All American Why

About All American Why

All American Why is a podcast for Excessive Thinkers, people who still give a damn about the country and believe curiosity is a civic responsibility. Each episode tackles a single big question about America, inviting nuance, critical thinking, and real conversation in a time of oversimplification. The show creates space for learning, reflection, and the occasional patriotic spiral, all rooted in the idea that critique is a form of care.

Publisher

All American Why

Category

comedy · news · news

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

6 Jan 2026

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   16: Why Are Data Centers Suddenly Everywhere, and What Do They Owe Us?

   In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why data centers are suddenly showing up everywhere and what communities should expect in return. From electricity, water, land, and tax incentives to jobs, infrastructure, and public participation, he looks at the physical systems behind “the cloud” and the growing demands being placed on the communities where data centers are built. Michael then talks with Kipperlyn Sinclair about what Hillsboro’s experience with rapid data center growth can teach us. They discuss how these projects took shape, what communities should know before making long-term commitments, and what greater transparency and public accountability could look like as the industry continues to expand. Guest Information Kipperlyn Sinclair Hillsboro City Councilor and Candidate for Washington County Commissioner https://www.instagram.com/kipperlyn_forcommunity/ (https://www.instagram.com/kipperlyn_forcommunity/) https://www.facebook.com/kipperlyn.sinclair.54 (https://www.facebook.com/kipperlyn.sinclair.54) Kipperlyn Sinclair serves on the Hillsboro City Council and is currently running for Washington County Commissioner. Her civic involvement has included service on Hillsboro’s Planning Commission and Public Engagement Committee, with a focus on community engagement and local decision-making. Recording and Production Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews) Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio) Marketing by: Nate Kersey (@natekersey) Learn More / Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Energy and AI | International Energy Agency Research on global data center growth, electricity demand, AI, energy infrastructure, and the challenges of matching rapidly growing computing demand with energy-system development. https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai (https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai) Oregon Data Centers by the Numbers | Oregon Public Broadcasting Reporting on research from ECOnorthwest and the University of Virginia examining Oregon’s 111 operating data centers, 32 planned or under construction, electricity consumption, employment, and tax incentives. https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/17/oregon-data-centers-consume-quarter-state-power-report/ (https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/17/oregon-data-centers-consume-quarter-state-power-report/) Data Centers | City of Hillsboro Information on data center development in Hillsboro, including land use, electricity and water, property taxes, tax abatements, and the City’s ongoing review of data center policy. https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/17615/5253 (https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/17615/5253) Data Centers in Hillsboro | City of Hillsboro City information on data center-related property taxes and Enterprise Zone incentives, including 2025 tax abatements and exempted real market value. https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/FormBuilder/FormBuilder/9f579a9bfe2e4be791a30c96d64182a7/5252 (https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/FormBuilder/FormBuilder/9f579a9bfe2e4be791a30c96d64182a7/5252) Land Use Moratorium Enacted on Data Centers & BESS Facilities | City of Hillsboro Information on Hillsboro’s 120-day moratorium on certain new and expanded data center and battery energy storage land-use applications and the City’s review of future regulations. https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/17551/ (https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/17551/) Data & Energy Storage in Hillsboro | Engage Hillsboro Information on Hillsboro’s public process for reviewing where and how data centers and energy storage facilities should be located and regulated. https://engage.hillsboro-oregon.gov/data-centers (https://engage.hillsboro-oregon.gov/data-centers) Oregon’s POWER Act Delivers Lower Rates for Oregon Families and Businesses, Higher Costs for Data Centers | Office of Governor Tina Kotek September 2026 update on implementation of Oregon’s POWER Act and reported changes to residential, commercial, and data center electricity rates in Portland General Electric’s service territory. https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/oregons-power-act-delivers-lower-rates-for-oregon-families-and-businesses-higher-costs-for-data-centers (https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/oregons-power-act-delivers-lower-rates-for-oregon-families-and-businesses-higher-costs-for-data-centers)

2. 

   17 Sept 2026

   15: Why Does the American Dream Seem Impossible and the Math Not Math?

   In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why the American Dream seems increasingly difficult to afford. From housing, wages, healthcare, and childcare to savings, wealth, and the cost of everyday life, he looks at a basic question: does the math still work? Michael then talks with Alejandro Queral about what Oregon jobs actually pay, what families need to live securely, and what it would take to make economic security feel achievable again. Guest Information Alejandro Queral Executive Director, Oregon Center for Public Policy Alejandro Queral is Executive Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy. He brings more than 20 years of experience in advocacy and nonprofit leadership across public health, human rights, environmental policy, and philanthropy. Recording and Production Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews) Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio) Marketing by: Nate Kersey (@natekersey) Learn More / Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. The Fading American Dream | Opportunity Insights Research on economic mobility across generations. https://opportunityinsights.org/paper/the-fading-american-dream/ (https://opportunityinsights.org/paper/the-fading-american-dream/) 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers | National Association of REALTORS® Data on first-time homebuyers and homeownership trends. https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers (https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers) Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households | Federal Reserve Research on household finances, emergency expenses, and financial security. https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/shed.htm (https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/shed.htm) Survey of Consumer Finances | Federal Reserve Data on household income, wealth, homeownership, and net worth. https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htm (https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htm) 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey | KFF Data on employer-sponsored health insurance premiums and worker contributions. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/2025-employer-health-benefits-survey/ (https://www.kff.org/health-costs/2025-employer-health-benefits-survey/) Child Care in America | Child Care Aware of America Research on the price and availability of childcare in the United States. https://www.childcareaware.org/thechildcarestandstill/ (https://www.childcareaware.org/thechildcarestandstill/) Childcare Workers | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal wage and employment data for childcare workers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm) Consumer Price Index | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal data on inflation and changes in consumer prices. https://www.bls.gov/cpi/ (https://www.bls.gov/cpi/) Many Jobs Pay Too Little to Support a Family | Oregon Center for Public Policy Analysis of Oregon wages and the cost of meeting basic household needs. https://www.ocpp.org/2026/09/01/many-jobs-pay-too-little-to-support-a-family/ (https://www.ocpp.org/2026/09/01/many-jobs-pay-too-little-to-support-a-family/) Oregon Center for Public Policy Research and analysis on Oregon tax, budget, and economic policy. https://www.ocpp.org/ (https://www.ocpp.org/)

3. 

   9 Sept 2026

   14: Why Can't We Build A Better Primary System?

   In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why American elections so often leave voters choosing between two major-party candidates. From primaries and independent voters to ranked-choice voting, third parties, and electoral systems around the world, the episode explores whether we could give voters more meaningful choices. Michael then talks with Tom Joseph about America’s Primary, his proposed alternative congressional nominating system. They explore how it would work, what problems it might solve, and what new challenges it could create. Guest Information Tom Joseph Creator of America’s Main Street Primary Tom Joseph developed America’s Main Street Primary (https://www.mainstreetparty.org/about-us) as an alternative approach to congressional nominations. His appearance is an opportunity to explore the proposal and the broader question of whether America could design primary elections differently. @mainstreetparty_ Recording and Production Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews) Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio) Marketing by: Nate Kersey (@natekersey) Learn More / Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Party Affiliation Fact Sheet | Pew Research Center Data on party identification and independent voters. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/fact-sheet/party-affiliation-fact-sheet-npors/ (https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/fact-sheet/party-affiliation-fact-sheet-npors/) Voters’ Feelings About the 2024 Campaign and Candidates | Pew Research Center Research on voter attitudes toward the 2024 presidential choices. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/07/11/voters-feelings-about-the-2024-campaign-and-candidates/ (https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/07/11/voters-feelings-about-the-2024-campaign-and-candidates/) State Primaries Toolkit | National Conference of State Legislatures Overview of primary systems used across the United States. https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/state-primaries-toolkit (https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/state-primaries-toolkit) Preferential Voting | Australian Electoral Commission Explanation of Australia’s preferential voting system. https://www.aec.gov.au/learn/preferential-voting.htm (https://www.aec.gov.au/learn/preferential-voting.htm) What is MMP? | Electoral Commission of New Zealand Explanation of New Zealand’s mixed-member proportional system. https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/what-is-new-zealands-system-of-government/what-is-mmp/ (https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/what-is-new-zealands-system-of-government/what-is-mmp/) The Electoral System | German Federal Returning Officer Overview of Germany’s Bundestag electoral system. https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/bundestagswahlen/2025/informationen-waehler/wahlsystem.html (https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/bundestagswahlen/2025/informationen-waehler/wahlsystem.html) Voting Systems in the UK | UK House of Commons Library Overview of electoral systems used across the United Kingdom. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn04458/ (https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn04458/) 2025 Democratic Mayoral Primary Ranked-Choice Results | New York City Board of Elections Official ranked-choice results from the 2025 mayoral primary. https://vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2025/20250624Primary%20Election/rcv/026916_1.html (https://vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2025/20250624Primary%20Election/rcv/026916_1.html) Electoral College | National Archives Overview of the Electoral College system. https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/about (https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/about) Electoral College FAQs | National Archives Additional information about Electoral College procedures. https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/faq (https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/faq) 1992 Federal Election Results | Federal Election Commission Official results from the 1992 presidential election. https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections92.pdf (https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections92.pdf) 2 U.S.C. § 2c | U.S. House of Representatives Federal law concerning single-member congressional districts. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title2-section2c (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title2-section2c) Electoral System Design Database | International IDEA Comparative information on electoral systems around the world. https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/electoral-system-design (https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/electoral-system-design)

4. 

