Civil Discourse Podcast

This podcast uses government documents to illuminate the workings of the American government and offer context around the effects of government agencies in your everyday life. Civil Discourse is brought to you by VCU Libraries. Opinions expressed are solely the speakers' own, and do not reflect the views or opinions of VCU, or VCU Libraries. Find more information at https://guides.library.vcu.edu/discourse.

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S14, E10: Landlines and Demographics

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Nia and Aughie discover and discuss the connections between landline usage and government statistics gathering. They also explore the demographics of owners of landlines.
S14, E11: Aging Population of the United States

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

In a two part series, Aughie and Nia explore the aging American population and what that demographic span means for elections and policy decisions going forward.
S14, E12: Politicians' Ages

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Nia and Aughie follow up a previous episode about the rising mean age of Americans with a discussion of aging politicians and how they represent the average American. "Prevent a coup, retire now."
S14, E13: Asset Seizure, Part 1 of 2

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

In this two-part series, Aughie and Nia explore the concept of asset seizure and forfeiture.
S14, E14: Asset Seizure, Part 2 of 2

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

In the second of two parts, Nia and Aughie talk about the negative consequences of asset seizure and forfeiture.
S14, E15: SCOTUS and the Code of Conduct

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Augie and Nia discuss the first-in-history written Code of Conduct of the U.S. Supreme Court.
S14, E16: In the News: Montana Tik Tok Ruling

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Nia and Augie touch briefly on what the U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy's ban ruling means in the short and long term for Tik Tok users in Montana.
S14, E17: In the News: Santos Expulsion

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Aughie and Nia talk about the 6th expulsion of a member of the House of Representatives, George Santos, and the potential ramifications of this resolution.
S14, E18: Sandra Day O'Connor Remembered

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Nia and Aughie celebrate the life and career of Sandra Day O'Connor, first female Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice O'Connor died on December 1, 2023.
S15, E01: In The News: Missing Secretary Austin

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Nia and Aughie discuss the "disappearance" of General Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the Department of Defense, and the importance of a plan of succession within the Cabinet positions.
S15, E02: Trump's Insurrection Cases: Like Burning Down a House in the Name of Fire Safety

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Aughie and Nia discuss the court cases that question whether former President Donald Trump can be on the 2024 Presidential ballot due to allegations of insurrection. They also discuss the question of whether the courts should be ruling on this topic.
S15, E03: Is Book Banning Constitutional?

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Aughie and Nia discuss how books arrive on school shelves, and whether there is a Constitutional right to ban books by School Boards. Spoiler: The U.S. Supreme Court controlling case had a 4-1-4 ruling, hardly settled law.
S15, E04: The Basis of American Law

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Aughie and Nia discuss the basics of the differences between European civil and British common law, and how those traditions apply in American law.
S15, E05: Common Sense

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Nia and Aughie discuss Thomas Paine's best selling pamphlet Common Sense, and the effect it had on galvanizing American resistance to British rule.
S15, E06: In the News: SCOTUS, Donald Trump and the Colorado Ballot

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Aughie explains the recent SCOTUS ruling in the case of Trump v. Anderson. In this 9-0 decision, the SCOTUS decided that Donald Trump could not be struck from the Colorado ballot based on the Insurrection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
S15, E07: In the News: SCOTUS Takes The Case: Donald Trump and Presidential Immunity

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Aughie explains the reasoning by the Supreme Court in taking United States v Donald Trump, a case regarding Presidential immunity. Aughie also explores the potential fallout of the timing of this case.
S15, E08: U.S. Declaration of Independence

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Aughie and Nia discuss the basis and history of the United States' Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.
S15, E09: United Kingdom Parliament, part 1

Nia Rodgers, John Aughenbaugh, and Chris Burdett

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to discuss the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.
S15, E10: United Kingdom Parliament, part 2

Nia Rodgers, John Aughenbaugh, and Chris Burdett

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to continue their discussion regarding the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress. ** clarification note: We're referring to the British civil service when discussing ministers.
S15, E11: Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 1

Nia Rodgers, John Aughenbaugh, and Chris Saladino

In part 1 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians. **some adult language is used in this episode
S15, E12: Authoritarians, Dictators, and Other Political Science Terms, part 2

Nia Rodgers, John Aughenbaugh, and Chris Saladino

In part 2 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie again host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians. **some adult language is used in this episode
S15, E13: Types of International Power

Nia Rodgers, John Aughenbaugh, and Judyth Twigg

Aughie and Nia are glad to have another conversation with political scientist Judy Twigg. This time, they are covering the different types of international power: hard, soft, smart, and sharp powers.
S15, E14: Monroe Doctrine

Nia Rodgers, John Aughenbaugh, and Chris Saladino

Nia and Aughie welcome back political scientist Chris Saladino for a discussion of the Monroe Doctrine. The episode eventually covers a few other Presidential doctrines as well as the mechanics of foreign policy development.
S15, E15: Blue Laws

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Aughie and Nia discuss the origin of blue laws, laws that generally prevent some purchases on Sundays. Aughie showcases several instances where the SCOTUS has supported the Constitutionality of blue laws.
S15, E16: In the News: College Student Protests

Nia Rodgers and John Aughenbaugh

Aughie and Nia discuss the college student protests currently taking place in the U.S. They explore time, place, and manner restrictions imposed on the protesters. Episode was created May 1, 2024.