The Golden Mean: Recent Episodes
Michael Golden
Personalities and perspectives from every part of the American spectrum. The Golden Mean features athletes, authors, musicians, journalists, opinion makers, entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians - and we're just gettin' started! Hosted by national award-winning broadcaster Michael Golden, the "Mean" will bring you new views and keep you enthused. Give us a listen!
There is one national news publication that covers every angle of the movement to reform and strengthen American elections and governance -- The Fulcrum!
David Meyers serves as publisher and executive editor, and he talks on the Mean about how The Fulcrum is making a difference in informing and motivating Americans to fight for their rights!
"One thing about working at the Polar Science Center is that you’re confronted with these kinds of realities each day, and sometimes it can be disheartening to know that there are animals whose lives are being affected by the changing environment and changing qualities of our climate. But what brings me hope is working with such passionate people about those things."
As a technician at the Polar Science Center at the Univ. of Washington, Ben Cohen is studying the effects of climate change on Polar Bears - and what that also means for the rest of the world.
“Now more than ever, it’s local news's job to tell its people that it’s going to be okay. Y’know, to ease, to calm, to keep people safe. I’m seeing that first-hand, how important that really is.”
WXOW Anchor/reporter Declan Levy talks about broadcast journalism and the value of local news in the middle of the Conornavirus pandemic.
“I think people are going to lose their lives because of the difference in coverage, honestly. I don’t see how it could be otherwise.”
National award-winning journalist & columnist Melinda Henneberger sounds off on the media's performance in covering the Coronavirus crisis - and the differences across various national outlets.
“The value and valor is in the leap…Stop trying to control for perfection, and start trying to control for effort. That’s the one thing we can control in our lives.”
Alyssa Rapp is a wildly successful CEO and entrepreneur - and now the author of the brand new book: Leadership & Life Hacks. On this episode of the Mean, Alyssa talks about the strategies that have made all the difference along her path - and how everyone can apply these simple keys in their own lives!
Once upon a time this conservative columnist supported Jimmy Carter. Now, after 23 years as the Chicago Tribune's lead opinion writer, he is one of the city's most controversial media figures.
John Kass talks about his childhood on the South Side, how he learned the chase down political corruption and his idea of the perfect Chicago day. Plus, his defining principle on politics: "Coincidences are for suckers!"
Suburban women will be the #1 key to who wins the White House in 2020 according to polling guru Celinda Lake. The founder of Lake Research Partners, Celinda talks about how polling works, why it still matters, and what trends are likely to play out as we head toward the presidential election!
“It’s not enough anymore in American politics to be the smartest person or the most experienced or the best CEO or the guy who ran a city. If you can’t communicate, forget about it.”
Mark McKinnon has advised everyone from City Councilmen to the President of the United States. He now hosts Showtime's hit show "The Circus. Mark visits with us from South Carolina, where he gives a preview of the Saturday primary - and grades each of the candidates' communications skills.
Jobi Cates fights for the forgotten. She fights for fairness for the folks who've done wrong and are serving inordinately long prison sentences as a result. Jobi fights for a more just justice system.
She is an Illinois hero, who uses the lessons of her own life to teach others how to make the world a better place.
A master of health transformation and strength building, Brian Gryn shows people how they can eat clean to GET LEAN! He's an author, coach, entrepreneur -- and an incredible golfer!
Learn the secrets to making "intermittent fasting" an easy and effective way to look and feel your best. Brian is the leader.
Search Marketing Specialist Patrick Berlinquette talks about how he turned the tables on Google -- and likely saved some lives in the process!
"It's (the GOP) morphed into a cult not with an ideology but a theology, and that means you follow the cult leader. And it means you are especially burdened if you are an apostate and you get shunned or even excommunicated.”
Congressional Scholar Norman J. Ornstein ("The Dean")gets to the guts of the Senate Impeachment Trial and describes how the parties have changed since Watergate and the Clinton trial.
"My doctors were assuming that I was a medical student and somehow that meant that I understood, or it somehow meant that I was immune to the disease of addiction. I learned the hard way that I was not."
Sarah Gad talks about her experiences with addiction, the Cook County jail system, recovery - and her 2020 candidacy for the U.S. Congress.
He is THE storyteller.
Doug Levy has had a towering career in Chicago broadcasting. For years a popular DJ on the preeminent rock station, he parlayed his on-air talent into a business career where he ascended to be president of Univision Television and Radio.
