The Night Light with Joshua Johnson

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Uplifting, nonpartisan analysis of politics, trends & democracy, hosted by Joshua Johnson (formerly of NPR's "1A", MSNBC & NBC News). Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

Joshua Johnson


    • Jul 18, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 19m AVG DURATION
    • 110 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Night Light with Joshua Johnson

    There's too much to talk about, so... Ask Me Anything!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 92:50


    It's been an overwhelmingly busy time lately, especially in presidential politics. Let's take some time to see what's on your mind! Anything at all you'd like to ask about, discuss, share, vent about or ideate on -- or if you've got questions for me -- now's the time. Doesn't have to be political, either. Share your thoughts in the chat! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Supreme Court Roundup: abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, social media & more

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 95:13


    The Supreme Court's term is nearly over, and as usual we're getting some big rulings near the end. Bloomberg broke the news of a mistakenly published draft appearing to protect abortion access in Idaho. The Biden Administration got a win from the Court regarding social media. But some big cases are still pending, and next term's docket is taking shape. We'll walk through some of the major rulings and look ahead to future cases. Plus, today is the anniversary of a landmark LGBTQ+ case: one that Justice Sonia Sotomayor cited in a dissent over a new ruling about marriage rights. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    The Trouble with C-Sections: Rachel Somerstein on "Invisible Labor"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 76:43


    Imagine a C-section without proper anesthesia. Rachel Somerstein found herself so traumatized by that experience that she couldn't bear to hold her newborn baby. Her new book “Invisible Labor” explores the history and legacy of the world's most common surgery: one that critics say is performed far too often with far too little care for the mother. If reproductive rights and abortion access are key issues for you, then this should also be on that list. When I read this book I was furious by Page 3. By the end I was shocked, saddened… but still hopeful. My conversation with Somerstein is something everyone considering pregnancy should hear, because there's still a lot we don't know to expect when we're expecting. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Book Bans & Campus Racism: Mike Hixenbaugh on the Schools of Southlake, TX

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 92:03


    Few places are as politicized as America's public schools. NBC's Mike Hixenbaugh was part of the award-winning team that uncovered deep racial and cultural divides in the Dallas suburb of Southlake, TX. The standoffs seem to have died down, but what did we learn from it all, and what happens now? Hixenbaugh joins me to discuss his new book about Southlake, “They Came for the Schools”. Buy the book at my Amazon Store --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Donald Trump Found Guilty On All 34 Felony Counts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 66:27


    For the first time in American history, a U.S. President is now a convicted felon. Today a federal jury convicted Donald Trump of all 34 counts against him connected to hush money payments. Sentencing is set for July 11th, just days before the Republican National Convention. Share your questions & thoughts about the verdict and what it means for the country. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Cannabis in America: how far will legalization go?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 83:49


    A major new study out today shows more Americans use cannabis daily than drink alcohol daily. That may be no surprise in a nation that's slowly moved past its “Reefer Madness” days toward embracing the bud. Florida will vote this November on legalizing recreational marijuana, and the Biden Administration just released plans to lower cannabis's federal restrictions under the Controlled Substances Act. I'll break down what's at stake and consider what other risks the marijuana industry faces. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Cannabis in America: how far will legalization go?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 83:49


    A major new study out today shows more Americans use cannabis daily than drink alcohol daily. That may be no surprise in a nation that's slowly moved past its “Reefer Madness” days toward embracing the bud. Florida will vote this November on legalizing recreational marijuana, and the Biden Administration just released plans to lower cannabis's federal restrictions under the Controlled Substances Act. I'll break down what's at stake and consider what other risks the marijuana industry faces. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Biden vs. Trump 2024 Debates: Why you should(n't?) watch

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 81:51


    Get ready for the sequel almost no one says they wanted: a new series of debates between President Joe Biden & former President Donald Trump. CNN will host one on June 27th, and ABC will host another on September 10th. We'll break down what you should know about the debates, and I'll tell you what I would ask if I was moderating. (Call me crazy, but I'd love to do it!) all my links: ⁠nightlightjoshua.com⁠ email me: ⁠joshua@nightlightshow.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Biden vs. Trump 2024 Debates: Why you should(n't?) watch

