

Beyond Politics
Matt Robison
Politics may be dismal, but the ideas that swirl around it and shape it are fascinating. This is a show that looks not just at politics, but the deeper ideas from history, science, psychology, economics, and technology that are shaping our world. We feature smart, lively, upbeat discussions with people who know what they're talking about and can help us understand the world better. Hosted by Matt Robison: writer, former senior congressional staffer, and campaign manager.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 7, 2024 • 48min
Part 2: Can We Talk Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other?
Corey Nathan of the hit podcast Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other joins Matt Robison for Part Two of their conversation about whether the divides in America are really that big for the vast majority of people, and how to connect with people who seem to have major differences with you.
If you haven't heard Part One yet, click on the link for Corey's pod and check it out (and then come right back here)! And PLEASE hit follow on both of our shows, and if you're on the Apple Podcast app especially, scroll to the bottom of the episode list and leave us a rating and review!
05:04 The Journey from Judaism to Christianity
07:42 The Importance of Engaging in Political Discussions
10:36 The Role of Religion in Politics
18:07 The Dangers of Avoiding Political Discussions
21:16 The Exit Ramp for Trump Supporters
23:48 Understanding Deplorability and Open-Mindedness
30:31 The Power of Listening and Understanding
37:40 The Threat of Authoritarianism to Democracy
40:44 The Value of Maintaining Conversations Across Differences

Feb 5, 2024 • 40min
Why 2024 Might Be the Most Important Year
2024 may be the most pivotal year in decades, one that could shape the world's future in profound ways. Xenia Wickett, a geopolitical expert who has worked at the White House, State Department, Chatham House, and the Harvard Kennedy School explains what the big drivers of instability and change are, and suggests how to think about the complicated cross currents in the world in 2024.
02:57 The Key Challenges in 2024
06:02 The Pillars of Global Structure
16:11 The New Role of Corporations Across Societies
20:19 The Four Global Systems
22:49 The Interplay of Global Systems and Foundational Pillars
28:40 The 'Rooms' - Localized Issues Impacting the Global System
31:07 Understanding the Interconnectedness of Global Events
38:48 Learning to Manage Volatility

Feb 2, 2024 • 41min
Who Actually Won the Hollywood Bloodbath?
Smart insights on the future of streaming and entertainment with Chris Hill, the former host of Motley Fool Money. Now that Netflix seems to have come out on top int he streaming wars, what does the mix of emerging company strategies mean for various forms of media that Americans watch, including television, movies, and sports. 🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: After you Hit "Follow" or "Subscribe" Can You Please Leave Us a Rating & Review in the Apple Podcasts App?
02:02 The Future of Streaming and Entertainment
04:30 The Streaming Wars: Are They Over?
08:11 The Impact of the Pandemic and Strikes on the Entertainment Industry
13:48 The Role of Advertising in Streaming Platforms
14:35 Is the Change in the Entertainment Industry Good for Viewers?
18:51 The Evolution of Viewer Behavior and Business Response
21:44 The Rising Cost of Streaming Services
22:19 The Future of Cable Bundle Business Model
27:24 The Evolution of Movie Content
30:10 The Future of Movie Theaters and Releases
37:18 The Rise of International Content on Streaming Platforms
39:23 Predictions for the Future of Streaming

Jan 31, 2024 • 40min
Why Taylor Swift Is Driving Republicans Insane
Also, what does Donald Trump's move to kill an immigration deal tell us about shifting power centers in America? And, what will the latest developments in the Middle East and changes in voter perceptions of the economy do to the political landscape in 2024?
00:09 Taylor Swift and the Political Landscape
02:55 The Politics of Jealousy
08:27 The Impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas
13:32 The Border Issue and Political Power
18:32 The Power Shift in the Republican Party
25:57 The Current State of the Middle East
32:26 The Impact of the Economy on Politics

