Podcasts about democracy center

At the 100 day mark of Donald Trump's second term as president, the political scientists at Bright Line Watch released their 25th report on the state of American democracy entitled “Threats to democracy and academic freedom after Trump's second first 100 days.” Based on polling both experts (760 political scientists) and the public (representative sample of 2000 Americans), the Bright Line Watch researchers find that the Trump administration has challenged constitutional and democratic norms on a wide range of issues, including the scope of executive power and the authority of courts to check it, individual freedom of expression, due process and habeas corpus, immigration, and academic freedom. In this episode of POSTSCRIPT: Conversations on Politics and Political Science, two of Bright Line Watch's co-directors analyze the latest report – and what it means for American democracy. Topics include democratic performance, threats to democracy and academic freedom and self-censorship. Dr. John Carey (he/him) is the Wentworth Professor in the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College. He is the author of 6 books and dozens of articles on democratic institutions, representation, and political beliefs. Dr. Gretchen Helmke is the Thomas H. Jackson Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Political Science and faculty director of the Democracy Center at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on democracy and the rule of law in Latin America and the United States. Her new co-authored article definition and measuring democratic norms is forthcoming in the Annual Review of Political Science. She has been named a Guggenheim Fellow for 2025. Mentioned: Bright Line Watch's April 2025 report, Threats to Democracy and Academic Freedom after Trump's Second First 100 Days (based on parallel surveys of 760 political scientists and a representative sample of 2,000 Americans fielded in April). Bright Line Watch homepage with data and past reports John Carey on NPR's All Things Considered, 4/22 discussing the latest report. Adam Przeworski's Substack Diary (free to subscribe and read) Democratic Erosion Project (with dataset that Gretchen mentioned) Susan's New Books Network conversation with Dr. Sue Stokes on the importance of integrating comparative politics and American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

At the 100 day mark of Donald Trump's second term as president, the political scientists at Bright Line Watch released their 25th report on the state of American democracy entitled “Threats to democracy and academic freedom after Trump's second first 100 days.” Based on polling both experts (760 political scientists) and the public (representative sample of 2000 Americans), the Bright Line Watch researchers find that the Trump administration has challenged constitutional and democratic norms on a wide range of issues, including the scope of executive power and the authority of courts to check it, individual freedom of expression, due process and habeas corpus, immigration, and academic freedom. In this episode of POSTSCRIPT: Conversations on Politics and Political Science, two of Bright Line Watch's co-directors analyze the latest report – and what it means for American democracy. Topics include democratic performance, threats to democracy and academic freedom and self-censorship. Dr. John Carey (he/him) is the Wentworth Professor in the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College. He is the author of 6 books and dozens of articles on democratic institutions, representation, and political beliefs. Dr. Gretchen Helmke is the Thomas H. Jackson Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Political Science and faculty director of the Democracy Center at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on democracy and the rule of law in Latin America and the United States. Her new co-authored article definition and measuring democratic norms is forthcoming in the Annual Review of Political Science. She has been named a Guggenheim Fellow for 2025. Mentioned: Bright Line Watch's April 2025 report, Threats to Democracy and Academic Freedom after Trump's Second First 100 Days (based on parallel surveys of 760 political scientists and a representative sample of 2,000 Americans fielded in April). Bright Line Watch homepage with data and past reports John Carey on NPR's All Things Considered, 4/22 discussing the latest report. Adam Przeworski's Substack Diary (free to subscribe and read) Democratic Erosion Project (with dataset that Gretchen mentioned) Susan's New Books Network conversation with Dr. Sue Stokes on the importance of integrating comparative politics and American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

