Conflict of Interest en 820862 Conflict of Interest is a podcast about the world, through a discerning lens of journalism, politics and above all Vermont. Kevin Ellis goes against the grain of today’s politics and celebrity culture to talk about the massive change all around us and how the world actually works. You will hear from Kevin’s Vermont neighbors AND national voices on difficult issues. Vermont is becoming, or always has been, a place, a real place. We are not interested in the Vermont of the tourist guides. We are not going to talk to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. We will talk to them about what it is like to sell the company and do something new - and the frustrations, fear and uncertainty that comes with changing your life. Part interview, part history lesson about stuff you won’t see or hear on CNN or NPR. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d007b8a8-7de8-11eb-bf02-47897867f5af/image/f93614446e0b92532be6908b8603f808.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Conflict of Interest no episodic Kevin Ellis Conflict of Interest is a podcast about the world, through a discerning lens of journalism, politics and above all Vermont. Kevin Ellis goes against the grain of today’s politics and celebrity culture to talk about the massive change all around us and how the world actually works. You will hear from Kevin’s Vermont neighbors AND national voices on difficult issues. Vermont is becoming, or always has been, a place, a real place. We are not interested in the Vermont of the tourist guides. We are not going to talk to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. We will talk to them about what it is like to sell the company and do something new - and the frustrations, fear and uncertainty that comes with changing your life. Part interview, part history lesson about stuff you won’t see or hear on CNN or NPR. Conflict of Interest is a podcast about the world, through a discerning lens of journalism, politics and above all Vermont. Kevin Ellis goes against the grain of today’s politics and celebrity culture to talk about the massive change all around us and how the world actually works. You will hear from Kevin’s Vermont neighbors AND national voices on difficult issues. Vermont is becoming, or always has been, a place, a real place. We are not interested in the Vermont of the tourist guides. We are not going to talk to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. We will talk to them about what it is like to sell the company and do something new - and the frustrations, fear and uncertainty that comes with changing your life. Part interview, part history lesson about stuff you won’t see or hear on CNN or NPR.

]]> Kevin Ellis phineas.ellis@gmail.com When Did the Jan. 6 Rioters Become Who They Are? (Dr. Paul Howes) Turns out shortly after birth. My psychologist classmate explains how MAGA got that way. And a lot more.  Fri, 01 May 2026 19:51:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Turns out shortly after birth. My psychologist classmate explains how MAGA got that way. And a lot more.  Turns out shortly after birth. My psychologist classmate explains how MAGA got that way. And a lot more. 

]]> 3169 It's Only Drowning (David Litt) How did an Obama speechwriter find himself getting rolled in the freezing Jersey shore surf? A search for something better, some common ground with a Joe Rogan brother-in-law. He didn't find "common'' ground. But he may have found something better. We compare our surf journeys. (His is funnier than mine). Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:14:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis How did an Obama speechwriter find himself getting rolled in the freezing Jersey shore surf? A search for something better, some common ground with a Joe Rogan brother-in-law. He didn't find "common'' ground. But he may have found something better. We compare our surf journeys. (His is funnier than mine). How did an Obama speechwriter find himself getting rolled in the freezing Jersey shore surf? A search for something better, some common ground with a Joe Rogan brother-in-law. He didn't find "common'' ground. But he may have found something better. We compare our surf journeys. (His is funnier than mine).

]]> 2265 What is the CIA For? (Tim Weiner) The Pulitzer Prize winner discusses his new book about the role of the CIA since 9-11. What should they be doing? What are they getting wrong? It turns out that CIA is really bad at some things - torture and running prisons around the world. They are fairly good at other things - namely espionage and intelligence. And Weiner ends with a straight-up warning about the perils of making the CIA a play toy for Donald Trump.  Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:16:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis The Pulitzer Prize winner discusses his new book about the role of the CIA since 9-11. What should they be doing? What are they getting wrong? It turns out that CIA is really bad at some things - torture and running prisons around the world. They are fairly good at other things - namely espionage and intelligence. And Weiner ends with a straight-up warning about the perils of making the CIA a play toy for Donald Trump.  The Pulitzer Prize winner discusses his new book about the role of the CIA since 9-11. What should they be doing? What are they getting wrong? It turns out that CIA is really bad at some things - torture and running prisons around the world. They are fairly good at other things - namely espionage and intelligence. And Weiner ends with a straight-up warning about the perils of making the CIA a play toy for Donald Trump. 

]]> 2655 Jeffrey Epstein, Trump and the Untouchables Gates, Summers, Prince Andrew and the rest of them thought they were untouchable, that the rules didn't apply to them. How did we get here - to a system of rules for some and none for everyone else? And why didn't anyone in real power do anything? Dr. Felicia Kornbluh - who specializes in the histories of feminism, gender, social welfare, and reproductive politics - explains. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Gates, Summers, Prince Andrew and the rest of them thought they were untouchable, that the rules didn't apply to them. How did we get here - to a system of rules for some and none for everyone else? And why didn't anyone in real power do anything? Dr. Felicia Kornbluh - who specializes in the histories of feminism, gender, social welfare, and reproductive politics - explains. Gates, Summers, Prince Andrew and the rest of them thought they were untouchable, that the rules didn't apply to them. How did we get here - to a system of rules for some and none for everyone else? And why didn't anyone in real power do anything? Dr. Felicia Kornbluh - who specializes in the histories of feminism, gender, social welfare, and reproductive politics - explains.

]]> 2905 ICY Minneapolis with the former US Attorney on Minnesota Andrew Luger was the top cop in Minnesota under Obama and Biden.  He says the ICE surge was a failure because it violates what law enforcement should be about.   Note: Luger predicted that Trump would recognize defeat and pull out, which it did shortly after we talked.   Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:43:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Andrew Luger was the top cop in Minnesota under Obama and Biden.  He says the ICE surge was a failure because it violates what law enforcement should be about.   Note: Luger predicted that Trump would recognize defeat and pull out, which it did shortly after we talked.   Andrew Luger was the top cop in Minnesota under Obama and Biden.  He says the ICE surge was a failure because it violates what law enforcement should be about.  

Note: Luger predicted that Trump would recognize defeat and pull out, which it did shortly after we talked.  

]]> 2273 William F. Buckley Jr. and the Road to Trump How did we get here? Buckley had a lot to do with it and writer Sam Tanenhaus lays it all bare in his fabulous biography of the conservative writer and provocateur who planted the seeds for Goldwater to Reagan to Trump. What would he say today? Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis How did we get here? Buckley had a lot to do with it and writer Sam Tanenhaus lays it all bare in his fabulous biography of the conservative writer and provocateur who planted the seeds for Goldwater to Reagan to Trump. What would he say today? How did we get here? Buckley had a lot to do with it and writer Sam Tanenhaus lays it all bare in his fabulous biography of the conservative writer and provocateur who planted the seeds for Goldwater to Reagan to Trump. What would he say today?

]]> 3569 Molly Gray Feels Liberated Why does a former Lt. Governor of Vermont lose a race for Congress and then return to run again for her old office. Welcome to the "Pain Cave.'' Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:31:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Why does a former Lt. Governor of Vermont lose a race for Congress and then return to run again for her old office. Welcome to the "Pain Cave.'' Why does a former Lt. Governor of Vermont lose a race for Congress and then return to run again for her old office. Welcome to the "Pain Cave.''

]]> 2360 What Can I Do? (Nick Mucha from Patagonia) There is a book that tells you how to be an activist. Tools to Save our Home Planet tells you how to start, how to stay at it over the long term. Everyone has their own way. But the folks at Patagonia never disappoint. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis There is a book that tells you how to be an activist. Tools to Save our Home Planet tells you how to start, how to stay at it over the long term. Everyone has their own way. But the folks at Patagonia never disappoint. There is a book that tells you how to be an activist. Tools to Save our Home Planet tells you how to start, how to stay at it over the long term. Everyone has their own way. But the folks at Patagonia never disappoint.

]]> 1999 The Police Officer of Twitter (John Harwood) Freed from mainstream media, John Harwood is right there to correct every lie on Twitter with a mix of old-school journalism experience and acerbic comment. Refreshing! Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:38:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Freed from mainstream media, John Harwood is right there to correct every lie on Twitter with a mix of old-school journalism experience and acerbic comment. Refreshing! Freed from mainstream media, John Harwood is right there to correct every lie on Twitter with a mix of old-school journalism experience and acerbic comment. Refreshing!

]]> 2668 Off Year Elections (Luke Albee) How the Dems victories affect shutdown, presidential aspirations and everything else. Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis How the Dems victories affect shutdown, presidential aspirations and everything else. How the Dems victories affect shutdown, presidential aspirations and everything else.

]]> 2149 “Why is this appropriate?” My federal judge classmate tells Trump he cannot send national guard troops to Portland. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Richard Read explains Judge Karin Imergut’s ruling. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis My federal judge classmate tells Trump he cannot send national guard troops to Portland. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Richard Read explains Judge Karin Imergut’s ruling. My federal judge classmate tells Trump he cannot send national guard troops to Portland. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Richard Read explains Judge Karin Imergut’s ruling.

]]> 2332 Gov’t Shutdown - What Really Happens? A Senate veteran and former chief of staff says the shutdown is high-risk for Democrats because of Russell Vought is hiding in the tall grass. Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:50:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis A Senate veteran and former chief of staff says the shutdown is high-risk for Democrats because of Russell Vought is hiding in the tall grass. A Senate veteran and former chief of staff says the shutdown is high-risk for Democrats because of Russell Vought is hiding in the tall grass.

]]> 2076 WashPost’s Dan Balz Retires. Few embody the rules of accurate and fair journalism more than Balz, who covered presidential campaigns for 40-plus years and understands why voters went to Trump better than anyone. Why? Because he talks to them all the time, on the ground, with a reporter’s eye and ear. We may not see the likes of him again. So I had to talk to him! Mon, 22 Sep 2025 20:19:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Few embody the rules of accurate and fair journalism more than Balz, who covered presidential campaigns for 40-plus years and understands why voters went to Trump better than anyone. Why? Because he talks to them all the time, on the ground, with a reporter’s eye and ear. We may not see the likes of him again. So I had to talk to him! Few embody the rules of accurate and fair journalism more than Balz, who covered presidential campaigns for 40-plus years and understands why voters went to Trump better than anyone. Why? Because he talks to them all the time, on the ground, with a reporter’s eye and ear. We may not see the likes of him again. So I had to talk to him!

]]> 2755 Epstein and Trump Journalist Nina Burleigh dissects the strange world of two sexual predators. Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:40:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Journalist Nina Burleigh dissects the strange world of two sexual predators. Journalist Nina Burleigh dissects the strange world of two sexual predators.

