Potstirrer Podcast

In the first of a two-part series, Jaye discusses the decline of the United States within the framework of her hometown, Detroit, Michigan. She also outlines the conditions needed for a thriving country. Is "inefficient" government truly the problem? Is America a failed state? Thank you for listening! Subscribe, review, rate 5 stars, and share! Check us out online: Twitter: @potstirrercast IG: @po...

In this episode, Jaye contemplates her academic background and personal experiences in American evangelicalism when examining the recent focus by the mainstream media on white evangelicals. Over 80 percent of white evangelical voters supported Donald Trump in 2016, and many American evangelical leaders continue to defend Trump's rhetoric and actions, which sharply run against the very Bible evange...

In this episode, Jaye discusses the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida. What are the problems contributing to these school shootings, and what can be done to decrease the instances of these tragedies in the future? Jaye takes on the arguments made on both the extreme pro-gun and anti-gun sides - as Americans on all sides of the Second Amendment / gun control debate are needed to cooperati...

**WARNING: Mature Subject Matter Jaye concludes her two-part discussion of the abortion issue in Part II. She discusses the origins of the Religious Right after the Roe v. Wade US Supreme Court decision in 1973, and the role abortion as a political issue played in the formation of the Religious Right. Jaye also reacts to the tendency of the pro-life movement to co-opt equality movements for their...

WARNING: Mature Subject Matter In Part I of a two-part series, Jaye begins to tackle what has arguably been the most controversial political issue in the United States for the past 50 years - abortion. She discusses her own views on the topic and how she arrived at her stance. Jaye also delves into the history of abortion rights in the United States up until the 1973 Roe v. Wade US Supreme Court d...

This special Christmas/New Years episode takes a look at the "War on Christmas" – the belief that societal forces are attempting to attack or downplay the Christmas holiday. The "War on Christmas" tends to be a common idea in conservative Christian circles, and exploited by conservative politicians and media. Is there a "War on Christmas," and what it the concern about Christmas truly about? Jaye...

Today's episode is a reminder that truth still matters, even in a "post-truth" era. Jaye discusses the abandonment of truth among many conservative evangelicals in the United States in pursuit of political power. What does the Bible say about truth, and what does it mean for those in American society who claim to hold the Bible as the inspired or literal word of God, yet also profess allegiance to...

Today's episode explores the Second Amendment to the US Constitution in light of the recent mass shootings and rhetoric from American politicians surrounding crime, terrorism, gun control and mental illness. Jaye presents what some listeners may consider a surprising take on the issue of gun control and the Second Amendment. Also, Jaye makes the argument that how politicians, interest groups and t...

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. Today's episode continues with the subject matter of alleged sexual misconduct on the part of famous and powerful figures, and how we react to these accounts. This time, Jaye focuses on the case of Roy Moore, the former state court judge running for the US Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions in t...

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. In today's episode, Jaye frames the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault scandal and other sexual misconduct incidents currently in the news as part of a larger discussion on how we respond to oppression and violence. Why are many of us inclined to take the word of the accused if we can relate to them,...

In today's episode, Jaye discusses the changes Donald Trump is making to health care, and the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico. How has Trump reacted to the natural disaster and loss of life in Puerto Rico, and what does his reaction say about what the president values? In addition, Jaye delves into the role of a free press, and brings historical context to why Trump's constant attacks on the ne...

In today's episode, Jaye interviews Allison K. Garcia, author of the highly rated novel Vivir el Dream. Allison shares her perspective as a writer, counselor, and Christian active in her church and the local Latino community. The stories of those she has known and lived life with serve as inspiration for her novel about the undocumented immigrant experience. Vivir el Dream is an evocative book wit...

Episode 13 - Jemele Told the Truth In today's episode, Jaye discusses the controversial tweets by ESPN personality Jemele Hill regarding Donald Trump. What about the substance of her tweets? And why is the White House reaction to these tweets problematic for democracy? Jaye also talks authoritarianism, and speaks directly to people who supported Trump in November 2016. Citations: Gaines, Cork. 201...