   1 Sept 2026

   13: Why Does America Still Think Working 9 to 5 Is the Way to Make a Living?

   Subtitle: And, How Can We Be More Like Dolly and Less Like Donald? In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why America still organizes so much of working life around systems designed generations ago. From the 40-hour workweek and the decline of organized labor to remote work, employee ownership, burnout, healthcare, workplace flexibility, and the rise of artificial intelligence, Michael explores who benefits when workers become more productive and whether work should demand quite so much of our lives. Michael then talks with Marina Martinez-Bateman about human-centered management, workers' rights, organizational power, anti-racism, restorative justice, capitalism, and what it might look like to build workplaces differently. Together, they explore how employers can balance accountability with autonomy, profitability with humanity, and the needs of organizations with the dignity and lives of the people who make them work. "Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” -Dolly Parton Guest Information Marina Martinez-Bateman, Founder & CEO of New Coyote Consulting (https://newcoyote.com/) Marina's work focuses on human-centered management, workers' rights, anti-racism, restorative justice, organizational power, equity, and building institutions differently. Marina also teaches Decolonizing Management, a program examining hierarchy, capitalism, anti-Blackness, budgeting, hiring, firing, accountability, and power inside organizations. Check out all of their workshops (https://newcoyote.com/workshops/)! Recording and Production Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews) Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio) Learn More / Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. State of the Global Workplace: United States Country-Level Data | Gallup Research on employee engagement and the experience of workers in the United States. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/704063/state-global-workplace-united-states-country-level-data.aspx (https://www.gallup.com/workplace/704063/state-global-workplace-united-states-country-level-data.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com) U.S. Workers Adjust to the Changing Nature of Employment: Highlights from the 2024 Work in America Survey | American Psychological Association Research on burnout, working hours, workplace mental health, workplace flexibility, and the experiences of American workers. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2024 (https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The New York Factory Investigating Commission | U.S. Department of Labor History of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the workplace safety reforms that followed. https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/mono-regsafepart07 (https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/mono-regsafepart07?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The Department in the New Deal and World War II, 1933 to 1945 | U.S. Department of Labor Historical background on federal labor protections, organized labor, and workplace reform during the New Deal era. https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/dolchp03 (https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/dolchp03?utm_source=chatgpt.com) National Labor Relations Act | National Labor Relations Board The federal law establishing important protections for collective organizing and bargaining. https://www.nlrb.gov/guidance/key-reference-materials/national-labor-relations-act (https://www.nlrb.gov/guidance/key-reference-materials/national-labor-relations-act?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Union Members, 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal data on union membership, including long-term changes in the percentage of American workers represented by unions. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.htm (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Growing Inequalities, Reflecting Growing Employer Power, Have Generated a Productivity-Pay Gap Since 1979 | Economic Policy Institute Research examining the relationship between increases in worker productivity and compensation. https://www.epi.org/blog/growing-inequalities-reflecting-growing-employer-power-have-generated-a-productivity-pay-gap-since-1979-productivity-has-grown-3-5-times-as-much-as-pay-for-the-typical-worker/ (https://www.epi.org/blog/growing-inequalities-reflecting-growing-employer-power-have-generated-a-productivity-pay-gap-since-1979-productivity-has-grown-3-5-times-as-much-as-pay-for-the-typical-worker/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) CEO Pay Jumped Nearly 6% in 2024: CEOs Made 281 Times as Much as the Typical Worker | Economic Policy Institute Research documenting long-term changes in CEO compensation relative to typical worker compensation. https://www.epi.org/press/ceo-pay-jumped-nearly-6-in-2024-ceos-made-281-times-as-much-as-the-typical-worker/ (https://www.epi.org/press/ceo-pay-jumped-nearly-6-in-2024-ceos-made-281-times-as-much-as-the-typical-worker/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938 to 2009 | U.S. Department of Labor Historical data on the federal minimum wage, which has remained $7.25 per hour since July 24, 2009. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chart (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chart?utm_source=chatgpt.com) U.S. Department of Labor Report to Congress Shows Continued Growth of Employee Ownership | U.S. Department of Labor Research and federal reporting on ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and other employee ownership models. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ebsa/ebsa20260223 (https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ebsa/ebsa20260223?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Chronotype and Synchrony Effects in Human Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review | Chronobiology International A systematic review examining chronotypes and whether cognitive performance can vary based on an individual's preferred time of day. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40293205/ (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40293205/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Right to Disconnect | Australian Fair Work Ombudsman Information about Australia's legal right for employees to refuse certain work-related contact outside working hours. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/right-to-disconnect (https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/right-to-disconnect?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Predictive Scheduling | Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Information about Oregon's scheduling protections for employees of certain large retail, hospitality, and food-service employers. https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/predictive-scheduling.aspx (https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/predictive-scheduling.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com) How COVID-19 Changed U.S. Workplaces | Pew Research Center Research on remote work, work-life balance, productivity, and how American workplaces changed following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.pewresearch.org/2025/02/12/how-covid-19-changed-u-s-workplaces/ (https://www.pewresearch.org/2025/02/12/how-covid-19-changed-u-s-workplaces/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Durée du travail d'un salarié à temps plein | Service-Public.fr (http://Service-Public.fr), French Government Information on France's 35-hour statutory reference period for full-time work. https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1911 (https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1911?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Directive 2003/88/EC Concerning Certain Aspects of the Organisation of Working Time | European Union European Union rules addressing working time, daily rest, and minimum paid annual leave. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/88/oj/eng (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/88/oj/eng?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Holiday Pay | U.S. Department of Labor Federal guidance explaining that the Fair Labor Standards Act does not require employers to provide paid vacation. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/workhours/holidays (https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/workhours/holidays?utm_source=chatgpt.com) United States: Foundations for Growth and Competitiveness 2026 | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development International economic and policy comparisons, including the United States' approach to paid maternity leave. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/foundations-for-growth-and-competitiveness-2026_40a7532f-en/full-report/united-states_2015aea7.html (https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/foundations-for-growth-and-competitiveness-2026_40a7532f-en/full-report/united-states_2015aea7.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Society at a Glance 2024: OECD Social Indicators | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development International comparisons involving family policy, parental leave, social conditions, and well-being. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/society-at-a-glance-2024_918d8db3-en.html (https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/society-at-a-glance-2024_918d8db3-en.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance 101 | KFF Research and data on employer-sponsored health insurance and the role employment plays in healthcare coverage in the United States. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/health-policy-101-employer-sponsored-health-insurance/ (https://www.kff.org/health-costs/health-policy-101-employer-sponsored-health-insurance/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements, July 2023 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal data on independent contractors and other alternative employment arrangements. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/conemp.htm (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/conemp.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Women in the Workplace 2025 | McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org (http://LeanIn.Org) Research examining women's representation, advancement, promotion, and leadership in corporate America. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace (https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 | U.S. Congress Federal legislation addressing when discriminatory compensation claims accrue under federal employment discrimination laws. https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/181 (https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/181?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Sexual Harassment in Our Nation's Workplaces | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Federal data and research concerning workplace sexual harassment, reporting, and enforcement. https://www.eeoc.gov/data/sexual-harassment-our-nations-workplaces (https://www.eeoc.gov/data/sexual-harassment-our-nations-workplaces?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Generative AI at Work | Erik Brynjolfsson, Danielle Li, and Lindsey R. Raymond, National Bureau of Economic Research Research involving more than 5,000 customer-support agents examining the effects of generative AI assistance on worker productivity. https://www.nber.org/papers/w31161 (https://www.nber.org/papers/w31161?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Generative AI at Work | The Quarterly Journal of Economics The peer-reviewed published version of the research on generative AI and customer-support worker productivity. https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/140/2/889/7990658 (https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/140/2/889/7990658?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Changes in Work Time and Well-Being: A Large-Scale Global Study | Nature Human Behaviour A 2025 peer-reviewed study of 2,896 employees across 141 organizations examining reduced working time without reduced pay and its relationship to burnout, job satisfaction, mental health, and physical health. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02259-6 (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02259-6?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor History of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the development of federal minimum wage, overtime, and working-hour protections. https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/flsa1938 (https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/flsa1938?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Fair Labor Standards Act | U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division Federal information about minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child labor protections under the FLSA. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire | Library of Congress Historical materials about the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and its significance in American labor and workplace safety history. https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-triangle-shirtwaist-factory-fire (https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-triangle-shirtwaist-factory-fire?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

5. 

