Episode 47 -  Cracking the Hacking Shellacking

We know Russia hacked the Democrats and Republican national committees. We don't quite know why. But, does it really matter why? Also, Kayla eats a bunch of Mexican food and Stephen finds some Christmas songs perplexing.

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Washington Post article that set the hacking scandal off
Is There a Concensus?   ...no
What's the Deal with Trump's computer server and Russia

Episode 46 -  Pick up the Pieces

We follow up on a bunch of stories we've covered in Season 2: The Dakota Access Pipeline, The European Union, Aleppo and the Syrian Civil War, and Taiwan. Also, Kayla can give up sugar whenever she wants, and Stephen tries to revive the show inside jokes.

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3 possible out comes for the Dakota Access Pipeline
The Pipeline goes to court
The Allepo realestate market is... complicated
The Italian referendum 
The French Presidential Election
Mr. President - the international scandal is for you

Episode 45 -  The Devil is in the Details

Post-Truth Politics - that doesn't sound terrifying. Stephen has a theory that some people's Twitter feed may be exploiting a misunderstanding of Postmodernism. Whay? I donno - I don't think the show makes it any clearer. Also, Kayla loves sweating in her sleep and D.J. Stephen E is a huge hit with the kids.

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Lecture of Postmodernism that helped me organize my thoughts
NY Times on post Truth Politics
Maybe the Internet isn't so great for democracy after all.

Episode 44 -  In a World of Hurt

Brexit and the US election can be seen as a reaction against Gloabilzation. So. Many. Questions. We answer, like, a couple. Also Kayla feels the weight of mortality and Stephen's surprisingly down for some Black Friday shopping this year.

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Crash Course take on Globalization 

The Social Contract

Episode 43 -  It's Getting Hot In Here

The world is getting hotter - and it's not just that hansome Bruno Mars fella I've been hearing so much about. No, see we might wreck the planet and have nowhere to live. Also, Kayla's had a "C-" week and Stephen remembers the gladiator arena that were Sunday Dinnersat his house growing up.

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National Geographic explains Global Warming
Trump and the Paris Climate change deal

Episode 42 -  There is only the fight

Elections have consequences. In this case, the consequence is the end of the Republic. It was nice while it lasted. Also, Kayla thought the election would be like Christmas morning, and Stephen went to Las Vegas. Not a huge fan.

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Look out your window at the hellscape in which we all live

Episode 41 -  With Friends Like These

Could the down ballot races be affected by the Presidential Race?  Will the Democrates flip the Sentate?  That's not nearly as cool as it sounds.  Also, Kayla hates the rain, and Stephen doesn't trust his therapist.

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Six Crucial Sentate Races
Where Republicans stand on Trump

Episode 40 -  Yemen-ade

First, Yemen is a country in the Middle East. Second, they've had a civil war for more than a year. Third, it is NOT getting better anytime soon. Also Kayla has a yard sale and Red Ribbon Week is for babies!!

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Awesome Podcast on Shia and Sunni Islam
Who is Fighting Whom in Yemen
Yemen war is not a Proxy War

Episode 39 -  Mask-ulinity

The Donald Trump campaign may be the final offensive in the war for the American male. And we do mean offensive.

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Tough Guise Documentary
Rebecca Traister's reporting helped inspire the episode

Episode 38 -  Potpourri Jamboree

We bounce all around he news cycle: Vice Presidential debate, A new UN secretary General, Civil War in Colombia, oh crap look out CLOWNS! Also Kayla is super happy she has the pretense to buy candy corn, and Stephen's kid has nightmares.

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Go Read a Newspaper!

Episode 37 -  Finders Keepers

The Dakota Access Pipeline - Not it's not a German New Wave band from the 80s. It's a real pipeline that some real Native Americans are really trying to really stop. Also, congress does something (anything), Kayla has parking issues and Stephen just sings whenever. It's a problem.

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The Washington Post coverage of the protest
New York Times coverage
Oil Train Spills at a record level (as of 2014)

Episode 36 -  A Bridge too far(t)?

The New Jersey Bridge scandal entered the court phase.  This is the part of the movie where cousin Vinney puts Marissa Tomei on the stand to show she's actually knows a lot about toll bridges.  Also, Kayla goes to a bachelorette party and Stephen might finally understand small talk (nope).

