At Untangling Podcast, we break down complex topics in politics, economics, history, and science, making them accessible to everyone. Through engaging conversations with experts, scholars, and policymakers, we explore the forces shaping our world today.
Whether you’re passionate about international relations, curious about history, or eager to understand the economy, this podcast is for you. Expect insightful interviews that unravel big ideas in a way that’s clear, engaging, and thought-provoking.
New episodes drop every two weeks—subscribe and start untangling the world with us!
The Real Cost of Trump’s Tax Plan: Wealth Inequality & National Debt | with Michael Ettlinger
Darina Kulaha interviews economist Michael Ettlinger about the Trump administration's tax policies, exploring wealth inequality and national debt, and revealing the implications for America's economic future.
3 Jun 2025
Kashmir: 75 Years of War, Peace & Betrayal — With Pakistani Ambassador Jauhar Saleem
Pakistani Ambassador Jauhar Saleem analyzes the historical origins of the Kashmir conflict, Pakistan's position, and the impact of nuclear diplomacy in South Asia in an interview with Darina Kulaha.
27 May 2025
Taiwan, China & the Looming Crisis | Prof. Fubing Su on Identity, Invasion Risk & Nationalism
Professor Fubing Su analyzes Taiwan-China relations, examining historical rivalries, Taiwanese identity, and the region's power balance, in an interview on geopolitical tensions.
18 May 2025
Romania’s Far-Right Surge: What’s Really Happening? with Dr. Maria Bucur Deckard
Untangling Podcast sits down with renowned historian Professor Maria Bucur-Deckard to explore the political upheaval surrounding Romania’s 2025 elections. Professor Bucur, a leading scholar of modern Eastern European history and gender politics, brings her expert lens to the country’s shifting democratic landscape.🇷🇴 We dive deep into:- The rise of far-right populism in Romania and the surge of the AUR (Alliance for the Unity of Romanians) party- The roles of controversial figures like George Simion and Călin Georgescu- Allegations of foreign interference and the impact of misinformation- The influence of TikTok and social media in shaping voter perception- The disqualification of candidates and what it signals about Romania's democracy- How historical fascism informs Romania’s present political culture- Why corruption, inequality, and anti-immigrant rhetoric are fueling extremism- What the outcome of Romania’s 2025 elections means for the future of Europe and the EU🧠 Professor Bucur also provides valuable historical context about Romania's experience with authoritarianism, the post-1989 democratic transition, and the delicate role of the Romanian diaspora in modern elections.🔎 This episode is essential for anyone trying to understand the current political climate in Eastern Europe, the resurgence of nationalist movements, and the threats facing European democratic institutions.📺 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you’re interested in global politics, democratic backsliding, and history that speaks to today’s challenges.#Romania #RomanianElections #GeorgeSimion #FarRight #EuropeanPolitics #MariaBucur #Fascism #UntanglingPodcast #EasternEurope #Romania2025Other platform to tune in https://linktr.ee/untanglingpodcast
13 May 2025
China’s Global Ambitions: Fubing Su Breaks It Down
In this episode of Untangling Podcast, Professor Fubing Su unpacks China’s international ambitions under Xi Jinping and its complex relationships with regional powers. We discuss the growing role of nationalism, the economic-political balance within the Chinese Communist Party, and what the future may hold for U.S.-China relations.
Whether you're curious about China’s rising global influence, its internal challenges, or what its next moves might be—this episode provides sharp insight and thoughtful analysis.
5 May 2025
Don’t Sign That Peace Deal? A Warning on Russia’s Endgame
Is Russia a true military superpower—or just projecting strength? In this episode, Darina Kulaha speaks with Dr. Pavel Luzin about the internal weaknesses of Russia’s military system, the myth of its global dominance, and why the Kremlin may need war more than it wants peace. From chaotic military planning to the political elite’s dependence on conflict for legitimacy, this is a powerful breakdown of Russia’s war machine.
28 Apr 2025
2025 Immigration Crisis: What Every U.S. Immigrant Needs to Know with J.D. Matthew Peterson
Immigration lawyer Matthew Peterson joins Untangling Podcast to explain the major risks and rights facing immigrants in 2025. We cover ICE interactions, the future of student visas, IRS data sharing dangers, and why finding the right legal representation is crucial. Matthew offers real-world advice for navigating a complex and changing system, while Darina Kulaha highlights the bigger political and human rights issues at stake. A must-listen for anyone affected by or interested in immigration today.
