Richard Helppie's Common Bridge

Is the newly signed California law by Governor Gavin Newsom protecting children or pushing a controversial transgender agenda? In this eye-opening episode, investigative journalist and author Gerald Posner returns to the Common Bridge to unpack the complexities of the transgender ideology and its impact on minors. We confront the tribalism that often taints these debates and stress the urgency of...

What if a shocking assassination attempt shattered your perception of national security? Rich's discussion with his producer, Brian Kruger,  zeroes in on the Secret Service's chaotic response and the shooter's seemingly amateurish execution. The episode also contrasts the divergent media narratives spun by CNN and Fox News, suggesting possible motives behind their differing coverage...

Can cybercriminals paralyze a healthcare system with just a few keystrokes? Find out in this compelling episode of the Common Bridge, where Rich Helppie sits down with Dan Dodson, CEO of Fortified Health Security. We go beyond the headlines to explore the motivations driving cybercriminals to target healthcare institutions. With digital records and interconnected systems at the heart of modern hea...

Can autonomous vehicles really improve road safety and revolutionize our daily commutes? Join us as we tackle this fascinating question with Adam Kovacevich from the Chamber of Progress, who brings firsthand experience from his time at Google and Waymo. Adam shares his journey and unpacks the technological and policy challenges that come with creating fully autonomous vehicles. We dive into the cr...

Embark on an enlightening exploration of American politics with me, Rich Helppie, as I welcome Justin Higgins, the insightful host of Politics and Media 101, to dissect the complexities and undercurrents shaping our nation's political discourse. Together, we dissect the overshadowed, yet consequential, races and issues that slip past public scrutiny amidst the hype of presidential campaigns....

Embark on a riveting exploration of the multifaceted relationship between the US and Europe as we're joined by Robert Greenfield, a seasoned world traveler with an expansive grasp of global affairs. Together, we traverse the landscape of Europe's defense autonomy, societal shifts stemming from immigration and demographic changes, and the continent's economic hurdles, all under the l...

Discover the shadowy tactics behind sports washing as Brian Hess, from the Sports Fans Coalition, joins me, Rich Helpe, on the Common Bridge to unravel how countries ingeniously clean their image through sports. Peel back the layers of this global phenomenon, beginning with the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany, and witness its modern incarnation with countries like Saudi Arabia stepping into the spor...

Are we letting tribal loyalties cloud our judgment in politics? Join me, Richard Helppie, as we confront this burning question on the Common Bridge, where I dissect the alarming repercussions of favoring party over policy. Witness a compelling examination of the dangers that lie in the heart of partisan divides and the pressing need for a paradigm shift toward policy-centric governance. From expos...

In the conclusion of this two-part conversation with Beth Bourne, Rich and Beth talk about the harrowing decisions and ethical crossroads faced by individuals navigating gender dysphoria.   Prepare to have your preconceptions challenged as we dissect the medical community's delicate dance between preventing harm and honoring the deeply personal journeys towards one's 'authentic self...

When Beth Bourne's daughter declared her transgender identity at just 13, it sent shockwaves through their family life, challenging Beth's beliefs and opening a dialogue that few are prepared for. Join us on the Common Bridge as we navigate the turbulent waters of transgender rights and gender ideology with her. Our heartfelt conversation explores the impact of LGBTQIA+ education in publ...

When faith meets public square, the intersection can be complex. On The Common Bridge, we navigate these crossroads with Bill McKenzie and Chris Walsh, delving into the potency of religious pluralism in underpinning democracy. Their profound insights spring from a wealth of experience—Bill's front-row seat to George W. Bush's political ascent, and Chris's global efforts to champion...

In this episode titled "Response to Reader-Listener-Viewer Mail" of the host,  Richard Helppie, delves into a diverse range of thought-provoking questions and comments from his engaged online audience. Touching upon hot-button topics of the time, Richard fearlessly navigates the murky waters of politics, starting with an insightful examination of the Trump v Biden rivalry. With his uniqu...

