New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield (The Faith of George W. Bush, The Search for God and Guinness, Lincoln's Battle With God, Mansfield's Book of Manly Men, The Miracle of the Kurds) talks about today's cultural upheavals, trends and ironies, all while providing a fascinating look behind the scenes of his writing and travels.
stephen mansfield, commentator, balanced, cultural, respectful, humble, current events, wise, political, reason, books, clear, informed, commentary, thankful, thoughts, issues, news, short, perspective.
Listeners of The Stephen Mansfield Podcast that love the show mention:The Stephen Mansfield Podcast is a breath of fresh air in a media landscape overrun by sensationalism and shallow reporting. In a world where reason and thoughtfulness have been replaced by clickbait and histrionics, Stephen stands as a beacon of intellectual discussion and well-considered analysis. This podcast is truly rare and valuable, like stumbling upon a gold-plated unicorn laying dodo eggs. If you're tired of the extremes and crave intelligent discourse, I highly recommend giving it a listen.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is that Stephen Mansfield provides high-quality content that truly gets you thinking. He approaches each topic with depth and insight, offering perspectives that are easily digestible for listeners. What sets him apart is his ability to honor women while delivering information in a way that resonates with men. His character and integrity shine through, as he fearlessly speaks the truth without being swayed by political climate.
On the flip side, one could argue that the only downside to this podcast is that there aren't enough episodes! Each episode leaves you wanting more, craving another dose of Mansfield's wisdom and perspective. However, this can also be seen as a positive aspect, as it keeps listeners hungry for new content.
In conclusion, The Stephen Mansfield Podcast is an amazing resource for anyone seeking well-informed commentary on current events. Mansfield's understanding of world cultures and politics is unmatched, making him an excellent balanced voice in today's polarizing climate. His thoughts are refreshing yet challenging, always grounded in truth. By listening to this podcast, you will not only expand your knowledge but also become a more compassionate citizen and better-rounded individual. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to engage with thoughtful discussions about important topics.
College football is in a downward spiral. Wealthy universities are buying their way to dominance, while teenage athletes sign multi-million-dollar deals, fueling a culture of greed and imbalance. Now, President Trump and legendary coach Nick Saban are stepping in, aiming to bring sanity and integrity back to the game. What will come of this great American tradition?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
According to a well-known analytical tool, creativity has been declining since the 1990s. This is likely because we are over-scheduled and over-stimulated. In this episode, Stephen recommends what you you can do to increase and improve your own creativity. It will probably surprise you!LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Where federal money goes, federal control follows. Listen in as Stephen talks about what the Trump administration is requiring of Harvard in order to restore $9B in funding. Is it reasonable? Is this normal?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Money. Politics. Our loved ones' money and politics. If we believe the news, the world is falling apart, and we worry about it all. So how do we cope? How do we confront and overcome worry? Stephen talks in this episode about some surveys regarding worry, but more importantly, how we can tame worry.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
We are losing the ability as human beings to hold two competing thoughts at the same time. Instead we choose one of two sides – black or white, good or evil – without nuance. Then we sacrifice ourselves on the sharp points of those extremes. What happens when we bring this kind of extreme thinking to our politics?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
In this episode, Stephen gives his take on two controversial news events. One is the weirdest White House meeting he can remember in American foreign policy. The other is an encouraging breakthrough in the Middle East. As always, he reminds listeners to be aware of what's happening.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Trump has called Zelensky a dictator and accused him of misusing American funds. What is really going on in the Ukrainian/Russian war? Who is the aggressor? Do we know how to have enemies? Listen in as Stephen breaks all of this down.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
In yet another example of how institutions as we know them are being remade, keep your eye on Hollywood. Even before the LA Fires, many observed Hollywood in a freefall. Listen in as Stephen talks about the factors that have led to this and what we might see next.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Why are we holding big national events in a church run by one of the smallest denominations? At the National Prayer service, the nation and international media were subject to hearing a small narrow political agenda from the presiding bishop of one of the most liberal Christian denominations. What opportunity was lost? What are the options for the next National Prayer service?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
In President Jimmy Carter's own words, he was a good man, but a mediocre president. His impact after his presidency was stellar. How did he go from mediocre to stellar? Listen in as Stephen breaks down some leadership aspects and the shadows they cast.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
