American Public Square at Jewell Intern, Ian Wooldridge.  This episode serves a special preview of what's to come at the live event on December 4th, 2023. To buy tickets to attend the event in person or participate via Livestream, please visit: www.eveningatthequare.org 

In this episode of Both Sides, Allan and Mike discuss Gender & Identities in relation to American Public Square's upcoming program 'Exploring Gender & Identities' taking place at Johnson County Community College on September 26th at 5:30PM. The program is hosted in partnership with the Johnson County Library and Kansas City PBS. Sharing from their point of view, Allan & Mike discuss the culture war(s) in America, trans rights, access to healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community, and how this difficult issue is shaping up to effect American values in the coming years Stick around to the end of the episode to hear Allan & Mike's take on the 2024 Presidential Election during their classic headlines round up!  For more information and registration for Exploring Gender & Identities on 9/26, visit: https://americanpublicsquare.org/event/gender-and-identity/    

On June 7th, 2023, American Public Square at Jewell hosted a Signature Event, Reparations in KC, at University Academy in partnership with Kansas City PBS. The live recording of this event is available on the At the Square feed, the same place you found THIS episode, for anyone desiring to listen back. In effort to continue the conversation, American Public Square is launching this new series So What, Now What to provide a platform for the questions and subtopics that arise from our Signature Events. In this case, Reparations in KC, there are many questions left to be answered. Though this episode won't address everything, we're hopeful that you will learn something and feel inspired to stay engaged in the topic area. In this episode of So What, Now What, you'll hear some of the audience member questions that we couldn't get to at the event answered through follow up interviews from:  Kansas City's Third District Councilperson, Melissa Robinson   Director of Economic Information at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), Dr. Linwood Tauheed. Senior Reporter at Kansas City PBS, Mary Sanchez, who covers Race & Identity. At the Square is American Public Square at Jewell's podcast channel. You'll find Both Sides episodes, playbacks of Signature Events, and our latest podcast offering, a new series So What, Now What aimed at exploring the questions and subtopics that arise from American Public Square Signature Events.

  This is an At the Square Playback episode featuring the live recording of Reparations in KC, an American Public Square at Jewell panel discussion recorded live at University Academy on June 7th, 2023 in partnership with Kansas City PBS. In an engaging discussion, panelists explored the complicated issue of reparations and delved into:   examples of other cities that have made reparations to Black residents,  historic and economic considerations,  and the impact Reparations may have on racial tensions in Kansas City. At the Square is American Public Square at Jewell's podcast channel. You'll find Both Sides episodes, playbacks of Signature Programs recorded and released as episodes, and our latest podcast offering, a series aimed at exploring the questions and subtopics that arise from Signature Programs.  Reparations in KC program audio courtesy of Kansas City PBS. If you'd like to support the work of American Public Square at Jewell, head to www.americanpublicsquare.org/membership to learn more.

At the Square is American Public Square at Jewell's podcast channel. You'll find Both Sides episodes, playbacks of Signature Programs, and our latest podcast offering, a reactionary series aimed at exploring the questions and subtopics that arise from APS Signature Programs. In this Both Sides episode, Allan and Mike discuss the complicated topic of Reparations in connection to American Public Square at Jewell's upcoming Signature Program ‘Reparations in KC' presented in partnership with Kansas City PBS. Allan and Mike talk through some of the same questions that panelists will explore at the program, including but not limited to: Do you think society owes the descendants of enslaved people anything? How can we measure the harms caused by slavery? Is it fair to characterize social programs as reparations? ‘Reparations in KC' is on Wednesday June 7th, 2023 at University Academy in Kansas City, Missouri. Virtual and in person registration is available at https://americanpublicsquare.org/event/reparations/ . ‘Reparations in KC' will air on Kansas City PBS on June 16th, 2023.

Mark your calendars for APS' biggest event of the year, Evening at the Square! This year's event will happen on November 29th and will feature today's special podcast guest Robert Costa. Don't miss this unique opportunity to share a room with the best-selling author and journalist who has extensively covered historic events, including the Trump-Biden presidential transition and the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Allan and Tricia are joined by two special guests who each in their own way play a role in the education landscape in Missouri. First up is Representative Chuck Bayse!  Rep.Basye, a Republican, represents parts of Boone, Howard, Cooper and Randolph Counties (District 47) in the Missouri House of Representatives. In the second part of this episode we welcome Jason Roberts!  Jason is president of the Kansas City Federation of Teachers and School related personnel.

Most citizens deplore the mass gun violence that is currently plaguing our nation.  However, Second Amendment advocates fear their rights could be limited if laws addressing guns are changed.  What can be done to mitigate the increasing prevalence of gun violence in American society?  On this Episode of Both Sides, Allan and Mike are joined by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to discuss guns in public places.   