If you're in the mood to be both entertained and inspired, listen to my dear friend Doug as he shares a lifetime of wisdom, love and laughs.
Eddie Bocanegra is the preeminent expert on gun violence in the city of Chicago, because he grew up in it, served 14 years in prison for it -- and then decided to do something about it.
The Senior Director of Heartland Alliance's READI Chicago program talks about how they are building a national model for slashing shootings by working with men to change their lives.
He went from being wrongly convicted and imprisoned to becoming an attorney at law fighting to exonerate other victims of a corrupt criminal justice system.
Jarrett Adams was the very first guest on The Golden Mean, and he joins Michael for Episode #100 to share more of his inspiring life journey!
No one knows the digital news landscape better than Jimmy Greenfield - because he's lived it for 25 years in Chicago.
Jimmy joins the show to talk about his career as a news and sports editor, including what it's been like to cover the Chicago Blackhawks and Major League Baseball. Michael also gets Jimmy to tell the story of how he came to write his classic book: "100 Things Cubs Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die."
"I want to believe, at the end of my life, that I had tried to do everything I could to fix things."
Democracy Reform leader Madeleine Doubek talks about why she's dedicated to reforming and improving Illinois government. The head of CHANGE ILLINOIS, Doubek breaks down the fight for voting rights, gerrymandering reform, balot initiatives and fairness in taking the 2020 US Census. Listen to a pure leader!
"Being lost in what you're doing is really what it's all about. Great performers can't really explain why their performance was great when it was great, they just know that it felt right. And when it feels right, you're not thinking much, you're not trying much, but you're trusting it and you're letting go and allowing your instincts to surface."
Dr. Jeffrey Fishbein talks about how patience, balance and never giving up leads to the deepest kind of success: fulfillment.
"Fearful." That's how Gilad Gordon described the feeling he had in 1973 when he attended the Watergate Impeachment Hearings. He was 16 years old. Forty-six later, on the morning of the Trump Impeachment Hearings, Gilad talks about what it was like - and how it compares to what we're going through now.
Loriana Hernandez-Aldama didn't just Leukemia - she used her journalism talents to turn her recovery into a mission to help others "get fit for the fight." Now, the founder of ARMOR UP FOR LIFE is waging a second public battle with cancer - and she's telling the story all over again in real time.
Lori talks about it all on the new show: "You must become your own HERO, meet the medicine halfway and be an equal partner in your own success. Push for answers. Listen to your body. Pay attention to the warning light when it goes off."
"As college costs go up, sometimes students take out those loans and then they also have to use that money to pay for their living expenses, so they literally have no money for food. It’s just heartbreaking."
Soledad O'Brien's moving documentary, Hungry To Learn, will premiere at DOC NYC on Saturday, Nov. 9th. The Peabody-winning reporter and producer joins us to talk about this crisis on college campuses -- and how journalism can still be a powerful force for good!
On October 29, 2019, US Army Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman testified in front of a Congressional committee in the midst of the Impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. National voices in the Republican Party attached Vindman and accused him of potentially acting in the interest of the Ukraine, where he and his family escaped as refugees when he was three years old.
The ugly public spectacle reminded Michael of the fictional conspiracy plot in the 1987 movie No Way Out. Michael and Francis Albert act out a scene from No Way Out - and explain why the hell it matters.
Shelley Jacobs believes that "everyone is an influencer." She would know! Shelley launched Chicago Is My Boyfriend on Instagram and has built a following of tens of thousands of followers who go to her to find awesome things to do!
"I believe that when people talk about what they love, they come alive!"
That's what Kate Sullivan's show, To Dine For, is all about! Kate joins the podcast to describe how her show was born, how it's become a smash success on PBS in just one year - and fascinating moments with her fascinating guests!
"Everybody on the show is not only jaw-dropping inspiring, but also has a blueprint for success. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best."
Alex Batdorf is the "Get Sh!t Done Queen" who specializes in "empowering badass female entrepreneurs to make their dream company a reality."
Listen to Alex talk about how to get started, raise capital, build a great team and have FUN striving for success!
EPISODE 90 - DOUG SCHENKELBERG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHICAGO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS by Michael Golden
Karen Hinton nearly lost her life - it was split-second decision-making by her doctors that prevented her death. Then she faced the real battle: astronomical medical bills not covered by insurance.
Listen to Karen's survival story, and also what she learned first-hand about America's broken healthcare situation.