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 81:51


    Get ready for the sequel almost no one says they wanted: a new series of debates between President Joe Biden & former President Donald Trump. CNN will host one on June 27th, and ABC will host another on September 10th. We'll break down what you should know about the debates, and I'll tell you what I would ask if I was moderating. (Call me crazy, but I'd love to do it!) all my links: nightlightjoshua.com email me: joshua@nightlightshow.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Debating Divestment: will it save Palestinian lives in Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2024 83:39


    It's been a longstanding demand of pro-Palestinian activists: divest from companies that do business with the Israeli government. That's among the demands of some college protesters speaking out against Israel's war in Gaza. Universities have been forced to drop their investments before: particularly during apartheid in South Africa. But there are some barriers to divestment today that previous movements never faced. How do endowments work? What does it take to divest… and how much can it really help save lives in Gaza? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Debating Divestment: will it save Palestinian lives in Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2024 83:39


    It's been a longstanding demand of pro-Palestinian activists: divest from companies that do business with the Israeli government. That's among the demands of some college protesters speaking out against Israel's war in Gaza. Universities have been forced to drop their investments before: particularly during apartheid in South Africa. But there are some barriers to divestment today that previous movements never faced. How do endowments work? What does it take to divest… and how much can it really help save lives in Gaza? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    "Wide Awake": A Civil War lesson for today's political turmoil

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 83:56


    Think America is headed for another civil war? You might not after this episode. The war, and Abraham Lincoln's election, owe a lot to a paramilitary youth movement called the Wide Awakes. It fired up the struggling Republican Party, long before it became “anti-woke”, uniting all kinds of Americans against the corrupt, pro-slavery Democratic Party. Supporters ranged from future Klansmen to free Blacks, all fighting for the same cause. Smithsonian curator Jon Grinspan tells the story in his new book, “Wide Awake: The Forgotten Force that Elected Lincoln and Spurred the Civil War”. It's astonishing how much Americans don't know about our history, but this will change your perspective on where the country is headed. Buy the book at my Amazon Store: ⁠click here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    "Wide Awake": A Civil War lesson for today's political turmoil

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 83:55


    Think America is headed for another civil war? You might not after this episode. The war, and Abraham Lincoln's election, owe a lot to a paramilitary youth movement called the Wide Awakes. It fired up the struggling Republican Party, long before it became “anti-woke”, uniting all kinds of Americans against the corrupt, pro-slavery Democratic Party. Supporters ranged from future Klansmen to free Blacks, all fighting for the same cause. Smithsonian curator Jon Grinspan tells the story in his new book, “Wide Awake: The Forgotten Force that Elected Lincoln and Spurred the Civil War”. It's astonishing how much Americans don't know about our history, but this will change your perspective on where the country is headed. Buy the book at my Amazon Store: click here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    What Humans Can Do That A.I. Cannot

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 92:18


    It's a tough time to be a person. Computers are getting faster and “smarter”, while people seem unable to resolve our own differences. How can we compete with artificial intelligence when we're struggling to work together on so many things? I recently spoke on this topic at my alma mater, the University of Miami School of Communication. I'll lay out 3 advantages that we frail, analog humans have over A.I. which, I hope, we'll make the most of to ensure our futures. Humanity is not obsolete, but it doesn't scale… and that may be a good thing. PDF of my presentation: ⁠click here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    What Humans Can Do That A.I. Cannot

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 89:42


    It's a tough time to be a person. Computers are getting faster and “smarter”, while people seem unable to resolve our own differences. How can we compete with artificial intelligence when we're struggling to work together on so many things? I recently spoke on this topic at my alma mater, the University of Miami School of Communication. I'll lay out 3 advantages that we frail, analog humans have over A.I. which, I hope, we'll make the most of to ensure our futures. Humanity is not obsolete, but it doesn't scale… and that may be a good thing. PDF of my presentation: click here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    What do we want from the media? Are we sure?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2024 78:52


    This has been an exhausting week for me, with an inflammatory article dragging NPR that's fueled a lot of fiery reactions. Also, the new movie “Civil War” left me more shaken up than perhaps I realized: largely because of its depictions of journalists as players in America's future. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of these debates about the future of journalism: mainly because they luxuriate in the problems and never bother with solutions. That needs to end. What the hell do you want from us, anyway? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    What do we want from the media? Are we sure?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2024 78:52