]]> 2546 Bombing Doesn’t Work You win wars with armies. Bombs don’t work. And they only piss off the people you bomb for another generation. (Iran) Nuclear weapons scholar Ward Wilson joins me.  Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis You win wars with armies. Bombs don’t work. And they only piss off the people you bomb for another generation. (Iran) Nuclear weapons scholar Ward Wilson joins me.  You win wars with armies. Bombs don’t work. And they only piss off the people you bomb for another generation. (Iran) Nuclear weapons scholar Ward Wilson joins me. 

]]> 2989 The Greatest Tennis Match Ever Who do you talk to when you have just watched the best tennis match in history? Your local tennis pro of course. Breaking down Sinner vs. Alcaraz at the French Open with Daron Forohar. Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:59:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Who do you talk to when you have just watched the best tennis match in history? Your local tennis pro of course. Breaking down Sinner vs. Alcaraz at the French Open with Daron Forohar. Who do you talk to when you have just watched the best tennis match in history? Your local tennis pro of course. Breaking down Sinner vs. Alcaraz at the French Open with Daron Forohar.

]]> 2286 The Future of the Liberal Arts College As Trump attacks Harvard, small liberal arts colleges reassess their purpose. The president of Amherst College says this reckoning has been coming for a long time. The answer is a return to core values of critical thinking and hard truths. Amherst President Michael Elliott is one of the leaders and breaks it down. Thu, 12 Jun 2025 19:26:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis As Trump attacks Harvard, small liberal arts colleges reassess their purpose. The president of Amherst College says this reckoning has been coming for a long time. The answer is a return to core values of critical thinking and hard truths. Amherst President Michael Elliott is one of the leaders and breaks it down. As Trump attacks Harvard, small liberal arts colleges reassess their purpose. The president of Amherst College says this reckoning has been coming for a long time. The answer is a return to core values of critical thinking and hard truths. Amherst President Michael Elliott is one of the leaders and breaks it down.

]]> 2258 Lacrosse is About America How does an ancient game with sticks tell us about ourselves? The story of how we stole the game from the native people and then stopped them from playing teaches us a deep and abiding lesson about ourselves and our crimes. Thanks to some champions of a cause, native people might play in the Olympics. The wrong can never be righted. But we can learn our history and move in a better direction. Author S.L. Price from Sports Illustrated spent seven years and 350 interviews to write The American Game: History and Hope in the Country of Lacrosse. The question is: Which country? Thu, 29 May 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis How does an ancient game with sticks tell us about ourselves? The story of how we stole the game from the native people and then stopped them from playing teaches us a deep and abiding lesson about ourselves and our crimes. Thanks to some champions of a cause, native people might play in the Olympics. The wrong can never be righted. But we can learn our history and move in a better direction. Author S.L. Price from Sports Illustrated spent seven years and 350 interviews to write The American Game: History and Hope in the Country of Lacrosse. The question is: Which country? How does an ancient game with sticks tell us about ourselves? The story of how we stole the game from the native people and then stopped them from playing teaches us a deep and abiding lesson about ourselves and our crimes. Thanks to some champions of a cause, native people might play in the Olympics. The wrong can never be righted. But we can learn our history and move in a better direction. Author S.L. Price from Sports Illustrated spent seven years and 350 interviews to write The American Game: History and Hope in the Country of Lacrosse. The question is: Which country?

]]> 2854 The Biden Coverup/Conspiracy/Delusion Call it what you will. The new book FIGHT - Inside the Wildest battle for the White House - has the first draft of history on why Biden ran again and how his handlers kept the truth about his age from getting out and handing the election to Trump. It is a decision we will be living with for a generation. Co-Author Amie Parnes joins Kevin for the details. ⁠Amie's book, FIGHT, available now. Thu, 15 May 2025 17:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Call it what you will. The new book FIGHT - Inside the Wildest battle for the White House - has the first draft of history on why Biden ran again and how his handlers kept the truth about his age from getting out and handing the election to Trump. It is a decision we will be living with for a generation. Co-Author Amie Parnes joins Kevin for the details. ⁠Amie's book, FIGHT, available now. Call it what you will. The new book FIGHT - Inside the Wildest battle for the White House - has the first draft of history on why Biden ran again and how his handlers kept the truth about his age from getting out and handing the election to Trump. It is a decision we will be living with for a generation. Co-Author Amie Parnes joins Kevin for the details.

⁠Amie's book, FIGHT, available now.

]]> 1934 Morgan Valley and the Sacrifice You don’t have to love basketball to appreciate what Morgan Valley has done in her playing and coaching career. But you need to listen closely or you’ll miss it. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis You don’t have to love basketball to appreciate what Morgan Valley has done in her playing and coaching career. But you need to listen closely or you’ll miss it. You don’t have to love basketball to appreciate what Morgan Valley has done in her playing and coaching career. But you need to listen closely or you’ll miss it.

]]> 2366 FAIZ SHAKIR…What ails the Democrats and what is the way back? The top political advisor to Bernie Sanders says Chuck Schumer was wrong on the budget bill and wrong on the way forward. It’s not about Left vs. Right. It's about Top vs. Bottom. Will anyone listen? Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:29:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis The top political advisor to Bernie Sanders says Chuck Schumer was wrong on the budget bill and wrong on the way forward. It’s not about Left vs. Right. It's about Top vs. Bottom. Will anyone listen? The top political advisor to Bernie Sanders says Chuck Schumer was wrong on the budget bill and wrong on the way forward. It’s not about Left vs. Right. It's about Top vs. Bottom. Will anyone listen?

]]> 2490 What Really Happened on Jan. 6? The Jan. 6 effort to overturn an election and KILL the vice president and speaker the House seems so long ago. And Trump has effectively made us forget. But Mark Bowden has not forgotten. The author of Blackhawk Down and many other deeply reported books put Jan. 6 and its aftermath into one comprehensive book. It has all the receipts. To understand what’s happening now when the entire leadership of th government believes the Biden win was stolen, you have to go back to Jan. 6. Bowden takes us through the highlights and leaves the details for the book - a great read. Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis The Jan. 6 effort to overturn an election and KILL the vice president and speaker the House seems so long ago. And Trump has effectively made us forget. But Mark Bowden has not forgotten. The author of Blackhawk Down and many other deeply reported books put Jan. 6 and its aftermath into one comprehensive book. It has all the receipts. To understand what’s happening now when the entire leadership of th government believes the Biden win was stolen, you have to go back to Jan. 6. Bowden takes us through the highlights and leaves the details for the book - a great read. The Jan. 6 effort to overturn an election and KILL the vice president and speaker the House seems so long ago. And Trump has effectively made us forget. But Mark Bowden has not forgotten. The author of Blackhawk Down and many other deeply reported books put Jan. 6 and its aftermath into one comprehensive book. It has all the receipts. To understand what’s happening now when the entire leadership of th government believes the Biden win was stolen, you have to go back to Jan. 6. Bowden takes us through the highlights and leaves the details for the book - a great read.

]]> 2244 Alex Gibney has some Optimism The award-winning documentary filmmaker has faith (some) that the system can withstand Trump and Musk. That’s a lot for a a guy who makes a living examining the abuse of power by powerful people - Trump, Lance Armstrong, ENRON, Elizabeth Holmes and Scientology. Next up? Elon Musk. Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis The award-winning documentary filmmaker has faith (some) that the system can withstand Trump and Musk. That’s a lot for a a guy who makes a living examining the abuse of power by powerful people - Trump, Lance Armstrong, ENRON, Elizabeth Holmes and Scientology. Next up? Elon Musk. The award-winning documentary filmmaker has faith (some) that the system can withstand Trump and Musk. That’s a lot for a a guy who makes a living examining the abuse of power by powerful people - Trump, Lance Armstrong, ENRON, Elizabeth Holmes and Scientology. Next up? Elon Musk.

]]> 2488 It’s a Coup. So What Now? My Former Professor Has Answers Trump-Musk is unprecedented, lawless, and dangerous. But we knew that. What exactly constitutes the coup? What steps do citizens take? Constitutional scholar and professor Austin Sarat has some answers - not magic bullets, but a dedication to democracy by speaking out and getting involved. Sarat is less gloomy than most and sympathizes with the college students of today. And discusses how the current situation has changed his teaching. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:12:25 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Trump-Musk is unprecedented, lawless, and dangerous. But we knew that. What exactly constitutes the coup? What steps do citizens take? Constitutional scholar and professor Austin Sarat has some answers - not magic bullets, but a dedication to democracy by speaking out and getting involved. Sarat is less gloomy than most and sympathizes with the college students of today. And discusses how the current situation has changed his teaching. Trump-Musk is unprecedented, lawless, and dangerous. But we knew that. What exactly constitutes the coup? What steps do citizens take? Constitutional scholar and professor Austin Sarat has some answers - not magic bullets, but a dedication to democracy by speaking out and getting involved. Sarat is less gloomy than most and sympathizes with the college students of today. And discusses how the current situation has changed his teaching.

]]> 2383 Solving Homelessness I get the question every day - Why can’t we solve this? Roseanne Haggerty is solving it. First she bought a hotel in New York and housed people. Then she won a MacArthur “genius’’ fellowship. Now she advises cities all over the country how to solve it. Turns out it’s not that complicated. It takes what tough problems have always required: political courage, collecting data about those in need and a healthy dose of caring about people. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 17:59:31 -0000 full Kevin Ellis I get the question every day - Why can’t we solve this? Roseanne Haggerty is solving it. First she bought a hotel in New York and housed people. Then she won a MacArthur “genius’’ fellowship. Now she advises cities all over the country how to solve it. Turns out it’s not that complicated. It takes what tough problems have always required: political courage, collecting data about those in need and a healthy dose of caring about people. I get the question every day - Why can’t we solve this? Roseanne Haggerty is solving it. First she bought a hotel in New York and housed people. Then she won a MacArthur “genius’’ fellowship. Now she advises cities all over the country how to solve it. Turns out it’s not that complicated. It takes what tough problems have always required: political courage, collecting data about those in need and a healthy dose of caring about people.

]]> 2682 The Pentagon Gets Real about Renewable Energy and Climate When Sherri Goodman arrived at the Pentagon in 1993 for her job as a deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security, the Defense Department was one of the biggest polluters on the planet. The legacy of our nuclear weapons program along with pollution from military bases all over the country. Her job? Clean up the mess. And as things went on, start factoring energy and climate change into how the military operates. How did it go? And what happens now that the Trump people have taken over? Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:04:24 -0000 full Kevin Ellis When Sherri Goodman arrived at the Pentagon in 1993 for her job as a deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security, the Defense Department was one of the biggest polluters on the planet. The legacy of our nuclear weapons program along with pollution from military bases all over the country. Her job? Clean up the mess. And as things went on, start factoring energy and climate change into how the military operates. How did it go? And what happens now that the Trump people have taken over? When Sherri Goodman arrived at the Pentagon in 1993 for her job as a deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security, the Defense Department was one of the biggest polluters on the planet. The legacy of our nuclear weapons program along with pollution from military bases all over the country. Her job? Clean up the mess. And as things went on, start factoring energy and climate change into how the military operates. How did it go? And what happens now that the Trump people have taken over?

