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You’ve scoured the internet for politics, news and opinions…well now you’ve done it! Join Jacque' Nowak and Jonathan Langley, as they dig into politics of the day, and how it can affect the lives of everyday Americans. They approach every conversation with an open mind, and do not favor any candidate, campaign, or party.
226 Episodes
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Max and Jacks conducts an extensive overview of Andrew Wakefield's shift from a disgraced British doctor to a central figure in the American anti-vaccination movement. After his 1998 study linking the MMR vaccine to autism was retracted as fraudulent and he lost his medical license, Wakefield relocated to Austin, Texas, where he was embraced by a community of parents and activists.
Max & Jacks discuss the idea Trump exhibits clinical psychopathy/malignant narcissism, a dangerous condition that makes him an existential threat to the Republic. The core of the argument is built upon an assessment using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (HCL-R), for which Dr. Greenwood claims Trump scored a 33, passing the formal diagnostic threshold. The article explains that the diagnosis is rooted in three immutable, governing traits—impulsivity, remorselessness, and a drive to dominate
Free speech in the United States is under severe threat, using the assassination of Charlie Kirk as a catalyst for examining various assaults on open expression.
A false dilemma faced by Democrats: whether to prioritize defending constitutional democracy from rising authoritarianism or focus on economic issues. While some argue that economic concerns resonate more with swing voters, the author contends that politicians are capable of addressing both. Join the debate
Max & Jacks discusses the surging popularity of "romantasy," a subgenre blending romance with fantasy, significantly driven by fanfiction, especially that spun from the "Harry Potter" universe. It highlights how "Dramione" fanfiction, focusing on a romantic pairing of Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger, has transitioned from online communities to mainstream publishing, generating immense sales and devoted fanbases.
Max & Jacks examine the historical and contemporary challenges faced by boys and men in America, drawing parallels between the "boy problem" of the early 20th century and today's "boy crisis." It highlights how technological shifts, immigration, and rising inequality contributed to social isolation and delinquency in the past, leading to the formation of influential civic organizations like the Boy Scouts and Big Brothers.
An in-depth look at Stephen Miller's expanding influence within the Trump administration, contrasting it with his more limited power during Trump's first term. It highlights how Miller, now the White House deputy chief of staff, has become the de facto leader of multiple departments, including Homeland Security and Justice, due to the perceived deference of cabinet secretaries and the chief of staff's disinterest in policy.
New Mexico, a state highly reliant on federal funding, anticipates significant challenges due to a new federal domestic policy law that aims to reduce subsidies. This legislation is projected to cause substantial cuts to crucial programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, potentially leading to widespread loss of healthcare and food assistance for residents, and threatening the closure of rural hospitals
Max and Jacks examine the increasing hunger crisis in the United States, highlighting the immense pressure on local food banks like the Easthampton Community Center and Food Pantry due to federal policy changes. How the recently enacted domestic policy law is significantly reducing the social safety net, particularly through cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), despite its vital role in supporting millions of Americans and stimulating local economies. The growing vulnerability across diverse demographics, revealing that many seeking assistance are working individuals, seniors, or those facing unforeseen hardships, challenging common misconceptions about poverty.
Max & Jacks look into two distinct "China Shocks" and their implications for the U.S. economy. The first China Shock (1.0), occurring between 1999 and 2007, describes the impact of China's transition to a market economy, leading to significant job losses in U.S. manufacturing due to inexpensive Chinese goods. Then a more concerning second China Shock (2.0), where China is now aggressively competing and often surpassing the U.S. in advanced, innovative sectors like AI, biotechnology, and clean energy.
Max and Jacks focus on the complexities of global migration and its impact on concepts of citizenship and belonging. Countries are increasingly competing for migrants rather than immigrants being mere supplicants. They also consider the potential long-term consequences of anti-immigrant policies and the human desire for rootedness even amidst displacement.
Max & Jacks look into Europe's increasing crackdown on freedom of speech, particularly focusing on hate speech laws and their application on social media platforms. They highlight several cases, such as a woman jailed for a post on X (formerly Twitter) in the UK, and instances in Germany and France where individuals faced penalties for satirical or critical online content.
Max & Jacks look into a Republican-backed domestic policy package that was advanced through the Senate, highlighting its potential impact on various income groups and the federal safety net. It primarily focuses on how the proposed legislation, described as "highly regressive" by experts, would disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans while potentially leading to significant financial losses, loss of health insurance, and reduced food assistance for low-income individuals
Max & Jacks investigate the divergent energy strategies of the United States and China, highlighting a global competition with significant economic, geopolitical, and environmental implications. It explains that China is rapidly investing in and dominating clean energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and electric vehicles, driven by national security and economic growth, despite its continued reliance on coal. In contrast, the United States, particularly under the Trump administration, is prioritizing fossil fuel production and exports, aiming for "energy dominance" through oil and gas.
In this show, Max & Jacks fosuc on JJ Ficken, a fourth-generation American farmer, and Otto Vargas, a prospective migrant worker from Guatemala, as they navigate the complexities of a frozen federal grant program. The program, designed to alleviate labor shortages and reduce undocumented immigration by funding H-2A visa workers, was unexpectedly halted by the Trump administration due to a broad "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) purge.
This time Max and Jacks examine various global efforts to increase birthrates, highlighting their general ineffectiveness due to a misunderstanding of modern women's needs. They critique approaches ranging from Russian governmental stunts and proposed U.S. incentives to Hungary's and China's attempts to reinforce traditional gender roles, noting their consistent failure to achieve sustained increases
A look at the complex and often surprising judicial career of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, highlighting how her decisions have confounded both conservative and liberal expectations. Despite being appointed by a Republican president, she has demonstrated an independent streak, occasionally siding with liberal justices and showing a methodical, scholarly approach to the law rather than a purely ideological one
The United States lags behind comparable countries in terms of overall population health and life expectancy. While past health challenges were primarily infectious diseases, the current major contributors to this gap are chronic conditions, driven by factors like obesity, poor diet, inactivity, and a fragmented healthcare system
Meta is facing internal and external scrutiny over its AI-powered "digital companions" on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. Concerns have been raised regarding the bots' capacity for sexually explicit "romantic role-play," potentially involving underage users and celebrity impersonations. Despite internal warnings and testing revealing these issues, Meta initially loosened safeguards to make the chatbots more engaging, a decision driven by competitive pressures and Mark Zuckerberg's directives.
Recent widespread firings of federal employees under the Trump administration are significantly impacting public services across the nation. This initiative, driven by a goal of substantial government downsizing, has led to reduced staffing in various agencies, causing disruptions in essential functions.
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