At the 100 day mark of Donald Trump's second term as president, the political scientists at Bright Line Watch released their 25th report on the state of American democracy entitled “Threats to democracy and academic freedom after Trump's second first 100 days.” Based on polling both experts (760 political scientists) and the public (representative sample of 2000 Americans), the Bright Line Watch researchers find that the Trump administration has challenged constitutional and democratic norms on a wide range of issues, including the scope of executive power and the authority of courts to check it, individual freedom of expression, due process and habeas corpus, immigration, and academic freedom. In this episode of POSTSCRIPT: Conversations on Politics and Political Science, two of Bright Line Watch's co-directors analyze the latest report – and what it means for American democracy. Topics include democratic performance, threats to democracy and academic freedom and self-censorship. Dr. John Carey (he/him) is the Wentworth Professor in the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College. He is the author of 6 books and dozens of articles on democratic institutions, representation, and political beliefs. Dr. Gretchen Helmke is the Thomas H. Jackson Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Political Science and faculty director of the Democracy Center at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on democracy and the rule of law in Latin America and the United States. Her new co-authored article definition and measuring democratic norms is forthcoming in the Annual Review of Political Science. She has been named a Guggenheim Fellow for 2025. Mentioned: Bright Line Watch's April 2025 report, Threats to Democracy and Academic Freedom after Trump's Second First 100 Days (based on parallel surveys of 760 political scientists and a representative sample of 2,000 Americans fielded in April). Bright Line Watch homepage with data and past reports John Carey on NPR's All Things Considered, 4/22 discussing the latest report. Adam Przeworski's Substack Diary (free to subscribe and read) Democratic Erosion Project (with dataset that Gretchen mentioned) Susan's New Books Network conversation with Dr. Sue Stokes on the importance of integrating comparative politics and American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

At the 100 day mark of Donald Trump's second term as president, the political scientists at Bright Line Watch released their 25th report on the state of American democracy entitled “Threats to democracy and academic freedom after Trump's second first 100 days.” Based on polling both experts (760 political scientists) and the public (representative sample of 2000 Americans), the Bright Line Watch researchers find that the Trump administration has challenged constitutional and democratic norms on a wide range of issues, including the scope of executive power and the authority of courts to check it, individual freedom of expression, due process and habeas corpus, immigration, and academic freedom. In this episode of POSTSCRIPT: Conversations on Politics and Political Science, two of Bright Line Watch's co-directors analyze the latest report – and what it means for American democracy. Topics include democratic performance, threats to democracy and academic freedom and self-censorship. Dr. John Carey (he/him) is the Wentworth Professor in the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College. He is the author of 6 books and dozens of articles on democratic institutions, representation, and political beliefs. Dr. Gretchen Helmke is the Thomas H. Jackson Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Political Science and faculty director of the Democracy Center at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on democracy and the rule of law in Latin America and the United States. Her new co-authored article definition and measuring democratic norms is forthcoming in the Annual Review of Political Science. She has been named a Guggenheim Fellow for 2025. Mentioned: Bright Line Watch's April 2025 report, Threats to Democracy and Academic Freedom after Trump's Second First 100 Days (based on parallel surveys of 760 political scientists and a representative sample of 2,000 Americans fielded in April). Bright Line Watch homepage with data and past reports John Carey on NPR's All Things Considered, 4/22 discussing the latest report. Adam Przeworski's Substack Diary (free to subscribe and read) Democratic Erosion Project (with dataset that Gretchen mentioned) Susan's New Books Network conversation with Dr. Sue Stokes on the importance of integrating comparative politics and American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

We're connecting with the Connecticut Democracy Center and focusing on Connecticut History Day, one of 58 affiliate programs of National History Day, that is encouraging students in grades 6-12 to explore local, state, national, and world history. 

Are you feeling stressed? Then you are so not alone. But in our opening segment, our guest and co-founder of Your Village Journey will explain that it's all how you deal with it. And she'll follow up with tips to help take some of the pressure of our everyday world away. Then we'll touch base with the co-founder of Hang Time, igniting a grassroots movement to empower and reintegrate ex-offenders back into society by embracing and guiding those suffering from Post-Traumatic & Present Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to urban gun violence. And we're closing with the Connecticut Democracy Center and a special focus on Connecticut History Day, one of 58 affiliate programs of National History Day, that is encouraging students in grades 6-12 to explore local, state, national, and world history. 

