About this podcast
"Simplifying the State" is a student-run podcast that simplifies U.S. politics for high school students. Each week, we break down the most important stories, election analysis, and any relevant developments in a way that's easy to understand, helping young listeners stay informed and engaged in today's fast-changing political landscape.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 59 episodes
- $5000 For a Vote? · 17 minIn this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam, Drew, and Nicholas discuss the upcoming midterm elections. Control of both chambers is on the line on Nov. 3, and it could come…
- WWE or DOE? · 20 minIn this episode, Adam, Drew, and Nicholas discuss the changes in education policy under the second Trump administration. They also discuss whether education policy should be…
- A Joe Rogan of the Left? · 38 minCreator of the "Righting" Howard Polskin stops by to talk to Adam about the new right-wing media ecosystem and its effects. They also discuss the decline of legacy media, how new…
- Providing a Choice · 23 minGregory Upchurch sits down to talk to Adam about his campaign for Missouri State Auditor. They discuss what makes the State Auditor's office special, the effects of efforts to…
- Should Missouri Change a Different Tax? · 42 minCandidate for Missouri's 99th House District, Nathan Mai-Lombardo, stops by to talk to Adam about his campaign for the State House. The two discuss a variety of issues, including…
- Dinner Table Discussions: Tori Schafer · 30 minIn this episode of Simplifying the State, I spoke with a candidate for Missouri House District 99, Tori Schafer. Our discussion touched on several issues, including the increased…
- The Global Candidate: Boris Abadzhyan · 42 minCandidate for Missouri's 99th state house district, which encompasses Clayton, Boris Abadzhyan talks with us about his campaign and his interesting path to politics. Then we…
- Should The U.S. Withdraw From The World Stage? · 15 minAdam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel discuss the new U.S. national security and foreign policy shifts. From Trump's strategy to the U.S.'s role in global affairs…
- Will Democrats Win in 2026? · 15 minIn this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson and Drew Garfinkel talk about the upcoming midterm elections, exploring the Democrats' chances of reclaiming the House and…
- Why Trump’s Saudi Meeting Matters to You · 13 minIn this episode, Adam, Nicholas, and Drew talk about the complexities of US-Saudi relations. They explore the moral implications of recent diplomatic engagements, the historical…
- Epstein Emails and Trump · 15 minIn this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel talk about the explosive release of some of the Epstein emails. With 20,000 emails…
- A Big Week for Elections · 14 minAdam, Nicholas and Drew unpack the latest election results and what they could mean for the Democratic and Republican parties heading into the midterms. They break down why…
- The Shutdown, One Month In · 14 minAdam, Nicholas, and Drew discuss the ongoing government shutdown, now more than a month in. They look at how cuts to SNAP benefits affect millions of Americans, what the shutdown…
- Trump’s New War on Drugs · 18 minAdam and Drew discuss the Trump administration’s military buildup in the Caribbean and the attacks on alleged Venezuelan drug boats. Learn about the administration’s…
- Universities Under Pressure · 15 minAdam, Drew, and Nicholas discuss the Trump administration's Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Learn about this proposal's effects on universities, their…
- How Will AI Affect Politics? · 22 minIn this episode of "Simplifying the State," hosts Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel talk about the complex world of AI and its potential impact on politics and…
- Is the Military Becoming a Political Tool? · 19 minIn this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson and Drew Garfinkle discuss the recent speech by President Trump to the top military leaders in the country, exploring the…
- The Impending Government Shutdown and Its Consequences · 17 minIn this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam, Nicholas, and Drew talk about the looming government shutdown on October 1st at 12:01 AM. If no deal is reached before then…
- Discord Elects a Prime Minister: The Collapse of the Government of Nepal · 18 minIn this episode, we explore the collapse of the Nepalese government, which was driven by widespread corruption and economic disparity. Discover how a social media ban ignited…
- The Danger of Political Violence · 32 minIn this episode, hosts Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel delve into the alarming rise of political violence in the United States. They discuss recent events…