"The value of journalism has never been greater. Its significance has never been more meaningful... If you’ve got a passion for telling people something that they don’t know but need to know, you’re in the right business."
Legendary Chicago broadcaster Carol Marin on emerging journalism, political corruption, tips on interviewing -- and her rise from Tennessee schoolteacher to 60 Minutes correspondent.
"I never thought this was the track I was going to take until I lost Zachary. I feel like I’m doing this work for him. I’m working for him every day."
Karen Cohn is literally a lifesaver. Here she talks about pool and water safety information that every parent should know - and the amazing growth she and her husband Brian are leading at The Zac Foundation!
Former Illinois Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn has strong views on whether his predecessor, Rod Blagojevich, should be freed from federal prison. In a wide-ranging interview, the Gov talks about Illinois politics, Election 2020, his support for One Million Degrees and community college students, fighting poverty across the country, creating grassroots movements, outlawing rigged US House Districts - and of course - his predictions on how the Chicago Bears will fare in 2019! Join us on the Mean!
How did Lori Lightfoot achieve her crushing victory to become Chicago's next mayor? Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn weighs in on the election results, the future of the city, the bumbled Jussie Smollett case - and the real burning question behind the college admissions scandal!
On the eve of the biggest Chicago Mayoral Election in 30 years, NBC veteran Mary Ann Ahern weighs in on the two final candidates and how they beat out the other dozen. Who will win? Who screwed up? How will either one of them fix the enormous problems Chicago is facing? Listen to a pro who covers all the angles!
Who says ya can't talk religion and politics with a stranger?? Kirsten Powers comes on the show to discuss 2020, racism in America, Trump, modern media, and her awesome podcast, "The Faith Angle." One of the sharpest opinion leaders in the country weighs in on The Golden Mean!
Can the new House Majority get anything done in 2019? Democratic Congressman Rep. Tom O'Halleran says new members from his own party have to find a way to work together, or they'll have a short shelf life: "If the Democrats in Congress don’t lead, they’re at risk again… I think the American people sent a very clear signal - we want you to do better. And you better."
Who would embark upon a "mission to bridge the gap between liberals and conservatives?" Annafi Wahed would. The founder of TheFlipSide.io is working every day to get American news consumers out of their bubbles! Listen to Annafi talk about the state of American politics, our media blind spots - and the solutions her team is serving up on these civic challenges!
She just might save journalism - by improving it! Pulitzer Prize winner Tina Rosenberg is also the cofounder of Solutions Journalism Network. SJN is spreading the word that including solutions in news stories can actually increase viewership. Tina and her team are teaching reporters across the country this new approach to covering the world around us.
"As a society, we have so demonized this population. But they just want what most people want, which is a little stability and safety, and they want their kids to be safe."
Evelyn Diaz is one of the most fierce and effective social justice champions in the country. President of Heartland Alliance, Evelyn is now taking on Chicago gun violence with a groundbreaking approach that just might prove to be transformational.
Will the Democrats win the midterms and regain the House Majority? And if they do, how can they get anything done in a hyper-partisan Washington? J.D. Grom says both are possible, and he would know! The Executive Director of the moderate New Dems Coalition breaks down the breakdown in D.C. - and also lays out the silver lining.
"You are in the driver's seat and you can decide where you want to go - TAKE THE WHEEL!" Allison Task, author of Personal (R)evolution, is the kind of personal coach who walks the walk. Using her career background and life story, she had helped thousands of people "to do that thing you've always wanted to do!"
Investigative journalist Bethany Mclean explains how large parts of the banking system are still "profoundly corrupt." The author of "The Smartest Guys in the Room" - about the Enron scandal - weighs in on the Wells Fargo scam, the actions of James Comey and how our government's regulation of Wall Street is losing much of its muscle under the Trump administration.
"Congress is really policing itself and that's a huge, huge problem. It's not really meaningful oversight."
From the settlements of harassment claims on Capitol Hill to the lawsuits pending against the Trump administration, Jennifer Rodgers sounds off about corruption in government. The head of the Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity also describes HOW her team is helping cities and states across the country to fight political corruption!
Enough is enough! Nick Penniman is taking dead aim at the corruption in our politics by building a bipartisan, national coalition to attack the outsize influence of big money in our system. "It’s really reached the point of stage IV cancer, where it’s shutting down the body politic, it’s shutting down our ability to self-govern."