   7 Aug 2026

   12: Why Isn't Every Corporation in America Accountable to People and the Planet?

   In this episode of All American Why, Michael begins by sharing why this question matters to him as a business attorney who believes business can be a powerful force for good. He then talks with Tom Hering and Kim Allchurch-Flick about the evolution of corporations, the purpose of business, and how different approaches to corporate governance can shape our economy and society. Together, they explore whether we have designed capitalism in a way that reflects the values and outcomes we want to encourage. Guest Information Tom Hering, Co-Founder & Managing Partner ofBenefit Corporations for Good (https://benefitcorporationsforgood.com/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hering-9829727/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hering-9829727/) Kim Allchurch-Flick, Founder of Mighty Measure (https://www.themightymeasure.com/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimallchurchflick/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimallchurchflick/) Leaders and advocates in the Benefit Company and Certified B Corporation movement, helping businesses align profit with purpose, accountability, and long-term impact. Recording and Production Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews) Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio) Learn More / Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits (Milton Friedman, 1970) The landmark essay that helped popularize shareholder primacy and influenced modern corporate governance. https://www.nytimes.com/1970/09/13/archives/a-friedman-doctrine-the-social-responsibility-of-business-is-to.html (https://www.nytimes.com/1970/09/13/archives/a-friedman-doctrine-the-social-responsibility-of-business-is-to.html) Dodge v. Ford Motor Co. (1919) The Michigan Supreme Court decision frequently cited in discussions of shareholder primacy and corporate purpose. https://law.justia.com/cases/michigan/supreme-court/1919/170-n-w-668-2.html (https://law.justia.com/cases/michigan/supreme-court/1919/170-n-w-668-2.html) The Shareholder Value Myth – Lynn Stout Examines the legal and economic misconceptions surrounding shareholder primacy. https://www.bkconnection.com/books/title/the-shareholder-value-myth (https://www.bkconnection.com/books/title/the-shareholder-value-myth) Cannibals with Forks – John Elkington Introduced and popularized the Triple Bottom Line framework of People, Planet, and Profit. https://www.johnelkington.com/archive/TBL-elkington-chapter.pdf (https://www.johnelkington.com/archive/TBL-elkington-chapter.pdf) B Lab The nonprofit organization that administers the Certified B Corporation certification. https://www.bcorporation.net/ (https://www.bcorporation.net/) Model Benefit Corporation Legislation The model legislation used as the basis for benefit corporation statutes across the United States. https://benefitcorp.net/ (https://benefitcorp.net/) Oregon Benefit Company Statutes Oregon's laws governing Benefit Companies. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors060.html (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors060.html) Washington Benefit Corporation Act Washington's statutes governing Benefit Corporations. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=23B.25 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=23B.25) Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) The U.S. Supreme Court decision expanding protections for independent political expenditures. https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/558/310/ (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/558/310/) Federal Election Commission: Independent Expenditures Explains campaign finance rules governing independent political spending. https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/making-independent-expenditures/ (https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/making-independent-expenditures/) OpenSecrets Tracks lobbying, campaign finance, Super PAC spending, and political influence. https://www.opensecrets.org/ (https://www.opensecrets.org/) Economic Policy Institute: CEO Compensation Research documenting long-term trends in CEO pay relative to typical worker compensation. https://www.epi.org/publication/ceo-pay-in-2023/ (https://www.epi.org/publication/ceo-pay-in-2023/) Congressional Budget Office Independent analyses of federal tax policy, deficits, and economic trends. https://www.cbo.gov/ (https://www.cbo.gov/) Congressional Research Service Nonpartisan reports on tax policy, corporate governance, and economic issues. https://crsreports.congress.gov/ (https://crsreports.congress.gov/) Federal Reserve Distributional Financial Accounts Data on wealth distribution and household balance sheets in the United States. https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/ (https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/) Bureau of Economic Analysis Official U.S. economic statistics including GDP, corporate profits, and national income. https://www.bea.gov/ (https://www.bea.gov/) OECD Corporate Governance Resources International comparisons of corporate governance and economic policy. https://www.oecd.org/corporate/ (%20https://www.oecd.org/corporate/) Germany's Codetermination System Overview of employee representation on corporate supervisory boards. https://www.boeckler.de/en/codetermination-3494.htm (https://www.boeckler.de/en/codetermination-3494.htm) France's "Entreprise à Mission" Overview of France's legal framework allowing companies to adopt a public-purpose mission. https://www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/entreprise-mission (https://www.boeckler.de/en/codetermination-3494.htm) European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive European rules requiring large companies to address human rights and environmental impacts throughout their supply chains.  https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu/corporate-sustainability-due-diligence_en (https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu/corporate-sustainability-due-diligence_en) The Anarchy – William Dalrymple History of the British East India Company and its role in colonialism and corporate power.  https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/anarchy-9781635573954/ (https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/anarchy-9781635573954/) The Corporation That Changed the World – Nick Robins A history of the British East India Company and its lasting influence on global commerce. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300240986/the-corporation-that-changed-the-world/ (https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300240986/the-corporation-that-changed-the-world/)

6. 

   1 Aug 2026

   11: Why Do Americans Trust Punishment More Than Rehabilitation and What is the Prison Industrial Complex?

   Michael sits down with former Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt for a thoughtful conversation about the purpose of prison, the prison industrial complex, public safety, rehabilitation, recidivism, race, addiction, and the difficult decisions prosecutors make every day. Together, they explore what justice is meant to accomplish, when prison is necessary, where rehabilitation works, and what it would take to build a criminal justice system that better protects communities while reducing future crime. Check out Mike Schmidt's podcast "Schmidt Show PDX." Guest Information Mike Schmidt (He/Him) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SchmidtShowPDX/ (https://www.instagram.com/SchmidtShowPDX/) Subscribe/Listen on Substack: https://www.schmidtshowpdx.com/ (https://www.schmidtshowpdx.com/) Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-schmidt-show-pdx/id1814153508 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-schmidt-show-pdx/id1814153508) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-schmidt-28664043/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-schmidt-28664043/) Recording and Production This Episode Recorded at: Michael's office Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews) Audio Editing: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio) Filming & Social Media: Nate Kersey (@natekersey) Learn More / Sources The following reports, organizations, and resources informed this episode and are provided for transparency and further reading. Criminal Justice Data & Research Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) – National statistics on incarceration, prisons, jails, sentencing, and recidivism. https://bjs.ojp.gov/ (https://bjs.ojp.gov/) National Institute of Justice (NIJ) – Research on rehabilitation, corrections, sentencing, recidivism, and evidence-based criminal justice practices. https://nij.ojp.gov/ (https://nij.ojp.gov/) The Sentencing Project – Research on sentencing policy, mass incarceration, racial disparities, and criminal justice reform. https://www.sentencingproject.org/ (https://www.sentencingproject.org/) Prison Policy Initiative – Research and data on incarceration, jail populations, probation, parole, and the prison system. https://www.prisonpolicy.org/ (https://www.prisonpolicy.org/) RAND Corporation – Research on prison education, vocational training, rehabilitation, and recidivism. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR266.html (https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR266.html) National Reentry Resource Center – Resources and research on successful reentry after incarceration. https://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/ (https://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Information on addiction treatment, recovery, and behavioral health. https://www.samhsa.gov/ (https://www.samhsa.gov/) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Research on substance use disorders and evidence-based treatment. https://nida.nih.gov/ (https://nida.nih.gov/) Oregon Department of Corrections – Information on Oregon's prison system, rehabilitation programs, and reentry services. https://www.oregon.gov/doc (https://www.oregon.gov/doc) Oregon Criminal Justice Commission – Research, sentencing data, and criminal justice policy in Oregon. https://www.oregon.gov/cjc (https://www.oregon.gov/cjc) Multnomah County District Attorney's Office – Information about the role and responsibilities of the District Attorney's Office. https://www.mcda.us/ (https://www.mcda.us/) Equal Justice Initiative – Research on the history of race, incarceration, convict leasing, and the American criminal justice system. https://eji.org/ (https://eji.org/) 13th Amendment - Read more about the 13th amendment here. https://www.history.com/articles/thirteenth-amendment (https://www.history.com/articles/thirteenth-amendment) The National Academies of Sciences – The Growth of Incarceration in the United States – Comprehensive examination of the causes and consequences of mass incarceration. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/18613/the-growth-of-incarceration-in-the-united-states-exploring-causes (https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/18613/the-growth-of-incarceration-in-the-united-states-exploring-causes) Additional Reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration and How to Achieve Real Reform by John Pfaff

7. 

   21 Jul 2026

   10: Why Do We Expect Nonprofits to Solve Society's Biggest Problems Without the Same Resources as For Profit Businesses?