Jan 29, 2024 • 42min
A Sneaky New Supreme Court Case Could Upend the Trump Trial
Renowned Constitutional scholar and law professor Kim Wehle explains how an unheralded Supreme Court case could eliminate the core of the election subversion case against Donald Trump, and give him many more paths to delay and escape justice.
03:04 Discussion on Kim's New Book on Pardon Power
07:10 How Fisher vs United States Could Upend the Trump Trial
15:26 Critique of the Supreme Court's Approach to Precedent
21:47 Unpacking the Legal Implications for Donald Trump
30:56 The Role of Regulatory Agencies and the Supreme Court
37:50 The Threat of State Secession

Jan 24, 2024 • 32min
Trump Won New Hampshire. Why's He Hopping Mad About It?
A special late-night discussion on the results of the New Hampshire primary. Donald Trump won, but showed continued vulnerability which seemed to send him into a meltdown. Should Trump be encouraged or nervous after this supposedly big win?
00:32 Analyzing Trump's Victory and Haley's Performance
04:16 The Future of the Republican Party
06:57 The Democratic Side of the Race
11:39 The Impact of Trump's Misogyny
26:04 The Future of the New Hampshire Primary

Jan 23, 2024 • 39min
Chris Matthews: Behind the Scenes from a Lifetime in Politics
On New Hampshire Primary day, an in-person discussion with Chris Matthews, best known for his political analysis on the show Hardball. He shares his experiences with House Speaker Tip O'Neill and shares inside stories about politics and lessons from a lifetime rubbing shoulders with some of the best-known politicians in America.
00:58 The Impact of Hardball: The Book and The Show
01:44 Analyzing the Political Landscape and Key Players
04:24 The Impact of Personal Presence in Politics
08:03 The Role of Media in Politics
12:08 The Role of Journalists in Holding Politicians Accountable
19:43 The Importance of Responding to Political Attacks
22:19 The Challenge of Dealing with Trump
24:02 Kamala Harris: Biden's Biggest Problem?
26:42 The Challenges and Rewards of a Political Career
35:04 The Changing Political Landscape
37:23 The Importance of Personal Relationships in Politics

Jan 22, 2024 • 45min
Is Trump a Done Deal? We Asked New Hampshire's Top Pollster.
New CNN polling from Andy Smith, the director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, is out with new figures and for those hoping to stop Trump, things are not looking good. What happened, why, and what do the coming months look like?
01:03 Interview with Andy Smith, Director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center
02:32 The Influence of Trump on New Hampshire Politics
03:36 The Rise and Fall of Ron DeSantis
04:25 The Impact of Indictments on Trump's Support
09:42 The Role of Nikki Haley in the Republican Primary
12:37 Understanding Voting Behavior in New Hampshire
20:01 The Impact of Immigration on Trump's Support
28:07 The Strategy and Challenges of Haley's Campaign
29:58 The Influence of Media on Election Results
36:54 The Future of the Republican Party
39:47 Memorable Moments from Past Primaries
44:43 The Paradigm Shift in the Polling Industry

Jan 19, 2024 • 23min
No, You're Not Taking Crazy Pills -- The Trump Story Is Really Wrong
Matt Robison and Paul Hodes join renowned radio host Matt McNeil to talk about how the media narrative is spinning Trump's results into political capita, the challenges facing Biden, and the curious political campaign of Dean Phillips.
00:42 Critique of Media's Role in Politics
02:25 Analysis of Trump's Performance in Iowa
03:12 Media's Misrepresentation of Trump's Success
06:29 Impact of Media Narrative on New Hampshire Polls
09:28 Understanding New Hampshire's Political Landscape
16:28 Discussion on Dean Phillips' Campaign
20:34 Analysis of Write-in Campaign for Biden

Jan 18, 2024 • 25min
Things Are Moving Fast In New Hampshire Now
What's it like behind the scenes in the New Hampshire Primary, and what should people watch for in the coming days. Matt Robison and Paul Hodes join Howard Monroe to take us inside a fast-moving an unpredictable race.
00:43 Media's Role in Shaping Perceptions
03:46 Understanding New Hampshire Primary
04:32 The Role of Independent Voters in New Hampshire
08:08 The Unusual Year for New Hampshire
09:21 The Impact of Media on Election Results
15:45 The Potential Impact of Undeclared Voters
22:48 The Future of American Politics


