A Well-Regulated Militia
When I worked on the Hill, I was initially amused when Senators would submit a statement to the record about a bill that would pass overwhelmingly. “Why were they spiking the ball?” I wondered to myself. I eventually asked a more seasoned colleague who explained it wasn’t about vanity, rather it was about documenting legislative intent. If there was ever a court challenge or controversy about the bill, the legislative … Read More
Of Bull Elephants and Mentors
In the late 1990s, juvenile elephants were killing white rhinos in the game preserves in South Africa. Park rangers were mystified. As they grappled with what to do—including killing several of the offending elephants—the rangers stumbled on a thought: the juvenile elephants had been culled from their original herds and released into new parks without being socialized by older elephants. In effect, they hadn’t learned how to behave properly as elephants. So the … Read More
The Costs of War with Dr. Rosella Cappella Zielinski
Air Dates: January 5-6, 2018 The costs of war are measured lives and treasure. As of the day we produced this episode, 6,979 Americans have lost their lives in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Dr. Rosella Cappella Zielinski warns that the financial costs of these wars have profound meaning for the United States, our politics, and our economy. Rosella Cappella Zielinski is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at … Read More
History of Law in America with Jed Shugerman
Air Dates: November 24-25, 2018 The confirmation of Justice Bret Kavanaugh was a bruising episode for many Americans. Jed Shugerman views that confirmation process against the long history of America’s courts and essential debates over the constitutional limits on executive power. Shugerman is a Professor of Law at Fordham University. He attended Yale Law School and graduated in 2002, and went on to earned his PhD in History. Blending his … Read More
Pell Center Brings Cybersecurity Awareness to the Forefront in US & Europe
Newport, RI – For the fourth year in a row, the Pell Center joined the annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) campaign – a far-reaching awareness and education initiative about the importance of cybersecurity at home as well as in the workplace. Pell Center Senior Fellow Francesca Spidalieri spearheaded the initiative for the Pell Center as part of the ongoing Cyber Leadership Project and participated in multiple discussions and … Read More
Dead Man Walking with Sister Helen Prejean
Rebroadcast Dates: January 10-15, 2019 Air Dates: September 22-24, 2018 Since 1976, nearly 1500 Americans have been executed in the name of justice. Sister Helen Prejean, though, cautions about the human cost of the death penalty and the innocent victims wrongfully put to death. Sister Helen Prejean was born on April 21, 1939, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille in 1957 (now known … Read More
Why American Debt is Good with Mark Blyth
Rebroadcast Dates: December 29-30, 2018 Original Air Dates: September 15-17, 2018 One of the most persistent ideas in the politics of the West, whether we’re talking about Europe or the United States, is that government debt is best attacked through reducing government spending. Mark Blyth, warns though, that “austerity,” as such plans are known, is a historically dangerous idea. Blyth received his PhD in political science from Columbia University in … Read More
A New Look at Native America with Gary Glassman
Air Dates: September 8-10, 2018 One of America’s persistent myths is that the first European migrants to the so-called “new world,” found a largely uninhabited continent. In a new documentary, Gary Glassman brings alive the thriving cities, social networks, art, and science of Native America. Gary Glassman is a producer and director whose documentaries aired on NOVA/PBS, The History Channel, the BBC, National Geographic and The Discovery Channel, among other … Read More
Julie Marron Brings us Social Justice Documentaries with a Twist
Air Dates: September 1-3, 2018 “Four games in Fall” lingers in the sports’-fan’s ear like a claxon in the night. It was the punishment Tom Brady served for his role in “deflate-gate.” Julie Marron argues, however, that Brady, despite his iconic status, was not treated fairly or justly—and the reasons why matter to all of us. Marron is the writer and director of Lemon Martini Productions. Prior to her filmmaking career, … Read More
The Weaponized Narrative with Molly McKew
Air Dates: August 11-13, 2018 “Weaponized narrative” is a relatively new term surfacing over the last couple of years, but information has long been an element of national power and a weapon when employed by skilled operators. Guest, Molly McKew warns the United States and its Western allies face a foe tremendously skilled and motivated in the use of information as a weapon. Molly K McKew is a foreign policy … Read More