]]> 2165 Bird Flu is here and it’s in the Milk The flu is in 16 states and more than 900 dairy herds. That means the milk is threatened. Can it jump to humans? Yes. Will it jump to humans in a big way. I ask NY Times science reporter Apoorva Mandivilli all the questions and she gives the answers. It’s not COVID, she says. Yet. Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis The flu is in 16 states and more than 900 dairy herds. That means the milk is threatened. Can it jump to humans? Yes. Will it jump to humans in a big way. I ask NY Times science reporter Apoorva Mandivilli all the questions and she gives the answers. It’s not COVID, she says. Yet. The flu is in 16 states and more than 900 dairy herds. That means the milk is threatened. Can it jump to humans? Yes. Will it jump to humans in a big way. I ask NY Times science reporter Apoorva Mandivilli all the questions and she gives the answers. It’s not COVID, she says. Yet.

]]> 1661 Trump Won’t be THAT Bad Will Trump follow through on his draconian threats to deport millions, go after his enemies and jack up the price of everything? Every liberal Democrat I find say yes. But I found a journalist who doesn’t think so. Michael Powell of The Atlantic says the worst won’t happen. And he has a lot of experience watching politicians who promise bug and can’t deliver. He write sports for the New York Times, been on Pulitzer-winning teams. Most of all - he is from New York and watched all kinds of pols up very close. He has been there. So Trump is nothing new to him.  Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:35:41 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Will Trump follow through on his draconian threats to deport millions, go after his enemies and jack up the price of everything? Every liberal Democrat I find say yes. But I found a journalist who doesn’t think so. Michael Powell of The Atlantic says the worst won’t happen. And he has a lot of experience watching politicians who promise bug and can’t deliver. He write sports for the New York Times, been on Pulitzer-winning teams. Most of all - he is from New York and watched all kinds of pols up very close. He has been there. So Trump is nothing new to him.  Will Trump follow through on his draconian threats to deport millions, go after his enemies and jack up the price of everything? Every liberal Democrat I find say yes. But I found a journalist who doesn’t think so. Michael Powell of The Atlantic says the worst won’t happen. And he has a lot of experience watching politicians who promise bug and can’t deliver. He write sports for the New York Times, been on Pulitzer-winning teams. Most of all - he is from New York and watched all kinds of pols up very close. He has been there. So Trump is nothing new to him. 


]]> 2494 Family Meeting Wherein some of the Ellis family gathers to assess, analyze and argue about the election. How was it lost? How was it won? No holds barred. It’s all men because the women in our lives have serious work to do and refused to be compromised by contact with the men. But there are nuggets. Harris played not to lose. (ME) And so much more. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:56:04 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Wherein some of the Ellis family gathers to assess, analyze and argue about the election. How was it lost? How was it won? No holds barred. It’s all men because the women in our lives have serious work to do and refused to be compromised by contact with the men. But there are nuggets. Harris played not to lose. (ME) And so much more. Wherein some of the Ellis family gathers to assess, analyze and argue about the election. How was it lost? How was it won? No holds barred. It’s all men because the women in our lives have serious work to do and refused to be compromised by contact with the men. But there are nuggets. Harris played not to lose. (ME) And so much more.

]]> 3824 BERNIE SANDERS: Why Kamala Harris, Re-election, Vermont Initiatives The Democratic Party sabotaged his bid for president. He is running for a fourth term. He is the most famous name in politics until Trump came along and changed everything. Bernie Sanders on why Harris needs to win and how the Democrats lost the working class.  Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:23:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis The Democratic Party sabotaged his bid for president. He is running for a fourth term. He is the most famous name in politics until Trump came along and changed everything. Bernie Sanders on why Harris needs to win and how the Democrats lost the working class.  The Democratic Party sabotaged his bid for president. He is running for a fourth term. He is the most famous name in politics until Trump came along and changed everything. Bernie Sanders on why Harris needs to win and how the Democrats lost the working class. 

]]> 1008 The Vermont Attorney General and the Most Dangerous Man in America Charity Clark is the chief law enforcement officer for the state of Vermont and she is suing Meta and Mark Zuckerberg to top them from addicting young people to bad stuff on Instagram, stealing their privacy and identity, selling it to advertisers and lying about what they do.  Wed, 23 Oct 2024 19:25:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Charity Clark is the chief law enforcement officer for the state of Vermont and she is suing Meta and Mark Zuckerberg to top them from addicting young people to bad stuff on Instagram, stealing their privacy and identity, selling it to advertisers and lying about what they do.  Charity Clark is the chief law enforcement officer for the state of Vermont and she is suing Meta and Mark Zuckerberg to top them from addicting young people to bad stuff on Instagram, stealing their privacy and identity, selling it to advertisers and lying about what they do. 

]]> 3004 David Maraniss and the Legacy of Vietnam A conversation with the Pulitzer Prize winning biographer of Clinton, Obama, Lombardi and Jim Thorpe. His book on Vietnam - They Marched Toward Sunlight - weaves together the events of 1967 in his home town of Madison, WI, the Oval Office and the dreaded battlefields of Vietnam. Maraniss keynotes the Leahy Public Policy Forum at the University of Vermont on Oct. 1 looking back at Vietnam 50 years later. Mon, 30 Sep 2024 20:36:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis A conversation with the Pulitzer Prize winning biographer of Clinton, Obama, Lombardi and Jim Thorpe. His book on Vietnam - They Marched Toward Sunlight - weaves together the events of 1967 in his home town of Madison, WI, the Oval Office and the dreaded battlefields of Vietnam. Maraniss keynotes the Leahy Public Policy Forum at the University of Vermont on Oct. 1 looking back at Vietnam 50 years later. A conversation with the Pulitzer Prize winning biographer of Clinton, Obama, Lombardi and Jim Thorpe. His book on Vietnam - They Marched Toward Sunlight - weaves together the events of 1967 in his home town of Madison, WI, the Oval Office and the dreaded battlefields of Vietnam. Maraniss keynotes the Leahy Public Policy Forum at the University of Vermont on Oct. 1 looking back at Vietnam 50 years later.

]]> 2303 Debate Breakdown/Trump Breakdown w/ Alex MacLean It was left to Kamala Harris to do what Biden couldn’t do. Nor could Rubio, Desantis, Bush and all the others. Neither could the media and all the advertising, all the talking heads on cable TV. After eight years of Trump’s TV show, Harris pushed all the buttons, laid the traps and got the result she needed, showing the country she can be president. I break it down with political operative and comms consultant Alex MacLean. She has been in the room as a policy director, campaign manager and senior advisor to a host of politicians including former Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin. Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:56:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis It was left to Kamala Harris to do what Biden couldn’t do. Nor could Rubio, Desantis, Bush and all the others. Neither could the media and all the advertising, all the talking heads on cable TV. After eight years of Trump’s TV show, Harris pushed all the buttons, laid the traps and got the result she needed, showing the country she can be president. I break it down with political operative and comms consultant Alex MacLean. She has been in the room as a policy director, campaign manager and senior advisor to a host of politicians including former Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin. It was left to Kamala Harris to do what Biden couldn’t do. Nor could Rubio, Desantis, Bush and all the others. Neither could the media and all the advertising, all the talking heads on cable TV. After eight years of Trump’s TV show, Harris pushed all the buttons, laid the traps and got the result she needed, showing the country she can be president. I break it down with political operative and comms consultant Alex MacLean. She has been in the room as a policy director, campaign manager and senior advisor to a host of politicians including former Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin.

]]> 2312 Pelosi and Power - Molly Ball On July 3, Nancy Pelosi changed the course of the current presidential campaign and the country. It took about three minutes. How did that happen? How did the former speaker of the House have the power, moxie and leverage to force Biden from the race, elevate Kamala Harris and then deny she had her hand on the controls. It is all about how political power is wielded. And Pelosi biographer Molly Ball tells us how it was done. Her book “Pelosi’’ is the handbook for understanding the most powerful woman in American political history. Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:12:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis On July 3, Nancy Pelosi changed the course of the current presidential campaign and the country. It took about three minutes. How did that happen? How did the former speaker of the House have the power, moxie and leverage to force Biden from the race, elevate Kamala Harris and then deny she had her hand on the controls. It is all about how political power is wielded. And Pelosi biographer Molly Ball tells us how it was done. Her book “Pelosi’’ is the handbook for understanding the most powerful woman in American political history. On July 3, Nancy Pelosi changed the course of the current presidential campaign and the country. It took about three minutes. How did that happen? How did the former speaker of the House have the power, moxie and leverage to force Biden from the race, elevate Kamala Harris and then deny she had her hand on the controls. It is all about how political power is wielded. And Pelosi biographer Molly Ball tells us how it was done. Her book “Pelosi’’ is the handbook for understanding the most powerful woman in American political history.

]]> 2586 ZEPHYR TEACHOUT: Do Google & Facebook have to be SO BIG - what Kamala can do about it From a little known campaign operative for Howard Dean in 2004 to the nation’s expert on corporate greed, power and anti-trust, Professor Zephyr Teachout has a plan for getting us out of the mess. We rap about how corporations got so big, what Kamala Harris might do about it and whether Lina Khan really is the second-coming for democracy.  Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:18:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis From a little known campaign operative for Howard Dean in 2004 to the nation’s expert on corporate greed, power and anti-trust, Professor Zephyr Teachout has a plan for getting us out of the mess. We rap about how corporations got so big, what Kamala Harris might do about it and whether Lina Khan really is the second-coming for democracy.  From a little known campaign operative for Howard Dean in 2004 to the nation’s expert on corporate greed, power and anti-trust, Professor Zephyr Teachout has a plan for getting us out of the mess. We rap about how corporations got so big, what Kamala Harris might do about it and whether Lina Khan really is the second-coming for democracy. 

