This episode explores tales of Arctic exploration, including Amundsen's discovery of the Northwest Passage, and the race to the North Pole.
This episode covers the environmental consequences of suburban sprawl, and discusses the odd history of metro Atlanta.
This episode explores the environmental history of Georgia and the southeastern U.S., along with the long-term effects of human settlement in the region.
This episode explores how the world is still cleaning up 70 years after the greatest war in its history. Additionally, we cover the results to the 2015 Canadian election.
In this episode, Raymond explores the history of gun control in Germany in the 1930's. Was gun control responsible for the Nazis' rise to power and the atrocities of the Holocaust?
The second of two episodes about the early phase of the 2016 presidential primaries. Part two covers the top Democratic candidates, including Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
The first of two episodes about the politics of the early phase of the 2016 presidential primaries. Part one covers the top Republican candidates, starting with the ascendance of Donald Trump. His overt nativism is reminiscent of the pre-Civil War Know Nothing Movement. As the former Governor of Florida, the importance of Jeb Bush's ability to win that key swing state should not be underestimated. Marco Rubio, one of the GOP's stronger Latino candidates, is up in the polls lately. The champions of the Religious Right, Ted Cruz and Mike Huckabee, were recently endorsed during the Values Voter Summit.
Join us for the next episode as Raymond takes a look at the Democratic candidates.
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To commemorate the recent release of the new J. R. R. Tolkien book, The Story of Kullervo, Raymond will take a brief look into the history of Tolkien's life and writings. He highlights The History of Middle Earth, a 12-book series that collects and analyzes material relating to Tolkien's work. The series shows the development over time of his concept, philosophy, and theology of the fictional Middle Earth. Raymond points out how this collection of books relates to and supplements information in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
Show Reference Notes:
The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien
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As Raymond continues his look at the Southern Baptist Convention, he is joined by Russell Miles a.k.a. Brother Russell. Starting with a discussing the influence of tactics used by the Religious Right in the 1980's on the increasingly vitriolic attacks on social issues. They then examine the basic theological tenets of the Southern Baptist Convention and the impact on the mindset of political/social conservatives. Russell explains the catalyst the began his exit from the Southern Baptist Church.
Next Episode: The History of Middle Earth!
Show Reference Notes:
The Last Temptation of Christ on IMDb
Protecting Your Ministry from Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Lawsuits by The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
The Mind of the Bible-Believer by Edmund D. Cohen
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In this episode, Raymond explores the Southern Baptist Convention and the political, cultural, and demographic influence of the largest Protestant denomination in the United States. Of interest in the 2015 Annual Church Profile, is the largest decline in membership ever recorded in the history of the Church. Next he discusses the Conservative Resurgence and the rise to power of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President, R. Albert Mohler, Jr. Finally, he ponders the Religious Right's implications for the Republican presidential candidates.
On the next episode, Raymond will delve into the Southern Baptist Convention's theology.
Show Reference Notes:
"As Church Plants Grow, Southern Baptists Disappear" on Christianity Today
Recovering a Vision: The Presidency of R. Albert Mohler, Jr. on YouTube
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In this episode, Raymond is joined again by John Dolan a.k.a. Gary Brecher a.k.a. The War Nerd to discuss modern Russian foreign policy and the conflict in Syria. Starting with the collapse of the Soviet Union, without any hostilities, and Vladimir Putin's rise to power. They discuss the increasingly aggressive foreign policy of the Russian Federation, highlighting the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Moving on to Syria, John explains that the Sunni Revolution is a response to the historic changes of the 70s and 80s, when Hafez Assad became president of Syria, the Iranian Revolution triumphed, and Hezbollah was established. They conclude by exploring the complex and confusing United States foreign policy in the Middle East region.
Show Reference Notes:
"The War Nerd: Everything you know about Crimea is wrong(-er)" by Gary Brecher
Podrostok Savenko (The Adolescent Savenko) by Eduard Limonov translated into English as Memoir of a Russian Punk
"Syria at War" on PBS's Frontline
Gary Brecher is The War Nerd on Pando
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Raymond is joined by John Dolan a.k.a. Gary Brecher a.k.a. The War Nerd for the last of three episodes about the origins and legacies of the American Civil War. The nasty business of war is juxtaposed with the magnificence of artful warfare. Followed by an interesting compare and contrast of Sherman's March to the Sea with Nathanael Greene's Race to the Dan River. John talks about some of the major figures in his article, "The Confederates who should've been hanged." This episode wraps up with a discussion on the effects of the revisionist version of the Civil War had on Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and even into today.