   Nonprofits are expected to solve some of society's biggest challenges, yet we rarely support them like we do other businesses. Michael sits down with longtime nonprofit leader Scott Kerman to explore why one of Oregon's largest industries lacks the same infrastructure, technical assistance, and investment that entrepreneurs and for-profit businesses receive. Together, they discuss the growing role nonprofits play in delivering public services, the challenges facing nonprofit leaders, and what it would take to build an ecosystem that helps these organizations thrive instead of simply survive. Guest Information Scott Kerman (He/Him) Nonprofit Executive and Public Sector Leader LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-kerman-pdx/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-kerman-pdx/) Recording and Production This Episode Recorded at: Michael's Narwhal Law and Business Strategy Office Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Filming/Socials by: Nate Kersey @@natekersey Learn More / Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Overview of the U.S. nonprofit sector, including economic impact, employment, and charitable organizations. https://independentsector.org/resource/health-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-sector/ (https://independentsector.org/resource/health-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-sector/) National Center for Charitable Statistics data on nonprofit organizations in the United States. https://nccs.urban.org/ (https://nccs.urban.org/) Independent Sector's annual Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector report. https://independentsector.org/resource/health-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-sector/ (https://independentsector.org/resource/health-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-sector/) Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section, which regulates charitable organizations operating in Oregon. https://www.doj.state.or.us/charitable-activities/ (https://www.doj.state.or.us/charitable-activities/) Oregon Secretary of State resources for nonprofit corporations. https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/nonprofit.aspx (https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/nonprofit.aspx) Business Oregon's programs supporting businesses, entrepreneurship, innovation, exports, and economic development. https://www.oregon.gov/biz (https://www.oregon.gov/biz) Prosper Portland's Office of Small Business and economic development initiatives. https://prosperportland.us/ (https://prosperportland.us/) U.S. Small Business Administration overview of business assistance, financing, and technical support. https://www.sba.gov/ (https://www.sba.gov/) America's Small Business Development Center Network. https://americassbdc.org/ (https://americassbdc.org/) SCORE volunteer mentoring and business education programs. https://www.score.org/ (https://www.score.org/) Oregon Innovation Hub Network supporting entrepreneurs and commercialization throughout the state. https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/innovation (https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/innovation) Oregon Entrepreneurs Network supporting startups through education, networking, and mentorship. https://www.oen.org/ (https://www.oen.org/) MESO (Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon), providing business education and technical assistance to entrepreneurs. https://meso.org/ (https://meso.org/) Xcelerate Women supporting women entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and networking. https://xceleratewomen.org/ (https://xceleratewomen.org/) Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) – Oregon's statewide nonprofit membership organization providing advocacy, policy leadership, governance resources, research, training, networking, and capacity-building for charitable nonprofits across the state. https://nonprofitoregon.org/ (https://nonprofitoregon.org/) The People's Nonprofit Accelerator – Professional development organization offering affordable education, executive leadership training, fundraising certificates, peer learning, networking, and capacity-building for nonprofit professionals throughout Oregon. https://thepeoplesnonprofit.org/ (https://thepeoplesnonprofit.org/) National Council of Nonprofits overview of nonprofit governance, fiduciary duties, and board responsibilities. https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/ (https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/) IRS guidance for tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3). https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits (https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits) IRS Life Cycle of a Public Charity compliance overview. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/life-cycle-of-a-public-charity (https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/life-cycle-of-a-public-charity) National Council of Nonprofits resources on nonprofit financial sustainability and organizational resilience. https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/ (https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/) Multnomah County Homeless Services Department and contracted service providers. https://www.multco.us/homelessness (https://www.multco.us/homelessness) Oregon Health Authority information on community-based behavioral health services. https://www.oregon.gov/oha (https://www.oregon.gov/oha) Oregon Department of Human Services overview of partnerships with community organizations delivering public services. https://www.oregon.gov/odhs (https://www.oregon.gov/odhs) Urban Institute research on the economic impact of nonprofit organizations. https://www.urban.org/ (https://www.urban.org/) Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies research on the nonprofit sector and civil society. https://ccss.jhu.edu/ (https://ccss.jhu.edu/)

8. 

   30 Mar 2026

   9: Why Are We So Obsessed with Heated Rivalry and Will You Come to My Cottage This Summer?

   Episode Information Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. Guest Information Stacy Brewster (He/Him) Author of What We Pick Up (https://bookshop.org/p/books/what-we-pick-up-stacy-brewster/e89bac9048a48908?ean=9781733724548&next=t&), screenwriter, creative coach, and workshop facilitator https://www.stacybrewster.com/ (https://www.stacybrewster.com/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-brewster-1b0148/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-brewster-1b0148/) https://www.instagram.com/stacybrew/ (https://www.instagram.com/stacybrew/) Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM (http://xray.fm) Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. The Celluloid Closet by Vito Russo Foundational book on how Hollywood historically portrayed LGBTQ+ characters through coding, villainization, and tragedy https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520250817/the-celluloid-closet (https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520250817/the-celluloid-closet) GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index Annual report tracking LGBTQ+ representation in film and television and how it has evolved over time https://www.glaad.org/sri (https://www.glaad.org/sri) “The Hays Code” – American Film Institute Overview of the Motion Picture Production Code and its explicit censorship of queer stories in Hollywood beginning in 1934 https://www.afi.com/news/the-hays-code/ (https://www.afi.com/news/the-hays-code/) Bechdal Test A measure of the representation of women in film and other fiction https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test) “Ellen DeGeneres Comes Out” – Time (1997 cover story) Historic mainstream coming-out moment and the backlash that followed https://time.com/4728994/ellen-degeneres-coming-out-cover/ (https://time.com/4728994/ellen-degeneres-coming-out-cover/) Outsports – LGBTQ+ Athletes Coverage Ongoing reporting and data on openly LGBTQ+ athletes, including the continued absence of openly gay male players in major leagues like the National Hockey League https://www.outsports.com (https://www.outsports.com) Canadian Content Regulations – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Explains how Canadian media funding structures support culturally driven and diverse storytelling https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/cancon.htm (https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/cancon.htm) Brokeback Mountain – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences overview Landmark queer film that helped shift mainstream visibility while still reflecting tragedy-based storytelling https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2006 (https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2006) Variety – Industry & Viewership Reporting Entertainment industry reporting on streaming performance and audience data, including coverage relevant to Heated Rivalry https://variety.com (https://variety.com) “The Celluloid Closet” documentary (1995) Film adaptation of Vito Russo’s work with visual examples of queer coding and censorship in Hollywood https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112651/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112651/) “Queer Representation in Film and Television” – UCLA Williams Institute Research and data on LGBTQ+ visibility and representation in media https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu (https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu) “LGBTQ Inclusion in Sports” – Human Rights Campaign Research and reporting on LGBTQ+ participation and inclusion in athletics https://www.hrc.org/resources/sports (https://www.hrc.org/resources/sports)

9. 

   13 Mar 2026

   8: Why Are We Still Debating Climate Change When Action Is the Only Option?

   Climate change is no longer theoretical. The measurements are clear and the impacts are already here. So why are we still debating instead of acting? Michael talks with climate activist and comedian Brian Ettling about climate communication, political will, and how ordinary people can push real change. Guest Information Brian Ettling (He/Him) Climate Activist/Comedian https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ettling-97853226/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ettling-97853226/) https://www.instagram.com/brian.ettling/ (https://www.instagram.com/brian.ettling/) https://climatechangecomedian.com/ (https://climatechangecomedian.com/) Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM (http://xray.fm) Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Tracks global temperature trends and confirms recent years as the warmest on record. https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/ (https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/) Annual climate summary confirming record global temperatures and major climate trends. https://www.noaa.gov/news/2023-was-warmest-year-on-record (https://www.noaa.gov/news/2023-was-warmest-year-on-record) Long-running measurements showing atmospheric carbon dioxide now exceeding 420 parts per million. https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/ (https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/) Historic dataset visualizing the steady rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide since the 1950s. https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/ (https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/) Database tracking U.S. weather and climate disasters that caused more than one billion dollars in damage. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/ (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/) Global report documenting rising deaths and economic losses from extreme weather and climate disasters. https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/library/atlas-of-mortality-and-economic-losses (https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/library/atlas-of-mortality-and-economic-losses) Overview of the catastrophic 2022 floods in Pakistan that affected more than 30 million people. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/pakistan-floods (https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/pakistan-floods) Analysis of the 2023 Canadian wildfire season and the smoke that spread across much of the United States. https://www.noaa.gov/news/record-canadian-wildfires-2023 (https://www.noaa.gov/news/record-canadian-wildfires-2023) Explains how rising sea levels are causing regular coastal flooding even without storms. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/nuisance-flooding.html (https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/nuisance-flooding.html) Satellite data tracking global sea level rise due to melting ice and warming oceans. https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/ (https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/) Major global scientific report summarizing the causes, evidence, and impacts of climate change. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/synthesis-report/ (https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/endangerment-finding) Report explaining how climate change is affecting infrastructure, agriculture, health, and communities in the United States. https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/ (https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/) Explains the federal determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/endangerment-finding (https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/endangerment-finding) Landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision confirming that greenhouse gases can be regulated under the Clean Air Act. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-1120.pdf (https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-1120.pdf) Overview explaining PFAS “forever chemicals” and their environmental and health risks. https://www.epa.gov/pfas (https://www.epa.gov/pfas) Overview of global plastic pollution and how it spreads through oceans and ecosystems. https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution (https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution) Scientific research showing microplastics have been detected in human blood samples. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022001258 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022001258) Analysis explaining how extreme weather and electrification are increasing strain on power grids. https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-grids-and-secure-energy-transitions (https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-grids-and-secure-energy-transitions) Analysis of how climate-related extreme weather affects agriculture and global food prices. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update (https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update) Overview of major U.S. investments in clean energy, manufacturing, and climate technology. https://www.energy.gov/inflation-reduction-act (https://www.energy.gov/inflation-reduction-act) Congressional resolution outlining a framework connecting climate action with jobs, infrastructure, and economic reform. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109 (https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109)

10. 

