Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

Civil Discourse

This podcast uses government documents to illuminate the workings of the American government, and offer context around the effects of government agencies in your everyday life.

Author

Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

Category

Government

Podcast website

guides.library.vcu.edu

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

In The News: Who the Heck is Tim Walz? 12.08.2024

Aughie and Nia discuss a person in civics news - Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, the Democratic vice president pick. Aughie analyzes his pros and cons as a nominee. 

SoS 2024: Wrap Up and What's Next 26.07.2024

Aughie and Nia wrap up the statstics for the 23-24 SCOTUS session and look forward to coming cases in the 24-25 SCOTUS session.

SoS 2024: Case review, part 4 26.07.2024

Nia and Aughie review the following cases: Murthy v. Missouri; NetChoice, LLC v. Paxton and Moody v. NetChoice, LLC; City of Grants Pass v. Johnson; Loper Bright Enterprises v Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v Department of Commerce

SoS 2024: Case review, part 2 26.07.2024

Nia and Aughie review the following rulings: Moore V. U.S.; Garland v. Cargill; U.S. v. Rahimi

SoS 2024: Better at Other Stuff 26.07.2024

Aughie and Nia discuss the Supreme Court Justices that were overrated as Justices. Many of them were quite strong in other positions but were seen as less influential on the Court than their reputation might suggest.

SoS 2024: Who Cares What the SCOTUS Ruled? 26.07.2024

Aughie and Nia discuss instances where Presidents, Congress, the States, and the political parties have defied or ignored Supreme Court rulings.

SoS 2024: Case review, part 1 26.07.2024

Aughie and Nia review the following rulings: Alexander v. NAACP; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) v. Consumer Financial Services Association of America; Muldrow v. City of St. Louis; O'Connor Ratcliff v. Garnier and Lindke v. Freed; Donal Trump v. Norma Anderson; FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine.

SoS 2024: Justice Oddities 26.07.2024

From eating habits to medical issues to marital involvements, Nia and Aughie discuss some of the Justices' interesting oddities.

SoS 2024: Case review, part 5 26.07.2024

Aughie and Nia review the following cases: Fischer v. United States; Trump v. United States

SoS 2024: Case review, part 3 26.07.2024

Aughie and Nia review the following cases: Snyder v. U.S.; Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkes y ; Idaho v. U.S.; Harrington v. Purdue Pharma

In the News: Biden Withdraws 24.07.2024

Nia and Aughie discuss the ramifications of President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Campaign.

In the News: JD Vance 17.07.2024

Former President Donald Trump has chosen Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate in the 2024 Presidential Election. Aughie and Nia discuss the pros and cons of bringing Senator Vance onto the ticket.

In the News: Trump Florida Case Dismissed 17.07.2024

Aughie and Nia discuss the importance of Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling in the Florida documents case against former President Donald Trump. The 93 page ruling relies heavily on a dissent written by Justice Scalia in Morrison v. Olson, one that has waxed and waned in support since 1988.

In the News: Guilty on 34 Counts 06.06.2024

Aughie and Nia discuss the recent Donald Trump trial that resulted in 34 felony convictions. 

In the News: Recognizing Palestine as a Nation 06.06.2024

Aughie and Nia welcome Dr. Bill Newmann to discuss the recent news that some nations have recognized Palestine as a nation. They also talk about unusual instances of recognition and de-recognition of countries in the past.

In the News: TikTok Threatened in Federal Legislation 10.05.2024

Nia and Aughie discuss the federal legislation signed by President Biden that requires TikTok to sell to a different owner. They also discuss the national security implications as well as the Commerce Clause implications of the legislation. Episode was created May 1, 2024.

In the News: College Student Protests 10.05.2024

Aughie and Nia discuss the college student protests currently taking place in the U.S. They explore time, place and manner restrictions imposed on the protestors. Episode was created May 1, 2024.

Blue Laws 02.05.2024

Aughie and Nia discuss the origin of blue laws, laws that generally prevent some purchases on Sundays. Aughie showcases several instances where the SCOTUS has supported the Constitutionality of blue laws.

Monroe Doctrine 26.04.2024

Nia and Aughie welcome back political scientist Chris Saladino for a discussion of the Monroe Doctrine. The episode eventually covers a few other Presidential doctrines as well as the mechanics of foreign policy development.

Types of International Power 19.04.2024

Aughie and Nia are glad to have another conversation with political scientist Judy Twigg. This time, they are covering the different types of international power: hard, soft, smart, and sharp powers.

Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 2 12.04.2024

In part 2 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie again host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians. **some adult language is used in this episode

Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 1 05.04.2024

In part 1 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians.  **some adult language is used in this episode

United Kingdom Parliament, part 2 29.03.2024

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to continue their discussion regarding the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.

United Kingdom Parliament, part 1 22.03.2024

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to discuss the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.

U.S. Declaration of Independence 15.03.2024

Aughie and Nia discuss the basis and history of the United States' Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

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