Send us a textJoin us for our Empathy & Democracy series, a live podcast and pop-up art series brought to you by the Democracy Center, VC Film Fest and Gratitude Blooming. Guided by the changing seasons, this fourth and final installment centers on the transformative practice of "Fearless Gratitude" in action as we pause together to feel and share the depths of our emotions as we grapple with the complexities of this election year. What if acknowledging the unseen fears and biases in our lives could reshape our story and guide how we show up for these times of great human divides?In this episode, we uncover our shared struggles around vulnerability, courage, humility, and the wild card of life-- themes from Gratitude Blooming's Garden of Fearless Gratitude.Together, with 35 leaders, facilitators, coaches, and community builders, we experienced how gratitude, as a social emotion, can create spaces where even our most challenging emotions can coexist harmoniously.Tune in to remember the power of pausing in shared space to inspire collective action.  This is the crucial work ahead to nurture our democracy for a thriving future.-------Create an intentional practice with your own Gratitude Blooming card deck, notecards, candle and much much more at our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com. Your purchase helps us sustain this podcast, or you can also sponsor us here. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners!

episode #764. someone asked to borrow my phone this morning to call their mom and then proceeded to send some really weird text messages to people. so that informed my day, how about you?DOWNLOAD/STREAM RECORDING00:00 (intro by omar)00:20 Mikey Erg "Colleen" Bon Voyage01:57 Rob Magill "Better Off Fed (for Sky Saxon)“ February Paintings Series Vol.12 (Dead Birds of Flat Ground)04:49 Girlpool "Josephs Dad" Chaos Demos06:52 Night Auditor "Cane Sugar" Soul Junk10:10 Business Of Dreams "Anymore" Well I See13:13 Happyness "Undone" Floatr16:03 Simon Joyner & The ghosts "The Sailors They’re All Scattered" Salt Across Your Graves EP20:35 Cay Is Okay "Grants Pass" Waxing Gibbous25:04 Johanna Warren "Rose Potion" Chaotic Good29:13 DEAN CERCONE "love just as deep as the ocean" Dead Wine31:57 Mediocre Cafe "Bunko’s Party" Easy Listening34:09 Bread Pilot "leaf bed (demo)" What Do You Think That Bird?36:15 Soft Fangs "Unkind" with love,39:20 Tyler Holmes "Nothing" Nothing43:35 Erik Nervous "Living In The Woods" Bugs! EP45:18 Emperor X "Everyone in Jacksonville (Live at the Democracy Center)" Nineteen Live Recordings46:25 PUBLIC INTEREST "Epoxy" Between49:24 James Kochalka Superstar "God" KISSERS50:30 ylayali "junk drawer" cg extras54:00 Addy "pool party (demo)" demos ep

What shapes our identity and fuels our courage to challenge societal norms? Today, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Jim Herr, director of the Democracy Center at the Japanese American National Museum. Jim opens up about his experiences as a Hapa kid in rural Pennsylvania, where he faced exclusion and was told he couldn't be president because of his skin color. His journey from feeling marginalized to leading critical discussions on democracy and empathy offers a compelling narrative of personal growth and resilience. We also touch upon artist Arlene Kim Suda's reflections on cultural identity and the unique pressures mixed-race individuals navigate, emphasizing the crucial role of community in embracing our differences and moving towards a more inclusive society.Curiosity can be a powerful tool against fear. We explore how engaging with what makes us uncomfortable can lead to deeper understanding and diminish fear's hold on our lives. By taking small, intentional steps, we can conquer our anxieties and live more fulfilling lives. To help keep curiosity alive, we introduce practical tools like the Garden of Curiosity note cards and candles from the Gratitude Blooming shop. These simple reminders encourage us to end each day with a moment of pause and curiosity, fostering peace and a sense of renewal regardless of the day's challenges. Join us for this uplifting episode that showcases the transformative potential of curiosity and empathy.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Have you ever experienced a moment so quietly powerful that it demanded your full presence? This episode, with facilitators Angela Oh and Alex Dorsey, captures just that, as we recount an unforgettable evening at the Japanese American National Museum and the Democracy Center—a night where rose petals and silence laid the foundation for an exploration into empathy and democracy. We unravel how holding space for others, whether in leadership, parenthood, or personal growth, magnifies compassion and ensures every voice in our democratic tapestry is valued and heard.Navigating the nuanced dance of giving and receiving support, we delve into the emotional weight of our 'active giving hand' and its capacity to invoke deep gratitude. Our guests and us share anecdotes that resonate with hope, forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of self-compassion. By peeling back the layers of our own emotional landscapes, we reveal how embracing vulnerability can lead to a more profound understanding of our intertwined lives and the healing we all seek.As the conversation unfolds, we immerse ourselves in the embodiment of empathy and the transformative act of holding space. Contemplating the gentle balance between bearing the heaviness of being a space holder and the lightness of being held, we explore how creating opportunities for understanding can leave a lasting impact on our communities. Wrapping up with an ode to the practice of gratitude, we reflect on its power to help us appreciate life's goodness amid adversity. Join us as we honor the subtle yet substantial ways compassion and gratitude shape our journeys.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Embark on a transformative exploration with us as we reflect on a profound year investigating the intersection of empathy and democracy. Our heartfelt discussions have led us to recognize the unsung heroes who create nurturing environments in every corner of society. Today, we delve into lessons from our poignant collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum, underscoring democracy's vulnerability through the harrowing history of Japanese internment camps. As we gear up for our event 'Holding Space for the Spaceholders,' we're thrilled to welcome the deeply insightful Angela Oh and the adept facilitator Alex Dorsey. They'll share their wisdom on empathetic space creation, the personal cost of conflict, and the nuances of self-expression.Feel the pulse of authenticity and its profound influence on forging human bonds as we navigate the art of vulnerability. Through symbolism from nature's playbook, we assess the courageous act of revealing our soft underbellies and the complexities of authenticity in maintaining relationships. As we anticipate the dynamic exchange in our live podcast series, we invite you to connect with us and our special Democracy Center guests, Jim Herr and Sofia Alvarez, who will share their expertise on the tangible dynamics of holding space. Join us for a heartfelt synthesis of growth, challenge, and understanding, where every voice in the chorus of life is valued, and every moment of silence is powerful.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

