Untangling Podcast

Join Darina Kulaha as she interviews economist Michael Ettlinger on the economic fallout of the Trump administration’s tax policies. They discuss how wealth inequality has grown, the challenges posed by the national debt, and the broader implications for fiscal responsibility in the U.S. This episode dives into tax reform, deficit spending, tariffs, and the urgent need for investments in clean ene...

In this episode, Pakistani Ambassador Jauhar Saleem joins the show to unpack one of the world’s longest-running and most volatile conflicts: Kashmir. We discuss the historical origins of the dispute, Pakistan’s position, India’s political shift under Modi, and how nuclear diplomacy and global alliances shape South Asia today. Ambassador Saleem reflects on the legacy of colonial partition, the impa...

In this episode of Untangling Podcast , Professor Fubing Su explores the past and future of Taiwan-China relations—from historic rivalries and evolving Taiwanese identity to chip industry strategy, public sentiment, and the delicate power balance in the region. We discuss: How Taiwan’s history shaped its current status Why Chinese nationalism fuels urgency over Taiwan What makes a military invasio...

Untangling Podcast sits down with renowned historian Professor Maria Bucur-Deckard to explore the political upheaval surrounding Romania’s 2025 elections. Professor Bucur, a leading scholar of modern Eastern European history and gender politics, brings her expert lens to the country’s shifting democratic landscape.🇷🇴 We dive deep into:- The rise of far-right populism in Romania and the surge of th...

In this episode of Untangling Podcast , Professor Fubing Su unpacks China’s international ambitions under Xi Jinping and its complex relationships with regional powers. We discuss the growing role of nationalism, the economic-political balance within the Chinese Communist Party, and what the future may hold for U.S.-China relations. Whether you're curious about China’s rising global influence,...

Is Russia a true military superpower—or just projecting strength? In this episode, Darina Kulaha speaks with Dr. Pavel Luzin about the internal weaknesses of Russia’s military system, the myth of its global dominance, and why the Kremlin may need war more than it wants peace. From chaotic military planning to the political elite’s dependence on conflict for legitimacy, this is a powerful breakdown...

Immigration lawyer Matthew Peterson joins  Untangling Podcast  to explain the major risks and rights facing immigrants in 2025. We cover ICE interactions, the future of student visas, IRS data sharing dangers, and why finding the right legal representation is crucial. Matthew offers real-world advice for navigating a complex and changing system, while Darina Kulaha highlights the bigger political...

In this episode, Darina Kulaha sits down with constitutional scholar Aziz Rana to examine why the U.S. Constitution is failing to meet the demands of modern democracy . From Trump’s presidency to judicial overreach , from gerrymandering to political polarization , Aziz lays out the structural flaws and how we might fix them. Topics include: Executive power and the myth of checks and balances Elect...

In this episode of Untangling Podcast , host Darina Kulaha interviews Nico Agosta about his groundbreaking project that grades the financial integrity of Congress. Inspired by a Twitter controversy, Nico reveals how he evolved his formula to track PACs, Super PACs, and the ethical lapses in campaign finance. Listen as we explore the influence of money on political campaigns, the prevalence of insi...

What makes Vladimir Putin tick? In this episode, Darina Kulaha interviews Andrew Kuchins, a leading expert on U.S.-Russia relations and former director of the Carnegie Moscow Center. From Putin’s early ambitions to the deep historical tensions shaping today’s war in Ukraine, this conversation unpacks why Western leaders still fail to understand Putin’s worldview — and what it means for the future...

💡 Does immigration help or hurt the economy? In this episode of Untangling Podcast , I speak with Sarah Pearlman , an economist and professor, to break down the numbers behind one of the most heated debates today. We dive into how immigration affects jobs, wages, and key industries like construction and hospitality, plus the real economic consequences of mass deportations. 🎙️ Topics we cover: Are...

Is American democracy in crisis? In this episode of Untangling Podcast , I sit down with political scientist Richard Born to explore the legal and political challenges shaping the U.S. today. We discuss the constitutional implications of Donald Trump's presidency, the rise of the unitary executive theory, and the impact of judicial decisions on the balance of power. From civil service protections...

In this thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with renowned historian and Boston University Professor Igor Lukes to explore the dangerous parallels between today's political landscape and some of the most turbulent moments in modern history. We dive into the connections between Trump and Mussolini, examining whether democracy is under threat in ways eerily similar to the 1930s. Professor...