Next Episode: The War Nerd joins Raymond again to discuss the contemporary military developments in Russia, Ukraine, and Syria. Don't miss it!
Show Reference Notes:
In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead by James Lee Burke
"The War Nerd: The Confederates who should've been hanged" by Gary Brecher
The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns on PBS
Gary Brecher is The War Nerd on Pando
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In the last episode, Raymond discussed the major political events of the 19th Century, ending with the Compromise of 1850. Continuing on, he begins with the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which became the most important event leading to the American Civil War. With the resulting destruction of the Whig Party, an immediate backlash causes the formation of the Republican Party. As Conservative tempers flair, Senator Charles Sumner is severely beaten on the floor of the U.S. Senate. The Dred Scott Decision uses the provisions of the 5th Amendment to allow slave owners to take their "property" anywhere in the United States. The Election of 1860 results in the balance of power in the Federal Government shifts decidedly to the North. South Carolina secedes, along with other Southern states and they form the Confederate States of America.
On the next episode, Raymond is joined by The War Nerd, Gary Brecher, to discuss the Civil War itself.
Show Reference Notes:
South Carolina House Approves Removing Confederate Flag
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Correspondence of Sherman, Hood, and the Mayor of Atlanta
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With all of the recent controversy surrounding the Confederate flag, Raymond explores the causes of the American Civil War. Starting in the early part of the 19th Century with the Louisiana Purchase, the ban on the importation of slaves, and the War of 1812. Moving forward to the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the shifting balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Tensions in the South rise with talk of rebellion and succession as a result of the Wilmot Proviso following the Mexican-American War. Finishing with a survey of the provisions and ramifications of the Compromise of 1850.
Join us for the next episode as the discussion on the Civil War continues with the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott Decision, and the rise of the Republican Party.
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Raymond is joined by Matt Baume of Marriage News Watch to discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. They begin with the emergence of the gay rights movement in the 1960s and move forward decade by decade. Touching on many of the major events and key figures that have helped push marriage equality to the forefront of national discourse. Followed by a brief analysis of the reactions to the Supreme Court decision throughout the LGBT community. With such a momentous victory, Matt explains where the battle for gay rights will go from here.
Show Reference Links:
The Sewers of Paris Podcast
The Case for Gay Marriage by Andrew Sullivan
California Proposition 22, Limit on Marriages (Knight Initiative)
California Proposition 8, the "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry" Initiative
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In this episode, Raymond discusses the Supreme Court decision in the King vs. Burwell case that upheld government subsidies. A brief history of the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare, is followed by a review the basic provisions of the law. He then talks about what has happened since the implementation of the ACA and explains how it is funded. Finally, Raymond shares his own personal healthcare experiences and how the Obamacare legislation has impacted his life.
Show Reference Links:
Affordable Care Act on Medicaid.gov
John Kasich's Quest for Glorious Martyrdom by Jonathan Chait
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Raymond explores the connections between a 21st Century mass shooting and a 19th century slave rebellion that both took place in the same church in Charleston, SC. He probes into the possible motives which may have been the catalysts for Dylann Storm Roof to open fire on the congregation at the historic Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015. Raymond ponders the significance of one of the victims, Reverend and Senator Clementa Pinckney, who was an up and coming figure in the Democratic Party. This recent mass shooting has a historical correlation to one of the founders of the Emanuel AME Church, Denmark Vesey, and the Vesey Rebellion of 1822. The subsequent kangaroo trial and executions were criticized by Governor Thomas Bennett for the lack of due process and damaging South Carolina's reputation.
Show Reference Links:
The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism by Edward E. Baptist
History 119: The Civil War and Reconstruction Era, 1845-1877 with Professor David W. Blight of Yale University
Unedited video of the shooting of Walter Scott on April 4, 2015
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In this episode, Raymond continues the discussion with Rob Walch, of Liberated Syndication (Libsyn). The focus shifts from the history of podcasting to the influence of podcasts in the realm of politics. Rob talks about his involvement with Senator John Edwards' podcast following the 2004 presidential election. They analyze the many benefits and pitfalls politicians experience when employing the podcast medium in their campaigns. Podcasts can become a powerful sounding board, not only for politics, but also non-profit organizations and unions.