    27 Feb 2026

    7: Why Are Trans People Forced to Justify Their Existence?

    Episode Information Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. Guest Information Rhodes Perry (He/Him) Founder and CEO of Rhodes Perry Consulting (https://www.rhodesperry.com/) Author of Belonging at Work and Imagine Belonging https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhodesperryconsulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhodesperryconsulting) Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM (http://xray.fm/) Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Transgender and nonbinary population estimates in the U.S. This provides the widely cited estimate that about 2.8 million people in the U.S. age 13+ identify as transgender or nonbinary, and about 3.3% of teens do, and explains limitations in the data. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/trans-pop-estimates-press-release/ (https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/trans-pop-estimates-press-release/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Why trans and nonbinary people are undercounted in surveys Explains gaps in data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity and why many surveys miss people or why people may not answer honestly. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/issues/data-collection/ (https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/issues/data-collection/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) National survey on trans adults’ lived experiences (KFF/Washington Post) Large survey covering healthcare, discrimination, safety, and daily life for trans adults in the U.S. https://www.kff.org/lgbtq/kff-the-washington-post-trans-survey/ (https://www.kff.org/lgbtq/kff-the-washington-post-trans-survey/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) What intersex traits are and how common they are (Cleveland Clinic) Explains intersex variations and commonly cited prevalence ranges around 1 to 2 percent. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16324-intersex (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16324-intersex?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Global intersex awareness and human rights framing (UN Free & Equal / OHCHR) Explains intersex traits, human rights concerns, and global context. https://www.unfe.org/what-we-do/our-campaigns/intersex-awareness (https://www.unfe.org/what-we-do/our-campaigns/intersex-awareness?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Human Rights Watch report on medically unnecessary intersex surgeries in the U.S. Documents nonconsensual surgeries on intersex infants and children and the harms caused, and shows they have continued into modern times. https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/07/25/i-want-be-nature-made-me/medically-unnecessary-surgeries-intersex-children-us (https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/07/25/i-want-be-nature-made-me/medically-unnecessary-surgeries-intersex-children-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Human Rights Watch update urging an end to nonconsensual intersex surgeries More recent expert and human rights calls to stop these practices. https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/04/experts-urge-end-nonconsensual-intersex-surgeries (https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/04/experts-urge-end-nonconsensual-intersex-surgeries?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Marsha P. Johnson biography (Encyclopaedia Britannica) Authoritative overview of her life and role in LGBTQ+ history. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marsha-P-Johnson (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marsha-P-Johnson?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Sylvia Rivera biography (Encyclopaedia Britannica) Authoritative overview of her life and activism. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylvia-Rivera (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylvia-Rivera?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Compton’s Cafeteria Riot historical overview (PBS) Explains the 1966 uprising by trans and gender nonconforming people in San Francisco, years before Stonewall. https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/premarketplace-history-the-comptons-cafeteria-riot-made-history-years-before-stonewall (https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/premarketplace-history-the-comptons-cafeteria-riot-made-history-years-before-stonewall) The “three-article rule” and criminalization of drag and cross-dressing (History.com (http://History.com)) Explains how police used clothing laws to arrest gender nonconforming people. https://www.history.com/articles/stonewall-riots-lgbtq-drag-three-article-rule (https://www.history.com/articles/stonewall-riots-lgbtq-drag-three-article-rule?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Timeline of anti-cross-dressing laws in the U.S. (PBS NewsHour) Shows how these laws were used historically across the country. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/arresting-dress-timeline-anti-cross-dressing-laws-u-s (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/arresting-dress-timeline-anti-cross-dressing-laws-u-s?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Trump executive order on “gender ideology” (January 20, 2025) Official White House text declaring the federal government recognizes only two sexes. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/ (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Trump executive order on military policy (January 27, 2025) Directs the Department of Defense to revise policies related to gender identity and service. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/prioritizing-military-excellence-and-readiness/ (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/prioritizing-military-excellence-and-readiness/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Reuters reporting on Supreme Court allowing trans military ban and Hegseth quote Includes the “No more pronouns. No more dudes in dresses” quote and legal context. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-lets-trumps-transgender-military-ban-take-effect-2025-05-06/ (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-lets-trumps-transgender-military-ban-take-effect-2025-05-06/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Reuters reporting on Pentagon separation timeline for trans service members Explains the 30 and 60 day timelines and how the policy is implemented. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-military-start-kicking-out-transgender-troops-next-month-memo-says-2025-05-08/ (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-military-start-kicking-out-transgender-troops-next-month-memo-says-2025-05-08/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Military Times reporting on the impact of the separation policy Covers how many service members may be affected and how the policy works in practice. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/05/08/up-to-1000-transgender-troops-being-separated-under-new-pentagon-memo/ (https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/05/08/up-to-1000-transgender-troops-being-separated-under-new-pentagon-memo/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Williams Institute study on public accommodations and bathroom safety Shows that nondiscrimination laws did not increase safety incidents in Massachusetts. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/ma-public-accommodations/ (https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/ma-public-accommodations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ABC News coverage of Nancy Mace bathroom ban effort Explains the Capitol bathroom controversy and the political context. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mace-effort-ban-transgender-women-capitols-womens-restrooms/story?id=116009034 (https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mace-effort-ban-transgender-women-capitols-womens-restrooms/story?id=116009034&utm_source=chatgpt.com) Animal Pride documentary program page (PBS International) Overview of the documentary about same-sex behavior, sex-changing species, and intersex traits in animals. https://pbs.org/programs/animal-pride (https://pbs.org/programs/animal-pride) UC Berkeley explainer on sex-changing fish Explains sequential hermaphroditism in species like clownfish and wrasses. https://evolution.berkeley.edu/fisheye-view-tree-of-life/gender-bending-fish/ (https://evolution.berkeley.edu/fisheye-view-tree-of-life/gender-bending-fish/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Natural History Museum explainer on same-sex behavior in animals Shows how widespread same-sex behavior is across many species. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/gay-natural-history.html (https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/gay-natural-history.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) VICE reporting on Grindr usage spike during the 2016 RNC Early reporting on increased Grindr usage around a conservative political event. https://www.vice.com/en/article/clear-vp-turnout-grindr-during-the-rnc (https://www.vice.com/en/article/clear-vp-turnout-grindr-during-the-rnc) Newsweek reporting on Grindr app spike/crash around the 2024 RNC More recent coverage of the same phenomenon. https://www.newsweek.com/grindr-app-crashes-milwaukee-rnc-1927750 (https://www.newsweek.com/grindr-app-crashes-milwaukee-rnc-1927750?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Pornhub Year in Review trends coverage Secondary reporting on adult search trends including trans-related content, useful for the “public panic vs private reality” point. https://www.them.us/story/pornhub-2025-top-searches-most-viewed-lesbian-femboy-lgbt-trends (https://www.them.us/story/pornhub-2025-top-searches-most-viewed-lesbian-femboy-lgbt-trends?utm_source=chatgpt.com) WPATH Standards of Care Version 8 International clinical guidelines supporting gender affirming care. https://wpath.org/publications/soc8/ (https://wpath.org/publications/soc8/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Peer-reviewed article on outcomes and standards of care (PMC) Academic publication discussing standards, outcomes, and evidence base. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9553112/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9553112/) American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmation of gender affirming care Shows major U.S. pediatric medical body supports evidence-based care. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/25340/AAP-reaffirms-gender-affirming-care-policy (https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/25340/AAP-reaffirms-gender-affirming-care-policy?utm_source=chatgpt.com) American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry statement Professional organization supporting access to gender affirming healthcare. https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Policy_Statements/2024/Access_Gender-Affirming_Healthcare.aspx (https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Policy_Statements/2024/Access_Gender-Affirming_Healthcare.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

11. 

    15 Feb 2026

    6: Why Don’t Americans Acknowledge That Black History Is American History, and How Can We Change That?