The sheer pace of change means you're going to have to be intentional in order to keep up. In this episode, Stephen recommends you identify your areas of expertise, master the story, and analyze what it means. Then you'll know the times and be ready for what's coming in 2025.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
People have a tendency to think things will be calmer, more peaceful after we get past _________ (fill in the blank). But it never turns out that way. Rather than looking at a future time to bring peace, let's talk about how to find peace in the midst of the storm.The Story of Christmas: https://stephenmansfield.tv/the-story-of-christmas/The Story of Santa Claus: https://stephenmansfield.tv/the-story-of-santa-claus/LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
There are times in history a government pursues policies contrary to their own interests, making foolish decisions, and then stumbling into war. With Joe Biden's recent decision to allow the use of long-range missiles in Ukraine, he is setting the US up for an escalation of that war and handing Donald Trump a stink bomb. If cooler heads don't prevail, we may stumble into a nuclear war with Russia.Get "The March of Folly:" https://www.amazon.com/March-Folly-Troy-Vietnam/dp/0345308239LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Today Stephen answers a millennial's questions about the 2024 election. Listen in as Jonas Litton, our podcast producer, asks about the things on many of our minds. How relevant is the electoral college? Was this a landslide? What will Trump do his first days in office? Where is our country headed? All this and more in today's episode.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Donald Trump is the next president of the United States. The election results were decisive due to several reasons, the primary being the number of stealth voters who turned out for Trump. We are just starting to sift through the data, so listen in as Stephen breaks down 7 statistics and trends that defined this election.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
A relatively small number of people from a particular demographic will decide who the next president will be. In this episode, I break down the numbers required to win and make some observations about the candidates' campaigns and their current trajectories. LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
To the extent that people read, is the extent to which the society is advancing. Reading increases our capacity for knowledge, creativity, inventiveness, and emotional intelligence. But reading is declining dramatically. Eight of the top 10 books sold on Amazon are children's books. Listen in to hear why this is a crisis."The Elite College Students Who Can't Read Books" (The Atlantic): https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/11/the-elite-college-students-who-cant-read-books/679945/LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
How did this happen? The majority of Republicans are doubtful of our involvement in Ukraine, questioning our involvement in the Middle East, and questioning the need for Taiwan to maintain its sovereignty. What has led to a reversal of the noble vision held by former presidents like Bush and Reagan who understood that being the world's most powerful military with diplomatic values comes with a cost?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
In this episode I recorded on September 9, 2024, before the presidential debate, I make some predictions about how the tone and posture the candidates take will determine not only the outcome of the debate, but also the election. If I was coaching the candidates, these are the recommendations I would make in order for them to win over undecided voters.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Kamala Harris has had the most amazing five weeks in American electoral history. Now the campaign is entering a new stage, a time for debating the issues. Will we see Kamala Harris lean more centrist and communicate her positions articulately? Will Donald Trump find his balance and get in the game? There is plenty of drama in this election.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Donald Trump has become the Hamlet of American politics. Like Shakespeare's character, he is troubled, emotional, haunted by his own demons and paralyzed from taking action. Trump has lost the narrative and continues to run a populist campaign rather than addressing the issues. Listen in as I predict where these present trends will lead.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
It's no secret that Kamala Harris is the most unpopular vice president in American history. Support for her campaign against Donald Trump is becoming alarmingly favorable, and it should not be. As of now, the win is still up for grabs. Rather than attacking her on the basis of race or gender, if Trump let her record speak for itself, he could quickly get the American people on his side. Listen in as I break down Kamala's obvious weaknesses and the tactics Trump should be using to reveal them.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
An assassination attempt, the GOP convention, President Biden dropping out of the race—the past two weeks have turned the tide of American history. Donald Trump went from an iconic moment of courage and survival to then giving the longest acceptance speech in history. He may be ahead in the polls, but listen in to hear why a win is not in the bag. Kamala Harris has the ability to right herself. And what of the Secret Service? I unpack all of it in this episode.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Want to know the most important numbers on my mind these days? How about 2.1, 60, 0, 117, and 25-30? Listen in to hear how these numbers are related to things like gratitude, Congress, babies, the presidential election, and war. This episode touches on those as well as immigration, Cincinnatus, drones, political time, and long life.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
