public good

Who Has the Ear of Your Legislators and Why They Can’t Seem to Get Anything Done

by Anthony W. Orlando

We’re six months away from one of the most consequential midterm elections in modern history, and Americans are fed up with Congress. Politicians have gotten a bad rap throughout history, but today’s legislators are setting record lows in approval ratings and public trust. What gives? Why do they disappoint us so often? Are they really ignoring our needs and demands, or are we misunderstanding the challenges they face?

In this episode, Sarah Anderson shows that it’s a little of both: politicians don’t listen to all constituents equally, but they also can’t just snap their fingers and fulfill our wishes.

To listen to this episode of Our American Discourse, click the arrow in the player here. Or  download it and subscribe through ApplePodcasts, Soundcloud, Google Play,  Stitcher, or your favorite podcasting app – click the links or search “usc bedrosian.”

Beirut

by Bedrosian Center, Jonathan Schwartz

Beirut: Action Thriller, Social Commentary, Both?

Erroll Southers discusses the movie & the controversy (#boycottbeirutmovie) that went with it, featuring veteran guests David Warshofsky, Lt. Col Olivia Nelson, & Jonathan Schwartz.

To listen to the Price Projection Room discussion of The Post click the arrow in the player here. Or download & subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, or Google Play.

Ursula K. Le Guin and the walk away from Omelas

by Bedrosian Center

The world lost one of the greats on Monday, January 22nd. Ursula K. Le Guin passed away at the age of 88 and left a hole in many hearts around the world.

“The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas.” We use this short, short story as a jumping off point to discuss our mutual love of Ursula K. Le Guin, science fiction/fantasy, and how reading shaped our lives.

To listen to the Bedrosian Book Club discussion of the “Ursuala K. Le Guin and the walk away from Omelas” episode click the arrow in the player on this post. Or you can download it and subscribe through ApplePodcasts, Soundcloud, Google Play, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting app!

Let Every Voice Be Heard: How to Elevate the Public Debate in 2018

by Anthony W. Orlando

Our American Discourse is a small piece of a big effort. We’re not the only ones trying to raise the level of public debate in this country. Take a walk through the Price School, and you’ll see room after room of scholars who genuinely care about the public interest. Stop at the Bedrosian Center, and you’ll find the people who have taken it upon themselves to engage directly with the public. That’s where I spend most of my days on campus, and it’s where I want to take you today to meet the leader who makes it all happen…

To listen to this episode of Our American Discourse, click the arrow in the player here. Or download it and subscribe through ApplePodcasts, Soundcloud, or Google Play,  Stitcher, or your favorite podcasting app – click the links or search “usc bedrosian.”

Mudbound

by Bedrosian Center, Jonathan Schwartz

Strong female characters ground Mudbound as it tells of the challenges returning soldiers with different world views as they return to family and a small Mississippi community that hasn’t weathered the storms and triumphs they have seen half a world away. A spoilery conversation on this ensemble film about war at home and abroad.

To listen to the Price Projection Room discussion of Mudboundclick the arrow in the player on this post. Or download and subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, or Google Play.

Wonder Woman

by Bedrosian Center, Jonathan Schwartz

Wonder Woman is finally on the big screen! 

After dozens of superhero films, has director Patty Jenkins revitalized the DC universe with this superheroine? Amid all the “rep-sweats,” did the film do justice to this classic comic heroine? Why is this film so important? What do we think of the women-only showings at Alamo Drafthouse? Did we enjoy this film?

To listen to the Price Projection Room discussion of Wonder Women click the arrow in the player here, or download and subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, or Google Play.

The Ethics of Governing

by Anthony W. Orlando

PhD candidate Anthony Orlando discusses the “Ethics of Democracy” in the latest episode of Our American Discourse.

Democracy is a dialogue. It requires our leaders to ask, to listen, and to react. Good governance thus hinges on conversation and consent—and whether we like it or not, conflict. Planners and policymakers have to balance competing needs, never more so than in today’s polarized environment. How do they do the right thing? Does such a thing even exist? Citizenship demands that we engage with these uncomfortable questions, especially in this troubled era.

Listen to this episode of Our American Discourse by clicking on the orange play arrow on this post, or subscribe at iTunes, Soundcloud, Google Play, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Price Projection Room

by Bedrosian Center

The Price Projection Room features conversations about film and television with interesting folks from across USC (theatre, cinema, public policy, and governance) to look at visual storytelling, media literacy, diversity, and the public good. We want to be smarter about the TV and movies we fill our time with, what our stories tell us, and how can be better together.

This podcast is sponsored by Price Video Services and USC Bedrosian Center, and continues our ongoing efforts to bring policy and its impact into the public discourse.

Listen to individual episodes on the Price Projection Room page, or subscribe at ApplePodcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, or your favorite podcasting app.