Show Reference Links:
Podcasts Mentioned:
John and Elizabeth Edwards' Podcast
The Official Barack Obama Audio Podcast
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Raymond speaks with Podcasting Guru, Rob Walch, of the podcast hosting giant, Liberated Syndication (Libsyn)The discussion begins with the early days of podcasting when it was very difficult to discover and subscribe to the relatively few podcasts that were available in 2004. They then recap how podcasting has evolved and been influenced by major technological advances in the years since its inception. An interesting comparison sheds some light on the differences between Apple and Android in the world of podcasts. Wrapping up the episode, they ponder the future of podcasting and the significance of the smartphone emerging as the hub of consumption for this dynamic broadcasting medium.
Show Reference Links:
Podcasts Mentioned:
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
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The second episode of a two-part series, Raymond continues the conversation with Pate McMichael, author of Klandestine: How a Klan Lawyer and a Checkbook Journalist Helped James Earl Ray Cover Up His Crime. Picking up from Episode 5, they discuss the curious connections, movements, and activities of James Earl Ray surrounding the assassination of Martin Luther King. Following the capture of Ray in London, racism and the KKK are heavily involved in his trial. Raymond and Pate explore the the power of conspiracy and the power of hate in the 1960's as they relate to similar racial propaganda machines in use today.
Show Reference Links:
He Slew the Dreamer by William Bradford Huie
"The Trial of James Earl Ray" on IMDb
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In the first episode of a two-part series, Raymond speaks with Pate McMichael, author of Klandestine: How a Klan Lawyer and a Checkbook Journalist Helped James Earl Ray Cover Up His Crime. They discuss the unlikely partnership of Arthur J. Hanes, the lawyer for the United Klans of America, and William Bradford Huie, a sensationalist journalist, who are brought together by the court case of MLK assassin James Earl Ray. Despite polar opposite views on race, Hanes and Huie found common cause in the lucrative world of conspiracy; together, they thought they could make Memphis the new Dallas. Raymond and Pate will explain the nefarious connections Hanes with Governor George Wallace's ideology of racial hatred that is still prevalent in the politics of American South today.
Show Reference Links:
The Politics of Rage: George Wallace, the Origins of the New Conservatism, and the Transformation of American Politics by Dan T. Carter
The South Kills Another Negro by William Bradford Huie
The Americanization of Emily by William Bradford Huie
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In this episode, Raymond talks about the upcoming worldwide revolution in the generation of power. He covers the recent announcement by Elon Musk regarding Tesla Energy's new Powerwall home battery system. If you are considering installing residential solar power, he explains the calculations needed to determine the amount of electrical power your home requires. Followed by a survey of the costs associated with the various components vs. the estimated savings on utility bills and tax credits. Raymond finishes with a brief analysis of the coming changes to existing energy companies.
Show Reference Links:
The Shadow of Ideas
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Raymond is joined again by Alex Green. In this episode, they discuss the impact of technology on American isolationism and the culturally incoherent global viewpoint increasingly held by most Americans. Starting with the fundamental lack of understanding about Russia with regard to Putin’s actions in the Ukrainian Crisis. They then parallel JFK’s conflicts with U.S. leaders over the Cuban Missile Crisis and the current Congressional attempts to undermine negotiations with Iran, as well as influence diplomatic relations with Israel. Next, they talk about the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the South China Sea Negotiations and legacy of mistakes made in North Korea. Finishing with thoughts on the theory that presidential systems of government are inherently unstable and may have consequences even in a system as stable as the United States.
Show Reference Links:
“Losing Translation to the Marketplace of Ideas” by Alex Green
To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918by Adam Hochschild
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We're joined by Alex Green from the Kennedy School at Harvard University to discuss lasting legacies of the Cuban Missile Crisis. It is astonishing how fast the United States and Russia hurdled towards war and the ways the military did not understand what was happeneing. Raymond and Alex compare the similarities and differences in the perceptions of both Kennedy and Khrushchev as they carefully navigated the crisis. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the legacies of President Kennedy's philosophies on negotiations.
Show Reference Links:
Cold War Roadshow on American Experience
The Shadow of Ideas
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In the first episode of the series, Raymond talks about the origins of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and delves into the conflicts within U.S. leadership over how the country was going to respond. President Kennedy is considering the possible consequences, including nuclear war and actions taken by the Soviet Union in Berlin. Using JFK's presidential tapes, we have a ringside seat for the greatest near-miss of the Cold War.
Show Reference Links:
One Minute to Midnight by Michael Dobbs
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