With very few exceptions, I believe only the US flag should be flown over US Embassies abroad. I believe this so strongly that I propose a Constitutional Amendment. Too often our administrations use our embassies to further their own pet causes to the detriment of our country's reputation. I'd like to return to respecting our embassies for what they are—official headquarters for US diplomatic relations with foreign countries.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Some say culture is the codification of a value system and the arts are reflective of our hopes. So what does it mean that Sherlock Holmes, Lord of the Rings, and Superman are such big movie franchises right now? What does this say about the times we're living in and what we're looking for? Listen in as I explain some historical parallels for today.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
In the areas of economics, faith, patriotism, and family, there's a generational disconnect between baby boomers and Gen Z. In this episode I quote some interesting survey results, talk about why there is such a huge gap between these generations, and suggest what we need to do to preserve our culture.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
The press of world events and the 24-hour news cycle lead us to focus on the immediate, and we miss important trends. Every so often we need to take the 30,000-foot view to know what's working and what's not. Listen in for ten statistics showing positive trends in the areas of poverty, child welfare, life expectancy and more. Be encouraged and do the good that you can do.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
To most Americans, the violent protests that have taken place on our American college campuses have come as a surprise. What caused these to erupt? Listen in as I describe three factors that have led to this moment.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
There seems always to be a war occurring in some part of the world, but what moral framing should nations apply that keeps them from doing the kind of damage that will taint generations? Augustine proposed the conditions for a Just War, including the criteria that justifies going to war and if those are met, how to conduct that war. Listen in to this 15-minute primer of the Just War Theory.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Just before Easter, Joe Biden issued a presidential statement supporting March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility and called on all Americans to observe it. How is it that President Biden, a Catholic, goes out of his way to announce support for Transgender Americans on Easter–the highest holy day for Christians—when previous presidents ignored it? It seems my government is going out of its way to say the traditional faith shared by the majority of Americans is increasingly in the way of an agenda.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
In the wake of the attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow, two things become apparent: ISIS is not dead, and Vladimir Putin is looking incompetent. Listen in for more about ISIS-K, the US intelligence chatter, Putin's laugh, and deflection of blame.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
A two-state solution? It sounds fair and is the default proposal by most Western leaders. But did you know a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians has been proposed many times, and each time, it is rejected by Arab leaders? Listen in to learn more about the history of Israel and Gaza and my radical proposal.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Good men and women like US Congressman Mark Green (TN 7th congressional district) are leaving Congress because “You can't get anything done in this place.” We have had an eroding of both the effectiveness and the checks and balances within Congress and it has become dysfunctional. But you can affect change. Listen in for some things you can do as an American citizen to break this cycle.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Shia Muslims are behind Hamas, the Houthi movement, and Hezbollah and many other independent militias around the world doing great damage. What is their end game? Many people in Washington, DC, and elsewhere fail to see things at 20,000 feet, but there's a larger chess game being played and it's important we understand what that chess game is. Iran is taking advantage of US weakness. They see America as a declining power, and not to be feared. Make no mistake, Iran is on the move, and they are trying to drive the US out of the Middle East so they can exert their power.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Most Americans are focused on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, but we have war threatening on many fronts, including Korea, Taiwan, and Pakistan. NATO is globalizing 90,000 troops, the largest force since the Cold War. Listen in to understand why this is abnormal and to be aware of these unusual times.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
If one of the good things that comes out of October 7th and the Hamas incursion and the Israeli response in Gaza and the protests around the world is that people start waking up to what's happening at the universities they favor and start looking for other universities to support that are closer to their values and what they believe in, that's a good thing. Listen in to hear some of the things that are taking place on the campus. It's essential that you know what a university teaches before you send your child there or before you support it.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