As the seasons begin to change, we find ourselves wrapped in the afterglow of a snowstorm — a perfect time to foster our aspirations and face the hurdles ahead. Join us in a heartwarming journey where we embrace the art of grounding ourselves through meditation, connecting deeply with the earth and our innermost dreams. We'll navigate the ancient philosophy of Wu Wei or effortless action and learn to trust the natural flow of life. With art from Beckie Masaki, we explore the transformative power of story circles within communities like Mending the Arc. Together, we'll reflect on exciting collaborations and the fresh growth they promise, mirroring the renewal we seek in our own lives.With the brushstrokes of Michael Heiser's "Double Negative" and the silent majesty of a winter forest as our backdrop, we reflect on the profound effects of art and nature on our spirit. Solitude, often a catalyst for creativity, becomes a central theme, inspiring introspection and aligning with our intentions for the year. We close with the soulful strains of "Sorrow" by Windows Seat as we also look forward to an enriching collaboration with the Democracy Center, continuing to weave a narrative that celebrates the courage found in both love and sorrow.**Limited Time** Join Belinda Liu and Omar Brownson on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles for our Empathy and Democracy live podcast and pop up art (and tea). Click here for more details. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

How do you find hope and personal empowerment in the face of war and political unrest?  According to Lea Endres, the CEO of NationBuilder, democracy is the least violent form of government currently known to humans.  It's a system. It's also an idea. And it lives in our imaginations.  Research shows that when citizens are actively engaged in showing up for their community,  it can actually turn the tide in countries that have slid into authoritarianism.  Human beings will not endorse or advocate for violence against another group until they have dehumanized that group.  Dehumanization is a prerequisite for violence. Lea reminds us that we each have personal power and agency.  When institutions fail, it's actually civil society that can bring us back into a healthy balance.For our second live podcast series, we reimagine democracy as an everyday practice of listening, speaking, and asking questions in a new way to humanize one another and build our muscle of empathy. Tune into this raw, inquisitive conversation with our live audience, the Gratitude Blooming team, Jim Herr from the Democracy Center, and Lea Endres from NationBuilder.Enjoy the captivating intro and closing beats of the Taiko drummers from On Ensemble to notice more fully with your heart.   Share your perspective as you experience this practice with us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com!   If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

What if you held the power to direct the energy of democracy through your personal feelings and actions?  We promise to illuminate this connection as we explore the intersection of art, empathy, and democracy in this live recording at The Democracy Center with director Jim Herr.The journey delves into creating space to pause and reflect on non-attachment, gratitude, and mindfulness. We reveal how kindness and compassion can enrich your daily life, and the profound impact of nature in helping us connect with our hearts. There's also a discussion with the audience around the themes of intention and curiosity in gratitude and their potential to foster empathy, the concept of impermanence, and how curiosity can help us understand our world better. We traverse the power of emotional reflection and connection, and how they can bring us closer to understanding ourselves and others. There's a profound discussion on the power of language to share our stories and build community, and how art and inquiry help us navigate our feelings. Lastly, we'll uncover the power of music, control, fear, and how connecting with our emotions can help us shape our world.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and review. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us grow. Share your thoughts and comments by emailing us at hello@gratitudeblooming.com. We love hearing from our listeners.And don't forget to check out our shop at www.gratitudeblooming.com to help us sustain this podcast or sponsor us here. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate you!

Did you know by 2025, Connecticut is on track to have more than 90,000 residents living with Alzheimer's? This morning For the People is opening with our long-time partners at the Alzheimer's Association talking about important research, as well as ways for you to support the association - especially on March 30 - 'Advocacy Day' at the State Capital. Then we'll hang around Hartford to chat with The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC), which just received a quarter million dollar grant to begin promoting a revised set of equitable social studies standards, professional development, and sustainable partnerships between cultural institutions, educators, and schools across the state. And we'll close introducing the Connecticut-based World Heritage Cultural Center and its founder who is inspired to bring global cultures together peacefully celebrating and collaborating around food, music and the arts.

This week's episode features Kimberly from Massachusetts. She has been a pivotal member of the Boston DIY scene, booking many shows at the Democracy Center in Cambridge. Currently, Kimberly spends much of her time working on prison abolition through an organization called Building Up People Not Prisons Coalition. Check out the following organizations and links to help abolish prisons across the U.S. Building Up People Not Prisons Week of Action- tinyurl.com/MAweekofaction Black and Pink National- linktr.ee/blackandpink SURJ-www.showingupforracialjustice.org

Fouhy, Geoffrey's improv group friend comes back to talk about commercials related to a the Rankin and Bass stop motion Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town! You can catch Fouhy in Improvised History at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, or in Junebug, a Firefly-inspired improv show (which our own Geoffrey is in, too). The next Junebug appearance is February 23rd, 2020 at Improv Boston. We kicked off this session by watching a bit of Bruce Springsteen's live performance of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. What a hat, huh?Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town with commercials from 1981 We watched through all the commercials up until about 27:35 in this video, and that left us really curious about the sitcoms advertised, so we watched the opening themes. Open All Night #1We just watched the theme song… but wow that was a lot of info. Here's a breakdown of the facts:*This is the Story of Gordon Feester*Born in Ohio the day before Easter*Graduated from Columbus High in 1962*Went to college, but got suspended*Was in the Army (stationed at Fort Hood)*Never went overseas (Spent a year peeling potatoes and a year copping zees)*After that he drifted and at times he seemed to struggle but always paid the rent *By 1974 he owned a grocery store*Married a woman named Gretchen who hangs around the house*Gretchen has a son named Terry by a previous spouseNow he's open all night, which we repeat rather ominously like… eight? times???This was A LOT.It's a Living S02E01Again we only watched the theme, and again… wow. Leprechaun's Christmas Gold: Christmas in KillarneyFouhy notes that the young man is the same model as Jack Frost from another Rankin Bass special. If you're having fun listening to us, please tell your friends about us! Subscribe to our newsletter at thisiswhywerelikethis.substack.com for free, or pay $5/month to get access to two bonus paid episodes each month! We're also on Patreon if that's your jam! Rate and review us! follow us on Twitter where we're @thisiswhy_pod! And, of course, you can always drop us a note at at thisiswhywerelikethis@gmail.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisiswhywerelikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Fouhy, Geoffrey’s improv group friend comes back to talk about commercials related to a the Rankin and Bass stop motion Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town! You can catch Fouhy in Improvised History at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, or in Junebug, a Firefly-inspired improv show (which our own Geoffrey is in, too). The next Junebug appearance is February 23rd, 2020 at Improv Boston. We kicked off this session by watching a bit of Bruce Springsteen’s live performance of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. What a hat, huh?Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town with commercials from 1981 We watched through all the commercials up until about 27:35 in this video, and that left us really curious about the sitcoms advertised, so we watched the opening themes. Open All Night #1We just watched the theme song… but wow that was a lot of info. Here’s a breakdown of the facts:*This is the Story of Gordon Feester*Born in Ohio the day before Easter*Graduated from Columbus High in 1962*Went to college, but got suspended*Was in the Army (stationed at Fort Hood)*Never went overseas (Spent a year peeling potatoes and a year copping zees)*After that he drifted and at times he seemed to struggle but always paid the rent *By 1974 he owned a grocery store*Married a woman named Gretchen who hangs around the house*Gretchen has a son named Terry by a previous spouseNow he’s open all night, which we repeat rather ominously like… eight? times???This was A LOT.It’s a Living S02E01Again we only watched the theme, and again… wow. Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold: Christmas in KillarneyFouhy notes that the young man is the same model as Jack Frost from another Rankin Bass special. If you’re having fun listening to us, please tell your friends about us! Subscribe to our newsletter at thisiswhywerelikethis.substack.com for free, or pay $5/month to get access to two bonus paid episodes each month! We’re also on Patreon if that’s your jam! Rate and review us! follow us on Twitter where we’re @thisiswhy_pod! And, of course, you can always drop us a note at at thisiswhywerelikethis@gmail.com. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at thisiswhywerelikethis.substack.com/subscribe

One of Geoffrey's improv group members joins us to talk about a Christmas special he loved as a kid: The Rankin and Bass stop motion Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town! You can catch Fouhy in Improvised History at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, or in Junebug, a Firefly-inspired improv show (which our own Geoffrey is in, too). The next Junebug appearance is February 23rd, 2020 at Improv Boston. Image Description: Kris Kringle as a young red-haired man with a menacing grimace. Here's Fouhy's hazy summary:"It's about the origin story of Santa. I think he's an orphan adopted by elves and has an amazing facility with making wooden toys. Wooden toys are Important in this film. There's something in here about mysterious parentage and him being found with some item that has SC branded on it? For reasons I don't remember he goes out into the world on his own. I think it has to do with finding a wife? I know at some point he meets Mrs. Claus and that's a whole thing. He finds some ancient, evil ice warlock and convinces him to become good with the power of wooden toys. Then he finds his first humans, who are in a town run by a miserly burgomeister (the Rankin-Bass films can have some weird anti-European sentiment in them). I think this is where the future Mrs. Claus comes in? Anyway, he also convinces the burgomeister to become a better man through, again, the power of wooden toys. Then I think he found his workshop in the North Pole and the rest is history."Was he right? Mostly! This is the second thing we've watched where a hapless penguin ends up in the wrong part of the world (the first was The Chipmunk Adventure). Is this part of a larger trend? #PenguinWatchThis movie's narrator was Fred Astaire (!!!), and one of the other voice actors in this was Paul Frees, the Ghost Host in Disney's Haunted Mansion ride. Geoffrey also noted that Paul Frees was in Flight of Dragons, and pledged that we will cover that at some point. Are you a Flight of Dragons fan? Let us know!If you're having fun listening to us, please tell your friends about us! Subscribe to our newsletter at thisiswhywerelikethis.substack.com for free, or pay $5/month to get access to two bonus paid episodes each month! We're also on Patreon if that's your jam! Rate and review us! follow us on Twitter where we're @thisiswhy_pod! And, of course, you can always drop us a note at at thisiswhywerelikethis@gmail.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisiswhywerelikethis.substack.com/subscribe

