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PODCAST

We Made This Political Podcast

Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall

Lauren Hall and Lura Forcum talk together and with guests about what political science, psychology, and parenting has taught them about making politics better for everyone. wemadethispolitical.substack.com

society & culture parenting

All Episodes

67:54

Ep. 38: Rob Feld on Jesters, Fools, and Cancel Culture

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2026/02/02

In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall host documentary filmmaker Rob Feld. The conversation delves into the increasing polarization in American politics and public discourse, highlighting the impact of social media and algorithms. Rob shares insights from his film ‘Jesters and Fools,’ which uses comedians to explore polarization, cancel culture and self-censorship. Topics include the roles of outrage and anger in comedy, the challenges of civil discourse in

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65:51

Ep. 37: Emma Addams on Faith and Ethical Governance

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2026/01/26

In this episode of We Made This Political, Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall talk with Emma Adams, founder and co-executive director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG). Emma shares her journey from refugee resettlement volunteer to leading a national organization advocating for ethical governance. The discussion covers MWEG’s mission, peacemaking principles, and fostering bipartisan cooperation. The episode offers insights on navigating political and social conflicts with dignity,

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60:15

Ep. 36: Shannon Watson on Minnesota, Self-Governance,...

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2026/01/19

In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ hosts Lauren Hall and Laura Forcum welcome back Shannon Watson, a civic leader from Minnesota, to discuss the current political climate in the state. They explore how Minnesotans are coping with federal interventions, the challenges of polarization, and the importance of local engagement and community resilience. Shannon shares insights on the nuanced reality of Minnesota, highlighting the state’s high civic participation and the critical role of

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61:44

Ep. 35 WMTP: Josh Lewis on the Future of Classical...

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2026/01/12

Show Notes:Episode 35: Josh Lewis on Classical Conservatism in a MAGA WorldGuest: Josh Lewis, founder of Saving Elephants podcast and blogAbout Josh:Josh Lewis is a CPA and longtime student of conservative thought who founded Saving Elephants to reignite classical conservatism as a tradition rooted in prudence, gratitude, and community—rather than populism or personality-driven politics. He brings a practical, institution-focused perspective on how enduring conservative ideas can address

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60:43

Ep. 34: Russ Greene on Total Boomer Luxury Communism

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2026/01/05

In this episode of ‘We Made This Political,’ hosts Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall engage with Russ Green, managing director of Prime Mover Institute, on the impending crisis of social security and Medicare entitlements in America. They discuss the significant automatic cuts expected by 2033, the misallocation of resources benefiting wealthier retirees at the expense of the younger generation, and the urgent need for reform. Russ shares insights on how current policies unfairly burden young people,

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46:28

Ep. 33 Musa al-Gharbi Part II

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/12/22

In part two of their conversation with Musa Al-Gharbi, Lura Forcum and Lauren Hall explore the future of universities, the impact of AI on faculty, and the sociopolitical dynamics affecting higher education. They discuss the overproduction of PhDs, the exploitative conditions of adjunct faculty, and the erosion of trust in academic and media institutions. The episode delves into how systemic issues in academia and journalism are misrepresented, the role of social and economic class in DEI

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48:47

Ep. 32 Musa al-Gharbi on Why We Have Never Been Woke

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/12/15

The Complex Trust Dilemma: Engaging Expert Perspectives with Musa AlbiIn 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 experts. The conversation explores Musa’s unique perspective of being an insider-outsider in the academic

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46:39

Navigating Narcissism in Politics

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/12/08

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 gerrymandering, lack of reciprocity, and the manipulation of policy issues for political gain. The episode

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62:31

Ep. 30: Lura and Lauren on Writing and Resistance

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/12/01

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 productively. They share personal journeys, including handling academic criticism and the challenges of

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64:34

Ep. 29: Thanksgiving Special with Kurt Gray on Outrage

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/11/24

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 practical tips for maintaining calm and constructive dialogue during the holiday season.00:00 Introduction

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29:29

Ep. 28, Part II: Shaka Mitchell's Path to Connection

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/11/19

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 world. From intimate song swap sessions to large public events, Shaka explains how music can be a powerful

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61:10

Ep. 28, Part I: Shaka Mitchell on Music and Community

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/11/17

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 Introduction to the Hosts and Podcast00:52 Welcome to the Come Together Music Project02:33 Musical Memories: Songs

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58:01

Ep. 27: Lenore Skenazy on Free Range Kids, Parenting,...

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/11/10

TakeawaysLenore 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 through practical steps.The societal implications of over-parenting are significant.Schools play a crucial role in

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66:58

Ep. 26: Laura Field on the Making of the MAGA New Right

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/11/03

Furious Minds and the State of Modern ConservatismIn 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 current political trends. The conversation also covers the roles and challenges of women within conservative

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62:33

Ep. 25: Wilk Wilkinson on Citizen Courage in an Age...

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/10/27

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 grassroots cross-partisan movement, and emphasizes the need for better communication and courageous

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63:03

Ep. 24: Gaslighting, Trauma Bonds, and America's...

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/10/20

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 through fear, control, and intermittent reinforcement, maintaining a cycle of abuse and disillusionment. They

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72:45

Ep. 23 WMTP: Lee Drutman on Breaking the Two Party...

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/10/14

Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop with Lee DrutmanIn 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 contributes to hyperpartisan polarization. The conversation delves into how primary reforms and rank-choice

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67:24

Ep. 22 Andrew Heaton on Politics, Comedy, and Optimism

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/10/06

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 political divides. The conversation touches on the challenges of political polarization, the role of humor in

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63:28

Ep. 21: Anastasia Boden on Economic Freedom

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/09/29

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 businesses, highlighting the human costs of unfair regulations and the transformative impact of legal

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55:43

Ep. 20 WMTP: Lura and Lauren on Charlie Kirk and More

We Made This Political Podcast ·

2025/09/22

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 and the crisis facing young men today. They reflect on the societal and psychological factors contributing

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