We Made This Political Podcast

The Complex Trust Dilemma: Engaging Expert Perspectives with Musa Albi In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ hosts Laura Ham and Lauren Hall dive into the complex dynamics of institutional trust with sociologist Musa al-Gharbi. Musa’s book, ‘We Have Never Been Woke,’ which critiques the gap between elite discourse and lived realities, serves as a focal point for discussing the mistrust of e...

Hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall discuss the detrimental effects of narcissism in the political landscape on this episode of ‘We Made This Political.’ Drawing on our backgrounds in political science, psychology, and experiences as parents, we relate the dynamics of abusive personal relationships to those in politics. We explore how political elites exploit voters, highlighting issues like gerryma...

In this episode, Lura and Lauren dive into their writing processes, discussing how to utilize the mental downtime during the holidays for ideation. They explore strategies for overcoming resistance, the psychology behind creative bursts, and the importance of protecting one’s mental space for self-reflection and creativity. Both emphasize the significance of capturing ideas and using AI tools prod...

In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall talk with Kurt Gray, author of ‘Outraged.’ They explore strategies for managing political conversations with family during Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of connection, curiosity, and validation to prevent conflict. The conversation delves into the social psychology of outrage, the impact of tribalism, and pra...

This is Part II of our conversation with Shaka Mitchell of the Come Together Music Project. If you haven’t listened to Part I, go listen there first and the come back here. In this episode we talk to Shaka about the genesis and journey of the Come Together Music project. Inspired during the height of COVID-19, this initiative leverages music to foster connection and understanding in a divided worl...

This episode of We Made This Political is cross-posted with the Come Together Music Project, co-hosted with Shaka Mitchell. Together we explore the intersection of politics, parenting, and personal stories through music. We dive into songs that remind us of friends, parenting theme songs, and classic protest anthems, revealing surprising connections and deep insights along the way. 00:00 Introduct...

Takeaways Lenore Skenazy is a journalist and founder of Let Grow. Over-parenting leads to increased anxiety in children. Children need opportunities to develop agency and competence. Cultural shifts have changed how we view parenting and risk. Legal frameworks often hinder childhood independence. Play is essential for children’s development and learning. Parents should encourage independence throu...

Furious Minds and the State of Modern Conservatism In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall are joined by Laura K. Field, a political theorist and author of the forthcoming book ‘Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right.’ They discuss the intellectual currents shaping the American right, the state of modern conservatism, and the potential dangers of cur...

In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall explore the importance of face-to-face interactions in politics with guest Wilk Wilkinson, host of the ‘Derate The Hate’ podcast. Wilk shares his journey of replacing division with understanding, influenced by his background in transportation and operations management. He talks about his work with Braver Angels, a grass...

In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall delve into the pervasive toxicity within modern politics. They draw parallels between the features of abusive personal relationships and the current political system, highlighting concepts like gaslighting, narcissism, isolation, and trauma bonding. The duo discusses how the two major political parties manipulate voters throu...

Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop with Lee Drutman In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall are joined by political scientist Lee Drutman to discuss his insights on breaking the two-party doom loop in American politics. Drutman shares his journey into political science, the influence of business lobbying on Congress, and the centralization of power that contrib...

In this episode, we welcome Andrew Heaton, host of The Political Orphanage podcast, comedian, and author of ‘Tribalism is Dumb.’ Lura introduces Andrew, who shares his journey from Capitol Hill staffer to political satirist and comedian. Andrew discusses the interplay of humor, politics, and tribalism, sharing anecdotes about his stand-up experiences and insights into how comedy can bridge politic...

In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall host civil rights attorney Anastasia Boden from the Pacific Legal Foundation. The discussion delves into the fundamental right to economic liberty and the challenges posed by burdensome economic regulations like certificate of need laws. Anastasia shares inspiring stories from her career advocating for entrepreneurs and small...

In this episode, Lura and Lauren delve into the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, discussing the multifaceted impact of his life and death. They explore the broader issues surrounding escalating political violence, the distinction between free speech and civil discourse, and the dangers of dehumanizing opponents. The conversation shifts to the manipulation tactics used in political rhetoric an...

Expanding Representation: A Conversation with Jeff Mayhugh Join hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall in this episode of 'We Made This Political' as they engage in a dynamic discussion with Jeff Mayhugh, author of the Politics and Parenting Substack . Jeff, a political theorist, poet, and small business owner, shares his thoughts on the need to expand the House of Representatives to better serve the A...

In this live episode of 'We Made This Political', hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall are joined by special guest Kristi Kendall, president of Kristi Kendall and Company. Kendall brings over 25 years of experience in journalism and media to the conversation, focusing on the role of media in exacerbating or challenging societal polarization. They discuss Kendall's diverse career, including her work w...

Free Speech Battles and Triumphs: A Conversation with Nico Perrino from FIRE Join us as we chat with Nico Perrino, Executive Vice President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). We dive into Nico's journey into free speech advocacy, his work at FIRE, and the organization's evolution. Nico shares thought-provoking insights into the importance of free speech on college campu...

In this episode of 'We Made This Political,' hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall are joined by Daniel Yudkin, the founding director of the Beacon Project under More in Common. The conversation delves into the project's mission to combat political polarization and create a more cohesive society by exploring moral psychology and the political landscape. Daniel discusses the Hidden Tribes study, the co...

Navigating Academia: Challenges, Equity, and Resilience In this episode of 'We Made This Political,' hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall welcome back Dr. Kristen Kroll, Professor of Developmental Biology at Washington University, St. Louis, to discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by women in academia—especially in the STEM fields. They delve into the impacts of political decisions on scientific...

In this episode of 'We Made This Political,' hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall discuss the challenges of balancing compliance and free thinking in parenting, particularly in the context of modern education and political climate. They share personal anecdotes about teaching kids autonomy while also fitting into societal norms, navigating school systems, and understanding community values. They expl...

In this episode of 'We Made This Political,' hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall engage in an enlightening conversation with Kristen Kroll, a developmental biologist at the University of Washington in St. Louis. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the complexities and challenges of conducting cutting-edge scientific research, the evolving landscape of academia, the impact of rece...

In this episode of 'We Made This Political,' hosts Lura Forcum, President of the Independent Center, and Lauren Hall, author of the Substack the Radical Moderate’s Guide to Life, are joined by Christina Dent, founder of 'End It For Good.' The discussion dives into moving from a criminal justice mindset to a health-centered approach in dealing with drug addiction. Christina shares her personal jour...

Exploring Polarization and Moderation with Dan Vallone In this episode, Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall are joined by Dan Vallone, a veteran and expert in depolarization work, who shares his experiences and insights on bridging divides, based on his work with More In Common and his military background. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of parenting, the significance of genuin...

Episode Title: We Made This Political – Parenting, Policy, and the French-American Experience Hosts: Lura Forcum & Lauren Hall Guest: Veronique de Rugy, Senior Research Fellow, Economist, and French-American parent About Our Guest: Veronique de Rugy is a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where she also holds a chair in economics. Originally from France, she...

In this special July 4th episode, we explore what patriotism looks like in 2025 and what we are truly celebrating on Independence Day. Lura and Lauren emphasize the importance of community, civic engagement, and the unique diversity of American life. They share personal stories and reflections on local events, discussing how shared spaces and sustained interactions with diverse groups can reduce p...