Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon

American elections are safe and secure—so why is there so much noise about fraud and intimidation? In this episode of Unconventional Times, listeners gain clarity amid election season uncertainty as leading election lawyer Bruce Spiva dispels myths about voter fraud, explains the real impact of voter suppression tactics, and details what every voter should know to protect their rights on Election Day. The conversation explores the truth behind claims of noncitizen voting, the minimal risks posed by mail-in and early voting, the difference between foreign interference and influence, and how citizens can counteract intimidation at the polls. Insights into the legal processes protecting the vote and a call to action for every eligible American round out this essential election episode.Timestamped Overview[00:00] Intro and guest introduction[01:44] Election safety and public trust[03:30] Addressing claims of widespread voter fraud[06:35] Human error and rare registration issues[08:14] Voter fraud versus voter suppression[09:43] Modern voter suppression tactics[13:28] DOJ and federal involvement in elections[17:09] Role of election monitors and poll watchers[20:02] Foreign interference versus influence[22:59] What to do if confronted at the polls[24:16] Provisional ballots and ensuring your vote counts[25:42] Post-election legal challenges[29:11] Examination of the Alaska Senate race[32:46] Safety and integrity of mail-in and early voting[35:41] Voter ID and proof of citizenship issues[37:51] How to support the Campaign Legal Center[38:10] Closing thoughts and voting encouragement[40:14] Outro and podcast info

Discover what America’s top pollsters really think as the midterms loom—and why so many voters feel angry, disconnected, and uncertain about the nation’s future.In this episode, Richard Gordon sits down with legendary strategist Doug Schoen just 11 days before the crucial midterm elections. Together, they reveal why both Democratic and Republican political brands are suffering, whether the much-hyped “blue wave” is really a “red retreat,” and how rising extremism on both sides is changing the electorate. Hear a frank discussion about polling’s growing challenges, why certain demographics are shifting, the impact of negative campaign ads, and what surprises might shape the final election outcome. Doug Schoen also shares a jaw-dropping prediction for what could shock everyone the morning after the election.Timestamped Overview00:00 Episode intro and guest welcome01:18 Big picture: House and Senate race forecasts03:03 Unprecedented number of close Senate races03:30 Justice Department’s Alaska controversy04:47 Blue wave or “red retreat”?05:56 How Democratic Socialists are impacting key races06:37 The Michigan Senate race and the Israel issue08:18 The angry and restive electorate09:51 Why Americans feel government isn’t working for them10:43 Rise of extremes and the missing political center12:01 How party tactics are splintering politics13:31 Change elections—the new norma14:01 What early voting reveals15:05 Are polls undercounting Republicans?16:03 Changing nature of polling and its accuracy18:12 How pollsters try to adjust to a shifting landscape19:14 The problem of phony polls in campaigns20:27 Analyzing negative campaign ads—the Ohio governor’s race23:02 How group loyalties (Latinos, young men) shift in modern politics25:03 The curious case of prediction markets28:46 Should political betting be banned?30:43 What to watch for during the final 11 days32:43 Could a global crisis upend the election?33:10 Doug Schoen’s prediction for a post-election shock34:13 Host commentary on campaign character and civic engagement38:04 Closing remarks and where to find more episodes

Discover how a culture of creative problem-solving and embracing AI is transforming environmental protection in Illinois. This episode of Unconventional Times features James Jennings, Director of the Illinois EPA, who offers inside perspective on leading a diverse team, navigating regulatory complexity, leveraging new technology, and preparing for climate challenges. Alongside Richard Gordon, the conversation dives into building resilient infrastructure, improving permitting processes, and the critical balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.Key highlights include:Why breaking down bureaucratic "no" culture leads to more innovative solutionsHow AI is used in state government to strengthen environmental oversight and reduce staff burdenThe impact of climate change and lessons learned from recent extreme weather and wildfiresStrategies for handling federal funding uncertainty and ensuring agency readiness for shifting political landscapesTune in for practical leadership insights and real-world stories from the front lines of environmental policy.Timestamped Overview[00:00] Introduction from Richard Gordon[01:05] James Jennings on career path and value of legal background[03:19] The lawyer's approach: black and white vs. creative solutions[04:47] How Illinois EPA approaches AI integration[06:43] Staff innovation and AI in public communication[07:45] Data protection, breaches, and state IT policy[08:36] AI successes and transforming legacy IT[11:01] AI and human expertise in complex permitting[14:48] Shifts in permit applicant support and agency staffing challenges[17:36] Holistic review of permits and pollution impacts[19:06] Manual vs. automated federal reporting, push for real-time data[22:12] Real-time monitoring, community engagement, and incident response[24:45] Addressing Great Lakes and PFAS water issues[27:49] Economic development, agriculture, and environmental protection[29:35] Aging infrastructure and the importance of investment[31:55] Climate change impacts, wildfires, and Chicago air quality[34:42] Deploying climate grants and statewide action plans[36:17] Responding to federal funding cuts and Project 2025 planning[38:47] What James Jennings wants to accomplish most as director[39:42] Lessons in leadership, knowledge, and team mentorship[41:35] Advice for future agency heads[42:25] Closing reflections from Richard Gordon[45:37] Outro/credits