On the show, the CEO of Issue One talks about how his team is fighting the good fight - and how EVERY AMERICAN can get on board to help!
"I do know that for many, treatment saves lives."
Congressional scholar Norman Ornstein has become a champion on the issue of mental health in America - and he came by it in the hardest way possible. In 2015, the Ornstein family lost their son Matthew who had struggled for 10 years. Since then, Norm has dedicated himself to reforming and strengthening mental health assistance in our country - and he's making a big difference. Listen to "The Dean" talk about this critical issue.
An American businessman is vowing to shake up the whole damn broken system if he makes it to the U.S. Senate! Neal Simon is running as an independent candidate - and in this interview he details his actual plans to reform the rules. Listen to the man from Maryland describe what he believes needs fixing - and how he's gonna get us there!
From Frank Sinatra's connections to organized crime to his history with President Kennedy to the reasons why he was the greatest entertainer of the 20th Century, biographer James Kaplan tells all the tales. Kaplan joins the show to offer insights from his comprehensive volume on Sinatra: "The Chairman." (photo credit: Erinn Hartmann)
Author Brad Herzog has always taken risks when it comes to finding and writing about new ideas. On the show, he explains how "the act of pursuing creativity is a triumphant act."
From civil rights to the Chicago Cubs to the inspirations behind the Gerber baby and the Nike swoosh, Herzog is always on the hunt for new subjects to write about. New ways to "turn the mundane into the miraculous."
"I felt more comfortable in a woman’s body. And that’s who I truly was. I wanted to bring out my inside and reveal it on the outside. It’s almost like self expression." - Jamie Vallas
"She’s more my hero than I am hers… To me she is not a transgender, she is 100% woman. She’s a woman." - Dean Vallas
"The process that the world undertakes to cure diseases is one that no logical business person would ever do if their ultimate goal was to cure. It’s not in the interest of special interests to cure anything, because there’s much more money in treating than there is in curing.”
Lou Weisbach is the visionary entrepreneur and former Clinton Finance Co-Chair who is working to launch the American Center for Cures - and make medical history!
The future of America! Three Arizona State Sun Devils from Michael's class on The Congress meet at Zipps Grill to talk politics, higher education and the future they foresee for themselves!
Bob Hercules is one of the premier documentary filmmakers in America. From ballparks to Barack Obama, from World War I to the Holocaust, from Father Pfleger to the Joffrey Ballet - Hercules basks in the role of recorder of history. Listen to Bob describe the art of the documentarian - and the fascinating things he's learned along the ride!
“This is actually winnable....At the city, state and county level - that’s where you have the ability to make change. We are taking the fight local, and we are winning.”
Josh Silver knows that talk is cheap. That's why he founded Represent.US - to shake up the system by unrigging it with real action. Silver breaks down how Americans can join the fight - already in progress - to take back their democracy!
"Each individual has their unique brilliance and their unique blind spots. We are all on this planet to serve. We’re all here for a purpose to contribute to the greater good."
Life and business coach J'aime Radow goes deep into the meaning of "success" and how all of us can consistently experience real happiness.
"I have always been an outsider, even when inside the process. James Strock, the founding Secretary of the California EPA and author of DISRUPT POLITICS: RESET WASHINGTON, talks about the constructive way to blow up the system!
On the eve of Supreme Court oral arguments in the Wisconsin gerrymandering case of Gill v. Whitford, two national experts join the "Mean" to break it all down. FairVote Executive Director Rob Richie explains why over 90% of U.S. House incumbents win re-election - and what can be done to unrig our congressional races. Then Univ. of Chicago legal scholar Nick Stephanopoulos talks about how his "Efficiency Gap" measurement could be the key to the Supreme Court making a historic decision on gerrymandering.
EPISODE 58: USA TODAY's HEIDI PRYZBYLA & ARIZONA REPUBLIC's RON HANSEN by Michael Golden
State Senator Daniel Biss takes on the "machine" in his bid for Illinois Governor. Biss talks about poverty, the outrageous costs of college, historic government gridlock and the reasons for it: "Our system of elections is just not designed for the public, it’s designed for politicians."
“To deny the equal right to vote is to recreate the system of slavery." This stark quote from author/activist Lawrence Lessig offers a hint of his passion for reforming a defective democracy - and making every vote actually count equally. Larry joins the show to talk about his new platform and the national organization he's founded to make it happen: EQUALCITIZENS.US.