    Episode Information Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. And thank you to Black Americans, past and present, whose labor, creativity, leadership, and perseverance have shaped this country from its beginning. They did not just influence the United States. They helped build it and continue to move it forward. Featured Voices Kevin Cook/Poison Waters Deanna Smith Milo Reed Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM (http://xray.fm/) Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Origins of Black History Month (Carter G. Woodson, 1926, Negro History Week) https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/carter-woodson-black-history-month/ (https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/carter-woodson-black-history-month/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Why February (Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln birthdays) https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-black-history-month-celebrated-in-february (https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-black-history-month-celebrated-in-february?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Overview of Black History Month history and evolution https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month (https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Presidential recognition of Black History Month (Gerald Ford, 1976) https://ford.blogs.archives.gov/2024/02/01/recognition-of-black-history-month/ (https://ford.blogs.archives.gov/2024/02/01/recognition-of-black-history-month/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Carter G. Woodson biography and mission https://www.naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/civil-rights-leaders/carter-g-woodson/ (https://www.naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/civil-rights-leaders/carter-g-woodson/) Slavery as a central economic system in U.S. history https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery (https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery) Cotton and slavery’s role in building American wealth https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-trade (https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-trade) Jim Crow laws as a legal system of segregation https://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/jim-crow-laws (https://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/jim-crow-laws) Black Codes and post-emancipation control systems https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-codes (https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-codes) Convict leasing after the Civil War https://www.britannica.com/topic/convict-lease-system (https://www.britannica.com/topic/convict-lease-system) Redlining and federal housing policy (HOLC maps, 1930s) https://www.history.com/news/housing-segregation-new-deal-program (https://www.history.com/news/housing-segregation-new-deal-program) Redlining and its impact on generational wealth https://ncrc.org/holc-health/ (https://ncrc.org/holc-health/) Civil Rights Act of 1964 https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act (https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act) Voting Rights Act of 1965 https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act (https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act) Fair Housing Act of 1968 https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview) James Baldwin quote on history and the present https://www.brainpickings.org/2013/08/14/james-baldwin-history/ (https://www.brainpickings.org/2013/08/14/james-baldwin-history/) African rice cultivation knowledge and Carolina economies https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-gullah-geechee-and-rice-culture.htm (https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-gullah-geechee-and-rice-culture.htm) George Washington Carver and sustainable agriculture https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Washington-Carver (https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Washington-Carver) Henry Blair patents (seed and cotton planters) https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/blair-henry-1807-1860/ (https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/blair-henry-1807-1860/) Norbert Rillieux and modern sugar refining https://www.britannica.com/biography/Norbert-Rillieux (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Norbert-Rillieux) Jan Matzeliger and shoe manufacturing automation https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jan-Ernst-Matzeliger (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jan-Ernst-Matzeliger) Garrett Morgan and the gas mask and traffic signal https://www.britannica.com/biography/Garrett-A-Morgan (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Garrett-A-Morgan) Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the origins of rock and roll https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/sister-rosetta-tharpe-godmother-rock-n-roll-180963600/ (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/sister-rosetta-tharpe-godmother-rock-n-roll-180963600/) Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raid https://www.nps.gov/articles/harriet-tubman-combahee-river-raid.htm (https://www.nps.gov/articles/harriet-tubman-combahee-river-raid.htm) Hidden Figures and Black women at NASA https://www.nasa.gov/feature/hidden-figures-the-women-who-helped-win-the-space-race/ (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/hidden-figures-the-women-who-helped-win-the-space-race/) Audre Lorde and “the master’s tools” https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/lorde-audre-1934-1992/ (https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/lorde-audre-1934-1992/) Angela Davis on prisons, policing, and systemic racism https://www.britannica.com/biography/Angela-Davis (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Angela-Davis) bell hooks on education and liberation https://www.britannica.com/biography/bell-hooks (https://www.britannica.com/biography/bell-hooks) Ida B. Wells and anti-lynching investigations https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ida-B-Wells-Barnett (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ida-B-Wells-Barnett) Black Lives Matter movement origins https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Lives-Matter (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Lives-Matter)

12. 

    5 Feb 2026

    5: Why Does Comedy Matter When Everything Feels Broken?

    Episode Information Huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. After we wrapped, I realized I forgot to shout out a few absolute legends like Carol Burnett and Mary Tyler Moore. I also didn’t get to name some of the incredible women in comedy I love and admire so much, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Kristen Wiig. And Catherine O’Hara deserves special love too. While she isn’t a stand-up comedian, her ability to make me and so many others laugh is truly unmatched. There are honestly too many brilliant people to list, but I hope you have someone in your life who makes you laugh whether that’s a comedian you love, a family member, a coworker, or a friend. We all deserve a little more laughter. Guest Information Belinda Carroll (She/Her), Comedian, Activist IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6509199/ (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6509199/) Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belinda_Carroll_(comedian) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belinda_Carroll_(comedian)) Instagram: @belindacomedy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@belinda_comedy (https://www.tiktok.com/@belinda_comedy) Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM (http://xray.fm/) Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Proverbs 17:22 (Bible) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17%3A22&version=NRSVUE (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17%3A22&version=NRSVUE) Norman Cousins, Anatomy of an Illness https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/32961/anatomy-of-an-illness-as-perceived-by-the-patient-by-norman-cousins/ (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/32961/anatomy-of-an-illness-as-perceived-by-the-patient-by-norman-cousins/) Laughter and stress hormones, Berk et al., American Journal of the Medical Sciences https://journals.lww.com/amjmedsci/Abstract/1989/12000/Neuroendocrine_and_Stress_Hormone_Changes_During.1.aspx (https://journals.lww.com/amjmedsci/Abstract/1989/12000/Neuroendocrine_and_Stress_Hormone_Changes_During.1.aspx) Mayo Clinic on stress relief from laughter https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456 (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456) Charlie Chaplin, Modern Times (1936) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027977/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027977/) Great Depression unemployment data, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/10/art1full.pdf (https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/10/art1full.pdf) Mel Brooks, The Producers (1967) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063462/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063462/) Mel Brooks on making Hitler ridiculous https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/mel-brooks-on-making-hitler-ridiculous-180962498/ (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/mel-brooks-on-making-hitler-ridiculous-180962498/) Mark Twain lecture tours and humor https://www.pbs.org/marktwain/learnmore/writings_humor.html (https://www.pbs.org/marktwain/learnmore/writings_humor.html) Dick Gregory biography and civil rights comedy https://www.biography.com/performer/dick-gregory (https://www.biography.com/performer/dick-gregory) Dick Gregory: Beyond the Laughter documentary https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101688/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101688/) Lenny Bruce obscenity trials https://www.aclu.org/documents/trials-lenny-bruce (https://www.aclu.org/documents/trials-lenny-bruce) Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth documentary https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120715/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120715/) Bob Hope USO history https://www.uso.org/stories/1942-bob-hope-and-the-uso (https://www.uso.org/stories/1942-bob-hope-and-the-uso) George Carlin on political language https://www.openculture.com/2013/02/george_carlin_on_soft_language.html (https://www.openculture.com/2013/02/george_carlin_on_soft_language.html) George Carlin books https://www.georgecarlin.com/books/ (https://www.georgecarlin.com/books/) Richard Pryor documentary Omit the Logic https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2486682/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2486682/) Eddie Murphy Delirious https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085478/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085478/) Eddie Murphy Raw https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093855/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093855/) I Love Lucy “Job Switching” chocolate factory episode https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609194/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609194/) I Love Lucy “Lucy Does a Commercial” Vitameatavegamin episode https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609186/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609186/) Joan Rivers documentary A Piece of Work https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1558250/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1558250/) Robin Williams Live on Broadway https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303781/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303781/) Mrs. Doubtfire https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107614/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107614/) The Birdcage https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115685/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115685/) SNL returns after 9/11 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/snl-returns-after-9-11-flna1c9462991 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/snl-returns-after-9-11-flna1c9462991) Jon Stewart “Can we be funny?” story https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/jon-stewart-snl-911-oral-history.html (https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/jon-stewart-snl-911-oral-history.html) The Daily Show https://www.cc.com/shows/the-daily-show (https://www.cc.com/shows/the-daily-show) Full Frontal with Samantha Bee https://www.tbs.com/shows/full-frontal-with-samantha-bee (https://www.tbs.com/shows/full-frontal-with-samantha-bee) Last Week Tonight with John Oliver https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver (https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver) The Colbert Report https://www.cc.com/shows/the-colbert-report (https://www.cc.com/shows/the-colbert-report) Have I Got News for You https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mkw3 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mkw3) The Golden Girls https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088526/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088526/) Broad City https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2578560/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2578560/) Parks and Recreation https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266020/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266020/) Support the show All American Why is independently produced and listener supported. If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here: https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support (https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support) Another great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

13. 

    21 Jan 2026

    4: Why Is A Nation Built by Immigrants Still So Afraid of Immigrants?

    Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. As of the episode’s release on January 20, 2026, Danny Quach remains detained in a facility in Houston, Texas. After four months, his family and advocates have received little to no information about his status or any timeline for release or deportation to Vietnam. Guest Information Al Nodarse, Friend of Danny Mary Quach, Wife of Danny Go Fund Me to Support Danny and His Family: https://gofund.me/993e46405 (https://gofund.me/993e46405) Recording and Production Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. KATU News story about Danny https://katu.com/news/local/lake-oswego-rallies-for-detained-man-facing-deportation-to-vietnam-danny-quach-al-nodarse-vietnam-immigrant-baker-bakery-freedom-for-4-danny-happy-sparrow-lake-oswego-bakery-business-owner-immigration-ice-detention (https://katu.com/news/local/lake-oswego-rallies-for-detained-man-facing-deportation-to-vietnam-danny-quach-al-nodarse-vietnam-immigrant-baker-bakery-freedom-for-4-danny-happy-sparrow-lake-oswego-bakery-business-owner-immigration-ice-detention) Reuters Four migrants die in US immigration custody over first 10 days of 2026 https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/four-migrants-die-us-ice-custody-over-first-10-days-2026-2026-01-12/ (https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/four-migrants-die-us-ice-custody-over-first-10-days-2026-2026-01-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Reuters Fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis sparks national protests https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fatal-ice-shooting-minneapolis-activist-sets-stage-national-protests-2026-01-10/ (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fatal-ice-shooting-minneapolis-activist-sets-stage-national-protests-2026-01-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The Guardian US immigration agents shot at people 16 times under Trump’s crackdown https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/07/trump-immigration-ice-shootings (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/07/trump-immigration-ice-shootings?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The Guardian Will ICE agent face consequences for Renee Nicole Good’s killing https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/10/will-ice-agent-face-consequences-renee-nicole-good (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/10/will-ice-agent-face-consequences-renee-nicole-good?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The Guardian 2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in two decades https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jan/04/ice-2025-deaths-timeline (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jan/04/ice-2025-deaths-timeline?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Washington Post Medical examiner believes death of man in ICE custody was homicide https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2026/01/15/ice-detention-death-homicide/ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2026/01/15/ice-detention-death-homicide/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) American Immigration Council Immigration Detention Expansion in Trump’s Second Term https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/immigration-detention-report.pdf (https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/immigration-detention-report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ACLU / Physicians for Human Rights Deadly Failures: Preventable Deaths in U.S. Immigration Detention https://www.aclu.org/publications/deadly-failures-preventable-deaths-in-us-immigrant-detention (https://www.aclu.org/publications/deadly-failures-preventable-deaths-in-us-immigrant-detention?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Project On Government Oversight ICE Inspections Plummeted as Detentions Soared in 2025 https://www.pogo.org/investigates/ice-inspections-plummeted-as-detentions-soared-in-2025 (https://www.pogo.org/investigates/ice-inspections-plummeted-as-detentions-soared-in-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com) PBS NewsHour A dozen undocumented workers were fired from a Trump golf course https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/a-dozen-undocumented-workers-were-fired-from-a-trump-golf-course-what-happens-now (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/a-dozen-undocumented-workers-were-fired-from-a-trump-golf-course-what-happens-now?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The Week A pipeline of undocumented immigrants reportedly helped build and maintain Trump’s New Jersey golf club https://theweek.com/speedreads/822758/pipeline-undocumented-immigrants-reportedly-helped-build-maintain-trumps-new-jersey-golf-club (https://theweek.com/speedreads/822758/pipeline-undocumented-immigrants-reportedly-helped-build-maintain-trumps-new-jersey-golf-club?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The Statute of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Passenger Search Website https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/ (https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/) U.S. Code, Asylum (8 U.S.C. § 1158). Legal text defining asylum eligibility and procedure https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1158 (https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1158) American Immigration Council, Asylum in the United States. Overview of the Refugee Act of 1980 https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/asylum-united-states/ (https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/asylum-united-states/) USCIS, Refugees and Asylum. Official explanation of the process and legal context https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum (https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum) Office of Refugee Resettlement, The Refugee Act of 1980. Policy guidance https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/refugee-act (https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/refugee-act) National Constitution Center, Wong Kim Ark decision and Fourteenth Amendment context https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/a-look-back-at-the-wong-kim-ark-decision (https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/a-look-back-at-the-wong-kim-ark-decision) Oyez, United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Case summary https://www.oyez.org/cases/1850-1900/169us649 (https://www.oyez.org/cases/1850-1900/169us649) NAPABA, Wong Kim Ark upheld birthright citizenship https://www.napaba.org/page/wong_kim_ark (https://www.napaba.org/page/wong_kim_ark) Organization of American Historians, Historical overview of birthright citizenship and exclusion politics https://www.oah.org/tah/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-history/from-wong-kim-ark-to-the-japanese-american-incarceration-asian-americans-and-the-racial-limits-of-birthright-citizenship/ (https://www.oah.org/tah/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-history/from-wong-kim-ark-to-the-japanese-american-incarceration-asian-americans-and-the-racial-limits-of-birthright-citizenship/) U.S. National Archives, Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Government background and documentary materials https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/japanese-relocation (https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/japanese-relocation) Supreme Court History, Wong Kim Ark context including Ex parte Endo and incarceration references https://civics.supremecourthistory.org/article/united-states-v-wong-kim-ark/ (https://civics.supremecourthistory.org/article/united-states-v-wong-kim-ark/) USCIS, Immigration and Nationality Act overview. Foundational post-1952 immigration law https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act (https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act) Support the show All American Why is independently produced and listener supported. If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here: https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support (https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support) Another great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

14. 

    21 Jan 2026

    Introducing 'All American Why'

    All American Why is a podcast for people who care deeply about this country and are feeling a lot about it. Hosted by Michael Jonas, JD, MBA, the show explores politics, power, culture, and policy by asking one essential question again and again: why. Because you cannot fix what you refuse to understand. Anger, grief, hope, exhaustion, outrage, and love all coexist here. None of those feelings are wrong. All American Why makes room for all of it, while rejecting shallow debates and recycled talking points in favor of real problem solving. Michael is a business lawyer, community builder, and former congressional candidate who believes patriotism is not about comfort or silence. It is about accountability, honesty, and the willingness to name what is broken so it can actually be fixed. Drawing from law, advocacy, community work, and a firsthand run for Congress, Michael brings sharp analysis, lived experience, and humor that keeps the show grounded and human. The goal is not to tell you what to think, but to slow things down long enough to understand root causes and explore better paths forward. This show is also building a community known as the Excessive Thinkers. Policy nerds, frustrated voters, recovering and/or spiteful optimists, and anyone who believes democracy requires participation are welcome here. Expect thoughtful conversation, uncomfortable questions, and the occasional spiral. It’s giving stars, stripes, and dumpster fire vibes. Together, we will laugh, cry, and ask why. If you still believe America is worth understanding, fixing, and fighting for, subscribe, share, and join us. Welcome to All American Why.

15. 

    6 Jan 2026

    3: Why Does Universal Health Care Still Not Exist in America?

    Guest Information Collin Stackhouse (He/They), Communications Coordinator, Health Care for All Oregon Website: https://www.hcao.org/ (https://www.hcao.org/) Instagram: @healthcareforalloregon BlueSky: @healthcareforallor.bsky.social Reddit: @healthcare4alloregon Recording and Production Production Studio:  Sasquatch Media Grounds @sasquatchmediagrounds Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. OECD overview https://www.oecd.org/about/ (https://www.oecd.org/about/) OECD health system comparisons https://www.oecd.org/health/health-systems/ (https://www.oecd.org/health/health-systems/) Kaiser Family Foundation on medical debt and delayed care https://www.kff.org/health-costs/ (https://www.kff.org/health-costs/) Medical bankruptcy research https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1127305/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1127305/) Health insurance company profits and earnings https://www.statista.com/topics/6700/health-insurance-companies-in-the-us/ (https://www.statista.com/topics/6700/health-insurance-companies-in-the-us/) UnitedHealth Group annual earnings https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/investors.html (https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/investors.html) Insurance claim denials and prior authorization impacts https://www.kff.org/private-insurance/issue-brief/prior-authorization-in-medicare-advantage/ (https://www.kff.org/private-insurance/issue-brief/prior-authorization-in-medicare-advantage/) Affordable Care Act overview https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/health-policy-101-the-affordable-care-act/ (https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/health-policy-101-the-affordable-care-act/) Pre-existing condition protections https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/pre-existing-conditions/index.html (https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/pre-existing-conditions/index.html) History of U.S. universal health care efforts https://pnhp.org/a-brief-history-universal-health-care-efforts-in-the-us/ (https://pnhp.org/a-brief-history-universal-health-care-efforts-in-the-us/) Oregon universal health care efforts https://www.elderlawanswers.com/can-oregon-launch-universal-health-care-in-the-us-21255 (https://www.elderlawanswers.com/can-oregon-launch-universal-health-care-in-the-us-21255) Support the Show All American Why is independently produced and listener supported. If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here: https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support (https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support) Another great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

16. 