Discover why embracing calculated risk and innovation can be the key to solving today’s environmental challenges—as Vermont’s Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, Julie Moore, reveals how bold leadership and an engineer’s mindset are not only streamlining permitting, but helping communities respond to climate change and water quality crises. What does it take to manage an agency balancing tradition and progress, especially with floods, PFAS contamination, and information overload all at once? Julie shares practical insights on deploying AI, handling mounting data, and maintaining a culture that values both bold action and transparency. Tune in for a candid conversation packed with lessons on adaptation, resilience, and the future of state environmental leadership.Timestamped Overview00:00 Episode intro; welcoming Julie Moore01:00 Julie Moore’s background and engineering mindset02:15 Implementing federal infrastructure funding in Vermont03:32 Explaining the Agency of Natural Resources’ structure05:18 Transitioning from technical expertise to broad leadership05:47 Discussion on AI’s role in state government07:01 Vermont’s approach to transparency and public records08:13 Using AI to streamline permitting and administrative efficiency09:52 Tackling information overload and digitizing records12:08 The culture of risk aversion in permitting13:20 Learning from failure: the Lake Carmi example14:45 Navigating the federal-state relationship and regulatory requirements16:05 Data reporting to the federal government17:05 State-federal partnerships and Vermont’s size advantages18:14 Addressing Vermont’s housing challenges with ARPA funds19:54 Managing fluctuating federal funding streams21:27 Storms, flooding, and climate change adaptation23:42 River corridor management and climate resilience24:22 Linking environmental protection and economic growth25:33 Considering data centers and permitting implications26:34 What keeps Julie Moore up at night: PFAS contamination27:58 Agency growth, workforce shifts, and hybrid work transitions29:19 Julie Moore’s legacy and advice for future leaders31:40 Wrap-up and episode close

Discover how media, law, and entertainment have become inseparable forces shaping our modern political landscape—plus, what happens when journalistic independence is tested on the national stage. In this lively and insightful conversation, Richard Gordon sits down with his longtime friend, Emmy-winning broadcaster Paul Lisnek, for a candid discussion ranging from the behind-the-scenes of winning Emmys and jury consulting on national cases, to the shifting sands of American journalism, the influence of mega-mergers, and the future of democracy in a fractured news ecosystem.Key highlights include:Paul’s fascinating transition from law to theater to media, and how a single piece of career advice changed everything.Why media consolidation—like the merger of Paramount and Warner Discovery—threatens diversity of voices and the local news landscape.The dangers and strategies of political tunnel vision, misinformation, and declining civics education.Insights from working iconic cases like O.J. Simpson and thoughts on the lasting impact of lying in politics.Paul’s favorite interviews and what makes a great question land with legends like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elton John.Predictions for the 2028 election cycle and the importance of standing for press freedom in unconventional times.Episode Overview[00:00:00] Introduction and show setup[00:02:31] Welcoming Paul Lisnek and career highlights[00:04:00] What it’s really like to win an Emmy[00:06:29] Paul’s career path: law, communication, and the counselor who changed everything[00:11:04] Connecting politics and entertainment[00:13:52] Inside high-profile jury consulting (O.J., Casey Anthony, more)[00:20:35] The rise of cable, social media, and the fragmentation of news[00:23:47] Are we causing media balkanization—or just following networks?[00:25:10] Objectivity, business, and the struggle for impartial coverage[00:31:00] The paradox of information overload and declining political knowledge[00:34:35] Media mergers: Paramount, CNN, CBS, and the threat to journalistic diversity[00:43:02] Government, business, and journalistic independence[00:45:45] The law and press freedom: Banning CNN and the constitutional stakes[00:50:22] Media solidarity and the battle for democratic norms[00:57:16] On truth, lies, and the journalist’s role[01:03:05] Election predictions, gerrymandering, and 2028 political outlook[01:11:43] Offbeat favorites: Broadway, best interviews, and dream guests[01:17:07] Closing words and reflections on the state of America