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Which Side of History?

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by Jim Steyer | Founder, Common Sense Media

4.2(17 reviews)

10 episodes

Updated Daily

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Podcast Overview

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. Hit that Follow button. Leave a Rating. Write a Review. And Recommend this podcast to a friend. 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.

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Publishing Since

10/21/2025

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Recent Episodes

January 22, 2026

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.

January 21, 2026

Universities Confront Polarizing Times: Condoleezza Rice, Jon Levin

<div>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. </div> <div> </div> <div>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.</div> <div> </div> <div>Just how much pressure do universities face? Listen to Which Side of History and find out.</div> <div> </div> <div>The episode was recorded on the campus of Stanford University.</div> <div> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">00:57 Welcome to 'Which Side of History'</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">01:37 The Role of Universities in Modern Society</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">04:56 Challenges Facing Universities Today</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">24:47 The Importance of Diversity in Higher Education</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">35:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">Note: Jim Steyer's opinions are his own and do not represent Common Sense Media.</span></div>

January 20, 2026

Rule of Law Under Siege: Pam Karlan, Rob Bonta, Ruth Marcus

<div>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. </div> <div> </div> <div>How serious is the dismantling of the Justice Department? What's the potential damage? And how does this moment in time compare to Watergate?</div> <div> </div> <div>Listen to this episode of Which Side of History and find out:</div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">00:00 Comparing Watergate to Current Justice Department Issues</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">00:51 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">01:34 Discussion with Rob Bonta on Rule of Law Challenges</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">07:30 Ruth Marcus on Checks and Balances</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">10:57 Pam Karlan on the Justice Department's Integrity</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">15:58 Rob Bonta on Political Weaponization of Prosecution</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">19:14 Historical Context and Future of the Rule of Law</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">29:15 Role of States in Upholding Democratic Principles</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">34:18 Lower Courts' Struggles and Reactions</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">36:36 Early Capitulation of Law Firms</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">39:13 Supreme Court's Role and Influence</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">43:30 The Shadow Docket and Key Cases</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">01:00:37 Birthright Citizenship and Legal Precedents</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">01:07:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Implications</span></div> <div class="stack gap-1"> </div> <div class="stack gap-1"><span class= "text-grey-800 label-1-regular Text-module--dTnC1C">The panel was recorded on November 3, 2025 at Stanford University. </span></div>

10 total episodes available with 6 transcripts

Recent guests on Which Side of History?

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Susan Rice

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Mike McFaul

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Margrethe Vestager

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Michael Lewis

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W Kamau Bell

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Dave Eggers

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Niall Ferguson

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David Kennedy

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Margaret Spellings

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Kara Swisher

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Bill Ready

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Eric Yuan

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Frequently asked questions

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What is Which Side of History??: 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.

Hit that Follow button. Leave a Rating. Write a Review. And Recommend this podcast to a friend.

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.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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