Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon

About Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon

Political strategist and advisor Richard Gordon connects with numerous elected officials and candidates on the state, local and federal levels in the real conversations we need to have during these "Unconventional Times."

Publisher

Richard Gordon

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Aug 2024

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

77 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Bringing AI to Environmental Policy: Insights from Illinois EPA's James Jennings

   Discover how a culture of creative problem-solving and embracing AI is transforming environmental protection in Illinois. This episode of Unconventional Times features James Jennings, Director of the Illinois EPA, who offers inside perspective on leading a diverse team, navigating regulatory complexity, leveraging new technology, and preparing for climate challenges. Alongside Richard Gordon, the conversation dives into building resilient infrastructure, improving permitting processes, and the critical balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. Key highlights include: Why breaking down bureaucratic "no" culture leads to more innovative solutions How AI is used in state government to strengthen environmental oversight and reduce staff burden The impact of climate change and lessons learned from recent extreme weather and wildfires Strategies for handling federal funding uncertainty and ensuring agency readiness for shifting political landscapes Tune in for practical leadership insights and real-world stories from the front lines of environmental policy. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction from Richard Gordon [01:05] James Jennings on career path and value of legal background [03:19] The lawyer's approach: black and white vs. creative solutions [04:47] How Illinois EPA approaches AI integration [06:43] Staff innovation and AI in public communication [07:45] Data protection, breaches, and state IT policy [08:36] AI successes and transforming legacy IT [11:01] AI and human expertise in complex permitting [14:48] Shifts in permit applicant support and agency staffing challenges [17:36] Holistic review of permits and pollution impacts [19:06] Manual vs. automated federal reporting, push for real-time data [22:12] Real-time monitoring, community engagement, and incident response [24:45] Addressing Great Lakes and PFAS water issues [27:49] Economic development, agriculture, and environmental protection [29:35] Aging infrastructure and the importance of investment [31:55] Climate change impacts, wildfires, and Chicago air quality [34:42] Deploying climate grants and statewide action plans [36:17] Responding to federal funding cuts and Project 2025 planning [38:47] What James Jennings wants to accomplish most as director [39:42] Lessons in leadership, knowledge, and team mentorship [41:35] Advice for future agency heads [42:25] Closing reflections from Richard Gordon [45:37] Outro/credits

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   The Future is Green: Julie Moore on Technology, Floods, And Preservation in Vermont

   Discover why embracing calculated risk and innovation can be the key to solving today’s environmental challenges—as Vermont’s Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, Julie Moore, reveals how bold leadership and an engineer’s mindset are not only streamlining permitting, but helping communities respond to climate change and water quality crises. What does it take to manage an agency balancing tradition and progress, especially with floods, PFAS contamination, and information overload all at once? Julie shares practical insights on deploying AI, handling mounting data, and maintaining a culture that values both bold action and transparency. Tune in for a candid conversation packed with lessons on adaptation, resilience, and the future of state environmental leadership. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode intro; welcoming Julie Moore 01:00 Julie Moore’s background and engineering mindset 02:15 Implementing federal infrastructure funding in Vermont 03:32 Explaining the Agency of Natural Resources’ structure 05:18 Transitioning from technical expertise to broad leadership 05:47 Discussion on AI’s role in state government 07:01 Vermont’s approach to transparency and public records 08:13 Using AI to streamline permitting and administrative efficiency 09:52 Tackling information overload and digitizing records 12:08 The culture of risk aversion in permitting 13:20 Learning from failure: the Lake Carmi example 14:45 Navigating the federal-state relationship and regulatory requirements 16:05 Data reporting to the federal government 17:05 State-federal partnerships and Vermont’s size advantages 18:14 Addressing Vermont’s housing challenges with ARPA funds 19:54 Managing fluctuating federal funding streams 21:27 Storms, flooding, and climate change adaptation 23:42 River corridor management and climate resilience 24:22 Linking environmental protection and economic growth 25:33 Considering data centers and permitting implications 26:34 What keeps Julie Moore up at night: PFAS contamination 27:58 Agency growth, workforce shifts, and hybrid work transitions 29:19 Julie Moore’s legacy and advice for future leaders 31:40 Wrap-up and episode close

3. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Behind the Curtain with Paul Lisnek: Media, Politics, and the Evolution of American Journalism

   Discover how media, law, and entertainment have become inseparable forces shaping our modern political landscape—plus, what happens when journalistic independence is tested on the national stage. In this lively and insightful conversation, Richard Gordon sits down with his longtime friend, Emmy-winning broadcaster Paul Lisnek, for a candid discussion ranging from the behind-the-scenes of winning Emmys and jury consulting on national cases, to the shifting sands of American journalism, the influence of mega-mergers, and the future of democracy in a fractured news ecosystem. Key highlights include: Paul’s fascinating transition from law to theater to media, and how a single piece of career advice changed everything. Why media consolidation—like the merger of Paramount and Warner Discovery—threatens diversity of voices and the local news landscape. The dangers and strategies of political tunnel vision, misinformation, and declining civics education. Insights from working iconic cases like O.J. Simpson and thoughts on the lasting impact of lying in politics. Paul’s favorite interviews and what makes a great question land with legends like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elton John. Predictions for the 2028 election cycle and the importance of standing for press freedom in unconventional times. Episode Overview [00:00:00] Introduction and show setup [00:02:31] Welcoming Paul Lisnek and career highlights [00:04:00] What it’s really like to win an Emmy [00:06:29] Paul’s career path: law, communication, and the counselor who changed everything [00:11:04] Connecting politics and entertainment [00:13:52] Inside high-profile jury consulting (O.J., Casey Anthony, more) [00:20:35] The rise of cable, social media, and the fragmentation of news [00:23:47] Are we causing media balkanization—or just following networks? [00:25:10] Objectivity, business, and the struggle for impartial coverage [00:31:00] The paradox of information overload and declining political knowledge [00:34:35] Media mergers: Paramount, CNN, CBS, and the threat to journalistic diversity [00:43:02] Government, business, and journalistic independence [00:45:45] The law and press freedom: Banning CNN and the constitutional stakes [00:50:22] Media solidarity and the battle for democratic norms [00:57:16] On truth, lies, and the journalist’s role [01:03:05] Election predictions, gerrymandering, and 2028 political outlook [01:11:43] Offbeat favorites: Broadway, best interviews, and dream guests [01:17:07] Closing words and reflections on the state of America

Who has been a guest on Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Anthony Scaramucci
• Ido Aharoni
• David Cicilline
• Trevor Potter

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

76

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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