Art of Discussing

In this discussion, Ben and Kate talk about the history of the tax system, what taxes are included in the U.S. Constitution and the tax code legislation that has passed over the years.  Research/Resources: A Brief History of Taxes in the US by Amy Fontielle, reviewed by Lea D. Uradu, and fact checked by Suzanne Kvilhaug. Published in Investopedia.com January 24, 2023 and available on https://www.i...

In this episode, Kate and Ben discuss the outcome of the Federal Reserve meeting that just occurred March 22, 2023. Research/Resources: Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress by Chair Jerome H. Powel. Published in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System website March 7, 2023 and available on  https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/testimony/powell20230307a.htm Federal Open M...

In this episode, Kate and Ben discuss the student loan forgiveness cases that were argued in front of the Supreme Court on February 28, 2023. They also provide a quick update on the Title 42 Supreme Court case status. Research/Resources Will student loan forgiveness pass the Supreme Court? Here’s what we know so far by Kamaron McNair. Published in CNBC website March 2, 2023 and available on  https...

In this episode, Ben and Kate discuss the economy using January 2023 labor report numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Research/Resources: Employment Situation News Release: The Employment Situation – January 2023 USDL -23-0151. Published in U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website and available on https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_02032023.htm Mapped: GDP Growth Foreca...

In this quick update, Ben and Kate discuss what has happened over the last year since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.  Research/Resources: Examining the war in Ukraine, one year after Russian invasion by Billy Morgan. Published in UChicago News website February 8, 2023 and available on https://news.uchicago.edu/story/examining-war-ukraine-one-year-after-russian-invasion Russia-Ukraine...

In this episode, Kate and Ben discuss the discovery of classified documents in unauthorized locations in possession of high level government officials including President Biden, former President Trump, and former Vice President Pence.  Research/Resources: 18 U.S. Code 1924 – Unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or materials. Published in Cornell Law School and available on ht...

In continuing our lite byte episodes, Ben and Kate welcome past guest, Chester, back to discuss this years' Super Bowl commercials. Let your hosts know your thoughts about these ads by leaving a comment or emailing them at info@artofdiscussing.com. Check out our website at http://artofdiscussing.buzzsprout.com, on Facebook at Art of Discussing and on Instagram @artofdiscussing. Got a topic th...

In this episode, Ben and Kate discuss the Title 42 immigration law that was enacted in March 2020, due to the public heath concern during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current legal case that will be heard by the Supreme Court.  Research/Resources: DHS Continues to Prepare for End of Title 42; Announces New Border Enforcement Measures and Additional Safe and Orderly Processes. Published in Homelan...

In this episode, Ben and Kate complete the conversation about Web 3.0 (Part 2), the oft-discussed, potential next version of the internet including what makes it different from the current version, feasibility and timeline for development, and impact on the everyday person using the internet.   Research/Resources: What is Web3? The Future of the internet, cryptocurrency and estate planning by Cody...

In this episode, Ben and Kate discuss Web 3.0 (Part 1), the oft-discussed, potential next version of the internet including what makes it different from the current version, feasibility and timeline for development, and impact on the everyday person using the internet.   Research/Resources: What is Web3? The Future of the internet, cryptocurrency and estate planning by Cody Barbo. Published in Fas...

In this episode Ben and Kate discuss the last 50 years of immigration policy and the current events now such as the stats around illegal immigration as of end of 2022, transporting migrants to other states and what solutions we may need. Research/Resources: Click here for the link to our pdf with the resources sourced for this episode. Check out our website at http://artofdiscussing.buzzsprout.com...

In this episode, Kate and Ben discuss Cryptocurrency (Part 2) including the history of cryptocurrency and how it differs from fiat currency, the definitions of different concepts and terms, the current status of cryptocurrency and the future of cryptocurrency.   Your hosts also provide an update to the episode since the FTX bankruptcy filing was announced. Research/Resources: Click here for the li...

In this episode, Kate and Ben discuss Cryptocurrency (Part 1) including the history of cryptocurrency and how it differs from fiat currency, the definitions of different concepts and terms, the current status of cryptocurrency and the future of cryptocurrency.  Research/Resources: Click here for the link to our pdf with the resources sourced for this episode (the list was too long to fit everythin...