The lies spreading about Ukraine and Vladimir Zelensky include accusations about declaring martial law, canceling elections, shutting down opposition parties, hiding private offshore accounts, and gaining financially from international aid. In this episode, I address each of these rumors directly and make the case for a noble Ukrainian cause. If the United States goes weak in the face of Russia, we will pay for it internationally.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Listen in as I go back in history and describe how we got our current Christmas celebrations. How did we land on Dec 25th? How did Santa Claus get mixed in? What about the myths about coming down the chimney and a sleigh pulled by reindeer? Why do we decorate a tree? Some of these have an inspiring backstory while some are a bit silly. I encourage you to take Christmas in hand, make it meaningful, and build memorable rituals in the Christmas season.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
This episode is primarily a call to my Christian brothers and sisters to consider their theology carefully as it pertains to Israel. Whichever eschatology (end times) interpretation you lean toward, let's remember first that God loves and died for all of us, including Arabs; and second, many who live in Gaza (some 3,000) are in fact Christians. Don't allow your support for Israel to lead to a disregard of other people and ethnicities.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Do you know the true, historically accurate story of the first Thanksgiving? There is some controversy about the actions of the generations following the original Pilgrims, but in this podcast, I sidestep those controversies to tell the story of the first Pilgrims. Gather your family and friends and listen in to hear their brave story, from a brutal voyage across the Atlantic to a joyous celebration with the native people. Happy Thanksgiving to you, and may you, too, live for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Where is your money going? If you give to a school or university, I encourage you to do your research and ensure that it is not being used to fund teachings and beliefs antithetical to your values. Amidst the bloodshed occurring in Israel and Palestine, vile and dehumanizing protests are bringing some rather shocking university ideals into the light. Don't continue to donate to places that support morals that oppose yours.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
The October 7th attack on Israel by the Hamas terrorist group was unprecedented in its strategy, execution, and violence. Now, we must ask: What string of events led to this? And what will happen next? Join me as I explain some of the historical tensions surrounding Israel and the challenges it is facing today.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
As the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, some alarming survey results are catching my attention. The public perception of political figures is often a distorted reality, whether it be to a candidate's detriment or advantage. And in the case of Donald Trump, the impression he has made upon Republicans is stunning. What do you think of his faith? Listen in as I divulge what the majority of the GOP perceives about him and some of the other candidates.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
We are living in a society that continually marginalizes, medicates, and mandates its young boys. It is an unfortunate truth that our boys and young men are in great need today. Tune in as I give statistical evidence as to why this is.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
Today, I take a look at some rather astonishing statistics that reflect a growing economic world. With global wealth inequality at its lowest level in nearly 150 years, we have much to appreciate and even more to hope for.2023 Global Wealth Report: https://www.ubs.com/global/en/family-office-uhnw/reports/global-wealth-report-2023.htmlJeff Stein article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/03/us-debt-deficit-rises-interest-rate/LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
The island of Maui has suffered greatly from the devastating fires it experienced this month, and so have its people and leaders. Emergency systems broke down as the crisis arose, which will undoubtedly lead to years of investigation and prosecution. Join me as I discuss the lessons learned and how we can better prepare for the unexpected.Support Convoy of Hope: https://convoyofhope.org/LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
A dangerous trend has taken hold of the American political system. We've seen it happening with Republicans and Democrats alike, and it's attempting to undermine the way our country was set up to run. Let's talk about criminally charging our politicians.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
This summer, an important piece of art is shaking our culture. The movie "Sound of Freedom" starring Jim Caviezel has turned the national spotlight on the issue of human trafficking. The film itself is a great piece of cinematography, and does an amazing job educating and exposing us to the evils of sex slavery, especially among children. But while this film helps the anti-trafficking cause, we mustn't let our egos get the best of us. Tune in to hear my opinion on the matter.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
When it comes to court rulings (or anything for that matter), we mustn't be quick to believe the picture the media paints. Over the past year, the Supreme Court has handed down some lawful and rational decisions, but news outlets and even our own president have made misleading and dangerous statements about these rulings. Let's remember the role of the Supreme Court is to interpret laws, not write them.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites
As summer activities are in full swing, I want to bring 5 short (but not unimportant) news stories to your attention. Enjoy your vacations and time out in the sun, but don't overlook what's happening in our world!LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites