We had the privilege of speaking with Professor Eric Patashnik, Julis-Rabinowitz Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Political Science at Brown University, described by The New York Times as a leading scholar on why policies succeed or fail. Our conversation explored his work “Countermobilization: Policy Feedback and Backlash in a Polarized Age,” examining how policymakers navigate backlash strategies, the evolution of backlash from a consequence of reform to a weapon in partisan politics, and how it simultaneously functions as a form of policy feedback. We also delved into one of the most interesting political science works out there, “Unhealthy Politics: The Battle over Evidence-Based Medicine.” We discussed how limited political incentives and slow adoption rates within medical society hinder reform, and what solutions might drive effective progress. To conclude, we examined the structural factors that enable policies to endure by satisfying diverse stakeholders, fostering reconfiguration through new coalitions, interest groups, and sustained investment, and how social media can now shape or undermine this process. To wrap things up, we talked about the new era of tennis and who Professor Patashnik predicts will have the upper hand in the Sinner–Alcaraz rivalry! Check it out!
--------
1:00:18
--------
1:00:18
E30 Professor Ian Shapiro
What an insightful conversation we had with Professor Ian Shapiro, Sterling Professor of Political Science at Yale University. Even before our episode, we had long been his students through the Devane lectures, so it was our immense privilege to speak with him! We began with his book “Politics Against Domination,” discussing the idea that domination is the central problem politics must confront, then moved to exploring democracy as a conditioning good and how this understanding informs both the protection and promotion of democracy, as well as the lessons drawn from its successes and failures abroad. Then we turned to his acclaimed work “The Wolf at the Door: The Menace of Economic Insecurity and How to Fight It,” exploring ideas such as the role of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in reducing political insecurity and creating a race-to-the-top effect, the potential of a bottom up expansion in healthcare starting with a public Medicare option for younger adults, and the importance of building strong coalitions. We then turned to the topic of elections, discussing how polarization often arises from structural factors like safe seats and ideologically extreme primaries that distort representation. Finally, we explored voting reforms to better include marginalized communities and how political parties can reconnect with voters in an era where political branding often overshadows party platforms. In the end, we had the chance to learn what still surprises Professor Shapiro, even after his long and distinguished teaching career. Check it out!
--------
1:06:17
--------
1:06:17
E29 Professor Donald Green
We had the ultimate privilege of speaking with Professor Donald Green, Burgess Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, and widely considered the father of randomized field experiments in political science. His work has been the backbone for so much of our campaign work, so it was surreal speaking to him directly! Our conversation spanned a wide range of topics: from the structural shift in campaigns from persuasion to mobilization, to strategies for reducing polarization, alongside the paradox of scaling to more voters while still preserving quality and personal warmth. We also had the chance to discuss Get Out the Vote, an area where Professor Green is the leading expert, exploring mobilization tactics with a special focus on youth, before turning to randomized field experiments, their history, and their current place within the discipline of political science. To top it off, we talked about Octi, a renowned board game Professor Green created! We’ve actually just challenged him to a match, so fingers crossed we will at least make it a close game! Check it out!
--------
26:48
--------
26:48
E28 MLA George Anderson
We had the privilege of speaking with MLA Anderson, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nanaimo–Lantzville and Parliamentary Secretary for Transit. Our conversation covered his leadership in environmental and transit policy, from Nanaimo’s first Transportation Master Plan to his vision for a resilient port strategy that strengthens BC’s economy. We also explored his trailblazing role as one of only four Black MLAs in the province's history and his remarkable path as a young leader in government, beginning with his election to Nanaimo City Council at just 20 and continuing to the legislature today. Stay tuned until the end to hear which of the five instruments he has mastered he would choose to play for the rest of his life!
--------
24:32
--------
24:32
E27 MP Elizabeth May
We had the privilege of an incredible conversation with MP Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Federal Green Party. Our discussion spanned a wide range of topics, including the progress Bill C-226 has made in dismantling environmental racism to her thoughts on the recent passing of C-5 and how Parliament should balance efficiency with accountability. Beyond environmental issues, we explored the Green Party’s broader priorities, including Motion M-11 on housing and her vision for a strategy that defines affordability by individual income rather than market rent, alongside her continued support for Vote16 and Bill S-222. To wrap up, MP May recounts her craziest commuting story, reaffirming her commitment to staying environmentally friendly even in the most unpredictable circumstances!
Podcast where a pair of Twins (Jerry and Jason) interviews Members of Parliament within Canada and get their insights on the most pressing issues within Canada as well as offering ways for Youth to get involved within politics.
Canada - english