Research the News

Join us as we dive into the fascinating history of the national political conventions in the United States. From their humble beginnings to the modern-day spectacles we see today, we explore how these conventions have evolved and what they mean for our political process. We also discuss the role of media, celebrities, and the surprising power plays behind the scenes. Whether you're a history buff...

In this episode of 'Research the News,' hosts Ray Abel and Ben Hardt are joined by Kevin Reynolds, a veteran of political digital marketing, to explore the intricate world of digital campaigns. Kevin shares his unique insights from years of experience working on both local and national campaigns, including his thoughts on the impact of digital marketing on modern elections and the ethical challeng...

Join Ray and Ben in this episode of 'Research the News' as they dive into the fascinating history of the Vice Presidency in the United States. From John Adams' disdain for the role to the significant impact of modern Vice Presidents, they explore how the office has evolved over the centuries. Discover surprising facts, historical turning points, and lively discussions on the relevance of the Vice...

In this episode of Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Ben Hardt tackle the latest political developments. They begin by examining the vice presidential choices, including JD Vance's nomination and potential picks for Kamala Harris. The discussion then shifts to Biden's proposed Supreme Court reforms, where they explore the implications of term limits for justices, the introduction of an ethics...

In this episode of Research the News, host Ray Abel is excited to introduce his new co-host, Ben Hardt. Ray and Ben, who have been friends for almost 20 years, bring their diverse political perspectives to the table, aiming to foster open, respectful, and enlightening discussions. They delve into their backgrounds, share anecdotes from their long-standing friendship, and set the stage for future e...

In this episode of Research the News, Ray Abel is joined by Dr. Jennifer Jacobs and Renee Williams to explore the intricate world of the U.S. foster care system. Dr. Jacobs, who has an impressive background in physics, nuclear engineering, and national security, now focuses on developing technology to support family connections for foster children. Renee Williams, with her extensive experience in...

In this episode of Research the News, host Ray Abel is joined by Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder of FULCRUM, to discuss the critical issue of literacy in the U.S. Kareem, who has extensive experience as a teacher and administrator, explains why only 34% of fourth-grade students are performing at a proficient level in reading. The conversation covers various teaching methods, including phonics, balanced...

In this episode of Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd are joined by Gonzalo Veloz, who recounts his experiences growing up in Venezuela and provides an insightful analysis of the country's current state of affairs. Gonzalo, who sought political asylum in the U.S. in 2015, offers a firsthand account of the challenges faced by Venezuelans, including the economic turmoil, political i...

In this episode of Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Caitlin Werth are joined by Michael Gungor, a Grammy-nominated Christian musician and founder of The Liturgists podcast, to discuss the significant decline in U.S. church membership. Michael, who left the Christian church a few years ago, shares his personal experiences and insights into why many Americans are distancing themselves from orga...

This week on Research the News, Ray Abel opens with a compelling monologue on the broken state of journalism, exploring how media consolidation and bias have led to the decline of the fourth estate. He highlights the history of media ownership, the role of the press, and the impact of media conglomerates on public perception. Following this, Gretchen Hurd joins the discussion to delve into the sig...

In this episode of Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd welcome Dr. Jessica Scott, Associate Professor of Gender Studies at West Virginia Wesleyan College, for a comprehensive discussion on transgender athletes. Dr. Scott, an academic with degrees from the University of Illinois and the University of Cape Town, brings her expertise to the table, examining the issues from multiple an...

In this episode of Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd welcome Hannah Broadway, a Licensed Professional Counselor, to explore the crucial topic of how to disagree without fostering hatred. With the increasing polarization in society, the ability to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue is becoming a lost art. Hannah shares her expertise on maintaining healthy relationships...

In this episode of Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd engage in a candid conversation with Andrew Churchill about his experiences as an Asian American. Andrew shares personal stories and insights into the unique challenges he has faced, including bias, discrimination, and the perpetual foreigner stereotype. The discussion also delves into the media's role in covering Asian America...

This week on Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd are joined by Caitlin Werth to delve into the topic of prison reform. Caitlin, who served as the director of the HOPE Pre-Release Program at Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh, PA, provides a unique perspective on rehabilitative and re-entry programs for incarcerated men and women. The discussion spans various aspects of the prison...

This week on Research the News, Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd take a deep dive into the criteria we use to judge political candidates and public figures. They examine the impact of public apologies and discuss the role of forgiveness in the political and social arenas. Through an engaging conversation, they uncover the nuances of accountability and how public perception shapes our understanding of le...

This week on Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd are joined by Peace Ike to explore the intricate dynamics of cancel culture and virtue signaling. Our conversation covers a broad spectrum of examples, including the recent debates over Mr. Potato Head and Dr. Seuss, ensuring a comprehensive examination of how these phenomena impact society. Peace shares her insights on how public di...

Welcome to the new season of Research the News! In our relaunch episode, Ray Abel and our new co-host Gretchen Hurd dive into some of the most pressing issues in today's society. We're joined by Sidni Standard for a thought-provoking discussion on Critical Race Theory and its impact on college campuses. Sidni shares her unique perspective, transitioning from participating in Black Lives Matter pro...