    6 Jan 2026

    2: Why Did 'Woke' Become the Enemy Instead of Injustice?

    Guest Information Shari Dunn (She/Her/Hers), Author and CEO/Principal ITBOM LLC Website: https://thesharidunn.com/ (https://thesharidunn.com/) Instagram: @thesharidunn.com6 Bluesky: @qualified-sharid.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharidunn/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharidunn/) Substack: https://sharidunn.substack.com/ (https://sharidunn.substack.com/) Recording and Production Production Studio:  Sasquatch Media Grounds @sasquatchmediagrounds Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Lead Belly, “Scottsboro Boys” (1938), Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/item/jukebox-15460/ (https://www.loc.gov/item/jukebox-15460/) William Melvin Kelley, “If You’re Woke You Dig It,” New York Times Magazine (1962) https://www.nytimes.com/1962/05/20/archives/if-youre-woke-you-dig-it.html (https://www.nytimes.com/1962/05/20/archives/if-youre-woke-you-dig-it.html) Merriam-Webster, “The History and Meaning of ‘Woke’” https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/woke-meaning-origin (https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/woke-meaning-origin) Snopes, “Origins of the Term ‘Stay Woke’” https://www.snopes.com/articles/464795/origins-term-stay-woke/ (https://www.snopes.com/articles/464795/origins-term-stay-woke/) Erykah Badu, “Master Teacher” (2008) https://open.spotify.com/track/2ZqTz3tqZLqI6HnHqG2KcB (https://open.spotify.com/track/2ZqTz3tqZLqI6HnHqG2KcB) Powell v. Alabama (1932), U.S. Supreme Court https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/287/45/ (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/287/45/) Norris v. Alabama (1935), U.S. Supreme Court https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/294/587/ (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/294/587/) Emmett Till, National Museum of African American History and Culture https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/emmett-till (https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/emmett-till) Jim Crow laws, National Archives https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/jim-crow (https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/jim-crow) Civil Rights Act of 1964, U.S. Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/crt/civil-rights-act-1964 (https://www.justice.gov/crt/civil-rights-act-1964) Voting Rights Act of 1965, U.S. Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-rights-act-1965 (https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-rights-act-1965) Fair Housing Act of 1968, U.S. Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/crt/fair-housing-act-1 (https://www.justice.gov/crt/fair-housing-act-1) Redlining maps and history, Mapping Inequality Project (University of Richmond) https://dsl.richmond.edu/panorama/redlining/ (https://dsl.richmond.edu/panorama/redlining/) Gallup polling on Martin Luther King Jr.’s public approval https://news.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/229376/gallup-vault-martin-luther-king-jr.aspx (https://news.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/229376/gallup-vault-martin-luther-king-jr.aspx) Martin Luther King Jr., “Beyond Vietnam” speech (1967), Stanford King Institute https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/beyond-vietnam (https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/beyond-vietnam) FBI COINTELPRO records on Martin Luther King Jr. https://vault.fbi.gov/Martin%20Luther%20King%2C%20Jr (https://vault.fbi.gov/Martin%20Luther%20King%2C%20Jr). Malcolm X background and post–Nation of Islam work, Stanford King Institute https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/malcolm-x (https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/malcolm-x) John Lewis and Bloody Sunday at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/articles/bloody-sunday-edmund-pettus-bridge.htm (https://www.nps.gov/articles/bloody-sunday-edmund-pettus-bridge.htm) Executive Order 10925 (1961), The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-10925 (https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-10925) Executive Order 11246 (1965), U.S. Department of Labor https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/executive-order-11246 (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/executive-order-11246) Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978), U.S. Supreme Court https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/438/265/ (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/438/265/) U.S. Department of Justice, Ferguson Report (2015) https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/800146/download (https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/800146/download) Pew Research Center, Black Lives Matter coverage and polling https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/race-ethnicity/black-lives-matter/ (https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/race-ethnicity/black-lives-matter/) U.S. Census Bureau, racial wealth gap data https://www.census.gov/topics/income-poverty/wealth.html (https://www.census.gov/topics/income-poverty/wealth.html) Federal Reserve, Survey of Consumer Finances https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htm (https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htm) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maternal mortality by race https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/data-research/index.html (https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/data-research/index.html) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, environmental justice https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice (https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice) Bureau of Justice Statistics, race and sentencing data https://bjs.ojp.gov/topics/race-and-ethnicity (https://bjs.ojp.gov/topics/race-and-ethnicity) Florida Stop WOKE Act (HB 7, 2022), Florida Senate https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/7 (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/7) Florida Parental Rights in Education Act (2022), Florida Senate https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/1557 (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/1557) PEN America, educational censorship and gag order reports https://pen.org/report/educational-gag-orders/ (https://pen.org/report/educational-gag-orders/) ACLU of Florida, analysis of anti-DEI laws https://www.aclufl.org/en/issues/free-speech/stop-woke-act (https://www.aclufl.org/en/issues/free-speech/stop-woke-act) New York Times reporting on Ron DeSantis and “wokeness” https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/18/us/politics/desantis-woke-florida.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/18/us/politics/desantis-woke-florida.html) National Archives, “Reconstruction: Carpetbaggers, Scalawags, and the Ku Klux Klan” https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/reconstruction (https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/reconstruction) Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Reconstruction Era overview https://americanhistory.si.edu/reconstruction-era (https://americanhistory.si.edu/reconstruction-era) Library of Congress, Reconstruction primary sources and essays https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/civil-war-and-reconstruction-1861-1877/reconstruction/ (https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/civil-war-and-reconstruction-1861-1877/reconstruction/) Support the Show All American Why is independently produced and listener supported. If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here: https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support (https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support) Another great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

17. 

    6 Jan 2026

    1: Why Is the Insurrection a Warning We Still Haven’t Learned From?

    Guest Information Michael Jonas, JD, MBA, Podcast Host/Producer, Owner/Attorney, Narwhal Law and Business Strategy Websites: https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/ (https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/), https://www.narwhallawandbusinessstrategy.com/ (https://www.narwhallawandbusinessstrategy.com/) Instagram: @allamericanwhy, @narwhallawandbizstrategy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelericjonas/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelericjonas/) Email: michael@allamericanwhy.com (mailto:michael@allamericanwhy.com) Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. U.S. House Select Committee on January 6, Final Report https://january6th.house.gov/report (https://january6th.house.gov/report) Executive Summary of the January 6 Report (PDF) https://january6th.house.gov/sites/democrats.january6th.house.gov/files/Executive%20Summary.pdf (https://january6th.house.gov/sites/democrats.january6th.house.gov/files/Executive%20Summary.pdf) U.S. Department of Justice, Capitol Breach Cases https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/capitol-breach-cases (https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/capitol-breach-cases) DOJ Press Releases on Seditious Conspiracy Convictions https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr) Attorney General William Barr on Election Fraud (AP News, Dec. 2020) https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-elections-william-barr-voting-presidential-elections-7b7a1dff2c20c9d4c6a36b4c3c5f4f3a (https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-elections-william-barr-voting-presidential-elections-7b7a1dff2c20c9d4c6a36b4c3c5f4f3a) DHS CISA Statement on 2020 Election Security https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/joint-statement-elections-infrastructure-government-coordinating-council (https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/joint-statement-elections-infrastructure-government-coordinating-council) Reuters Analysis of Failed Election Lawsuits https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-allies-lost-nearly-every-election-lawsuit-2020-2021-06-21/ (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-allies-lost-nearly-every-election-lawsuit-2020-2021-06-21/) U.S. Capitol Police Press Releases https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases (https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases) FBI Pipe Bomb Investigation https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/update-on-pipe-bombs-investigation (https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/update-on-pipe-bombs-investigation) Insurrection Act of 1807 (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/chapter-13 (https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/chapter-13) Congressional Research Service on the Insurrection Act https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11465 (https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11465) Brennan Center, Insurrection Act Explained https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/insurrection-act-explained (https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/insurrection-act-explained) Fourteenth Amendment, Section 3 https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-14/section-3/ (https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-14/section-3/) Just Security, Legal Analysis of Disqualification After January 6 https://www.justsecurity.org/82134/section-3-of-the-14th-amendment-and-the-disqualification-of-insurrectionists/ (https://www.justsecurity.org/82134/section-3-of-the-14th-amendment-and-the-disqualification-of-insurrectionists/) Post-Election Fundraising Analysis, New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/us/politics/trump-fundraising-election.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/us/politics/trump-fundraising-election.html) Outrage Economy, Columbia Journalism Review https://www.cjr.org/the_media_today/outrage-economy.php (https://www.cjr.org/the_media_today/outrage-economy.php) BBC International Coverage of January 6 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55592332 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55592332) Support the show All American Why is independently produced and listener supported. If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here: https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support (https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support) Another great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

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