    This has been an exhausting week for me, with an inflammatory article dragging NPR that's fueled a lot of fiery reactions. Also, the new movie “Civil War” left me more shaken up than perhaps I realized: largely because of its depictions of journalists as players in America's future. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of these debates about the future of journalism: mainly because they luxuriate in the problems and never bother with solutions. That needs to end. What the hell do you want from us, anyway? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Should Biden & Trump (and maybe RFK, Jr.) debate in 2024?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 84:44


    Donald Trump has always defied the standards of presidential debates. Now his 2024 campaign is pushing for even more debates against President Joe Biden. The 2020 debates were chaotic, to say the least. And this year it's possible that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. could qualify as an independent. I'll tell you how I'd handle this. What would you do? Also, Japan's Prime Minister has some words of encouragement for world-weary Americans. And I'm going to the movies tonight to see “Civil War”. If you see it too, send me your review: joshua@nightlightshow.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Should Biden & Trump (and maybe RFK, Jr.) debate in 2024?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 84:44


    Donald Trump has always defied the standards of presidential debates. Now his 2024 campaign is pushing for even more debates against President Joe Biden. The 2020 debates were chaotic, to say the least. And this year it's possible that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. could qualify as an independent. I'll tell you how I'd handle this. What would you do? Also, Japan's Prime Minister has some words of encouragement for world-weary Americans. And I'm going to the movies tonight to see “Civil War”. If you see it too, send me your review: joshua@nightlightshow.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Bias at NPR: my response to Uri Berliner

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 82:29


    NPR's latest accusation of liberal bias came from an unlikely source: an employee. Uri Berliner dragged the network in a lengthy article, after 25 years at the network. I spent many years in public media, and Berliner's piece left me enraged… and in tears. I'll dig into the deep flaws in his accusations, share my experiences with bias in public radio, and do what Mr. Berliner didn't bother to do: suggest solutions. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Bias at NPR: my response to Uri Berliner

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 82:29


    NPR's latest accusation of liberal bias came from an unlikely source: an employee. Uri Berliner dragged the network in a lengthy article, after 25 years at the network. I spent many years in public media, and Berliner's piece left me enraged… and in tears. I'll dig into the deep flaws in his accusations, share my experiences with bias in public radio, and do what Mr. Berliner didn't bother to do: suggest solutions. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    TCM's Ben Mankiewicz on how movies bring us together

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2024 81:31


    If you think Americans are impossibly divided, think again: just go to the movies. Our love of cinema made TCM a staple in millions of homes. 2024 is the 30th anniversary of Turner Classic Movies. TCM's Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz joins me to discuss this milestone and the enduring power of great movies. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    TCM's Ben Mankiewicz on how movies bring us together

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2024 81:31


    If you think Americans are impossibly divided, think again: just go to the movies. Our love of cinema made TCM a staple in millions of homes. 2024 is the 30th anniversary of Turner Classic Movies. TCM's Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz joins me to discuss this milestone and the enduring power of great movies. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Are Americans as divided as we think?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 88:57


    Americans are quite divided on our 2024 presidential preferences: Donald Trump, Joe Biden or another candidate. But we rarely hear how much we agree on the issues themselves. Some new polling reveals enormous common ground. Plus, if you think Americans are half Democrats and half Republicans, think again. We're not even close. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Are Americans as divided as we think?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 88:57


    Americans are quite divided on our 2024 presidential preferences: Donald Trump, Joe Biden or another candidate. But we rarely hear how much we agree on the issues themselves. Some new polling reveals enormous common ground. Plus, if you think Americans are half Democrats and half Republicans, think again. We're not even close. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Debunking the well-endowed rat: International Fact-Checking Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 67:33


    It was a hilariously fake image: an AI-generated diagram of a rat whose endowment reached way over its head. The image's source? A peer-reviewed scientific journal article. The journal retracted it quickly, but it still got there… and its author is still publishing papers. Generative AI is making hoaxes and disinformation much easier to publish, but the tools are also improving for catching it. I'll tell you the outrageous story of this hoax, show you how to use today's fact-checking tools and give you my tips for dealing with other people spreading misinformation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Circus performer Jacques Ze Whipper on reinventing yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2024 93:43