]]> 3122 A Minnesotan on Tim (Coach) Walz Why would Kamala Harris pluck a former high school football coach and national guardsman from obscurity and seek to make him vice president? Minnesotans know why. Bill Lofy has spent 25 years as a political operative, chief of staff to a governor and staffer to former Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone. Best of all, he went to the same high school where Walz coached and monitored study hall. Lofy knows how to get to 270 electoral votes and talks about how Walz helps Kamala Harris get there. Tue, 20 Aug 2024 18:17:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Why would Kamala Harris pluck a former high school football coach and national guardsman from obscurity and seek to make him vice president? Minnesotans know why. Bill Lofy has spent 25 years as a political operative, chief of staff to a governor and staffer to former Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone. Best of all, he went to the same high school where Walz coached and monitored study hall. Lofy knows how to get to 270 electoral votes and talks about how Walz helps Kamala Harris get there. Why would Kamala Harris pluck a former high school football coach and national guardsman from obscurity and seek to make him vice president? Minnesotans know why. Bill Lofy has spent 25 years as a political operative, chief of staff to a governor and staffer to former Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone. Best of all, he went to the same high school where Walz coached and monitored study hall. Lofy knows how to get to 270 electoral votes and talks about how Walz helps Kamala Harris get there.

]]> 2619 PATRICK LEAHY: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Vermont, America's Future The Lion of the Senate talks about his own decision to retire after 48 years in office and how that compared to the decision by Joe Biden and what faces Kamala Harris in the next few weeks. Bonus tracks include Leahy on Cuba, land mines and whether we can put the genie back in the bottle of our tribal politics. Wed, 31 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis The Lion of the Senate talks about his own decision to retire after 48 years in office and how that compared to the decision by Joe Biden and what faces Kamala Harris in the next few weeks. Bonus tracks include Leahy on Cuba, land mines and whether we can put the genie back in the bottle of our tribal politics. The Lion of the Senate talks about his own decision to retire after 48 years in office and how that compared to the decision by Joe Biden and what faces Kamala Harris in the next few weeks. Bonus tracks include Leahy on Cuba, land mines and whether we can put the genie back in the bottle of our tribal politics.

]]> 3114 BREAKING: The Prosecutor vs. The Criminal Who better than an ex-Republican Congressman to break down what happens with Kamala Harris and Trump. You get the big Democrats on Cable TV. But I break down the NEW campaign with Bob Ney, a former congressman from Ohio who understands how the Republicans thought about Biden and how they think about Harris. Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:36:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Who better than an ex-Republican Congressman to break down what happens with Kamala Harris and Trump. You get the big Democrats on Cable TV. But I break down the NEW campaign with Bob Ney, a former congressman from Ohio who understands how the Republicans thought about Biden and how they think about Harris. Who better than an ex-Republican Congressman to break down what happens with Kamala Harris and Trump. You get the big Democrats on Cable TV. But I break down the NEW campaign with Bob Ney, a former congressman from Ohio who understands how the Republicans thought about Biden and how they think about Harris.

]]> 2422 HOWARD DEAN: Assassination Attempt, Biden's Candidacy, Bernie, The Democrats Today we speak with former Governor of Vermont Howard Dean on the assassination attempt of Trump, Biden's candidacy, Bernie Sanders, and much more. Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Today we speak with former Governor of Vermont Howard Dean on the assassination attempt of Trump, Biden's candidacy, Bernie Sanders, and much more. Today we speak with former Governor of Vermont Howard Dean on the assassination attempt of Trump, Biden's candidacy, Bernie Sanders, and much more.

]]> 1907 Biden Refuses to Go. Why? Hubris, Arrogance, Catholic stubbornness mixed with personal tragedy? Or all of the above. Phineas (the next generation talks about Bden’s refusal to step aside as we continue to update an historic, unfolding story. Thu, 11 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Hubris, Arrogance, Catholic stubbornness mixed with personal tragedy? Or all of the above. Phineas (the next generation talks about Bden’s refusal to step aside as we continue to update an historic, unfolding story. Hubris, Arrogance, Catholic stubbornness mixed with personal tragedy? Or all of the above. Phineas (the next generation talks about Bden’s refusal to step aside as we continue to update an historic, unfolding story.

]]> 1621 Biden’s Final Hours? Does He go? Does He Stay? What goes into the decision? What is the historical context? Special Guest Luke Albee walks us through the minefield. Albee was chief of staff to two U.S. senators, including Vermont’s Patrick Leahy. Wed, 03 Jul 2024 19:44:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Does He go? Does He Stay? What goes into the decision? What is the historical context? Special Guest Luke Albee walks us through the minefield. Albee was chief of staff to two U.S. senators, including Vermont’s Patrick Leahy. Does He go? Does He Stay? What goes into the decision? What is the historical context?


Special Guest Luke Albee walks us through the minefield. Albee was chief of staff to two U.S. senators, including Vermont’s Patrick Leahy.

]]> 1641 EMERGENCY DEBATE REACTION!!! We assess the calamity of Biden. Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:49:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis We assess the calamity of Biden. We assess the calamity of Biden.

]]> 1880 The Danger of Big Tech and What Vermont is Doing About It Monique Priestly is a first term member of the Vermont House of Representatives and secured passage of data privacy bill 139-0. Then the lobbying started. Google, Facebook. All the big ones. Then the small ones. Then the big trade associations like the National Retail federation and others with names that sound like they care about consumers like the state Privacy and Security Coalition. Vermont Governor Phil Scott vetoed the bill this month. But Priestly will not back down. My favorite question was: Who is more dangerous to Americans? Mark Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos? Priestly says - and she is right - that there is no reason for Big Tech and advertisers and data brokers across the country to have unfettered access to our personal information. And there is certainly no reason for them to be selling it to each other so they can profit off our information and sell more stuff.  Oh - the answer to the most dangerous man in America question? Stay tuned for my talk with Monique Priestly, suddenly the most dangerous person in the country to the Big Tech scam. Thu, 27 Jun 2024 19:45:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Monique Priestly is a first term member of the Vermont House of Representatives and secured passage of data privacy bill 139-0. Then the lobbying started. Google, Facebook. All the big ones. Then the small ones. Then the big trade associations like the National Retail federation and others with names that sound like they care about consumers like the state Privacy and Security Coalition. Vermont Governor Phil Scott vetoed the bill this month. But Priestly will not back down. My favorite question was: Who is more dangerous to Americans? Mark Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos? Priestly says - and she is right - that there is no reason for Big Tech and advertisers and data brokers across the country to have unfettered access to our personal information. And there is certainly no reason for them to be selling it to each other so they can profit off our information and sell more stuff.  Oh - the answer to the most dangerous man in America question? Stay tuned for my talk with Monique Priestly, suddenly the most dangerous person in the country to the Big Tech scam. Monique Priestly is a first term member of the Vermont House of Representatives and secured passage of data privacy bill 139-0. Then the lobbying started. Google, Facebook. All the big ones. Then the small ones. Then the big trade associations like the National Retail federation and others with names that sound like they care about consumers like the state Privacy and Security Coalition. Vermont Governor Phil Scott vetoed the bill this month. But Priestly will not back down. My favorite question was: Who is more dangerous to Americans? Mark Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos?


Priestly says - and she is right - that there is no reason for Big Tech and advertisers and data brokers across the country to have unfettered access to our personal information. And there is certainly no reason for them to be selling it to each other so they can profit off our information and sell more stuff. 


Oh - the answer to the most dangerous man in America question? Stay tuned for my talk with Monique Priestly, suddenly the most dangerous person in the country to the Big Tech scam.

]]> 1898 Layoffs and Stock Buybacks aka “Greed” What is with the spasm of corporate layoffs. It is happening everywhere from John Deere to Facebook. And those layoffs often come with buybacks of stock by the company followed by an uptick in the stock price. What’s going on?  Author and labor activist Les Leopold explains the growing corporate strategy of layoffs and stock buybacks to juice the stock price and pad their wallets with bonuses. Why does this happen? Why do we allow it? And what should we do about it? Les's book, Wall Street's War on Workers: How Mass Layoffs and Greed Are Destroying the Working Class and What to Do, available now. Fri, 21 Jun 2024 17:30:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis What is with the spasm of corporate layoffs. It is happening everywhere from John Deere to Facebook. And those layoffs often come with buybacks of stock by the company followed by an uptick in the stock price. What’s going on?  Author and labor activist Les Leopold explains the growing corporate strategy of layoffs and stock buybacks to juice the stock price and pad their wallets with bonuses. Why does this happen? Why do we allow it? And what should we do about it? Les's book, Wall Street's War on Workers: How Mass Layoffs and Greed Are Destroying the Working Class and What to Do, available now. What is with the spasm of corporate layoffs. It is happening everywhere from John Deere to Facebook. And those layoffs often come with buybacks of stock by the company followed by an uptick in the stock price. What’s going on?  Author and labor activist Les Leopold explains the growing corporate strategy of layoffs and stock buybacks to juice the stock price and pad their wallets with bonuses. Why does this happen? Why do we allow it? And what should we do about it?


Les's book, Wall Street's War on Workers: How Mass Layoffs and Greed Are Destroying the Working Class and What to Do, available now.

]]> 2213 Howard Dean on America’s Future - and Vermont’s The former governor, presidential candidate and Democratic National Committee Chair shares his latest views on Trump’s conviction (Dean is from NYC), his flirtation with running for governor and his optimism about the state he would never leave. Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis The former governor, presidential candidate and Democratic National Committee Chair shares his latest views on Trump’s conviction (Dean is from NYC), his flirtation with running for governor and his optimism about the state he would never leave. The former governor, presidential candidate and Democratic National Committee Chair shares his latest views on Trump’s conviction (Dean is from NYC), his flirtation with running for governor and his optimism about the state he would never leave.

]]> 2013 How Did We Get Here and How Do We Come Back? Long-time Democratic media consultant and message guru Tom Cosgrove talks about shared experience and how we can come back to a Democracy. Cosgrove is the guy who suggested that Barack Obama speak at the 2004 Democratic convention. So he has some cred. Thu, 30 May 2024 19:31:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Long-time Democratic media consultant and message guru Tom Cosgrove talks about shared experience and how we can come back to a Democracy. Cosgrove is the guy who suggested that Barack Obama speak at the 2004 Democratic convention. So he has some cred. Long-time Democratic media consultant and message guru Tom Cosgrove talks about shared experience and how we can come back to a Democracy. Cosgrove is the guy who suggested that Barack Obama speak at the 2004 Democratic convention. So he has some cred.

]]> 2166 The View from Seat 34E When your seatmate who is also your son on the flight to Washington DC has some views about the Democrats and Joe Biden. And it is not a pretty sight for the president. The under 40 crowd has lost the post World War II thread. Thu, 23 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis When your seatmate who is also your son on the flight to Washington DC has some views about the Democrats and Joe Biden. And it is not a pretty sight for the president. The under 40 crowd has lost the post World War II thread. When your seatmate who is also your son on the flight to Washington DC has some views about the Democrats and Joe Biden. And it is not a pretty sight for the president. The under 40 crowd has lost the post World War II thread.