If you like playing "Cards Against Humanity," listen to one its creators let loose on everything from the dangers of Trump to "Secret Hitler." Max Temkin makes the case for why people disgusted with our politics should lighten up on the social media - and start hittin' the bricks!
One of the foremost political reporters in the country, the Chicago Tribune's Rick Pearson, joins the show to talk about raw politics. Pearson describes how the old Chicago political machine has changed - and how it hasn't. Why politicians' words still matter - and how getting to the "why" is still the old school key to reporting the real meaning of a political story. Take a listen to "the Dean" of the Illinois political scene!
Wendy Falcon is an author and spiritual teacher whose express goal is to give transformational and inspired messages to the world! In this episode of the Mean, Wendy and Michael talk about spiritual awareness, the cues to inner peace - and the true meaning of the film "Groundhog Day!"
"We need to get that dirty money out of politics and then we’ll get those politicians out of government. That’s the big issue in our state."
Chris Kennedy, son of the late R.F.K., is running for governor of Illinois. In this interview, Kennedy talks about his priorities on increasing the minimum wage, decreasing gun violence, and restoring confidence in government.
John Delaney is running for president in 2020 - and folks might just want to take him seriously.
Congressman Delaney (D-MD) grew up in a working class household and became a successful entrepreneur before he was elected in 2012 to represent Maryland's 6th District.
Delaney says he's going to run a "future focused" campaign and promote his bipartisan bonafides: “You need a villain in politics. My villain is partisan politics. It’s destroying our ability to govern.”
In the wake of Charlottesville and the President's disastrous Tuesday press conference, the Anti-Defamation League's Midwest Director, Lonnie Nasatir, joins the show to talk about extremist hate groups in the United States - and the fight against them.
Lisa Kueng, author of "Picture Your Prosperity," talks about how to "go big" and live the life you were meant to live!
Shawn Healy is a scholar and activist who focuses on democracy and civic engagement. Director of the McCormick Foundation's Democracy Program, Shawn joins the "Mean" to talk about Illinois politics, the civics education law he shepherded through the General Assembly, and how to begin finding the cure to our country's heightened state of partisanship.
Bruce DuMont is not only a legendary TV and radio journalist, he is also the founder and president of the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. In this wide-ranging interview, Bruce talks about his 50-year career, including his interviews with David Duke and George Wallace, as well as the long and winding road he persisted upon to create an historic American museum. Listen to a legend!
After all the screechy politics, what are the actual solutions that all Americans want to see become law? Deboarah Devedjian is actively engaging every day citizens in an effort to find those answers! The founder and "Chief Citizens Officer" of The Chisel talks to Michael about how her team is using technology to educate and to innovate American Democracy!
Why is Donald Trump's political party sticking with him after his firing of James Comes and the interview the President gave tying his decision to the Russia investigation? What are the politics driving all of the calculations behind the scenes on Capitol Hill? National Journal Politics Editor Josh Kraushaar breaks it all down on this Friday night edition of the "Mean!"
Do facts matter? Do Americans still care anymore about electing leaders who have expertise? Is our country just under-informed or are we wrongly-informed? These questions are the subject of Tom Nichols' new book, The Death Of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge And How It Matters. A professor on national security at the Naval War College, Nichols joins the show to talk about his book, our media culture, and the vexing challenges facing the U.S. in Syria and North Korea.
Anne Wedner created "America Of My Dreams" in early 2017 to learn more about how our fellow citizens view the roles and responsibilities of American government. Anne's team is fanning out across "flyover country" to collect the thoughts and ideas of "Citizen Philosophers," and then publicly sharing all of their feedback online. Just after meeting with folks in Leawood, KS, Anne joined the show to talk about what people are saying - and how the whole adventure got started!
Why should we even care about Congress? Why are the lawmakers that we pay with our tax dollars so unpopular? Is it just raw politics that screws up the workings in Washington, or is there some straightforward stuff we can do to empower our elected officials? Kevin Kosar has the answers! A true expert on how Capitol Hill operates and the Director of the Governance Project at R-Street Institute, Kevin shares insights from a new bipartisan effort on Congress that he cofounded a year ago. Listen in for solutions!
Faith Sidlow is a former award-winning television news reporter who now teaches broadcast journalism at Fresno State University. Faith and her students join the show from the Merlyn Burris Studio on campus to talk about the "Global News Relay" they just hosted and the broadcasting careers they're about to embark upon.