    Ever wanted to quit your job and join the circus? Meet a man who did exactly that. Jack Lepiarz left his anchor post at NPR station WBUR in Boston, to follow his passion for circus performing. He even made it on “America's Got Talent” in 2022. I've been dying to talk to him about this transition: the highs & lows, as well as what it might say about our relationships with our jobs today. Also, OpenAI just revealed its latest innovation in voice technology. It's impressive, and extremely problematic. Still, I think there might be some hope for the future, particularly in how Gen Z is engaging with information. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Circus performer Jacques Ze Whipper on reinventing yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2024 93:43


    Ever wanted to quit your job and join the circus? Meet a man who did exactly that. Jack Lepiarz left his anchor post at NPR station WBUR in Boston, to follow his passion for circus performing. He even made it on “America's Got Talent” in 2022. I've been dying to talk to him about this transition: the highs & lows, as well as what it might say about our relationships with our jobs today. Also, OpenAI just revealed its latest innovation in voice technology. It's impressive, and extremely problematic. Still, I think there might be some hope for the future, particularly in how Gen Z is engaging with information. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Census revises what "Hispanic" & "Middle Eastern" mean

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 59:53


    Race remains one of America's touchiest topics, and the Census is approaching it in a new way. What does it mean to be Hispanic? If you're Middle Eastern, should you be counted as White? Today the US Census Bureau announced major revisions to address these issues. I'll walk you through the arguments for & against these changes. And I'll show you some other Census proposals & findings you might have missed. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Census revises what "Hispanic" & "Middle Eastern" mean

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 59:53


    Race remains one of America's touchiest topics, and the Census is approaching it in a new way. What does it mean to be Hispanic? If you're Middle Eastern, should you be counted as White? Today the US Census Bureau announced major revisions to address these issues. I'll walk you through the arguments for & against these changes. And I'll show you some other Census proposals & findings you might have missed. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    A new viral hoax: Vladimir Putin & Black Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 65:25


    Black folks like me are among Russia's favorite targets for election disinformation. I'm furious over a viral video that made its way into my family's group chat. This might be an angrier episode from me than you're used to, but I need you to hear me on this and help fight these lies. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    A new viral hoax: Vladimir Putin & Black Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 65:25


    Black folks like me are among Russia's favorite targets for election disinformation. I'm furious over a viral video that made its way into my family's group chat. This might be an angrier episode from me than you're used to, but I need you to hear me on this and help fight these lies. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    What NBC should've done with Ronna McDaniel

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 32:03


    NBC is cutting ties with former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel, days after a disastrous appearance on “Meet the Press” that sent the news division into an open revolt. As a former NBC News anchor and contributor, I think my old network blew a huge opportunity to do some good. MORE DETAILS: https://www.nightlightshow.com/p/how-nbc-shouldve-handled-ronna-mcdaniel --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    What NBC should've done with Ronna McDaniel

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 32:03


    NBC is cutting ties with former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel, days after a disastrous appearance on “Meet the Press” that sent the news division into an open revolt. As a former NBC News anchor and contributor, I think my old network blew a huge opportunity to do some good. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Why Americans are so unhappy, and how to deal with it

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2024 35:32


    March 22nd was my birthday! I'm pretty happy with life these days, but apparently Americans are slipping in the latest World Happiness Report. (No, I didn't make that up: there is such a thing.) I'll show you who's lowering our score, and what I've learned about happiness that might help them. Use promo code YOULOOK30 to save 15% in the merch store: ⁠SHOP HERE⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Why Americans are so unhappy, and how to deal with it

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2024 86:02


    March 22nd was my birthday! I'm pretty happy with life these days, but apparently Americans are slipping in the latest World Happiness Report. (No, I didn't make that up: there is such a thing.) I'll show you who's lowering our score, and what I've learned about happiness that might help them. Use promo code YOULOOK30 to save 15% in the merch store: SHOP HERE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Did ISIS attack Russia?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2024 75:17


    ISIS claims it's behind an attack near Moscow that killed at least 40 people just before a concert. This claim has yet to be confirmed, but what is ISIS up to these days? Also, March 22nd is World Water Day, with plenty of challenges in hydrating the human race. Let's check on some of the big water conflicts that could shape the future. 0:00-Intro/Chat 5:46-Russia attack, ISIS-K background 43:23-Merch promo code! 50:24-World Water Day --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Did ISIS attack Russia?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2024 75:17