]]> 529 The Dark Side of Capitalism with David Bollier Author and Activist David Bollier explains The Commons, a different kind of economic system that values people over profits and puts cooperative action at the center of society instead of companies or the government. Bollier explains the concept of “enclosures’’ and the misunderstanding of the famous essay “Failure of the Commons.’’ Far from a fringe movement, The Commons is here to stay. Wed, 27 Mar 2024 22:22:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Author and Activist David Bollier explains The Commons, a different kind of economic system that values people over profits and puts cooperative action at the center of society instead of companies or the government. Bollier explains the concept of “enclosures’’ and the misunderstanding of the famous essay “Failure of the Commons.’’ Far from a fringe movement, The Commons is here to stay. Author and Activist David Bollier explains The Commons, a different kind of economic system that values people over profits and puts cooperative action at the center of society instead of companies or the government. Bollier explains the concept of “enclosures’’ and the misunderstanding of the famous essay “Failure of the Commons.’’ Far from a fringe movement, The Commons is here to stay.



]]> 2229 Can We Eliminate Nuclear Weapons? Author Ward Wilson thinks so Author and activist Ward Wilson believes we can eliminate nuclear weapons and not because he is a woo woo liberal. Wilson has talked to the Generals, the diplomats and former presidents of countries. His experience led him to believe that worldwide elimination is possible because the weapons are not “useful’’ and because a nuclear mistake is more and more likely to happen. His central thesis is that since the development of the atomic bomb, a hazy and lazy argument has grown up around the weapons that make it difficult to think clearly about how to deal with them. The result: Wilson’s latest book -  “It is Possible: A Future without Nuclear Weapons.’’ It is endorsed by not one, not two, but seven Nobel Laureates and at least two former four-star generals, one of whom commanded the nuclear arsenal. The nuclear weapons historian Richard Rhodes calls Wilson’s work a “stunning breakthrough work’’ that gives us a way out from under what John Kennedy called the nuclear sword of Damacles.  Martin Sherwin, a Pulitzer Prize winning historian and the author of the great book about Robert J. Oppenheimer called Wilson’s book: “Arguably the most important contribution to the debate over the efficacy of nuclear deterrence ever written.” And the mayor of Nagazaki, Japan said: ““Ward Wilson’s book assures us that our vision of a “world without nuclear weapons” is not only possible but the only rational way to protect humanity and the planet from another Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” With recommendations like that, I wanted to know how someone could have broken through the fog and the paralysis in the country around nuclear weapons policy.  I’ve known Wilson for 35 years. He has been working on this book his whole adult life. And the historians, generals and heads of state are saying he is on to something big. Join us as we take it on. Fri, 08 Dec 2023 04:35:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Author and activist Ward Wilson believes we can eliminate nuclear weapons and not because he is a woo woo liberal. Wilson has talked to the Generals, the diplomats and former presidents of countries. His experience led him to believe that worldwide elimination is possible because the weapons are not “useful’’ and because a nuclear mistake is more and more likely to happen. His central thesis is that since the development of the atomic bomb, a hazy and lazy argument has grown up around the weapons that make it difficult to think clearly about how to deal with them. The result: Wilson’s latest book -  “It is Possible: A Future without Nuclear Weapons.’’ It is endorsed by not one, not two, but seven Nobel Laureates and at least two former four-star generals, one of whom commanded the nuclear arsenal. The nuclear weapons historian Richard Rhodes calls Wilson’s work a “stunning breakthrough work’’ that gives us a way out from under what John Kennedy called the nuclear sword of Damacles.  Martin Sherwin, a Pulitzer Prize winning historian and the author of the great book about Robert J. Oppenheimer called Wilson’s book: “Arguably the most important contribution to the debate over the efficacy of nuclear deterrence ever written.” And the mayor of Nagazaki, Japan said: ““Ward Wilson’s book assures us that our vision of a “world without nuclear weapons” is not only possible but the only rational way to protect humanity and the planet from another Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” With recommendations like that, I wanted to know how someone could have broken through the fog and the paralysis in the country around nuclear weapons policy.  I’ve known Wilson for 35 years. He has been working on this book his whole adult life. And the historians, generals and heads of state are saying he is on to something big. Join us as we take it on. Author and activist Ward Wilson believes we can eliminate nuclear weapons and not because he is a woo woo liberal. Wilson has talked to the Generals, the diplomats and former presidents of countries. His experience led him to believe that worldwide elimination is possible because the weapons are not “useful’’ and because a nuclear mistake is more and more likely to happen. His central thesis is that since the development of the atomic bomb, a hazy and lazy argument has grown up around the weapons that make it difficult to think clearly about how to deal with them. The result: Wilson’s latest book -  “It is Possible: A Future without Nuclear Weapons.’’ It is endorsed by not one, not two, but seven Nobel Laureates and at least two former four-star generals, one of whom commanded the nuclear arsenal. The nuclear weapons historian Richard Rhodes calls Wilson’s work a “stunning breakthrough work’’ that gives us a way out from under what John Kennedy called the nuclear sword of Damacles. 

Martin Sherwin, a Pulitzer Prize winning historian and the author of the great book about Robert J. Oppenheimer called Wilson’s book: “Arguably the most important contribution to the debate over the efficacy of nuclear deterrence ever written.”

And the mayor of Nagazaki, Japan said: ““Ward Wilson’s book assures us that our vision of a “world without nuclear weapons” is not only possible but the only rational way to protect humanity and the planet from another Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”

With recommendations like that, I wanted to know how someone could have broken through the fog and the paralysis in the country around nuclear weapons policy. 

I’ve known Wilson for 35 years. He has been working on this book his whole adult life. And the historians, generals and heads of state are saying he is on to something big. Join us as we take it on.

]]> 2195 no Wales Shows Us the Way In 2015, Wales (a country) passed a law called the Future Generations Act. And they made Sophie Howe the first Commissioner for Future generations in the World. Her job - make sure all government agencies consider the interest of future generations in everything they do. Doesn’t government always do that? Turns out the answer is No. Howe joined me for a conversation on a visit to Vermont to explain how the Welsh are doing things right - or at least better. When the Welsh government wants to build a new highway, they have to get the approval of the commissioner for Future generations. Howe didn’t have the power to veto anything. But she used the bully pulpit to force the highway agency to bring more facts to the table. The result? No highway and more government spending on bikeways and pedestrian priorities. Howe’s visit to Vermont was sponsored by a small group of UVM professors and activists uniting around the issue of well being, of forcing government agencies to consider the actual well being of the people before they act. Sounds easy, or revolutionary. Let’s listen to Sophie Howe explain it. Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis In 2015, Wales (a country) passed a law called the Future Generations Act. And they made Sophie Howe the first Commissioner for Future generations in the World. Her job - make sure all government agencies consider the interest of future generations in everything they do. Doesn’t government always do that? Turns out the answer is No. Howe joined me for a conversation on a visit to Vermont to explain how the Welsh are doing things right - or at least better. When the Welsh government wants to build a new highway, they have to get the approval of the commissioner for Future generations. Howe didn’t have the power to veto anything. But she used the bully pulpit to force the highway agency to bring more facts to the table. The result? No highway and more government spending on bikeways and pedestrian priorities. Howe’s visit to Vermont was sponsored by a small group of UVM professors and activists uniting around the issue of well being, of forcing government agencies to consider the actual well being of the people before they act. Sounds easy, or revolutionary. Let’s listen to Sophie Howe explain it. In 2015, Wales (a country) passed a law called the Future Generations Act. And they made Sophie Howe the first Commissioner for Future generations in the World. Her job - make sure all government agencies consider the interest of future generations in everything they do. Doesn’t government always do that? Turns out the answer is No. Howe joined me for a conversation on a visit to Vermont to explain how the Welsh are doing things right - or at least better. When the Welsh government wants to build a new highway, they have to get the approval of the commissioner for Future generations. Howe didn’t have the power to veto anything. But she used the bully pulpit to force the highway agency to bring more facts to the table. The result? No highway and more government spending on bikeways and pedestrian priorities. Howe’s visit to Vermont was sponsored by a small group of UVM professors and activists uniting around the issue of well being, of forcing government agencies to consider the actual well being of the people before they act. Sounds easy, or revolutionary. Let’s listen to Sophie Howe explain it.

]]> 1902 The JFK Assassination Still Haunts us with Jefferson Morley No event I can think of has defined America since World War 2 than the assasination of President John F. Kennedy. On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was murdered while riding in an open car in the streets of Dallas Texas while on political visit there. You know the story so well. Lee harvey Oswald was arrested and accised of the crime. Oswald was then shot and killed while in the hands of police by shadowy underworld figure Jack Ruby. A commission appointed by Kennedy’s successor Lyndon Johnson issued a report that Oswald was the lone gunman, able to fire two shots hitting Kennedy at long range with a sniper rifle. And for 60 years, millions of Americans then and now do not believe the Warren Commission conclusion.  My guest, Jefferson Morley, is the nation’s top expert on the assassination. He casts doubt on the entire saga, from the Warren Commission investigation, to the murky and scandalous role of the CIA. The agency told the Warren commission it knew little about Oswald before the killing. Turns out that was a lie; that the CIA was in fact monitoring Oswald for weeks before the assassination. And records and memos to prove that are contained in CIA files, only recently declassified at the order of President Biden. Morley is an author of several books and a newsletter and podcast called JFK Facts, which explores the never ending questions around the case. As Morley says, incredibly - No one has ever been charged with a crime for the assassination. We dont know who did it. I made sure to ask Morley who he thinks killed Kennedy. Join us. Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:16:07 -0000 full Kevin Ellis No event I can think of has defined America since World War 2 than the assasination of President John F. Kennedy. On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was murdered while riding in an open car in the streets of Dallas Texas while on political visit there. You know the story so well. Lee harvey Oswald was arrested and accised of the crime. Oswald was then shot and killed while in the hands of police by shadowy underworld figure Jack Ruby. A commission appointed by Kennedy’s successor Lyndon Johnson issued a report that Oswald was the lone gunman, able to fire two shots hitting Kennedy at long range with a sniper rifle. And for 60 years, millions of Americans then and now do not believe the Warren Commission conclusion.  My guest, Jefferson Morley, is the nation’s top expert on the assassination. He casts doubt on the entire saga, from the Warren Commission investigation, to the murky and scandalous role of the CIA. The agency told the Warren commission it knew little about Oswald before the killing. Turns out that was a lie; that the CIA was in fact monitoring Oswald for weeks before the assassination. And records and memos to prove that are contained in CIA files, only recently declassified at the order of President Biden. Morley is an author of several books and a newsletter and podcast called JFK Facts, which explores the never ending questions around the case. As Morley says, incredibly - No one has ever been charged with a crime for the assassination. We dont know who did it. I made sure to ask Morley who he thinks killed Kennedy. Join us. No event I can think of has defined America since World War 2 than the assasination of President John F. Kennedy. On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was murdered while riding in an open car in the streets of Dallas Texas while on political visit there. You know the story so well. Lee harvey Oswald was arrested and accised of the crime. Oswald was then shot and killed while in the hands of police by shadowy underworld figure Jack Ruby.

A commission appointed by Kennedy’s successor Lyndon Johnson issued a report that Oswald was the lone gunman, able to fire two shots hitting Kennedy at long range with a sniper rifle. And for 60 years, millions of Americans then and now do not believe the Warren Commission conclusion. 

My guest, Jefferson Morley, is the nation’s top expert on the assassination. He casts doubt on the entire saga, from the Warren Commission investigation, to the murky and scandalous role of the CIA. The agency told the Warren commission it knew little about Oswald before the killing. Turns out that was a lie; that the CIA was in fact monitoring Oswald for weeks before the assassination. And records and memos to prove that are contained in CIA files, only recently declassified at the order of President Biden.

Morley is an author of several books and a newsletter and podcast called JFK Facts, which explores the never ending questions around the case.

As Morley says, incredibly - No one has ever been charged with a crime for the assassination. We dont know who did it. I made sure to ask Morley who he thinks killed Kennedy.

Join us.

]]> 2522 The Future of Movies with Keenan Ellis The strike. The future of streaming. The future of theaters. What makes a great film. What is your favorite film and why? It’s all here with writer, editor and producer Keenan Ellis, who joins his Dad to talk about the same stuff they usually talk about at dinner. Thu, 19 Oct 2023 19:46:12 -0000 full Kevin Ellis The strike. The future of streaming. The future of theaters. What makes a great film. What is your favorite film and why? It’s all here with writer, editor and producer Keenan Ellis, who joins his Dad to talk about the same stuff they usually talk about at dinner. The strike. The future of streaming. The future of theaters. What makes a great film. What is your favorite film and why? It’s all here with writer, editor and producer Keenan Ellis, who joins his Dad to talk about the same stuff they usually talk about at dinner.

]]> 2254 Robin Steinberg and the Injustice of the Criminal Justice System Public defender Robin Steinberg couldn’t accept that people without money are housed in jails all over the country, not because they are guilty, but because they can’t afford bail. So she started the Bail Project, an organization dedicated to eradicating the use of cash bail. The Bail Project actually pays the bail of the accused so they can be free from prison while the charges against them are dealt with by the criminal justice system. Steinberg has been a public defender for more than 35 years. She has represented thousands of low income people accused of crimes, trained other public defenders and founded other organizations - namely the Bronx defenders In NY and Still She Rises, in Oklahoma. She has taught at Columbia and UCLA, given a TED Talk and is a featured speaker worldwide on criminal justice reform. Steinberg is the author of the new book - The Courage of Compassion - A Journey from Judgment to Connection, about her experience inside the system. Thu, 12 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0000 full Kevin Ellis Public defender Robin Steinberg couldn’t accept that people without money are housed in jails all over the country, not because they are guilty, but because they can’t afford bail. So she started the Bail Project, an organization dedicated to eradicating the use of cash bail. The Bail Project actually pays the bail of the accused so they can be free from prison while the charges against them are dealt with by the criminal justice system. Steinberg has been a public defender for more than 35 years. She has represented thousands of low income people accused of crimes, trained other public defenders and founded other organizations - namely the Bronx defenders In NY and Still She Rises, in Oklahoma. She has taught at Columbia and UCLA, given a TED Talk and is a featured speaker worldwide on criminal justice reform. Steinberg is the author of the new book - The Courage of Compassion - A Journey from Judgment to Connection, about her experience inside the system. Public defender Robin Steinberg couldn’t accept that people without money are housed in jails all over the country, not because they are guilty, but because they can’t afford bail.

So she started the Bail Project, an organization dedicated to eradicating the use of cash bail. The Bail Project actually pays the bail of the accused so they can be free from prison while the charges against them are dealt with by the criminal justice system.

Steinberg has been a public defender for more than 35 years. She has represented thousands of low income people accused of crimes, trained other public defenders and founded other organizations - namely the Bronx defenders In NY and Still She Rises, in Oklahoma. She has taught at Columbia and UCLA, given a TED Talk and is a featured speaker worldwide on criminal justice reform.

Steinberg is the author of the new book - The Courage of Compassion - A Journey from Judgment to Connection, about her experience inside the system.

]]> 2455 Notes on Civil Rights heroes, Capitalism and the U.S. Open Arthur Ashe would not recognize the U.S. Open Tennis championships played this summer in New York City. He won the tournament in 1968 as a US Army Captain and received NO prize money. Coco Gauff won millions for her victory, which she played in the shadow of Ashe and in the presence of Billie Jean King, not to mention the execs at JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0000 full 1 22 Kevin Ellis Arthur Ashe would not recognize the U.S. Open Tennis championships played this summer in New York City. He won the tournament in 1968 as a US Army Captain and received NO prize money. Coco Gauff won millions for her victory, which she played in the shadow of Ashe and in the presence of Billie Jean King, not to mention the execs at JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley. Arthur Ashe would not recognize the U.S. Open Tennis championships played this summer in New York City. He won the tournament in 1968 as a US Army Captain and received NO prize money. Coco Gauff won millions for her victory, which she played in the shadow of Ashe and in the presence of Billie Jean King, not to mention the execs at JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.

]]> 408 How Did We Get Here? The American Freakshow with Author Nina Burleigh How did America turn from a fairly health democracy into an angry, bitter group of tribes that believe their own stories and reject facts, science, government institutions and intellectual inquiry. Or have we always been this way? Journalist Nina Burleigh has been writing about these issues for years. You can draw a line from JFK’s affairs to the election of Donald Trump and the handling of the COVID pandemic for clues to how it got this way. Burleigh is the author of many books on politics and culture, including our handling of the pandemic and the assassination of Mary Meyer, the mistress of JFK and ex-wife of a high level CIA official. Burleigh connects the dots. Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:29:43 -0000 full 1 21 Kevin Ellis How did America turn from a fairly health democracy into an angry, bitter group of tribes that believe their own stories and reject facts, science, government institutions and intellectual inquiry. Or have we always been this way? Journalist Nina Burleigh has been writing about these issues for years. You can draw a line from JFK’s affairs to the election of Donald Trump and the handling of the COVID pandemic for clues to how it got this way. Burleigh is the author of many books on politics and culture, including our handling of the pandemic and the assassination of Mary Meyer, the mistress of JFK and ex-wife of a high level CIA official. Burleigh connects the dots. How did America turn from a fairly health democracy into an angry, bitter group of tribes that believe their own stories and reject facts, science, government institutions and intellectual inquiry. Or have we always been this way? Journalist Nina Burleigh has been writing about these issues for years. You can draw a line from JFK’s affairs to the election of Donald Trump and the handling of the COVID pandemic for clues to how it got this way. Burleigh is the author of many books on politics and culture, including our handling of the pandemic and the assassination of Mary Meyer, the mistress of JFK and ex-wife of a high level CIA official. Burleigh connects the dots.

]]> 2713 Vanilla Ice Cream with the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Guru Peter Lind Last month the NY Times Wirecutter taste testers wanted to determine the best vanilla ice cream in the world. They tasted all the cool ones. Five tasters tested 16 vanilla ice creams blind. Their conclusion? A 40 plus year old vanilla made by a couple of guys in a Vermont gas station. Yes - those guys. And a short time later, a food guru named Peter Lind joined the company and helped create the big ones - Chunky Monkey, Rainforest Crunch and Cookie Dough - my daughter’s favorite. But before all of them - there was vanilla. Peter Lind takes us through the history. I interviewed him on my VT Viewpoint radio show on WDEV last week and wanted to get this exciting episode to you ASAP. It was so much fun. Mon, 11 Sep 2023 18:59:21 -0000 full 1 20 Kevin Ellis Last month the NY Times Wirecutter taste testers wanted to determine the best vanilla ice cream in the world. They tasted all the cool ones. Five tasters tested 16 vanilla ice creams blind. Their conclusion? A 40 plus year old vanilla made by a couple of guys in a Vermont gas station. Yes - those guys. And a short time later, a food guru named Peter Lind joined the company and helped create the big ones - Chunky Monkey, Rainforest Crunch and Cookie Dough - my daughter’s favorite. But before all of them - there was vanilla. Peter Lind takes us through the history. I interviewed him on my VT Viewpoint radio show on WDEV last week and wanted to get this exciting episode to you ASAP. It was so much fun. Last month the NY Times Wirecutter taste testers wanted to determine the best vanilla ice cream in the world. They tasted all the cool ones. Five tasters tested 16 vanilla ice creams blind. Their conclusion? A 40 plus year old vanilla made by a couple of guys in a Vermont gas station. Yes - those guys. And a short time later, a food guru named Peter Lind joined the company and helped create the big ones - Chunky Monkey, Rainforest Crunch and Cookie Dough - my daughter’s favorite. But before all of them - there was vanilla. Peter Lind takes us through the history. I interviewed him on my VT Viewpoint radio show on WDEV last week and wanted to get this exciting episode to you ASAP. It was so much fun.

]]> 1857 That Last Honest Man - Senator Frank Church Come with us to a bygone era when a U.S. Senator from Idaho undertook a sprawling investigation of the CIA and its secrets. Drugging U.S. citizens, assassinating foreign leaders, overthrowing foreign governments. It all happened in this country and it was all revealed by the so-called Church committee in the 1970s. The details are all in the new book by Pulitzer Prize winner James Risen. At the NY Times, Risen wrote stories about CIA secrets and surveillance that angered President George Bush, whose Justice Department threatened the writer with prison. Risen refused to reveal his sources to the government, which eventually backed down. Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:14:13 -0000 full 1 19 Kevin Ellis Come with us to a bygone era when a U.S. Senator from Idaho undertook a sprawling investigation of the CIA and its secrets. Drugging U.S. citizens, assassinating foreign leaders, overthrowing foreign governments. It all happened in this country and it was all revealed by the so-called Church committee in the 1970s. The details are all in the new book by Pulitzer Prize winner James Risen. At the NY Times, Risen wrote stories about CIA secrets and surveillance that angered President George Bush, whose Justice Department threatened the writer with prison. Risen refused to reveal his sources to the government, which eventually backed down. Come with us to a bygone era when a U.S. Senator from Idaho undertook a sprawling investigation of the CIA and its secrets. Drugging U.S. citizens, assassinating foreign leaders, overthrowing foreign governments. It all happened in this country and it was all revealed by the so-called Church committee in the 1970s. The details are all in the new book by Pulitzer Prize winner James Risen. At the NY Times, Risen wrote stories about CIA secrets and surveillance that angered President George Bush, whose Justice Department threatened the writer with prison. Risen refused to reveal his sources to the government, which eventually backed down.