Unlock the secrets behind boosting school attendance and graduation rates with Ohio's own Bill Seitz and Dani Isaacsohn. Our latest podcast episode delivers a compelling conversation on House Bill 348 and the bold, bipartisan strategy to use cash incentives as a catalyst for educational success. We're not just talking about the principles of the bill; we're diving into the stories a...

Kevin Fisher's raw and powerful narrative takes center stage as he joins us for a poignant conversation about loss, love, and the drive to make a difference in the mental health landscape. His journey from business to advocacy, precipitated by his son's battle with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is a stirring reminder of the human stories behind the statistics. In shedding light on...

Ever wondered what happens behind the political curtains during the heated rush of primary elections? Dive into a gripping conversation with Congressman Dean Phillips as we peel back the layers of the Democratic primaries and his eye-opening campaign trail adventures. Phillips sheds light on his New Hampshire primary surprise and the DNC's delegate allocation controversy, providing a rare gli...

As American voters voice their exasperation with traditional party lines, the No Labels movement emerges as a beacon of bipartisan problem-solving. Picture this: an America where the lesser of two evils is no longer the default choice at the ballot box. This episode welcomes the esteemed former Governor of North Carolina, Pat McCrory, whose rich experiences within the two-party system shed light o...

Peel back the layers of history with Dr. Todd Endelman, as he joins us to dissect the complex tapestry of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From the rise of Jewish nationalism amidst European anti-Semitism to the absence of a historical Palestinian state, we tackle head-on the misconceptions that cloud our understanding of this enduring struggle. With Dr. Endelman's expertise, gain a fresh pe...

What happens when two politically inclined podcasters, born out of the world of writing, collide? You get a riveting and insightful discussion between yours truly, Rich Helpe, and Russell Dabular from Due Dissidence. We're taking you on a journey from the bustling streets of Flushing, New York, to the global stage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and finally, landing in the heart of econo...

Welcome to a captivating episode of the Common Bridge, where we sit down with the three-term congressman and Democratic presidential candidate, Dean Phillips. Prepare to be inspired as Phillips shares the story of his unique journey - from growing up fatherless due to the Vietnam war to becoming a successful entrepreneur. His resolve to bridge the partisan divide in America's political landsc...

Wondering how to shield yourself from the rising tide of cyber threats? Do you have a small or medium-sized business with limited resources for a dedicated IT security staff? Fret not, as we bring you insights straight from cybersecurity experts, Rick Snyder, the 48th Governor of Michigan, and Dave Bint, the co-founder and Chief Client Success Officer of SenSai. Join us as we journey through their...

Highlighting the incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking journey of Adam Coleman, we engage in a powerful conversation that leaves no stone unturned. From his humble beginnings in Detroit to his passionate advocacy ignited by George Floyd's death, Coleman’s mission is to empower those who feel unheard. As an op-ed writer, public speaker, and host of Good Faith Space, he openly shares his e...

Unearth the hard truths behind the housing crisis and homelessness with our distinguished guest, Professor Gregg Colburn, from the University of Washington. His perspectives from his insightful book "Homelessness is a Housing Problem" gives us more than just an academic exploration of this pressing issue - it presents us with solutions.  Ever wondered why homelessness is five times more...

Welcome to Season 5 of  The Common Bridge  as we sift through the political and media chaos with your host Richard Helppie. As we strip away the narratives, we promise to offer our growing audience of over 4 million viewers, readers, and listeners,  a fiercely non-partisan perspective on the escalating tensions within the Republican and Democratic parties, the corruption tainting our media, and th...

Hold on tight as we examine the roots of tribalism in our media and question the effects of party loyalty on our political discourse. As we wrap up season four of the Common Bridge, we invite you to challenge the mainstream narratives and engage with critical societal issues. The traditional media's role in promoting tribalism is examined with a critical lens, urging you to demand better beha...

While walking through the streets of Detroit, it's hard not to be moved by the sheer resilience of its people. Yet, as we explore the city, we also find ourselves confronted with the stark realities of spiritual and material crises that plague the community. In our most recent conversation with Zoe Kennedy, he shines a light on the work of local activists, bringing forth a tale of strength, p...