On this Episode Mike is joined by APS executive director Claire Bishop as they talk with Joe Bednar, registered lobbyist and attorney with Spencer Fane. Joe served nearly seven years as Chief Legal Counsel to the late Governor Mel Carnahan and Governor Roger B. Wilson.  He also served as Special Counsel to former Governor Robert Lee Holden.  

On this episode, we are joined by applied economist Dr. David Slusky to talk the economics of Roe v. Wade.   

We will take several episodes of the podcast to explore organizations in our city that are working in the climate or environmental space. On this episode Allan and Mike visit with Mahreen and Michael of the Sunrise Movement in Kansas City.  The Kansas City hub of Sunrise is building a movement of young people across race and class to take an intersectional focus on the climate crisis.  

On this episode of both sides Allan and Mike discuss the mass shootings in both Bufflao and Texas. 

On this episode of Both Sides Allan and Mike discuss the recent Atlantic Article by Johnathan Haidt, delving  into how social media has made America stupid. They also talk Donald Trump running in the 2024 election and flying unmasked!

On this episode Allan and Mike continue the conversation about the war in the Ukraine, based on information Allan says is imperative to understanding.  They also talk about Supreme Court Nominations, and how things are looking for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Would these hearings be the same if she wasn't a black woman?

On this episode Allan and Mike continue the conversation about the situation in the Ukraine.  They also delve into culture wars, and of course talk about the topic we are all thinking abou when will baseball start?

In this episode Allan and Mike talk about their thoughts and understanding of the invasion in the Ukraine. 

On this episode of Both Sides, Allan and Mike talk to elections Commisioner Benjamin Hovland!  Comissioner Hovland serves on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Listen in as they talk conspiracy theories and election security.

 On this episode of Both Sides, Allan and Mike talk to Benjamin Singer, CEO of Show Me integrity!  Show me Integrity is a cross partisan group of reformers in Missouri who are passionate about creating a government that is open, accountable, and not beholden to special interests. They are committed to building a strong coalition all across the state putting power back into the hands of the people. Listen in as they dig deeper into Approval and Rank Choice Voting.

On todays podcast  Allan and Mike talk about voter and election reform, do we have more important things to focus on?  Are our elected officials doing too much, or too little?     

2021 has been a year filled with vaccines, mandates, masks, international withdrawals, and so much more! On this episode of Both Sides, Allan and Mike discuss their top 5 world events in 2021.  Did they agree on anything? Do YOU agree with them?  We would love to hear your thoughts as you listen to this special end of the year episode!

In our previous episode we  heard from Allan as he traveled to Germany as the descendant of someone who had suffered political or religious persecution during WW2. In this episode Allan and Mike are joined by Pamela Denise Long, to explore how the United States could do the same through reparations. Ms. Long is a doctoral-prepared implementation consultant and CEO of Youthcentrix® Therapy Services. Her business helps organizations implement trauma-informed practices and systemwide diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism policy.  We would like to thank Pamela Denise Long for joining us this week.  You can connect with Ms. Long online at www.youthcentrix.com or on Twitter at @PDeniseLong  

Since 1980, the city of Frankfurt has hosted a program aimed at allowing former citizens, including those of Jewish descent AND those who suffered political or religious persecution, to visit the city. The programme is aimed at all those first and second generation, who suffered persecution during the National Socialist regime and were forced to leave Frankfurt.  On this episode of Both Sides, Allan and Mike explore Allan's recent trip to Frankfurt and discuss how Germany chose to face their crimes post World War II, including reparations.

On this episode, Allan and Mike share their thoughts on labor shortages, supply chain issues, and dystopian society. They also attempt  to figure out with whom Kyrsten Sinema actually talks to, while trying to make sense of the reconciliation bill - AGAIN! We also hear their thoughts on the Missouri Senate race, the January 6th Committee and executive privilege.  

On this episode of Both Sides, Allan and Mike talk our capacity to govern ourselves through the lens of debt limits, reconciliation packages and Infrastructure bills!  Who's winning and who's losing and what does this mean as we head into 2022!  Also, whats up with the Kansas City Police Budget and where EXACTLY are the funds being used?   

On this special episode of Both Sides, we welcome award winning authors Robert Putnam and Shaylyn Romney Garrett!  In their new book The Upswing, the authors state that history holds the answers to how we move out of these tumultuous times. They argue that America's Gilded Age shows remarkable similarity to our own, including a  gap between rich and poor, and a societal focus on "I" rather than "we."  Listen in as our guest hosts Claire Bishop and Shaun Stsllworth talk to Putnam and Romney-Garrett about community, race, polarization, and how WE can come together - again.  