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Day one of the Bridegate Trial
Editorial on what this means of Chris Christie
Read the Wikipedia entry yourself why not?

Episode 35 -  But seriously, what is Aleppo?

What is Aleppo?  Libertarian candidate for President, Gary Johnson, maybe doesn't know, but we'll take a stab at it.  Hillary Clinton is definitely going to die and soon.  Also, Kayla enjoys her summer and Stephen's mom is still dead.

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What's Happening in Syrian in 5 minutes
Who is Who in Syria
Syrian Government blocking aid to Aleppo
The Flower Seller of Aleppo

Best of Season 1

We relive some of your favorite moments from the first season of the show.  What's the deal with Africa?  The ballad of El Chapo, and Stephen's kid get's swooped in Trader Joe's.  New shows 09/16!

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Episode 34 -  I was told there would be no math

We finish Season 1 of the show with a follow-up on many of the stories we've covered over the last year.  Will Kayla remember anything Stephen's said?  Also, Kayla has a birthday and Stephen has jury duty.

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Iran nuclear deal update
Brazil Impeachment rife with incompetence (rife I tell ya!)
Help for Flint, MI

Pobody's Nerfect :(

Stephen and Kayla had last minute scheduling conflicts. New Episode is still coming Monday 07-25!

Episode 33 -  Whatsa Matter?

What is the Black Lives Matter movement, and why does it always seem to involve the cops? Yeah, white people talking about blacks folks, what could possibly go wrong? Also, Kayla has a roach problem, Pokemon Go exists and CAPITALISM IS THE DEVIL!!


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How the Police see us and how we see them
History of Policing in America A different, also good one
Black Lives Matter website

New episode July 15

We're taking 3 week break while Stephen finishes his life sized butter carving of Chris Christie.   See you then.  Well, talk at you then.  Email in to the show at stephen.explains@gmail.com

Episode 32 -  All dressed up with nowhere to go

The tragedy in Orlando has got Stephen thinking about the way Americans think and talk about death. It's tots screwed up y'all. Kerry returns as guest for one segment, because one segment about death wasn't enough. Also, Kayla's getting contact lenses and Stephen goes to a concert.


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Death in America
Crash Courses' philosophy series on Death

Episode 31 -  A bit o' coin

So many things! Presidential elections, Rigged NBA basketball, Bitcoin and how the Federal Reserve works.  Also, Stephen's not quite the Mr. Miyagi that he thinks he is.


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Who is the founder of Bitcoin?
What is Bitcoin?
How does Bitcoin mining work?
Should Government have a monopoly on money?

Episode 30 -  Africa is the new black

News about Africa is tough to come by. Jeez is it hard to figure out. So we just go back in time and retrace the history of African colonization. Also Kayla loves the sunshine and Stephen thinks Youtube is killing society.


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Nigerian army frees captives (maybe?)

What happens when a country declares bankruptcy 
The Strange entitlement of fan culture

Episode 29 -  Squash Court

The Supreme Court has played a man short since Scalia went to the big penalty box in the sky.  Will the Senate ever fill out the roster?  When check back in with El Chapo, Kayla loves blue skies and Stephen forgot to wear a belt like a little baby goo goo.


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The Supreme Court Case about Race and Juries
Wasps!
Crash Course's video about Congressional Committees 

Episode 28 -  Turkey with Brazil Nut stuffing

Brazil and Turkey are both getting a shake-up at the top levels of government.  How'd it happen? What's it mean?  Will there still be an Olympics this year?  Will I stop asking questions?  Also, sugary drink warnings in San Francisco, and you are going to break your arm young lady!


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The Situation in Turkey
Concerns about the Summer Olympics in Rio

Episode 27 -  Cup of Identi-Tea?

Why are conservatives so bad at identity politics. We go to a North Carolina bathroom to find out. Also we talk Trump 'cause how could you not?


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North Carolina and the Department of Justice are suing each other
Who has endorsed Trump and who hasn't

Episode 26 -  Mad Paper, Yo

The Panama Papers leak revealed the least surprising scandal in history. It turns out rich people really want to keep all their money. Also, we check back in with a post Scalia Supreme Court and Stephen has a bad dream.