]]> 3042 Trump Indictments Well it happened. Trump has been indicted a fourth time before we could get the podcast out on the first three. But our conversation with former federal prosecutor Jerry O’Neill is still relevant because we explore the two indictments by a federal grand jury for Trump’s handling of top secret documents AND his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. We do NOT discuss the fourth indictment - this week - by a grand jury in Georgia. This one charges Trump with a broad conspiracy to overturn the election. But this time there are 18 additional defendants, including his lawyer Rudy Guiliani. This charge - if it sticks - can not be erased by a presidential pardon and REQUIRES jail time. Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:01:00 -0000 full 1 18 Kevin Ellis Well it happened. Trump has been indicted a fourth time before we could get the podcast out on the first three. But our conversation with former federal prosecutor Jerry O’Neill is still relevant because we explore the two indictments by a federal grand jury for Trump’s handling of top secret documents AND his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. We do NOT discuss the fourth indictment - this week - by a grand jury in Georgia. This one charges Trump with a broad conspiracy to overturn the election. But this time there are 18 additional defendants, including his lawyer Rudy Guiliani. This charge - if it sticks - can not be erased by a presidential pardon and REQUIRES jail time. Well it happened. Trump has been indicted a fourth time before we could get the podcast out on the first three. But our conversation with former federal prosecutor Jerry O’Neill is still relevant because we explore the two indictments by a federal grand jury for Trump’s handling of top secret documents AND his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. We do NOT discuss the fourth indictment - this week - by a grand jury in Georgia. This one charges Trump with a broad conspiracy to overturn the election. But this time there are 18 additional defendants, including his lawyer Rudy Guiliani. This charge - if it sticks - can not be erased by a presidential pardon and REQUIRES jail time.

]]> 1542 Flood Recovery and the Trauma of Downtown Montpelier It’s been three weeks since the Winooski River jumped its banks during a torrential rain and flood Vermont’s state capitol. There is still garbage in the streets. The iconic corner of State and Main is still dusty. No lunch crowd from state offices. The entire downtown is ghostly. And despite the determination and pluck of store owners and landlords, there is a growing anger and bitterness about how this could have happened and why there wasn’t more help. Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:01:00 -0000 full 1 17 Kevin Ellis It’s been three weeks since the Winooski River jumped its banks during a torrential rain and flood Vermont’s state capitol. There is still garbage in the streets. The iconic corner of State and Main is still dusty. No lunch crowd from state offices. The entire downtown is ghostly. And despite the determination and pluck of store owners and landlords, there is a growing anger and bitterness about how this could have happened and why there wasn’t more help. It’s been three weeks since the Winooski River jumped its banks during a torrential rain and flood Vermont’s state capitol. There is still garbage in the streets. The iconic corner of State and Main is still dusty. No lunch crowd from state offices. The entire downtown is ghostly. And despite the determination and pluck of store owners and landlords, there is a growing anger and bitterness about how this could have happened and why there wasn’t more help.

]]> 422 Vermont Strong When floodwaters raged through the tiny state capitol of Montpelier, everyone was tested. Business owners, workers, homeowners, renters, government officials. Everyone is still being tested a week later. And the results of the test are coming and will determine whether the moniker of Vermont Strong is real - or a slogan for social media and fundraising. Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:09:06 -0000 full 1 16 Kevin Ellis When floodwaters raged through the tiny state capitol of Montpelier, everyone was tested. Business owners, workers, homeowners, renters, government officials. Everyone is still being tested a week later. And the results of the test are coming and will determine whether the moniker of Vermont Strong is real - or a slogan for social media and fundraising. When floodwaters raged through the tiny state capitol of Montpelier, everyone was tested. Business owners, workers, homeowners, renters, government officials. Everyone is still being tested a week later. And the results of the test are coming and will determine whether the moniker of Vermont Strong is real - or a slogan for social media and fundraising.

]]> 478 Bryan Pfeiffer and the Elusive Bog Elfin Butterfly After 25 years of searing Vermont’s northern bogs, the naturalist and writer Bryan Pfeiffer made the discovery of a lifetime. He spotted the shy butterfly that had eluded him and raised questions in his own life about life and death, nature and moving slowly. A former newspaperman who covered everything from fires to health care and politics, Pfeiffer is Vermont’s leading naturalist, spending much of his time searing bogs and fens (there is a difference) for the life that makes our own lives worth living. Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:01:00 -0000 full 1 15 Kevin Ellis After 25 years of searing Vermont’s northern bogs, the naturalist and writer Bryan Pfeiffer made the discovery of a lifetime. He spotted the shy butterfly that had eluded him and raised questions in his own life about life and death, nature and moving slowly. A former newspaperman who covered everything from fires to health care and politics, Pfeiffer is Vermont’s leading naturalist, spending much of his time searing bogs and fens (there is a difference) for the life that makes our own lives worth living. After 25 years of searing Vermont’s northern bogs, the naturalist and writer Bryan Pfeiffer made the discovery of a lifetime. He spotted the shy butterfly that had eluded him and raised questions in his own life about life and death, nature and moving slowly. A former newspaperman who covered everything from fires to health care and politics, Pfeiffer is Vermont’s leading naturalist, spending much of his time searing bogs and fens (there is a difference) for the life that makes our own lives worth living.

]]> 1119 Robert Kennedy and Tragic Loss of America’s Future Robert Kennedy died by assassination 55 years ago. It was an event that altered the nation’s history forever. Whenever I think about it I go down a deep rabbit hole of sadness thinking about what might have been. Ever so strangely, Kennedy’s son Robert Kennedy Jr. is now running for president. Both campaigns were and are quixotic efforts that bring all the sadness and tragedy back to a generation that were so young when Kennedy was shot and now retired or dying today. Remembering Robert Kennedy is to grapple with what might have been. Fri, 23 Jun 2023 17:11:00 -0000 full 1 14 Kevin Ellis Robert Kennedy died by assassination 55 years ago. It was an event that altered the nation’s history forever. Whenever I think about it I go down a deep rabbit hole of sadness thinking about what might have been. Ever so strangely, Kennedy’s son Robert Kennedy Jr. is now running for president. Both campaigns were and are quixotic efforts that bring all the sadness and tragedy back to a generation that were so young when Kennedy was shot and now retired or dying today. Remembering Robert Kennedy is to grapple with what might have been. Robert Kennedy died by assassination 55 years ago. It was an event that altered the nation’s history forever. Whenever I think about it I go down a deep rabbit hole of sadness thinking about what might have been. Ever so strangely, Kennedy’s son Robert Kennedy Jr. is now running for president. Both campaigns were and are quixotic efforts that bring all the sadness and tragedy back to a generation that were so young when Kennedy was shot and now retired or dying today. Remembering Robert Kennedy is to grapple with what might have been.

]]> 472 Economic Growth is Bad for America A growing field of ecological economics sees the world through a more collective, shared prosperity that values human beings over never-ending growth that destroys the planet. University of Vermont Professor Jon Erickson is driving this change from the University of Vermont. He calls our current system “fairytale economics,’’ and urges us to understand the ecological reality that can no longer withstand the human onslaught of unending growth. Erickson’s new book is the Progress Illusion: Reclaiming Our Future from the Fairytale of Economics. Thu, 15 Jun 2023 19:07:35 -0000 full 1 13 Kevin Ellis A growing field of ecological economics sees the world through a more collective, shared prosperity that values human beings over never-ending growth that destroys the planet. University of Vermont Professor Jon Erickson is driving this change from the University of Vermont. He calls our current system “fairytale economics,’’ and urges us to understand the ecological reality that can no longer withstand the human onslaught of unending growth. Erickson’s new book is the Progress Illusion: Reclaiming Our Future from the Fairytale of Economics. A growing field of ecological economics sees the world through a more collective, shared prosperity that values human beings over never-ending growth that destroys the planet. University of Vermont Professor Jon Erickson is driving this change from the University of Vermont. He calls our current system “fairytale economics,’’ and urges us to understand the ecological reality that can no longer withstand the human onslaught of unending growth. Erickson’s new book is the Progress Illusion: Reclaiming Our Future from the Fairytale of Economics.

]]> 2359 The Lost Sons of Omaha Two men, one black, one white, collide on the streets of this midwestern city in the wake of the George Floyd killing with tragic consequences. What happened tells us a lot of about modern America and how it is to separate fact from fiction. Author and former NY Times Editor Joe Sexton tells us how the truth is obscured by tribalism and social media in a way that damages communities and pits us all against each other. Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:36:41 -0000 full 1 12 Kevin Ellis Two men, one black, one white, collide on the streets of this midwestern city in the wake of the George Floyd killing with tragic consequences. What happened tells us a lot of about modern America and how it is to separate fact from fiction. Author and former NY Times Editor Joe Sexton tells us how the truth is obscured by tribalism and social media in a way that damages communities and pits us all against each other. Two men, one black, one white, collide on the streets of this midwestern city in the wake of the George Floyd killing with tragic consequences. What happened tells us a lot of about modern America and how it is to separate fact from fiction. Author and former NY Times Editor Joe Sexton tells us how the truth is obscured by tribalism and social media in a way that damages communities and pits us all against each other.

]]> 2984 The Staffers Who Run the Vermont General Assembly Ashley Moore and Conor Kennedy are not elected to anything. But they make sure the Vermont House and Senate stay on schedule and their bosses can carry out their agendas. They spend more time on their IPhones than anyone! They join me to talk about how the Vermont legislature works. Biggest surprise of the interview? The high level of idealism they bring to this work. Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:01:00 -0000 full 1 11 Kevin Ellis Ashley Moore and Conor Kennedy are not elected to anything. But they make sure the Vermont House and Senate stay on schedule and their bosses can carry out their agendas. They spend more time on their IPhones than anyone! They join me to talk about how the Vermont legislature works. Biggest surprise of the interview? The high level of idealism they bring to this work. Ashley Moore and Conor Kennedy are not elected to anything. But they make sure the Vermont House and Senate stay on schedule and their bosses can carry out their agendas. They spend more time on their IPhones than anyone! They join me to talk about how the Vermont legislature works. Biggest surprise of the interview? The high level of idealism they bring to this work.