In this episode of Both Sides, Allan and Mike are joined by Andrew Gillum. A lifelong public servant, Andrew Gillum is recognized across Florida and the nation as a bold and inspirational leader. The former Mayor of Tallahassee and 2018 Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Mayor Gillum possesses the unique ability to bring people together for a common purpose and mobilize them to bring about change.  

In Episode 54 of Both Sides, Allan and Mike are joined by Brad Austin, director of "All These Delicate Sorrows".  All These Delicate Sorrows is a Kansas City PBS documentary that follows the journey of Holocaust survivors from liberation in 1945 to the Midwest. We hear about Brad's creative process and the lessons we can learn from shared personal stories. The second half of our podcast features our own Allan Katz remembering how the Holocaust impacted his own family. 

This special episode of At the Square features American Public Square at Jewell's (APS) Spring 2021 Intern Team comprised of Hugo Juarez Avalos, Hannah Cole, and Luke Dema joined by guests Leslie Ponce-Diaz, Rubi Perez Vazquez, and Valeria Martinez speaking about Online Activism. Find out more at https://americanpublicsquare.org/ 

In episode #53 of Both Sides features Mike and Allan discussing events of the summer including new voting laws and differing opinions on critical race theory, as well as a lesson in international protocol from the hosts. For more information, visit https://americanpublicsquare.org/events/atthesquare/  

In Episode #52 of Both Sides, Allan and Mike begin by discussing the new Missouri gun laws and how they relate to the nullification doctrine of 1832. They also discuss the G7 summit, American foreign policy and influence, the Missouri senate race, and more. For recent episodes and more information go to: https://americanpublicsquare.org/  

In Episode #51 we are featuring a live segment of Coffee & Politics recorded in May 2021. This segment features Ambassador Sam Brownback. Since 1995 Ambassador Brownback has served as congressman, senator and governor. Most recently Brownback served as the US Ambassador for International Religious Freedom. Since stepping down Brownback has spoken publicly about his next steps, most notably racial reconciliation.  In our tradition of bringing important issues of the day to the community for fact-based, civil discourse, American Public Square at Jewell and Newsweek hosted Ambassador Brownback as he discussed racial reconciliation with. APS Founder Ambassador Allan Katz and APS Program Director Denesha Snell.        

In episode #50 of Both Sides, Mike and Allan are catching up about the Missouri legislature refusing to fund Medicaid, Kansas City aiming to gain local control of the police department and the likelihood of congress establishing a commission to investigate the insurrection at the capitol on January 6th. In our 50th episode, we're also saying goodbye to our producer, Allison Koelzer, who is moving on from APS to pursue a Master of Divinity. Denesha Snell, APS Program Director, will be taking over as producer of Both Sides. 

Episode #49 of Both Sides features a conversation with Batya Ungar-Sargon, the Deputy Opinion Editor at Newsweek. Batya talks with Mike and Allan about her book Bad News: How Woke Media is Undermining Democracy then shifts gears to provide extended context related to Israel and Palestine. Find Newsweek's podcast The Debate here. Find Batya Ungar-Sargon's book details and pre-order here.  American Public Square at Jewell is excited to announce that we will be partnering with Newsweek. This partnership will allow APS and Newsweek to engage with new audiences by bringing our unique signature programming model to a major platform. To stay informed about upcoming APS events, please follow us on social media @ampublicsquare and don’t forget to like and subscribe to our At the Square podcast channel.

