The Podvocate

On this week’s episode, Professor Samuel Brunson joins Nico and Richard to discuss his 2018 book, God and the IRS: Accommodating Religious Practice in the Tax Law. Topics ranged from taxing clergy, to exploring communities abroad such as Kibbutzim, creating an exception for Islamic home financing, his recommendation of a framework for legislature to apply for religious tax accommodation, and more.

Professor Barry Sullivan joins Nico and Jake to discuss his time as a civil rights attorney, arguing in front of the Supreme Court, and his thoughts on legal education.

Tom Frank is a third year law student. He joins the podcast on the heels of President Trump's failed nuclear summit in Hanoi to share his knowledge in U.S. foreign policy. He, Nico, Richard, and Jake also discuss the Iran Deal and Israel.

Professor Walter Tangarife joins Nico and Richard on the podcast to discuss his research into dark energy, black holes, and the expansion of the universe. In addition, Professor Tangarife discusses his humble upbringing in the slums of Medelin, Colombia and his journey to becoming a physics professor in the United States at the young age of 34.

Radhika Sutherland joins the podcast to discuss intersectionality, how intersectionality has helped her navigate her identity as the daughter of immigrants, and how its solidified her marriage with her white husband.

Professor John Dehn joins Jake and Richard on the podcast to discuss the constitutionality of President Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the southern border to deliver on his campaign promise of building a wall.

Dean Zelda Harris joins Jake and Richard to discuss the new Professional Identity Formation class, implicit bias training, and microagressions.

Professor Kate Mitchell and Kara Simon join Jake on the podcast to discuss the Health Justice Project, and the new approaches they're taking to fix the problems in healthcare and poverty.

Professor Tom Haney and Dean James Faught join the podcast to discuss their involvement in Blackacre, the old law school newspaper and predecessor to Dialogue, de Novo. They discuss with Richard and Jake the ways in which we preserve history, and the importance of building a community through media.

Alice O'Connell joins Jake and Nico to discuss being transgender, while also entering the practice of law.

Richard Rothstein is an economist, and the author of the best-selling book, "The Color of Law." Mr. Rothstein joins Jake and Richard to explain how the U.S. government is responsible for much of the current-day housing segregation seen throughout the United States. "The Color of Law" can be found on Amazon in both print and audiobook format.

Brian Gibbons joins the podcast to discuss the growing use of mandatory arbitration clauses in employment contracts. Brian explains to Jake, Richard, and Nico how arbitration clauses work and what he views as the negative effects of such clauses on employees. The conversation grows into a broader discussion on power dynamics at play in our society.

Seth Johnson joins the podcast to discuss with Jake and Nico what Originalism is, and why Seth views Originalism as the best modality to use when interpreting the Constitution of the United States.

Professor Vincent Samar joins the podcast to discuss his forthcoming article, which will be published in the Catholic University Law Review in February. Professor Samar first explains his conceptualization of how due process, liberty, and equality interact. Then, Professor Samar and Jake discuss the institution of marriage, the role of government in marriage, humanitarian education, and the import...

Richard and Jake discuss the Tree of Life Shooting, the largest slaughtering of Jews in American history, as well as America's reckoning with the rise of antisemitism. The two cover all angles, or as many angles as can be covered in a two-and-a-half-hour discussion, including antisemitism on both sides of the political aisle. See the show notes if you wish to jump around. 0:00 Listing off the vict...

Two panelists, Eric Hendricks and Grant Bosnich, join Jake and Richard for their first live show taping. They discuss all things related to the midterm elections. In addition, they play quiz games with the audience and have a Q&A.

Nico Ospina joins the podcast to debate the question of "is there a secular morality?" Nico, Jake, and Richard debate the concept of "truth", whether religion has a positive influence on society, and whether God exists. This episode is part two of a two-part series.

Nico Ospina joins the podcast to debate the question of "is there a secular morality?" Nico, Jake, and Richard debate the concept of "truth", whether religion has a positive influence on society, and whether God exists. This episode is part one of a two-part series.

Kate Malcolm joins the podcast to discuss intersectionality. Kate and Jake dive deep into their political differences, and identify areas where the left and right often talk past one another. They carefully review the theoretical underpinnings of intersectionality, and Kate bravely endeavors to explain privilege and gender theory to Jake.

Sei Unno joins the podcast to discuss mental health in law school, and the upcoming ABA Student Mental Health Awareness Day. Sei, Jake, and Richard each speak about their personal stories with mental health, as well as current statistics that are rather alarming.

Amber Carpenter joins the podcast to discuss the Laquan McDonald murder and Jason Van Dyke trial. Amber, Jake, and Richard discuss the original shooting, the questionable behavior of the police, the FBI investigation into CPD, and the Jason Van Dyke trial which resulted in a guilty verdict for one count of second-degree murder and sixteen counts of aggravated battery with a firearm.

Dean Kaufman joins the podcast to discuss his role as dean of the law school, Judaism, the Cultural Assessment Findings and Recommendations released yesterday, and his keynote address/Seattle University Law Review article, entitled “Social Justice and the American Law School Today: Since We Are Made for Love.”

Professor John Breen joins the podcast to discuss the recent abuse scandals surrounding the Catholic Church. Professor Breen, Jake and Richard discuss at length the history of the Catholic Church, faith in general, and the Catholic connection to bourbon (yes, the whiskey) in America. This episode is three of a three-part series on the recent scandals surrounding the Catholic Church.

Amanda Burns joins the podcast to discuss the recent abuse scandals surrounding the Catholic Church. Amanda, Jake, and Richard discuss the recent scandals, the Catholic Church’s lack of progress for women in leadership positions, and the affect these issues have had on those raised Catholic. This episode is two of a three-part series on the recent scandals surrounding the Catholic Church.

Nick Zausch joins the podcast to discuss the recent abuse scandals surrounding the Catholic Church. Nick, Richard and Jake discuss Nick’s upbringing in the Catholic Church, how his faith has shaped his life, and his views on the recent stories surrounding the church. This episode is one of a three-part series on the recent scandals surrounding the Catholic Church.