Research the News
Real life shouldn't be like Twitter, so we decided to launch this podcast with a focus on having conversations about difficult topics while fostering an environment to create productive dialogue and understand different perspectives. We have guests with viewpoints from all over the political spectrum, sometimes we research specific news topics, and sometimes we'll use a current news event to launch into a deeper discussion about a broader issue. The mission is to have healthy dialogue with people of all backgrounds while promoting open discussions between people of differing viewpoints to search for common ground. We believe that what we need more of now is open, honest, and challenging dialogue between people of different backgrounds. We hope you enjoy the show!
Episodes
Join us as we dive into the fascinating history of the national political conventions in the United States. From their humble beginnings to the modern-day spectacles we see today, we explore how these conventions have evolved and what they mean for our political process.
We also discuss the role of media, celebrities, and the surprising power plays behind the scenes. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about how we choose...
In this episode of 'Research the News,' hosts Ray Abel and Ben Hardt are joined by Kevin Reynolds, a veteran of political digital marketing, to explore the intricate world of digital campaigns. Kevin shares his unique insights from years of experience working on both local and national campaigns, including his thoughts on the impact of digital marketing on modern elections and the ethical challenges it presents.
The conversation d...
Join Ray and Ben in this episode of 'Research the News' as they dive into the fascinating history of the Vice Presidency in the United States. From John Adams' disdain for the role to the significant impact of modern Vice Presidents, they explore how the office has evolved over the centuries. Discover surprising facts, historical turning points, and lively discussions on the relevance of the Vice Presidency in today's political lan...
In this episode of Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Ben Hardt tackle the latest political developments. They begin by examining the vice presidential choices, including JD Vance's nomination and potential picks for Kamala Harris. The discussion then shifts to Biden's proposed Supreme Court reforms, where they explore the implications of term limits for justices, the introduction of an ethics code, and potential constitutional ...
In this episode of Research the News, host Ray Abel is excited to introduce his new co-host, Ben Hardt. Ray and Ben, who have been friends for almost 20 years, bring their diverse political perspectives to the table, aiming to foster open, respectful, and enlightening discussions. They delve into their backgrounds, share anecdotes from their long-standing friendship, and set the stage for future episodes filled with thoughtful deba...
In this episode of Research the News, host Ray Abel is joined by Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder of FULCRUM, to discuss the critical issue of literacy in the U.S. Kareem, who has extensive experience as a teacher and administrator, explains why only 34% of fourth-grade students are performing at a proficient level in reading. The conversation covers various teaching methods, including phonics, balanced literacy, and whole language learni...
In this episode of Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd are joined by Gonzalo Veloz, who recounts his experiences growing up in Venezuela and provides an insightful analysis of the country's current state of affairs. Gonzalo, who sought political asylum in the U.S. in 2015, offers a firsthand account of the challenges faced by Venezuelans, including the economic turmoil, political instability, and social upheaval. Th...
This week on Research the News, Ray Abel opens with a compelling monologue on the broken state of journalism, exploring how media consolidation and bias have led to the decline of the fourth estate. He highlights the history of media ownership, the role of the press, and the impact of media conglomerates on public perception. Following this, Gretchen Hurd joins the discussion to delve into the significance of researching the news. ...
In this episode of Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd engage in a candid conversation with Andrew Churchill about his experiences as an Asian American. Andrew shares personal stories and insights into the unique challenges he has faced, including bias, discrimination, and the perpetual foreigner stereotype. The discussion also delves into the media's role in covering Asian American issues, especially in light of re...
This week on Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd are joined by Caitlin Werth to delve into the topic of prison reform. Caitlin, who served as the director of the HOPE Pre-Release Program at Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh, PA, provides a unique perspective on rehabilitative and re-entry programs for incarcerated men and women. The discussion spans various aspects of the prison system, examining it from both libe...
This week on Research the News, Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd take a deep dive into the criteria we use to judge political candidates and public figures. They examine the impact of public apologies and discuss the role of forgiveness in the political and social arenas. Through an engaging conversation, they uncover the nuances of accountability and how public perception shapes our understanding of leadership. Don't miss this insightfu...
This week on Research the News, hosts Ray Abel and Gretchen Hurd are joined by Peace Ike to explore the intricate dynamics of cancel culture and virtue signaling. Our conversation covers a broad spectrum of examples, including the recent debates over Mr. Potato Head and Dr. Seuss, ensuring a comprehensive examination of how these phenomena impact society. Peace shares her insights on how public discourse is shaped and the consequen...
Welcome to the new season of Research the News! In our relaunch episode, Ray Abel and our new co-host Gretchen Hurd dive into some of the most pressing issues in today's society. We're joined by Sidni Standard for a thought-provoking discussion on Critical Race Theory and its impact on college campuses. Sidni shares her unique perspective, transitioning from participating in Black Lives Matter protests to critically examining CRT. ...
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