Yael Luttwak is a documentarian and the founder of Slim Peace Groups, a non-profit organization that emerged from her film of the same name. "A SLIM PEACE" portrayed the drama of Israeli and Palestinian women in a weight-loss cohort involving Jews, Muslims, and Christian Arabs. Yael is now doing post-production on a new film, "MAINE GIRLS," which follows 13 immigrant and non-immigrant girls as they learn what it takes – and what it means – to make genuine friendships and lead by example.
Steve Glickman knows both politics and economics, and his career has been dedicated to using that knowledge to help Americans secure jobs and become successful in their work lives. On this episode of the "Mean," Steve answers many of Michael's burning questions about HOW the people who were elected in 2016 can actually get their heads on the same page and create jobs in America!
The hit show "The Circus" is back on Showtime! And its star and co-creator, Mark McKinnon, is back on the "Mean!" The former strategist and presidential adviser talks about the new season, the haggle over healthcare, and missed opportunities in the young Trump administration.
Attempts at bipartisanship in the U.S. Congress will not die - not if Derek Kilmer has anything to say about it. The U.S. Representative from Washington State's 6th District puts policy above politics in this conversation on the "Mean." Kilmer talks about the "Invest in Opportunity Act," the real problems in the VA's health care system, the value of community college and vocational schools, and his bill to strengthen the FEC in order to dilute the "money flood" on Capitol Hill. Derek Kilmer demonstrates what common sense looks like.
In his Hall of Fame basketball career, Boston Celtic Kevin McHale scored more than 17,000 points and won three NBA Championships. On St. Patrick's Day, Kevin joins the show to talk about his playing career, today's NBA, a breakdown of the top NCAA teams competing in March Madness - and his hilarious guest appearances on "Cheers."
ESPN's Andy Katz is the top NCAA basketball analyst in the country. Katz joins the "Mean" to talk about the best players and teams to watch in the 2017 NCAA tournament, his eight years of filling out brackets with President Obama, and the hilarious story about how he got the ESPN job in the first place!
How much knowledge do we really have about subjects that impact our lives? Why do we think we're right on facts about issues? The author of the new book, "The Knowledge Illusion: Why We Never Think Alone," Steven Sloman, joins the show to talk about how individuals process information. The cognitive scientist explains how the "mind is constructed to channel the beliefs of our community," often resulting in Americans across the political spectrum having trouble separating fact from fiction.
Washington Post national reporter Robert Costa is the "insider" when it comes to covering D.C. and President Donald Trump. As a journalist and NBC analyst, he offers people a front row seat to the inner workings of the Trump presidency. On this episode of the "Mean," Bob talks to Michael about the "one-man hurricane" in the White House, what "Trumpism" is, why the president lies, and how the media can remain true to its mission when covering the administration.
Dan Proft is a political writer and commentator who hosts a morning radio program on the conservative WIND-AM 560 "The Answer." Dan ran for governor in the Illinois Republican primary in 2010 and is the founder of the Illinois Opportunity Project. On this episode of the "Mean," Dan talks to Michael about what it means to be a conservative, the Trump agenda, and what he thinks the GOP should do in its effort to "replace" Obamacare.
Jack Crittenden is the author of "Wide As The World" and spent three decades as a political science professor at Arizona State University. In this episode of the "Mean," Jack and Michael cover millennial participation in democracy, the electoral challenges facing the Democratic Party as well as upcoming decisions facing the GOP Congressional Majority, and the surreality of a sitting U.S. president's assault on the free press.
In the U.S. Senate, why does it take more than a majority - a 60-vote threshold - to pass legislation? What are the "filibuster" and "cloture" rules? Where did they come from? Are these rules unconstitutional? What's the "nuclear option?" Will the Senate "go nuclear" and restore majority rule when it comes to passing laws and consenting to Supreme Court nominations? One of the premier lawyers in the country, Emmet Bondurant, breaks it all down and makes his case for how the U.S. Senate should operate.
Former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III has spent his life in public service, much like his father, the former Illinois Governor, and his grandfather who also served in the Senate. The non-partisan Stevenson Center on Democracy has named Michael Golden as a Senior Fellow where he is working with Adlai III on a new Agenda for Democracy Reform. On this episode of the "Mean," Michael and Senator Stevenson talk about his legendary family history, how politics have changed, and specific planks in the Agenda for Reform platform!