In Episode #48 of Both Sides, we're featuring a live, virtual event that was recorded on March 25th, 2021. Cocktails and Politics with Eddie S. Glaude Jr. features Both Sides Cohost Mike McShane and APS Program Director Denesha Snell. In an intimate conversation with Professor Glaude about his new book 'Begin Again', they explore James Baldwin's life and writings with reverence for how race is explored in contemporary America.  Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is an American critic in the tradition of James Baldwin and Ralph Waldo Emerson. In his writings, the country’s complexities, vulnerabilities, and the opportunities for hope come into full view. Hope that is, in one of his favourite quotes from W.E.B Du Bois, “not hopeless, but a bit unhopeful.”He is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and chair of the Department of African American Studies, a program he first became involved with shaping as a doctoral candidate in Religion at Princeton. He is the former president of the American Academy of Religion. His books on religion and philosophy include An Uncommon Faith: A Pragmatic Approach to the Study of African American Religion, African American Religion: A Very Short Introduction and Exodus! Religion, Race and Nation in Early 19th Century Black America, which was awarded the Modern Language Association’s William Sanders Scarborough Book Prize. Glaude is also the author of two edited volumes, and many influential articles about religion for academic journals. He has also written for the likes of The New York Times and Time Magazine.Known to be a convener of conversations and debates, Glaude takes care to engage fellow citizens of all ages and backgrounds – from young activists, to fellow academics, journalists and commentators, and followers on Twitter in dialogue about the direction of the nation. His scholarship and his sense of himself as a public intellectual are driven by a commitment to think carefully with others in public. Glaude’s most recent book, Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own, was released on June 30, 2020. Of Baldwin, Glaude writes, “Baldwin’s writing does not bear witness to the glory of America. It reveals the country’s sins, and the illusion of innocence that blinds us to the reality of others. Baldwin’s vision requires a confrontation with our history (with slavery, Jim Crow segregation, with whiteness) to overcome its hold on us. Not to posit the greatness of America, but to establish the ground upon which to imagine the country anew.” Some like to describe Glaude as the quintessential Morehouse man, having left his home in Moss Point, Mississippi at age 16 to begin studies at the HBCU. He holds a master’s degree in African American Studies from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Religion from Princeton University. He began his teaching career at Bowdoin College. In 2011 he delivered Harvard’s Du Bois lectures. In 2015 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Colgate University, delivering commencement remarks titled, “Turning Our Backs” that was recognized by The New York Times as one of the best commencement speeches of the year. He is a columnist for Time Magazine and a MSNBC contributor on programs like Morning Joe, and Deadline Whitehouse with Nicolle Wallace. He also regularly appears on Meet the Press on Sundays.

In Episode #47 of Both Sides, Allan and Mike begin by reflecting on the implications of the guilty verdict of former Minnesota police officer, Derek Chauvin, sharing what they see as realistic police reform post trial. They also share thoughts about what it means to motivate people to receive a vaccine AND how they each view the proposed American Families Plan introduced by the Biden Administration. 

Episode #46 of Both Sides features a recording of a live Coffee and Politics Conversation with Congressman Don Beyer that took place on April 6th, 2021. Both Sides' Cohost Allan Katz and Producer, Allison Koelzer talk with Rep. Beyer about higher education reform and the likelihood of Student Loan Forgiveness. This event was a part of Student Month at APS.  Congressman Don Beyer is serving his fourth term as the U.S. Representative from Virginia’s 8th District, representing Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and parts of Fairfax County. He serves on the House Committees on Ways and Means and Science Space and Technology, and is Chair of the Joint Committee on Economics. He was the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1990 to 1998, and was Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein under President Obama

In Episode #45, Allan and Mike discuss vaccination ethics, access, hesitancy, and passports with Dr. Erika Blacksher, the John B. Francis Chair in Bioethics at the Center for Practical Bioethics. Dr. Blacksher was the moderator at an APS Signature Program recorded on 04/01/2021 'The Impact of Vaccination on Lives and Livelihoods - A People's Dialogue', presented in partnership with The Center for Practical Bioethics and the Health Forward Foundation. Find the fact sheet and the recording of this program at: https://americanpublicsquare.org/event/the-impact-of-vaccination/

In Episode #44 of Both Sides, Allan and Mike are joined by Ian Cummings and Toriano Porter of the Kansas City Star to discuss Gun Violence in Missouri. APS is in partnership with the Kansas City Star presenting a joint-ongoing series called 'Gun Violence in Missouri: Seeking Solutions'. These 1 hour panel discussions are aimed to explore economic mobility, how public health approach to gun violence could improve outcomes for Missouri, and giving context to the Social Determinants of Health that factor into increased gun violence in the community. Find the fact sheet, developed by Ian Cummings and The Kansas City Star, at https://americanpublicsquare.org/event/seeking-solutions-5/. 

We're celebrating 1 YEAR of #BothSides at American Public Square at Jewell. Episode #43 features a reflection of the past year of digital programming, a look ahead at what Allan and Mike see as lasting impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic, and of course a current events round up with perspective on the American Rescue Plan and Immigration under the Biden Administration. Thank you for listening to #BothSides! We're looking to engage with our weekly audience by way of answering YOUR questions. Visit https://americanpublicsquare.org/events/atthesquare/ to submit a question. 

In Episode #42 of Both Sides, APS Program Director Denesha Snell steps in for Mike McShane and joins Allan for a conversation with master educator, Maya Everette. Everette shares perspective on teaching during the pandemic and thoughtfully engages with Denesha and Allan about what can be learned from virtual learning, her thoughts on vaccine availability and requirements for educators, and her desire for lawmakers at the state level to engage with educators on the front line to better inform education policy. 

