Civil Discourse

In this episode, Aughie and Nia explore the question of whether Donald Trump can remove Rosie' O'Donnell's American citizenship. 

Aughie and Nia explore the contributions and impact of the Marshall Court. In part one, they discuss Chief Justice John Marshall's personal history and the formalizing of the U.S. Supreme Court rules under his leadership.

In a new series, Aughie and Nia are exploring the United States Supreme Court Eras, usually defined by the name of the Chief Justice of the era. In this first episode the first eleven years of the Court (Chiefs Jay, Rutledge, and Ellsworth) are covered as a group, since there really wasn't a lot accomplished in this period.

Aughie and Nia discuss the issues at stake when President Trump called for the firing of Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve Board Governor. SCOTUS will take up this issue in January of 2026.

Aughie and Nia discuss the cases that support the SCOTUS decision to allow the firing of Lisa Slaughter to stand. Slaughter is a member of an independent regulatory agency.

Nia and Aughie discuss the legal and Constitutional answers to the question: Can President Trump rename the Department of Defense?

Aughie and Nia discuss the legal and Constitutional answers to the question: Can President Trump order the destruction of Venezuelan boats?

Aughie and Nia discuss the final Federalist Paper in this series, number 78. In this Federalist Paper, Alexander Hamilton tackles the appointment of judges and justices in the Judicial Branch of the proposed government. Brutus (likely Robert Yates) responds in Brutus papers 11, 12, and 15. 

Nia and Aughie discuss Federalist Paper 68, the election of the President of the United States. Alexander Hamilton lays out the electoral college in Federalist 68. The response, Cato 4, was likely written by George Clinton. 

Aughie and Nia discuss Federalist Paper 51, which lays out checks and balances in the proposed federal government. James Madison is the author of Federalist 51. Centinel 1, by Samuel Bryan, responds.

Aughie and Nia explore the rather difficult year Chief Justice John Roberts has had in the keeping the SCOTUS on track and productive.

Nia and Aughie discuss the following case rulings:  Oklahoma Statewide Charter Board v. Drummond, Smith & Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Commission, Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, and Martin v. United States.

Nia and Aughie discuss the following case rulings: Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, Mahmoud v. Taylor, and Trump v CASA.

Aughie gives Nia a run-down on all the statistics of the most recent SCOTUS session; who talked the most and least, who wrote the most and least, who agreed the most and least, and other statistics and observations.

Aughie and Nia discuss the following case rulings: United States v. Skrmetti, Diamond Alternative Energy v. EPA, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, and Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers' Research.

Aughie gives listeners a preview of some of the cases that have been accepted for adjudication in the next SCOTUS term, including: Louisiana v. Calais, Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety, Hamm v. Smith, Elingburg v. U.S., Chiles v. Salazar, National Republican Senatorial Committee v. FEC, Urias-Orellana v. Bondi, and a combination of two cases, Little v. Hecox and West...

Aughie and Nia discuss the legal and Constitutional guidance around Presidents and their deployment of the National Guard to a state or city.

In the last episode of season 18, Aughie and Nia explore the long and storied history of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Nia and Aughie discuss the history and responsibilities of the Bureau of the Mint.

Aughie and Nia learn about the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the many financial and banking boards that the Comptroller sits on or directs.

Nia and Aughie discuss the rich and long history of the Children's Bureau, from its founding in 1912 to the modern era.

Aughie and Nia discuss the recent efforts of the Trump Administration to target the research efforts, curricula, and financial support of universities and colleges.

Nia and Aughe explain the history and work of the Western Area Power Administration.

Aughie and Nia explore the formation, responsibilities, and struggles of the Transportation Security Administration.

 Aughie and Nia take a look at the lawsuits, firings, and impoundments during President Trump's first seven weeks in office.