Payne on Politics

Steve is a retiree enjoying the finer things in life from the beach in Rosarito.  Dr. Payne and Steve discuss what it has been like for Steve, a veteran and former teacher, to turn Rosarito Mexico into his full-time residence.  Tune in to hear thoughts on the mediated reality of Mexico, the experience of living abroad, and the perspective of a veteran looking at the state of U.S. politics. 

Dr. Payne sits down with long-time friend and global artist, David Silvah.  David is known for his beautiful paintings which have captured the vibrancy of Baja, Mexico, and carried it across the globe. His artwork has been featured throughout the United States, Mexico, and Europe.  Tune in to hear about David's journey and what his experience has been building bridges through his painting.  A...

Mikey McManus was a key Emerson alum in the foundation of the Rosarito Film Festival.  He and I sat down and discussed his experience of working with the filmmakers during those early years of the program.  Mikey also tells us what it's like being in LA with the Emerson College Mafia and the network of talent that exists there. 

Rosy Torres, a Pan-Am and World Champion racquetball athlete, sits down and talks about how founding the Boys and Girls Club of Rosarito has changed the lives of over 4000 young people in Baja, Mexico!  Rosy is an inspirational figure to so many people and is another example of the community-driven Torres family - of The Rosarito Beach Hotel -  continuing their legacy of giving and making an impac...

Dr. Payne sits down with one of his former Occidental College students and fellow Harvard alum, Larry Mondragon. Larry carries a vast range of eclectic and in-depth knowledge ranging from law, his career with IBM, and his journey as an Executive Producer of the Amazon show Wheel of Time.   Larry quickly became a fan favorite of our weekly Pizza and Politics calls where he consistently shares his b...

Guest Sam DeCoste embodies the Emersonian spirit! As a current student in the Sports Communication program, Sam talks about winning the National Student Production Awards for producing the Outstanding College/University Sports Program in the Boston/New England chapter. The award is for producing the 4th episode of The Box Score, a live-to-tape student-run studio sports talk show at Emerson.  What...

Dr. Charles Steinberg, president of the Worcester Woosox, opened up his suite after a WooSox game to talk sports as soft power.   Stemming from years of being VP for the Boston Red Sox, the  Baltimore Orioles, and the San Diego Padres, Charles is known for creating innovative ballpark entertainment and community initiatives. Outside of his role in Major League Baseball, Charles is Director of Spor...

Spencer Kimball, Director of Emerson Polling, joins us to further discuss their ongoing project called, "Unlocking the Hispanic Vote." How did the economy, gas price, and Trump endorsement impact the recent primary results in Texas, South Carolina, and Nevada?  What are the differences between the Hispanic vote in Texas vs Florida and how do those demographics view the idea of election f...

Brian Weidling  (Emerson College '96, film producer and documentarian)  reflects on his time at Emerson College plus shares his experience with the 1970 Kent State shooting story and interviewing a guardsman who participated in that horrific event. Weidling also shares stories from his career, his life experience after developing physical disabilities from a car accident, and his current proj...

Our first guest on the Podcast visiting from Barcelona! Blanquerna Universitat Marketing Professor Alba Ramirez discusses the politics of food, gastrodiplomacy, and more! Spencer Kimball, director of Emerson Polling, joins us again to talk about Dr. Oz and his ceiling, John Fetterman and his Yinzer popularity, and the Louisiana Jungle Primary! Dr. Payne and Spencer Kimball also give their input on...

Political Analyst, Susan Del Percio, discusses her time at Emerson College along with her journey as a moderate Republican and how it led her to MSNBC.  America's favorite Pollster, Spencer Kimball,  dives into the Georgia and Alabama Primaries and what the numbers are telling them at Emerson Polling.  Spencer shares his thoughts on what some take-home points are for the Republican Party.  Dr...

Guest Spencer Kimball  (Director of Emerson Polling at Emerson College) talks Pennsylvania primary results/race, Trump endorsements and their effect on public opinion, Madison Cawthorn going down in his primaries,  AIPAC  and outside money in politics + much more!