    ISIS claims it's behind an attack near Moscow that killed at least 40 people just before a concert. This claim has yet to be confirmed, but what is ISIS up to these days? March 22nd is World Water Day, with plenty of challenges in hydrating the human race. Let's check on some of the big water conflicts that could shape the future. 0:00-Intro/Chat 5:46-Russia attack, ISIS-K background 43:23-Merch promo code! 50:24-World Water Day --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    The case for Donald Trump's "absolute immunity"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 80:18


    This week attorneys for former President Donald Trump laid out his legal argument for “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution over the January 6th insurrection. I'm no lawyer, but it doesn't take much to see that his argument has some pretty big holes. Also this week, McDonald's released the final part of a unique marketing push, acknowledging the anime parody WcDonald's. The campaign might do a lot for the fast food chain… but did it do enough for this beloved artform? 0:00-Intro/Chat5:02-Trump's Supreme Court argument52:36-WcDonald's --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    The case for Donald Trump's "absolute immunity"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 80:18


    This week attorneys for former President Donald Trump laid out his legal argument for “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution over the January 6th insurrection. I'm no lawyer, but it doesn't take much to see that his argument has some pretty big holes. Also this week, McDonald's released the final part of a unique marketing push, acknowledging the anime parody WcDonald's. The campaign might do a lot for the fast food chain… but did it do enough for this beloved artform? 0:00-Intro/Chat5:02-Trump's Supreme Court argument52:36-WcDonald's --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Leaving evangelical Christianity: NPR's Sarah McCammon on "The Exvangelicals"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 98:25


    Evangelical Christians have been getting a ton of attention lately, particularly as many align themselves more with conservative politics. An upcoming book from NPR National Political Correspondent Sarah McCammon explores how & why people are leaving their faith, and recalls her own struggles with growing up in the church. Join the live chat as we talk about “The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living and Leaving the White Evangelical Church”. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Leaving evangelical Christianity: NPR's Sarah McCammon on "The Exvangelicals"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 98:25


    Evangelical Christians have been getting a ton of attention lately, particularly as many align themselves more with conservative politics. An upcoming book from NPR National Political Correspondent Sarah McCammon explores how & why people are leaving their faith, and recalls her own struggles with growing up in the church. Join the live chat as we talk about “The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living and Leaving the White Evangelical Church”. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Reining in Realtors' fees

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2024 60:52


    You might want to wait before buying or selling a house. A settlement announced today would dramatically change the fees you pay. Also, the Supreme Court just punted on a case out of Texas involving drag shows at a public university. It's not the end of the case, though… nor the end of West Texas A&M's efforts to become a conservative bastion. 0:00-Intro/Chat 0:58-Drag show legal fight 30:15-Preview: “The Exvangelicals” by NPR's Sarah McCammon 32:17-Realtor fees --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Supreme Court rules on free speech in social media

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 37:30


    Can government officials block you on social media if they don't like what you say? The Supreme Court clarified that today with a new ruling. More cases are coming, including about the Biden Administration's efforts to reduce COVID misinformation. I'll break down today's opinion and look ahead to the next case. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Supreme Court rules on free speech in social media

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 37:30


    Can government officials block you on social media if they don't like what you say? The Supreme Court clarified that today with a new ruling. More cases are coming, including about the Biden Administration's efforts to reduce COVID misinformation. I'll break down today's opinion and look ahead to the next case. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Should America have a 32-hour workweek?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 95:10


    Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) proposes to shorten America's standard workweek to 32 hours, with overtime at 8+ hours a day and double time at 12 hours. What would the pros & cons be… and would you want it for your company? Also, a number of mostly Republican-led states have been advancing bills to relax child labor laws. I'll have a quick update on where those efforts stand. And Pi Day celebrates that famous mathematical constant, but America has a constant problem with math. It's serious enough that the Pentagon calls it a threat to national security. 0:00-Intro/Chat 3:53-Sanders 32-hour workweek bill 42:04-Visit nightlightjoshua.com 43:15-Workweek bill, pt. 2 51:29-Update on child labor laws 1:06:09-Pi Day 1:33:49-Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Should America have a 32-hour workweek?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 95:10


    Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) proposes to shorten America's standard workweek to 32 hours, with overtime at 8+ hours a day and double time at 12 hours. What would the pros & cons be… and would you want it for your company? Also, a number of mostly Republican-led states have been advancing bills to relax child labor laws. I'll have a quick update on where those efforts stand. And Pi Day celebrates that famous mathematical constant, but America has a constant problem with math. It's serious enough that the Pentagon calls it a threat to national security. 0:00-Intro/Chat 3:53-Sanders 32-hour workweek bill 42:04-Visit nightlightjoshua.com 43:15-Workweek bill, pt. 2 51:29-Update on child labor laws 1:06:09-Pi Day 1:33:49-Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Ban TikTok? Let's think it through.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 64:45


    The US government may be one step closer to banning TikTok. Today the US House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would force the app's sale away from its Chinese owner, ByteDance. Previous efforts to do this have failed. Not surprisingly, young adults are sounding off against this move, even though surveys show teens admit using TikTok way too much. What should we do about this app? And in the meantime, what should parents know to keep their kids (relatively) safe online? My ⁠EMAIL⁠ | My ⁠LINKS⁠ 0:00-Intro/Chat 2:57-TikTok in context 4:25-About the House bill1 6:32-Do Americans support a ban? 31:22-Audience comments 33:53-Parental supervision 38:48-Who owns ByteDance? 41:26-TikTok's sister app, Douyin 44:23-Apps are already “spying” on you 49:46-TikTok's guide for parents 53:49-Sidebar: Don Lemon v. Elon Musk 58:17-Young people want to talk about social media 1:03:49-Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    Ban TikTok? Let's think it through.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 64:45


    The US government may be one step closer to banning TikTok. Today the US House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would force the app's sale away from its Chinese owner, ByteDance. Previous efforts to do this have failed. Not surprisingly, young adults are sounding off against this move, even though surveys show teens admit using TikTok way too much. What should we do about this app? And in the meantime, what should parents know to keep their kids (relatively) safe online? My EMAIL | My LINKS CHAPTERS 0:00-Intro/Chat2:57-TikTok in context4:25-About the House bill16:32-Do Americans support a ban?31:22-Audience comments33:53-Parental supervision38:48-Who owns ByteDance?41:26-TikTok's sister app, Douyin44:23-Apps are already “spying” on you49:46-TikTok's guide for parents53:49-Sidebar: Don Lemon v. Elon Musk58:17-Young people want to talk about social media1:03:49-Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    State of the Union aftermath

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2024 86:00


    “Feisty”. That word keeps coming up in describing Pres. Biden's 2024 State of the Union address. Meanwhile, Donald Trump hosted authoritarian Viktor Orban of Hungary at Mar-A-Lago. And Republicans voted in Lara Trump as the Party's co-chair. If the humanitarian crisis in Gaza matters to you, there's another such calamity right off America's shores. Haiti is closer than ever to literally becoming a failed nation, with a deep health crisis made worse by uncontrolled gang warfare. Plus this weekend is the 70th anniversary of Edward R. Murrow's famous commentary against Sen. Joseph McCarthy at the height of America's "red scare". It was a powerful moment for democracy, but it also teaches us something about how change actually comes about. 0:00-Intro/Chat4:35-Biden after SOTU18:51-Trump latest30:21-No Labels plans ‘24 presidential campaign44:00-Share what you know about being evangelical48:40-Listener comments53:16-Why Sweden joining NATO matters to America1:01:33-Haiti is in deep trouble1:14:26-70 years since Murrow smacked McCarthy1:25:02-Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

    State of the Union aftermath

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2024 86:00


    “Feisty”. That word keeps coming up in describing Pres. Biden's 2024 State of the Union address. Meanwhile, Donald Trump hosted authoritarian Viktor Orban of Hungary at Mar-A-Lago. And Republicans voted in Lara Trump as the Party's co-chair. If the humanitarian crisis in Gaza matters to you, there's another such calamity right off America's shores. Haiti is closer than ever to literally becoming a failed nation, with a deep health crisis made worse by uncontrolled gang warfare. Plus this weekend is the 70th anniversary of Edward R. Murrow's famous commentary against Sen. Joseph McCarthy at the height of America's "red scare". It was a powerful moment for democracy, but it also teaches us something about how change actually comes about. 0:00-Intro/Chat4:35-Biden after SOTU18:51-Trump latest30:21-No Labels plans ‘24 presidential campaign44:00-Share what you know about being evangelical48:40-Listener comments53:16-Why Sweden joining NATO matters to America1:01:33-Haiti is in deep trouble1:14:26-70 years since Murrow smacked McCarthy1:25:02-Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nightlightjoshua/support

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