#Immigration #DeportationDefense #ImmigrationRights #MatthewPeterson #UntanglingPodcast
21 Apr 2025
How Trump Weaponized the Constitution’s Biggest Flaws with Aziz Rana
In this episode, Darina Kulaha sits down with constitutional scholar Aziz Rana to examine why the U.S. Constitution is failing to meet the demands of modern democracy. From Trump’s presidency to judicial overreach, from gerrymandering to political polarization, Aziz lays out the structural flaws and how we might fix them.
Topics include:
Executive power and the myth of checks and balances
Electoral dysfunction and the erosion of “one person, one vote”
National identity and the post–Cold War political vacuum
The need for democratic reform and grassroots political action
This is a deep dive into the systemic weaknesses of American democracy—and a roadmap to reclaiming it.
11 Apr 2025
Is Congress for Sale? The Truth Behind PACs & Stock Trading with Nico Agosta
In this episode of Untangling Podcast, host Darina Kulaha interviews Nico Agosta about his groundbreaking project that grades the financial integrity of Congress. Inspired by a Twitter controversy, Nico reveals how he evolved his formula to track PACs, Super PACs, and the ethical lapses in campaign finance. Listen as we explore the influence of money on political campaigns, the prevalence of insider trading among lawmakers, and the pressing need for transparency in Washington.
Tune in to understand how our political system is being shaped—and what that means for future reforms.
To follow Nico: https://linktr.ee/findingnico46
5 Apr 2025
Inside Putin’s Mind: Why the West Still Gets Him Wrong — with Andrew Kuchins
What makes Vladimir Putin tick? In this episode, Darina Kulaha interviews Andrew Kuchins, a leading expert on U.S.-Russia relations and former director of the Carnegie Moscow Center. From Putin’s early ambitions to the deep historical tensions shaping today’s war in Ukraine, this conversation unpacks why Western leaders still fail to understand Putin’s worldview — and what it means for the future of global diplomacy.
Topics include:
The psychology of Putin’s leadership
Russia’s evolving identity post-Soviet Union
The impact of NATO expansion
Why Ukraine is existential to the Kremlin
What comes next for U.S.-Russia relations
Listen now on Untangling Podcast — where global issues get unpacked.
29 Mar 2025
Jobs, Wages, and Immigration – What the Data Says with Sarah Pearlman
💡 Does immigration help or hurt the economy? In this episode of Untangling Podcast, I speak with Sarah Pearlman, an economist and professor, to break down the numbers behind one of the most heated debates today. We dive into how immigration affects jobs, wages, and key industries like construction and hospitality, plus the real economic consequences of mass deportations.
🎙️ Topics we cover:
Are immigrants taking American jobs?
Do they lower wages for native workers?
How much do key industries depend on immigrant labor?
What does history tell us about immigration’s impact on the U.S. economy?
Join us as we cut through the noise and look at the real data.
🔊 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!
21 Mar 2025
Trump, the Courts, and the Constitution: Unpacking a Crisis with Richard Born
Is American democracy in crisis? In this episode of Untangling Podcast, I sit down with political scientist Richard Born to explore the legal and political challenges shaping the U.S. today. We discuss the constitutional implications of Donald Trump's presidency, the rise of the unitary executive theory, and the impact of judicial decisions on the balance of power.
From civil service protections to emergency powers, from political polarization to the role of media in shaping public opinion—this conversation unpacks the forces reshaping governance in America. We also dive into the Democratic Party’s internal struggles, the future of voting systems like rank-order voting, and the shifting dynamics of the Latino vote.
🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on politics, history, and international affairs.
📢 Follow us on Spotify and stay updated on new episodes!
💬 Join the conversation in the comments—what do you think about the future of American democracy?
#Politics #Trump #Democracy #SupremeCourt #UntanglingPodcast
14 Mar 2025
Trump, Russia, and the New Cold War? Historian Igor Lukes Breaks It Down
In this thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with renowned historian and Boston University Professor Igor Lukes to explore the dangerous parallels between today's political landscape and some of the most turbulent moments in modern history.We dive into the connections between Trump and Mussolini, examining whether democracy is under threat in ways eerily similar to the 1930s. Professor Lukes shares his expert insights on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the future of U.S. foreign policy, and the hidden forces shaping global power.Other key topics include:The history of post-Soviet Russia and how it informs Putin’s current ambitionsWhether America’s political divide mirrors past authoritarian regimesThe conspiracy theories fueling modern politicsU.S.-Europe relations in the post-WWII and post-Cold War era — and what we risk losingWhat history teaches us about resisting rising authoritarianismIf you’re curious about how history can explain today’s headlines — from Ukraine to Washington — this is a must-watch.
Who has been a guest on Untangling Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Michael Ettlinger
Jauhar Saleem
Prof Fubing Su
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
84,714
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
67
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
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