Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

• Episode 274: What’s Happening With Social Security

  As the Social Security Administration faces a wave of staffing cuts and administrative shakeups, what’s at stake for the millions who depend on it? Brookings Institution economist Dr. Gopi Shah Goda discusses what these behind-the-scenes changes mean—and why some of the loudest political talking points about fraud and inefficiency don’t hold up. She also explores what is needed to keep the program strong amid looming financial shortfalls. For more on this topic: Read Goda’s commentary about expanding Medicare’s in-home care coverage at the Brookings Institution.

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• Episode 273: The Four Threats to Democracy

  As President Donald Trump’s second term unfolds, one big question looms: How resilient is American democracy? Professor Suzanne Mettler has spent years studying the forces that put democracy at risk and in this episode, she draws on her most recent book to share lessons from events across U.S. history that feel eerily relevant today. From Trump’s expanded executive power to deepening political divisions, she explores the forces that threaten American democracy, and what everyday citizens can do to push back. For more on this topic: Read Mettler’s book, Four Threats: The Recurring Crises of American Democracy, written with Robert Lieberman at Johns Hopkins University. Check out her opinion piece about a disturbing plot against a Kansas Territory governor in TIME Magazine, co-authored with Robert Lieberman.

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• Episode 272: Bonus: One Man’s Stand During Watergate

  Political scientist Ryan LaRochelle stays post-interview to highlight a lesser-known but powerful chapter of the Watergate era. LaRochelle delves into the story of William S. Cohen, a Republican congressman from Maine who chose truth over party loyalty, helping hold President Richard Nixon accountable. Cohen’s moral courage offers timely lessons for navigating today’s deeply divided political landscape.

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• Episode 271: Trump, Nixon, and the Dismantling of Federal Agencies

  President Donald Trump kicked off his second term with a wave of executive actions, including efforts to shrink the federal government by gutting or entirely dismantling some federal agencies. While some of these moves are unprecedented, it’s not the first time a president has tried to unilaterally undermine a federal agency. Political scientist Ryan LaRochelle breaks down how President Richard Nixon attempted to shutter the Office of Economic Opportunity and the legal and political pushback he faced as a result. LaRochelle draws on this history to explain why presidents can’t slash federal programs on their own and how public and congressional resistance can help keep agencies intact.  For more on this topic: Check out LaRochelle’s opinion piece on Nixon’s failed attempt to shut down the Office of Economic Opportunity in TIME Magazine. Read an opinion piece he co-authored with Luisa Deprez about fears over Trump’s strategy to cut U.S. safety net programs in Common Dreams.

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• Episode 270: The Ripple Effects of Immigration Raids

  Discussions about immigration and deportation often focus on politics, policies, and legal battles. But what happens to the people at the heart of it all? Professor William Lopez shares the story of one family’s experience to illustrate the far-reaching consequences of deportation. He breaks down the emotional, health, and financial toll of these enforcement actions—not just on those directly affected, but on teachers, faith leaders, and entire communities caught in the ripple effects.  For more on this topic: Check out Lopez’s opinion piece on worksite raids in The Hill.  Read his book, Separated: Family and Community in the Aftermath of an Immigration Raid.  

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