In this episode, Ben and Kate discuss the economy, specifically what is happening with inflation and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. Research/Resources: Senate-Passed Inflation Reduction Act: Estimates of Budgetary and Macroeconomic Effects by PWMB staff and written by Jon Huntley, John Ricco, and Alex Arnon and prepared for the website by Mariko Paulson. Published on Penn Wharton Unive...

Welcome to the new format of Art of Discussing! We are changing how we release episodes. We will be releasing episodes each month with relevant topics that your hosts want to discuss for their listeners. Ben and Kate will be discussing topics and bringing in guests.   In this episode, Ben and Kate discuss the overturning of Roe v Wade in June and what factors the Supreme Court based its ruling upo...

A quick message from your hosts about what's next for Art of Discussing! Check out our website at http://artofdiscussing.buzzsprout.com, on Facebook at Art of Discussing and on Instagram @artofdiscussing. Got a topic that you'd like to see discussed? Interested in being a guest on our show? Just want to reach out to share an opinion, experience, or resource? Leave us a comment below or c...

This week on the Season 3 finale episode, your hosts, Ben and Kate, will discuss the different topics from Season 3 and what they learned from this season.  Check out our website at http://www.artofdiscussing.com, on Facebook at Art of Discussing and on Instagram @artofdiscussing. Leave us a comment below or contact us at info@artofdiscussing.com! Music found on Pixabay. Song name: "Clear You...

In this episode, we discuss with our guest, Dr. John Mueller, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and political science department member at Ohio State University, the current U.S. Foreign policy challenges that we face including the war in Ukraine as well as the challenges we could face in the future.  About our guest: John Mueller is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. He is also a member of...

In this episode, we discuss with our guest, Dr. Peter Cowhey, Dean and Qualcomm Chair Emeritus at University of California San Diego, the current challenges with digital commerce and cybersecurity as well as the challenges we could face in the future.  About our guest: Peter F. Cowhey is Dean and Qualcomm Chair Emeritus of the School of Global Policy and Strategy where he served as dean from 2002...

In this episode, The Events of January 6th, 2021, we discuss with our returning guest, Frank, what happened, timeline of events, actions and impact of key leaders and the Congressional  Commission investigating the event. Research/Resources Notes: The Capitol Riot: A Chronology Edited by Claire Harvey and Lauren Harper. Published in National Security Archive January 6, 2022 and available on  https...

In this episode, we discuss with our guest, Dr. Samuel Popkin, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at University of California San Diego, the two main political parties and their possible future. Join us and our guest as we discuss political parties. About our guest: Popkin has published in unusually diverse areas across subfields. His influential books focused on campaigns, voting, and electi...

**Content warning: This episode contains discussion about sexual crimes and mature descriptions of events occurring inside of correctional facilities.** In this episode, U.S. Domestic Policy: Justice System, we discuss with our guest, Dustin, the  justice system from law enforcement to pre-trial confinement to criminal trial/plea process to sentencing  and ultimately release, parole and probation....

In this episode, U.S. Domestic Policy: Voting System, we discuss with our guest, Dr. Douglas Brattebo, Associate Professor and Director of the James A. Garfield Center of the Study of the American Presidency at Hiram University, the electoral college, voting behavior and possible future changes to the system. Join us and our guest as we discuss the voting system. About our guest: Douglas M. Bratte...

In this episode, The Constitutional Conversation, we discuss with our guest, Dr. Douglas Brattebo, Associate Professor and Director of the James A. Garfield Center of the Study of the American Presidency at Hiram University, the United States Constitution, it's goal and structure and how we determine constitutionality.  Join us and our guest as we discuss the Constitution. About our guest: Do...

In this episode Role of Government, we discuss with our guest, Jake, what role government should have at the federal, state and local levels. Join us and our guest for our discussion about the role of government. Check out our website at http://artofdiscussing.buzzsprout.com, on Facebook at Art of Discussing and on Instagram @artofdiscussing. Got a topic that you'd like to see discussed? Inte...