]]> 2377 Becca Balint and the Darkness of Congress Vermont’s lone member of the House of Representatives is known for upbeat optimism. But in her first 100 days she has seen the dark side of Washington - the debt ceiling, Majorie Taylor Greene and the Republicans who know better. Hint: It is as bad as you thought. Follow me @Ellis52K Thu, 18 May 2023 21:54:45 -0000 full 1 10 Kevin Ellis Vermont’s lone member of the House of Representatives is known for upbeat optimism. But in her first 100 days she has seen the dark side of Washington - the debt ceiling, Majorie Taylor Greene and the Republicans who know better. Hint: It is as bad as you thought. Follow me @Ellis52K Vermont’s lone member of the House of Representatives is known for upbeat optimism. But in her first 100 days she has seen the dark side of Washington - the debt ceiling, Majorie Taylor Greene and the Republicans who know better. Hint: It is as bad as you thought.

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 1300 Bernie’s Mitten Maker - The Weird Fame of Jen Ellis When Vermont schoolteacher and quilter Jen Ellis sent Sen. Bernie Sanders a pair of mittens, she has no idea what would happen when he wired them to the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021. Instant fame and scrutiny followed an Internet explosion of memes with Bernie wearing Jen’s mitten from the moon to Buckingham Palace. What followed was a dizzying journey of grappling with a good kind of celebrity and a memoir of her experience. Follow me @Ellis52K Wed, 10 May 2023 13:13:07 -0000 full 1 9 Kevin Ellis When Vermont schoolteacher and quilter Jen Ellis sent Sen. Bernie Sanders a pair of mittens, she has no idea what would happen when he wired them to the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021. Instant fame and scrutiny followed an Internet explosion of memes with Bernie wearing Jen’s mitten from the moon to Buckingham Palace. What followed was a dizzying journey of grappling with a good kind of celebrity and a memoir of her experience. Follow me @Ellis52K When Vermont schoolteacher and quilter Jen Ellis sent Sen. Bernie Sanders a pair of mittens, she has no idea what would happen when he wired them to the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021. Instant fame and scrutiny followed an Internet explosion of memes with Bernie wearing Jen’s mitten from the moon to Buckingham Palace. What followed was a dizzying journey of grappling with a good kind of celebrity and a memoir of her experience.

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 2165 The Indictment of Donald Trump How do we understand the indictment of a former president? How did it happen? Why did it happen? And what happens next? We break it down with Bianca Scheer, former assistant district attorney in Manhattan at the very office that brought the indictment. She is also a former Vermont journalist and press secretary. So she brings it all to the table. Follow me @Ellis52K Tue, 02 May 2023 14:57:24 -0000 full 1 8 Kevin Ellis How do we understand the indictment of a former president? How did it happen? Why did it happen? And what happens next? We break it down with Bianca Scheer, former assistant district attorney in Manhattan at the very office that brought the indictment. She is also a former Vermont journalist and press secretary. So she brings it all to the table. Follow me @Ellis52K How do we understand the indictment of a former president? How did it happen? Why did it happen? And what happens next? We break it down with Bianca Scheer, former assistant district attorney in Manhattan at the very office that brought the indictment. She is also a former Vermont journalist and press secretary. So she brings it all to the table.

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 2219 Death Sentence? The End of the Emergency Motel Housing Program in Vermont Some 1800 families live in motels throughout Vermont. Come June, most of them will be evicted. The governor and the legislature believe that the state should no longer pay the bill for the shelter program. Advocates like Brenda Siegel and motel resident Rebecca Duprey call that decision a death sentence. Follow me @Ellis52K Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:01:00 -0000 full 1 7 Kevin Ellis Some 1800 families live in motels throughout Vermont. Come June, most of them will be evicted. The governor and the legislature believe that the state should no longer pay the bill for the shelter program. Advocates like Brenda Siegel and motel resident Rebecca Duprey call that decision a death sentence. Follow me @Ellis52K Some 1800 families live in motels throughout Vermont. Come June, most of them will be evicted. The governor and the legislature believe that the state should no longer pay the bill for the shelter program. Advocates like Brenda Siegel and motel resident Rebecca Duprey call that decision a death sentence.

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 2048 The Inside Story of the First Female Member of Congress from Vermont How did Becca Balint, a “scrappy little dyke’’ from Brattleboro, VT, come out of nowhere to win a seat in Congress. Her campaign manager Natalie Silver takes us inside the campaign and how they came from way behind to win big. Follow me @Ellis52K Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:01:23 -0000 full 1 6 Kevin Ellis How did Becca Balint, a “scrappy little dyke’’ from Brattleboro, VT, come out of nowhere to win a seat in Congress. Her campaign manager Natalie Silver takes us inside the campaign and how they came from way behind to win big. Follow me @Ellis52K How did Becca Balint, a “scrappy little dyke’’ from Brattleboro, VT, come out of nowhere to win a seat in Congress. Her campaign manager Natalie Silver takes us inside the campaign and how they came from way behind to win big.

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 2098 Farmer/Filmaker George Woodard and the making of “The Farm Boy" George Woodard has been milking cows and making films and music in Vermont for 40 years. His latest feature film - The Farm Boy - explores life on the farm in Waterbury Vermont and transports us to the fighting in World War II Belgium. How does he turn his “Back 40’’ into the Ardennes Forest? And where does he find his actors? And where does he find the time? It is all here. Follow me @Ellis52K Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:01:00 -0000 full 1 5 Kevin Ellis George Woodard has been milking cows and making films and music in Vermont for 40 years. His latest feature film - The Farm Boy - explores life on the farm in Waterbury Vermont and transports us to the fighting in World War II Belgium. How does he turn his “Back 40’’ into the Ardennes Forest? And where does he find his actors? And where does he find the time? It is all here. Follow me @Ellis52K George Woodard has been milking cows and making films and music in Vermont for 40 years. His latest feature film - The Farm Boy - explores life on the farm in Waterbury Vermont and transports us to the fighting in World War II Belgium. How does he turn his “Back 40’’ into the Ardennes Forest? And where does he find his actors? And where does he find the time? It is all here.

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 2003 Emerge Vermont and the Takeover of Vermont Politics Vermont politics has been taken over by women. The new attorney general, the speaker of the house, the newest member of Congress and the key players in the Vermont General Assembly are all women. The reason for much of that lies with a tiny non-profit started by former Governor Madeleine Kunin. Executive Director Elaine Haney explains how they did it, along with Emerge graduate and former select board member Brenda Churchill. Follow me @Ellis52K Fri, 31 Mar 2023 23:03:30 -0000 full 1 4 Kevin Ellis Vermont politics has been taken over by women. The new attorney general, the speaker of the house, the newest member of Congress and the key players in the Vermont General Assembly are all women. The reason for much of that lies with a tiny non-profit started by former Governor Madeleine Kunin. Executive Director Elaine Haney explains how they did it, along with Emerge graduate and former select board member Brenda Churchill. Follow me @Ellis52K Vermont politics has been taken over by women. The new attorney general, the speaker of the house, the newest member of Congress and the key players in the Vermont General Assembly are all women. The reason for much of that lies with a tiny non-profit started by former Governor Madeleine Kunin. Executive Director Elaine Haney explains how they did it, along with Emerge graduate and former select board member Brenda Churchill.

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 2079 The “End of the Pandemic,’’ with Apoorva Mandavilli The US Government will declare and end to the COVID pandemic “health emergency’’ this spring. The lead COVID expert for the NY Times explains what that means - for all of us. Follow me @Ellis52K Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:01:00 -0000 full 1 3 Kevin Ellis The US Government will declare and end to the COVID pandemic “health emergency’’ this spring. The lead COVID expert for the NY Times explains what that means - for all of us. Follow me @Ellis52K The US Government will declare and end to the COVID pandemic “health emergency’’ this spring. The lead COVID expert for the NY Times explains what that means - for all of us.

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 1608 Allison Hooper and American Goat Cheese In our second episode, Vermont farmer and entrepreneur Allison Hooper describes her journey from French farm intern to the woman who created the American taste for goat cheese. Follow me @Ellis52K Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000 full 1 2 Kevin Ellis In our second episode, Vermont farmer and entrepreneur Allison Hooper describes her journey from French farm intern to the woman who created the American taste for goat cheese. Follow me @Ellis52K In our second episode, Vermont farmer and entrepreneur Allison Hooper describes her journey from French farm intern to the woman who created the American taste for goat cheese.

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 2413 Maggie Haberman on Trump and the Breaking of America In our first episode we talk to NY Times reporter Maggie Haberman about her best-selling book on Trump. Nobody gets Trump better deeper than Haberman, who knew him from their New York days before he took over - and broke - American politics. Follow Maggie @maggieNYT Follow me @Ellis52K Fri, 10 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000 full 1 1 Kevin Ellis In our first episode we talk to NY Times reporter Maggie Haberman about her best-selling book on Trump. Nobody gets Trump better deeper than Haberman, who knew him from their New York days before he took over - and broke - American politics. Follow Maggie @maggieNYT Follow me @Ellis52K In our first episode we talk to NY Times reporter Maggie Haberman about her best-selling book on Trump. Nobody gets Trump better deeper than Haberman, who knew him from their New York days before he took over - and broke - American politics.

Follow Maggie @maggieNYT

Follow me @Ellis52K

]]> 2587 Introducing Conflict Of Interest Conflict of Interest is a podcast about the world, through a discerning lens of journalism, politics and above all Vermont. Kevin Ellis goes against the grain of today’s politics and celebrity culture to talk about the massive change all around us and how the world actually works. You will hear from Kevin’s Vermont neighbors AND national voices on difficult issues. Vermont is becoming, or always has been, a place, a real place. We are not interested in the Vermont of the tourist guides. Part interview, part history lesson about stuff you won’t see or hear on CNN or NPR. Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:04:00 -0000 trailer 1 Kevin Ellis Conflict of Interest is a podcast about the world, through a discerning lens of journalism, politics and above all Vermont. Kevin Ellis goes against the grain of today’s politics and celebrity culture to talk about the massive change all around us and how the world actually works. You will hear from Kevin’s Vermont neighbors AND national voices on difficult issues. Vermont is becoming, or always has been, a place, a real place. We are not interested in the Vermont of the tourist guides. Part interview, part history lesson about stuff you won’t see or hear on CNN or NPR. Conflict of Interest is a podcast about the world, through a discerning lens of journalism, politics and above all Vermont.

Kevin Ellis goes against the grain of today’s politics and celebrity culture to talk about the massive change all around us and how the world actually works.

You will hear from Kevin’s Vermont neighbors AND national voices on difficult issues.

Vermont is becoming, or always has been, a place, a real place. We are not interested in the Vermont of the tourist guides.

Part interview, part history lesson about stuff you won’t see or hear on CNN or NPR.

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