Join Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer as he tackles the hottest issues impacting education, technology, politics, public policy and your family. Jim teaches a popular class at Stanford University as a longtime professor there. Now you'll hear candid conversations with prominent figures from Silicon Valley, Washington and beyond. Listen to Which Side of History and get insights you need today more than ever. When faced with critical moments, which side of history will you be on?
Guests will include Tom Friedman from The New York Times, podcaster and tech journalist Kara Swisher, Pinterest CEO Bill Ready, historian Niall Ferguson, Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and best-selling author Michael Lewis.
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Please note: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of Jim Steyer and do not represent the official views or positions of Common Sense Media.
Superpower Suicide: Global Impact of U.S. Policy Changes
Host Jim Steyer interviews Susan Rice, Mike McFaul, and Margrethe Vestager, who examine the global impact of shifting U.S. policies, the rise of autocracies, and threats to democratic values.
21 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Universities Confront Polarizing Times: Condoleezza Rice, Jon Levin
Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer engages with Stanford University President Jonathan Levin and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by American universities in today's polarized political climate. Key topics include the ongoing role of universities, the importance of maintaining academic freedom, the impact of federal government policies on higher education, and the critical need for diversity and representation in the post-affirmative action era.
Rice and Levin also emphasize fostering an environment where students can pursue innovative research and develop into well-rounded leaders. The episode underscores the significance of both institutional advocacy and collaboration to sustain the mission and relevance of universities in a rapidly-evolving landscape.
Just how much pressure do universities face? Listen to Which Side of History and find out.
The episode was recorded on the campus of Stanford University.
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:57 Welcome to 'Which Side of History'
01:37 The Role of Universities in Modern Society
04:56 Challenges Facing Universities Today
24:47 The Importance of Diversity in Higher Education
35:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Note: Jim Steyer's opinions are his own and do not represent Common Sense Media.
20 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Rule of Law Under Siege: Pam Karlan, Rob Bonta, Ruth Marcus
Host Jim Steyer tackles the sweeping attempts to undermine the Justice Department. His esteemed guests include California Attorney General Rob Bonta, renowned journalist Ruth Marcus, and Stanford Law Professor Pam Karlan. The panel offers timely insights on the erosion of the rule of law, the weaponization of the Department of Justice, the challenges faced by career civil servants, and the significant cases the U.S. Supreme Court is about to decide.
How serious is the dismantling of the Justice Department? What's the potential damage? And how does this moment in time compare to Watergate?
Listen to this episode of Which Side of History and find out:
00:00 Comparing Watergate to Current Justice Department Issues
00:51 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic
01:34 Discussion with Rob Bonta on Rule of Law Challenges
07:30 Ruth Marcus on Checks and Balances
10:57 Pam Karlan on the Justice Department's Integrity
15:58 Rob Bonta on Political Weaponization of Prosecution
19:14 Historical Context and Future of the Rule of Law
29:15 Role of States in Upholding Democratic Principles
34:18 Lower Courts' Struggles and Reactions
36:36 Early Capitulation of Law Firms
39:13 Supreme Court's Role and Influence
43:30 The Shadow Docket and Key Cases
01:00:37 Birthright Citizenship and Legal Precedents
01:07:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Implications
The panel was recorded on November 3, 2025 at Stanford University.
15 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Public Service Turmoil: Michael Lewis, W. Kamau Bell, David Eggers
Host Jim Steyer interviews Michael Lewis, W. Kamau Bell, and Dave Eggers about the dedication of civil servants and the impact of political actions on American institutions during current political turmoil.
13 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Decoding America's Global Role: David Kennedy, Margaret Spellings, Niall Ferguson
Host Jim Steyer interviews historian Niall Ferguson, scholar David Kennedy, and former Secretary Margaret Spellings about America's global role, examining its response to China, institutional challenges, and economic policies.
6 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Big Tech and Our Kids: Kara Swisher, Bill Ready, Eric Yuan
Jim Steyer interviews Kara Swisher, Bill Ready, and Eric Yuan about big tech's influence on democracy and youth, exploring AI's benefits, dangers, regulation, and the balance between innovation and safety.
6 Jan 2026
Climate Crisis, A Race Against Time: Bill McKibben, Saloni Multani, Tom Steyer
Host Jim Steyer interviews Bill McKibben, Saloni Multani, and Tom Steyer about the climate crisis, exploring America's role in global climate leadership, the economic factors, and the influence of political policies.
6 Jan 2026
Democracy Under Attack: Tom Friedman, Nick Kristof, Laurene Powell Jobs
Jim Steyer interviews Tom Friedman, Nick Kristof, and Laurene Powell Jobs, who analyze the unprecedented attacks on American democracy, the roles of political parties, and the impact of media.
4 Dec 2025
Sneak Peek: Jim Steyer, host of Which Side of History?
Jim Steyer previews his upcoming podcast, Which Side of History, discussing American democracy, big tech, public policy, and their impact on families in this interview.
21 Oct 2025
Welcome to Which Side of History?
Jim Steyer introduces his podcast, based on his Stanford course, exploring the intersection of technology, politics, public policy, and family, prompting listeners to consider their historical impact.
Inside a recent episode
Superpower Suicide: Global Impact of U.S. Policy Changes
Published 22 Jan 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And if there is homework to do in the US, and that may take some time, you know, it will just, it will take a long time, before we are in a situation where we can sort of see the contours of a new world order, with new players, with new roles, and new strength. And that is just what is so challenging, because a lot of people, they would want things to change fast. And that is not within view. Can I add to that? Yeah, so I agree with both of my colleagues here, on the analytics without question. There's no going back, we're in somewhere else. And to Susan's point, it's going to take a long, long time. […]
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