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes sensitive subjects, such as sexual assault, rape, and child abuse, which may be triggering to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. In today's episode, Jaye talks religious "insider baseball" regarding the Nashville Statement and American evangelicalism. After a turbulent August in the United States with Charlottesville and Hurricane Harvey, and Tru...

In today's episode, host Jaye Pool reacts to the Charlottesville domestic terror attack, and the failure of presidential leadership in response. Jaye also seeks to encourage listeners that among the negativity, there are signs of light and hope for America's future. Citations: Angwin, Julia, Larson, Jeff, Mattu, Surya, and Lauren Kirchner. 2017. "Machine Bias." Propublica. May 23. https://www.prop...

In today's episode, host Jaye Pool discusses the Russia investigation updates and the new grand jury impaneled by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Jaye also talks about why echo chambers, byproducts of the Internet age and democratization of information, are bad for America. Citations: LaFraniere, Sharon, and Adam Goldman. 2017. "Guest List at Donald Trump Jr.'s Meeting with Russia Expands Again."...

In today's episode, host Jaye Pool updates listeners on the status of Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal / Trumpcare efforts in the United States Senate. Will the Senate vote on Obamacare repeal and replacement, or repeal only? Why, in the words of Donald Trump, is health care reform "so complicated?" Thank you for listening! Citations: Caldwell, Leigh Ann. 2017. "Confusion Grips Senate GOP Ahead of...

In today's episode, host Jaye Pool analyzes how the Third Way of the Democratic Party and the Religious Right, aligned with the Republican party, have led to a fractured, broken political system and democracy in peril. Delving into the histories of both movements that span several decades, Jaye argues that while these movements are different ideologically, both are rooted in a common choice to com...

In Part 2 of our two-parter first installment of Riverside Chats, host Jaye Pool is joined by her husband Chuckles as they share with listeners just a little bit of their lively political conversations - as a couple with differing political views. Today's episode includes a conversation about the usefulness of historical parallels to describe current political conditions. Jaye and Chuckles discuss...

In Part 1 of our two-parter first installment of Riverside Chats, host Jaye Pool is joined by her husband Chuckles as they share with listeners just a little bit of their lively political conversations - as a couple with differing political views. Today's episode includes debates regarding illegal immigration, the future of health care, the economy and jobs, student loans, Hillary Clinton, and Dem...

In today's episode, host Jaye Pool discusses the Trump-Russia scandal and President Donald Trump's well-publicized international trip, as well as the CBO score on the revised Trumpcare bill and the Democratic Party's infighting over the abortion issue. In addition, Jaye reacts to the statement made by evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr. that Trump is evangelicals' "dream president." Citations: Li...

In today's episode, host Jaye Pool discusses the passage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), also known as Trumpcare, in the House of Representatives. Jaye discusses health care as a moral and life issue, and calls for the 217 representatives voting for the Trumpcare bill to be accountable to the constituents in the districts they serve. In addition, Jaye discusses why many of the 217 refuse t...

In today's episode, host Jaye Pool discusses the importance of truth-telling when working through the divides in American society today. In particular, Jaye focuses on controversies over the the meaning and fate of historical symbols of the Confederacy that came out of the Civil War and Reconstruction, such as Confederate monuments and the Confederate Flag. The Civil War and the mythology that cam...

Happy Easter! In today's episode, host Jaye Pool discusses the Trump Russia scandal, as well as the deadly sarin gas attack in Syria and the military response by the Trump administration. Music: Raga Rage composed by Noisy Oyster provided by freesoundtrackmusic.com Opus Number 1 composed by Derrick Deel and Tim Carleton

In this first episode, Jaye Pool discusses the "Third Way" movement towards more conservative governance from the Democratic Party beginning in the 1990s, and how that movement led to Donald Trump's win (and Hillary Clinton's loss) in the 2016 US presidential election. Jaye also talks about the way forward so that the Democrats can get back in touch with what made them successful historically - an...