One of Geoffrey’s improv group members joins us to talk about a Christmas special he loved as a kid: The Rankin and Bass stop motion Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town! You can catch Fouhy in Improvised History at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, or in Junebug, a Firefly-inspired improv show (which our own Geoffrey is in, too). The next Junebug appearance is February 23rd, 2020 at Improv Boston. Image Description: Kris Kringle as a young red-haired man with a menacing grimace. Here’s Fouhy’s hazy summary:“It's about the origin story of Santa. I think he's an orphan adopted by elves and has an amazing facility with making wooden toys. Wooden toys are Important in this film. There's something in here about mysterious parentage and him being found with some item that has SC branded on it? For reasons I don't remember he goes out into the world on his own. I think it has to do with finding a wife? I know at some point he meets Mrs. Claus and that's a whole thing. He finds some ancient, evil ice warlock and convinces him to become good with the power of wooden toys. Then he finds his first humans, who are in a town run by a miserly burgomeister (the Rankin-Bass films can have some weird anti-European sentiment in them). I think this is where the future Mrs. Claus comes in? Anyway, he also convinces the burgomeister to become a better man through, again, the power of wooden toys. Then I think he found his workshop in the North Pole and the rest is history.”Was he right? Mostly! This is the second thing we’ve watched where a hapless penguin ends up in the wrong part of the world (the first was The Chipmunk Adventure). Is this part of a larger trend? #PenguinWatchThis movie’s narrator was Fred Astaire (!!!), and one of the other voice actors in this was Paul Frees, the Ghost Host in Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride. Geoffrey also noted that Paul Frees was in Flight of Dragons, and pledged that we will cover that at some point. Are you a Flight of Dragons fan? Let us know!If you’re having fun listening to us, please tell your friends about us! Subscribe to our newsletter at thisiswhywerelikethis.substack.com for free, or pay $5/month to get access to two bonus paid episodes each month! We’re also on Patreon if that’s your jam! Rate and review us! follow us on Twitter where we’re @thisiswhy_pod! And, of course, you can always drop us a note at at thisiswhywerelikethis@gmail.com. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at thisiswhywerelikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Ho ho ho it’s a live show! Join us at the Democracy Center as we talk the history of the Barbershop Pole, which we guarantee involves a lot less singing than you think! Then, we dive into the Great Seattle Fire, a comedy of mishaps that burned down way more than it possibly should have.

This week, Craig chats with his first music guest, Sai Boddupalli, of the bands Animal Flag and People Like You. Sai is the child of Indian immigrants, and his experience of being raised in an Indian household contains a number of great stories that you get to hear on this episode! Sai was raised by a very musical father, and that influence led to him becoming a musician as well. While completing his undergraduate studies at Berklee College of Music, Sai became a very active member of the Boston music scene - where he currently resides. In this chat, we cover his experience as a person of color in the DIY scene and in music spaces that are traditionally populated by white cishet dudes. We discuss the importance of representation and diversity in music, as well as the realities of touring and signing to record labels. EPISODE NOTES: - Sai just finished a six-week tour with his rock band, Animal Flag, of which was recently featured on Audiotree. - The two earliest albums to influence Sai were "Kid A," from Radiohead and the self-titled Rage Against the Machine album.  - Representation is important because if it weren't for "All Killer no Filler," by Sum 41 and Sai recognizing Dave Baksh of Sum 41 as a fellow Indian, we may not have the Sai we know now. - If you haven't check out the diversity of sounds that Topshelf Records has to offer, you really need to get on that now! - Animal Flag recently did a number of gigs alongside the magnanimously talented performer, Chad Matheny, otherwise known as, Emperor X. His new album, "Oversleepers International," is an eccentric collection of songs - out now on Tiny Engines. - You can see People Like You and meet up with Sai while on their east coast tour that starts this weekend! For tour dates, visit http://www.topshelfrecords.com/roster/people-like-you. - Make sure to read this piece on the othering of people by Edward Said. - We quickly plug two great Boston-area organizations, BARCC (Boston Area Rape Crisis Center), as well as the Democracy Center. Visit their sites for more information! - Sai and I are both currently enjoying the new Big Thief album, "Capacity," so don't say we didn't warn you! - Check out the "Short History of Nearly Everything," by Bill Bryson. - Sai also suggests checking out the book from "A Breath of Fresh Air," by Amulya Malladi. MUSIC NOTES: - All of the music on this week's podcast is provided by People Like You - in which Sai plays the bass guitar. The band was recently signed to Topshelf Records, which will be releasing their new LP, "Verse," on July 28th. It is chock-full of tasty jazzy emo tunes. - The intro, outro, and ad breaks feature parts of the song, "Variations on an Aria." - Today's music break song is, "Thumbnail," which was recently premiered by the band. - You can PREORDER the new People Like You album on vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital by visiting http://www.topshelfrecords.com/products/593720-people-like-you-verse!  - As referenced in the podcast, a portion of the proceeds from the new People Like You album's pre-order sales will be divided equally and go directly to The Trevor Project, The NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Planned Parenthood. ADVERTISING NOTE: - This week we were sponsored by our friends in Safer Scenes, who are currently on the road with War on Women during the Vans Warped Tour. Safer Scenes is dedicated to educating younger crowds at festivals and in typical concert venues on harmful and problematic issues that plague scenes - explicitly sexual assault, sexual violence, bullying, misogyny. - You can donate to support the Safer Scenes folks by visiting their GoFundMe page! And if you donate at least $75, I will make you a piece of art - since my nonprofit, The Art of Survival, is sponsoring War on Women and Safer Scenes during their Warped Tour travels. FOLLOW, RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! - Any love on the iTunes app helps! CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ITUNES STORE! - Follow along on Instagram and Twitter @eduPUNXpod!