Amanda Matti, former NSA analyst in Iraq and the author of her amazing true life story, "A Foreign Affair," joins the Mean to cover it all!
From A Foreign Affair: "When 22-year-old US Navy Intelligence Analyst Amanda Matti deploys to Baghdad, Iraq in the summer of 2005, she does her best to prepare mentally and physically to face the horrors of war. What she isn't prepared for is to fall in love...with someone on the "other side." For Amanda and her Iraqi translator Fahdi, it's love at first sight. While serving together near the front lines of the Iraq War, the two realize their connection transcends cultures, countries and politics. Amanda knows she may have to choose between Fahdi and her career in the military, but actually finds herself at the center of an international criminal investigation spearheaded by a trifecta of US government agencies - the NSA, CIA and NCIS."
Is it okay for reporters to say that President Trump "lies?" Should journalists regurgitate each tweet from the President? Does emerging media in the 21st century require new coverage strategies for the news media? One of the foremost authorities on the subject of journalism, Tom Rosenstiel of the American Press Institute, takes on these questions and others as he joins Michael on the "Mean."
Neera Tanden is the President of the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., and has served as a top policy and political operative for Senator Hillary Clinton and for President Barack Obama. Neera talks about the upcoming Trump presidency, including the fight over the Affordable Care Act, which she played an instrumental role in designing. (Michael served as a Senior Fellow in 2016 at the Center's Democracy and Government Reform Program)
The grandson of a Holocaust survivor, Jonathan Greenblatt now heads up the Anti-Defamation League, one of America's premier civil rights and human relations organizations. Prior to ADL, Jonathan was one of the founders of Ethos Brands and also served as Special Assistant to President Barack Obama and Director of the White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation. On this episode of the Mean, Jonathan talks with Michael about his career journey, anti-Semitism trends in the United States, the dangers of the Alt-right and his strategy for leading the ADL into the future.
Paul Lisnek is the Emmy-award winning host of Politics Tonight on CLTV News in Chicago and the political analyst at WGN-TV. In our final episode of 2016, Lisnek weighs in on the historic year in presidential politics, the challenges of social media and the responsibilities of both news providers and news consumers.
David Mendell is an award-winning journalist and author of the 2007 book Obama: From Promise To Power. David covered Barack Obama all the way back in 2003, when the then-State Senator ran as a candidate in Illinois for the U.S. Senate race. Now, with just five weeks left in his second terms in White House, Mendell talks about his memories of the the man when nobody knew him - and about Obama's high points and low points as our country's 44th president.
During the summer of 2016, while covering the Donald Trump presidential campaign for the newspaper owned by Trump's son in law, journalist Ross Barkan took a stand. He saw a conflict of interest, called it out, and risked his own career to do what he believed was right. Ross tells his true tale on this edition of the Mean.
On this Thanksgiving Day, David Scherer and Michael Golden talk about the community college scholarship program they cofounded 10 years ago. One Million Degrees has raised over $12 million and currently serves 668 scholars in the state of Illinois. With a graduation rate above 70 percent, OMD is empowering individuals to achieve their degrees and build their careers. David tells the story of how it all started and why the program continues to thrive!
Three days after the election of Donald Trump and Republican majorities in the U.S. House and Senate, the "Mean" breaks it all down. In the first part of the program, Michael shares his thoughts about the race and what may lay ahead. Then we hear from Jonathan Rauch, Brookings Scholar and author of "Political Realism: How hacks, machines, big money, and back-room deals can strengthen American democracy."
Some random thoughts on Election Day 2016 about the craziest national election campaign in our lifetimes!
Josh Kraashaur knows the numbers as well as anybody, and the Managing Editor of Politics at National Journal breaks down the presidential race and Senate matchups just a day away from Election Day! Who'll win the White House? Who'll hold the majorities on Capitol Hill? Listen to Josh!
Only days before the 2016 presidential election, Wall Street Journal veteran journalist Kristina Peterson weighs in on the race and what we can expect from the 115th Congress. Kristina knows Capitol Hill inside and out, and she shares her perspective on what's working and what's broken in our congressional system. Tune in to this episode of the "Mean" to hear a genuine pro!
Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl welcomes the "Mean" into his home in Phoenix, Arizona for a wide-ranging conversation about the problems and challenges in American democracy. The Senator and Michael exchange perspectives on campaign finance reform, the length of U.S. House terms, and the critical issue of long-term fiscal solvency in our country.
As the Chicago Cubs try to win their first World Series since 1908, the MVP from the 2005 Series, Chicago White Sox slugger Jermaine Dye, joins the "Mean" and says he's all in when it comes to cheering for a Northsiders' championship!
A champion for reforming the dirty river of money flowing through Washington, Congressman John Sarbanes talks about how his "Government By The People Act" would return the power back to every day Americans. Sarbanes also talks about our country's challenges with health care and rebuilding our infrastructure - and connects them right back to the money flood problem.
Rock 'n' Roll collides with political reform on this episode of the "Mean," as Nirvana's founding bass guitar player, Krist Novoselic, talks about both! Krist looks back on his historic band during the 25th Anniversary of the their breakout record, "Nevermind." The Chairman of the FairVote organization also talks with Michael about their efforts to reform the actual rigging that does exist in our U.S. House elections.
John Bouman, President of the Shriver Center, talks about real results achieved through the "War on Poverty," the connection between race and America's poor, and how anyone can get involved in helping the less fortunate Americans among us.
My old friend Bill Burton joins me on the Mean to talk politics and Election 2016. The former White House Press Secy. for President Obama describes what the day-to-day is really like in the West Wing, the "stupidity" and corruption spawned by the money flood in our system, and his thoughts on the impact that Donald Trump's campaign has wrought on our country. A veteran talks the talk!
Melinda Henneberger has seen it all in politics - especially after this year! A columnist at USA Today and the Philadelphia Daily News, Henneberger weighs in on the second presidential debate, sexism in the race and the potential of a legitimate third party in 2017.
Congressman Steve Israel has served the people of New York's 3rd District for 16 years. Author of the acclaimed new book, "The Global War on Morris," Israel is retiring from Congress in 2017. In this episode of The Golden Mean, Rep. Israel talks about a wide range of issues, including: reforming the money flood in Congress, ending the rigging of districts through gerrymandering reform, national security, cyber-warfare, and his burgeoning new career as a writer.
Christie Hefner is a woman of many talents - and she knows how to put 'em to great use. In this episode of The Golden Mean, Christie talks about her 13-year journey to becoming CEO & Chairman of Playboy Enterprises and how the election of President Obama changed the course of her career. Christie also breaks down the status of the "Independent Maps" project geared toward reforming the rigged districting process in the state of Illinois.
Author and New York Times columnist Frank Bruni joins Michael to talk about some of the misconceptions surrounding "college acceptance mania" as well as the hidden value of community college. Frank also answers questions about the Supreme Court decision on marriage equality, the 2016 presidential election and the art of writing. Plus, the former NYT food critic offers one of his top restaurant recommendations!
In this episode of The Golden Mean, legendary strategist David Axelrod talks about his path to the White House, the parallels between the Chicago Cubs' incredible season and a well-run campaign, as well as a look back to his years as a journalist covering City Hall and the late Mayor Richard J. Daley. Take a ride with "The Axe" and I!
There is a huge movement afoot which is empowering everyday Americans to make decisions about the way our government performs - and not just on Election Day! Adam Hecktman, Director of Technology and Civic Innovation at Microsoft Chicago, talks about how anyone can use civic tech to influence our democracy. We talk about how the use of data can improve transparency, accountability and efficiency (how the government spends YOUR MONEY). Join us at Microsoft Headquarters in Chicago for a commonsense conversation about civic tech!
Mark McKinnon first dreamed up the idea for a behind-the-scenes documentary series about the grueling nature of a presidential campaign back in 2002. Fourteen years later, "The Circus " is a smash hit on Showtime! In this episode of The Golden Mean, Mark joins Michael to talk about producing the show, this crazy political season, the upcoming presidential debates - and the hidden meaning behind his ubiquitous Open Road Stetson!
In 1998, at the age of 18, Jarrett Adams was wrongly convicted and sentenced to 28 years in a maximum security prison. After losing nearly a decade of his life to confinement, Jarrett not only won his exoneration, he went on to graduate from Loyola Law School and recently passed the New York State Bar Exam. He is now serving as the first ever Post-Conviction Fellow at the National Innocence Project.
In this maiden episode, I'll explain what The Golden Mean podcast is going to be all about, followed by our interview. The journey that Jarrett's been traveling on is an extraordinary story of fortitude, survival and success. I hope you'll enjoy listening to our conversation as much as we enjoyed having it.