In Episode #41 of Both Sides, Allan gives an update about his second dose of the vaccine. Mike and Allan share perspective on a recent article that features an interview with pollster David Shor and his claim that there are key methods that will indicate a midterm victory for Democrats. Allison weighs in and asks the pair for advice on the frustrating concept of online criticism. Point of reference: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/03/david-shor-2020-democrats-autopsy-hispanic-vote-midterms-trump-gop.html

In Episode #40 of Both Sides, Mike asks Allan to explain a recent blog post that highlighted Senator Mitch McConnell's closing remarks at the Senate Impeachment Hearing of Former President Donald J. Trump. The two offer thoughts on the hearing as a whole, then discuss a recent op-ed written by journalist Ezra Klein entitled 'California is making Liberals Squirm: If progressivism can’t work there, why should the country believe it can work anywhere else?' published originally in the New York Times on February 11th, 2021. 

Recorded Live on February 11th, 2021 on Zoom webinar. Recently Former Missouri Senator John C. Danforth made headlines chastising one of his fellow Republicans and statesman, Sen. Josh Hawley, after the insurrection on at the U.S. Capitol.   Join Danforth for an intimate conversation about the state of affairs in our country with the Cohosts of APS’ podcast Both Sides Ambassador Allan Katz and Mike McShane. The trio talk about the notion of “us versus them” that has taken hold in America today. Find the video of this event on the APS Youtube Page.  

In Episode #38 of Both Sides, Allan recounts his recent experience receiving the COVID 19 vaccine, answering Mike's questions about the logistics, notable side effects, and the emotional impact. The two then discuss how the United States roll out of vaccine distribution, though slower than what many would like it to be, is much more organized than European counterparts. 

In Both Sides Episode #37, Mike and Allan debrief on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Mike and Allan discuss Biden's first 100 days, sharing thoughts on the use of Executive Orders as a form of policy making. Mike and Allan also discuss the post-Trump era of the Republican Party, making their predictions on whether or not some law makers may shift loyalty. 

In Episode #36 of Both Sides, Mike and Allan discuss the second Impeachment of President Trump in the House of Representatives and the permanent removal of his Twitter account. Mike explains why Twitter has the authority to do this, discussing the rights of a private company. Allan gives perspective on how and when he anticipates receiving the COVID 19 vaccine.  Join American Public Square at Jewell on 1/19/2021 at 5PM for 'Coming Together: Can we Bridge our Country's Divisions?' a panel discussion with experts from around the country. Registration is available at www.americanpublicsquare.org/events. 

Who should be held accountable? In Episode #35 of Both Sides, Mike and Allan share frustrations and reactions to the mob of rioters that breached the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021 to prevent Congress from affirming the results of the 2020 Presidential Election. Mike and Allan analyze what lead to this unfortunate, historic event with attention to the inconsistency of how this group of rioters were treated versus how Black Lives Matter protestors were treated in the Summer of 2020. 

In the last episode of 2020, Episode #34 features a dive into the headlines including, but not limited: to the op-ed written in the Wall Street Journal about First-Lady Elect's (Dr. Jill Biden) title, the ongoing effort to undermine the 2020 Election Results, and the first doses of the COVID 19 vaccine. Mike and Allan round out the episode by sharing what they look forward to in 2021. Join APS and #BothSides in 2021 for continued civil dialogue and friendly banter. Look for new episodes in January 2021.

In Episode #33, Mike and Allan discuss an editorial Allan wrote in the Kansas City Star featuring a call to action. He wants all Americans to talk with folks across the aisle to help bridge political divides in what he calls, the #ComingTogetherProject. Mike and Allan also talk about the news of the day, including but not limited to, the most recent push back from the state of Texas on the 2020 Presidential Election Results.

In Episode #32 of Both Sides, Mike and Allan catch up on current events but primarily focus on the arrival of a coronavirus vaccine and the ongoing transition of power from the Trump Administration to the Biden Administration. Engage with our Both Sides team by submitting a question or suggesting a topic for Mike, Allan, and Allison to deliberate in an upcoming episode of Both Sides. Go to www.americanpublicsquare.org/atthesquare to submit.

In Episode #31 of Both Sides, Mike and Allan share thoughts on the evolution of President Trump's claims about election fraud and what those claims mean for our democracy. Mike and Allan also discuss Anti-Racism in relation to an upcoming American Public Square at Jewell panel discussion in partnership with The Forward. 'Anti-racism: The Solution or a Part of the Problem' taking place on Tuesday December 1st. Find registration and more at https://americanpublicsquare.org/event/anti-racism/.