The first incarnation of this blog and podcast, Poiesis Studio, was actually a practice group for actors and filmmakers. We used to meet at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, Cambridge. It was there that I first met, Nicole Mazzeo. Her educational organization Pleasure Pie was sponsoring an ongoing discussion group called Sex Positive Boston. Curious to see what they were about, I eventually ventured into one of the meetings. A bit nervous, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself welcomed into a meeting space of very diverse folks talking with one another openly and honestly about their sexuality. I was struck how genuine and sincere people were, and how much they seemed to get out of having this space to share their thoughts and feelings on sex and relationships. As someone who leads therapy groups, I felt keenly aware of the presence and skill with which the facilitator, Nicole led this group. Nicole thinks outside of the box, and brings a boon of wisdom in this episode. Enjoy!   Links from the show Pleasure Pie Bitch Magazine Sex Positive Boston Center for Sexual Pleasure and HealthPervocracy Weebly Shamble Meditation Center Brookline Occupy Boston Her Towel Head People mentioned Megan Andelloux Nina Hartley Show notes  Nicole talks about sex eduction and what the term Sex Positive means [4:39] The beginnings of Nicole’s journey toward becoming a sex educator. [7:37] Nicole talks about early challenges around sexuality. [10:12  ] Feminism, Bitch Magazine, and Sex positivity. [11:58  ] Zine making and the origins of Pleasure Pie. [14:51] The ups and downs of teaching teenagers about consent. [16:53] Slut and prude shaming. [23:08  ]    Nicole’s approach to leading discussion groups. [27:54] Some of Nicole’s inspirations. [32:38] Response to some random questions. [35:20 ] Nicole’s final provocative question for listeners. [43:07]

A talk by authors Jim Shultz & Melissa Crane Draper. (Moderated by Jerome McDonnell, host of Chicago Public Radio's Worldview.) Author Jim Shultz is founder and Executive Director of the San Francisco based Democracy Center and has lived and worked in Bolivia for much of the past decade, chronicling grassroots movements to control exploitation of Bolivia's natural resources, from water resources to oil and natural gas. With Melissa Crane Draper and other Democracy Center affiliates, Shultz places Bolivians' struggles in a broader context of Latin America's experiences with forces of globalization. From the World Beyond the Headlines Series.

A talk by authors Jim Shultz & Melissa Crane Draper. (Moderated by Jerome McDonnell, host of Chicago Public Radio's Worldview.) Author Jim Shultz is founder and Executive Director of the San Francisco based Democracy Center and has lived and worked in Bolivia for much of the past decade, chronicling grassroots movements to control exploitation of Bolivia's natural resources, from water resources to oil and natural gas. With Melissa Crane Draper and other Democracy Center affiliates, Shultz places Bolivians' struggles in a broader context of Latin America's experiences with forces of globalization. From the World Beyond the Headlines Series.

A talk by authors Jim Shultz & Melissa Crane Draper. (Moderated by Jerome McDonnell, host of Chicago Public Radio's Worldview.) Author Jim Shultz is founder and Executive Director of the San Francisco based Democracy Center and has lived and worked in Bolivia for much of the past decade, chronicling grassroots movements to control exploitation of Bolivia's natural resources, from water resources to oil and natural gas. With Melissa Crane Draper and other Democracy Center affiliates, Shultz places Bolivians' struggles in a broader context of Latin America's experiences with forces of globalization. From the World Beyond the Headlines Series.