It Matters with Michael Starr Hopkins

By: Cloud10
  • Summary

  • Dive into the rich soil of politics and pop culture with "It Matters with Michael Starr Hopkins" a podcast where the past and present intertwine to shape our understanding of the political landscape. Each episode, join us as we invite prominent politicians, cultural icons, and influential activists to share information, their concerns, personal journeys and the moments that have shaped their political ideologies. It’s election year and we are here to help you sort through the truth and the lies, misinformation and disinformation. From the earliest memories that sparked their political consciousness to the current issues that drive their advocacy, our guests unravel the threads of their political evolution against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. Alongside these intimate conversations, we'll delve into how pop culture mirrors and influences political discourse, bringing a fresh, relatable perspective to the pressing issues of our time. "It Matters" isn't just a podcast; it's a platform for deep, engaging dialogue. It's about understanding how individual experiences contribute to the collective political narrative, exploring the intersections of identity, culture, and politics. Tune in to "It Matters" for insightful, thought-provoking discussions that go beyond the headlines, offering a unique blend of personal storytelling and in-depth political analysis. Let's get to what matters in politics together!
    Cloud10
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Episodes
  • Project 2025: The Blueprint to Undermine Democracy
    Sep 18 2024
    Michael does one of his provocative and informative solo episodes on a subject he wants to highlight for listeners. Project 2025 is a plan proposed by the Heritage Foundation, Trump investors and policy influencers, to reshape America by consolidating power in the executive branch, rolling back environmental protections, and restricting reproductive rights. It aims to create an America where the president has unchecked power, the judiciary is packed with loyalists, and the press is silenced. The plan also includes dismantling the Department of Education, implementing trickle-down economics, and deregulating industries. However, Michael emphasizes that this vision is not inevitable and calls for defending democracy and protecting rights by being informed, do your research, and vote - hopefully against the Project 2025 agenda and vote to preserve Democracy. Takeaways Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan proposed by the Heritage Foundation to reshape America by consolidating power in the executive branch and rolling back environmental protections and reproductive rights. The plan includes implementing the unitary executive theory, which gives the president unchecked power, and packing the judiciary with loyalists. Project 2025 also aims to dismantle the Department of Education, implement trickle-down economics, and deregulate industries. The speaker emphasizes that this vision is not inevitable and calls for defending democracy, protecting rights, and standing up against the plan. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Stripping Away the Noise 02:29 Chapter 2: Consolidating Power with the Unitary Executive Theory 06:19 Chapter 4: Taking Away Women's Rights 09:41 Chapter 5: Trump's Role in Project 2025 13:03 Chapter 6: Economic Reform and Environmental Rollbacks 15:24 Conclusion: Defending Democracy and Protecting Rights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • Colby Hall of Mediaite: Has Trump’s mojo faded?
    Sep 11 2024
    The conversation between Colby Hall, founder and editor of political site, Mediaite, and Michael, revolves around the coverage of Trump and the current political landscape. They discuss the constant news cycle, the fatigue of Trump's shtick, and the changing dynamics of the Democratic campaign. They also touch on the influence of partisan media, the authenticity of Kamala Harris, and the potential October surprises in the upcoming election. The conversation covers various topics including the psychological impact of trauma on Donald Trump, the potential for a more disciplined and charismatic Republican leader in the future, the persistence of the MAGA base, the need for nuanced discussions on masculinity and white male isolation, the role of the media in covering the upcoming election, and the responsibility of being part of history. The conversation also touches on the importance of responsible communication and the impact it can have on future generations. Takeaways Covering Trump has been nonstop and interesting, but the news cycle can be exhausting. Trump's shtick has become tired and he has lost his mojo in changing the conversation. Partisan media on both sides amplifies extreme voices and distorts reality. Kamala Harris has been authentic and effective in her campaign. The upcoming election still holds the potential for unexpected events and surprises. Donald Trump's psychological response to trauma and his ability to present a strong image The potential for a more disciplined and charismatic Republican leader in the future The persistence of the MAGA base and the need to re-engage and include them The importance of nuanced discussions on masculinity and addressing white male isolation The role of the media in covering the upcoming election and the need for fair and responsible reporting The responsibility of being part of history and the impact of communication on future generations Chapters 00:00 The Exhausting News Cycle of Covering Trump 02:54 Trump's Tired Shtick and Lost Mojo 04:15 The Influence of Partisan Media 06:21 The Authenticity of Kamala Harris 15:34 The Potential for October Surprises 20:15 The Psychological Impact of Trauma on Donald Trump 22:34 The Potential for a More Disciplined and Charismatic Republican Leader 25:30 Addressing White Male Isolation and the Persistence of the MAGA Base 28:41 Nuanced Discussions on Masculinity and the Importance of Inclusion 32:24 Media Coverage of the Upcoming Election: Fairness and Responsibility 36:30 The Responsibility of Being Part of History and the Power of Communication Social Media: IG and X: @theonlyhonest Tik tok: @therealonlyhonest -- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Cenk Uygur Unfiltered: Kamala, Trump and the Progressive Wave #TYT
    Sep 4 2024
    The conversation between Michael and Cenk Uygur, originator of The Young Turks, covers various topics including the transition from Biden to Vice President Harris, the importance of sticking with facts and reality, the fallibility of democratic leadership, the potential future of the Republican Party, the need for authentic and progressive Democratic candidates, and the role of identity politics in elections. They also discuss the popularity of Tim Walz and the Minnesota model, the challenges of staying true to progressive values in Washington, and the influence of the media on political narratives. In this conversation, Cenk Uygur and Michael discuss the culture of political interviews in the media. They also delve into the topic of Israel and how Democrats can talk about it in a more nuanced and honest way. They touch on the rise of Christian white nationalism and its connection to Israel, as well as the need for Democrats to prioritize policies that benefit the majority of Americans. Takeaways Sticking with facts and reality is important in politics Democratic leadership is fallible and should not always be trusted The Republican Party may move in a more populist direction after Trump Authentic and progressive Democratic candidates are popular The media plays a powerful role in shaping political narratives Most politicians prefer interviews that are complimentary and avoid hard questions, leading to a lack of real conversations in the media. There is a culture of intoxication in politics, where politicians are constantly surrounded by people who tell them how great they are. Talking about Israel and Palestine requires careful navigation due to the potential career repercussions of saying the wrong thing. Democrats need to find a way to talk about Israel that separates the government's actions from the Jewish people as a whole. Christian white nationalism poses a danger to the region and is tied to the issue of Israel. Democrats should prioritize policies that benefit the majority of Americans, such as paid family leave, rather than catering to corporate donors. Chapters 00:00 The Transition from Biden to Vice President Harris 00:49 The Importance of Sticking with Facts and Reality 04:31 The Fallibility of Democratic Leadership 07:07 The Potential Future of the Republican Party 09:06 The Need for Authentic and Progressive Democratic Candidates 12:02 The Role of Identity Politics in Elections 15:43 The Popularity of Tim Walz and the Minnesota Model 19:52 Challenges of Staying True to Progressive Values in Washington 22:04 The Influence of the Media on Political Narratives 24:44 The Lack of Real Conversations in Political Interviews 28:47 Navigating the Israel-Palestine Conversation 39:04 The Danger of Christian White Nationalism and its Connection to Israel 39:34 Democrats' Challenge: Talking About Israel in a Nuanced Way 47:49 Prioritizing Policies that Benefit the Majority of Americans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins

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