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Pretty Good explanation of the Scandal
Supreme Court Ties 4-4 on Union Dues Issue 

Episode 25 -  Assume the position

In theory, politicians run on a platform where they take a position on a number of issues. We try to figure what those positions and issues are for this year's presidential campaign. To be honest, we don't get very far.


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Trump's Issues page

Cruz's Issues page

Clinton's Issues page

Sanders' Issues page

Kasich's Issue oh why bother

Episode 24 -  Esteban Social Club

President Obama is visiting Cuba this week. It's a a really big deal that he is. Also, Easter has some weird traditions, Trump and Cruz in a twitter fight and a Stephen gets sick.


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The smarty pants version of the Cuban visit
An interesting point counter point for ending/keeping Cuban embargoes
Obama and Castro shake hands, sort of (not really)

Episode 23 -  I wish I could quit you

Syrian peace talks? Isn't that an oxymoron? Also, we check in the Presidential Primaries and Self Driving cares could almost be a thing, maybe.


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Who's fighting who in Syria
Russia has pulled back air strikes in Syria
An older article on self driving cars (but it checks out)

Episode 22 -  Grexit? Fuggedaboutit!

Will Greece and Britain leave the European Union? A few questions. First, what is the European Union? Second, who cares?


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Britain's In/Out debate
Grexit backgound 

Episode 21

Episode 21 -  Primary School

We go after the primary season hard. So hard, you guys.  Who's in the lead? What does it mean for the conventions this summer? What is a brokered convention? Can we go 5 seconds without talking about Trump?


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Republican Delegate Count
Democratic Delegate Count
Rubio thinks Bush as small hands (and the kid behind him is disgusted)

Episode 20 -  Git Mo Better Blues

Obama wants to shut shown Guantanamo Bay (again!). Oh jeez, you guys are talking about GitMo? I thought this was a comedy show. What is wrong with you people? Also, Kayla had a nice week, and we check in the presidential primaries.


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The President's Announce about the new Gitmo plan
Senate Committee concludes torture doesn't work
Who gets the electoral votes when someone drops out

Episode 19 -  Rage Against [the Dying of the Light]

Supreme Court Justice Scalia passed away.  What does that mean for the court, or the waiting cases?  Also, Kayla is all growns up with her new glasses and Stephen's kid get swooped in Trader Joe's.


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Scalia and Originalism
Timeline of Supreme Court appointments
Republicans split on replacement

Episode 18 -  There's a hole in the Bucket

Wikileaks was in the news this week. OK, what is that? Also, we dip a toe in the presidential election, and check back in will extra special listener Bryan.


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Channel 4 Documentary on Wikileaks
Wikileaks Timeline
An interview with Chelsea Manning
Primary Voting Schedule and delegate counts

Episode 17 -  More like Can't -idate

How do the political parties nominate a candidate for president? (hint: it's terribly obtuse!) Also Dutch eagles are raining from the sky!!


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Primary Voting Schedule and delegate counts
Eagles kill from above!

Episode 16 -  Don't Drink the Water

Flint Michigan is a cesspool. No for reals. The show Parenthood brings people together, sort of. And Governor of Maine LePage just might have an impulse control problem.


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Not Safe to Drink - Public Radio Documentary
Timeline of the Crisis
Town Hall Meeting held in Flint

Episode 15 -  Oh, Canada [garbled French]!

We talk about the Iran nuclear deal, economic sanctions, the Taiwanese elections, with a very special appearance by Pokemon and the Swedish Chef.  Also, the word "like" is still Stephen's biggest frenemy.


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The Iran Deal Goes into Effect
The New York Times tries to read Chinese Twitter
Taiwanese Pop Star Apologizes

Episode 14 -  Los Drogas estan malo, m'bien

¡El Chapo! Intriguing man of mystery, er sorry, I mean violent gangster.  What's the deal with the Latin American drug trade?  Ammiright?

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A timeline of the War on Drugs
Sean Penn's Interview with El Chapo
The Gun Trade and Drug Gangs

Episode 13 -  What Islam? [Baby don't hurt me]

This week Stephen and Kayla try to sort out once and for all, all the various Islamic sects. (We succeed!) Also the stand off in Oregon and your ugly sweater is bad. Not fun, ironic bad. Just bad.

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Map of Islam around the world
Saudi Arabia Cuts Diplomatic ties with Iran
Opinion Piece about U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia