S03E12 - Christmas Episode

We take a look at the weird news about UFOs coming out of the Pentagon.  Then, we take a trip around the world looking at Christmas traditions and few other fun surprises.  Also, Stephen goes to his kids preschool concert and Kayla has a new favorite Christmas song.

Episode brought to you by Tom Delong and Aliens

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UFOs spotted by Navy pilot
Baby it's cold (and progressive) outside
Railway workers throw Christmas party for the homeless
Caga Tio
DO NOT WATCH THIS VIDEO ABOUT DEAD AUKS

S03E11 - Giant Mouse eats Fox

The FCC has dismantled Net Neutrality; Disney just bought Fox and AT&T are trying to buy Time Warner. Pretty soon, corporate America will just beam your dreams directly to your subconscious. We take apart the three main ares of media conglomerates. Producers, Providers and ISPs. If none of that makes sense, I don't know if this episode will help. Also, Stephen wrestles the copier and Kayla overwhelmed with the spirit of Christmas giving.

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Mouse eats Fox
Corporate media chart
A simpler media chart

S03E10 - Point/Counterpoint/Countercounter Pointpoint

Trump's claims of Fake News come from a long line of Conservative mistrust of the media. Brilliant political strategy, or fundamental undermining of our liberal democracy? Why not both? Also, Kayla see a movie and Stephen has had enough of kid's birthday parties.

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Links to find out more:

New Yorker article - Nixon and liberal bias in the media
Atlantic - Conservative war on the media
How Trump is helping Save Democracy
Ronald Reagan was once Donald Trump

S03E09 - One For You 19 For Me

We take on the major changes in the tax code being proposed by the Republicans in Congress. Why do we even have taxes though? Also, Kayla needs to change her name (cause she's married, did you hear), and Stephen's kids are violent even when don't seem like it.

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Six charts to explain the Republican Tax Plan
Are American Corporate Taxes the highest in the world? (No)
Difference between the House and Senate plans
The Child Tax Credit under the Republican plan

S03E08 - Kurds Away

Iraqi Kurdistan just held an independence referendum.  It didn't take. What if you held a Nation and no one showed up?  Also, we take a peek at the Mueller Special Investigation, Stephen hates Halloween (just like everything) and Kayla's found a new podcast that she likes.

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Kurdish history from the Kurds themselves
The New crisis in Iraq
The land that Isis has lost

S03E07 - Everything Sucks (Except for Women)

Co-host Kerry takes us back over some of last week's stories and shows us how women are making a positive impact in otherwise bleak situations. Myanmar, Dakota Access Pipeline and the Flint Michigan water crisis all have examples of women stepping up to meet the challenge. Also, Kerry is suffering from work anxiety and Stephen's mom probably loves heaven.

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11 girl comes up with a solution for lead testing in water
Every Mother Counts, helping the Rohingya people
National Indigenous Woman's Resource Center
Native Women's Society of the Great Plains

S03E06 - Everything Sucks

We follow up on a BUNCH of stories from the past seasons.  Puerto Rico hurricane, Flint Water crisis, the Independence vote in Spain, the Myanmar genocide, Dakota Access Pipeline and elections in Venezuela.  Whew.  You know, if you stop paying attention to a news story, it doesn't always get better.  In fact, everything sucks.

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The Puerto Rican Hurricane crisis
SETN S03E04 - A PR Disaster
The Flint Water Crisis
SETN S01E16 - Don't Drink the Water
How Madrid out-maneuvered the Catalonia Independence Movement
SETN S03E05 - Spanish Fly on the Wall
Myanmar - Crimes against humanity
SETN S03E03 - Genocide, Juggalos and War, Oh My!
The Dakota Access Pipeline
SETN S02E37 Finders Keepers - The Dakota Access Pipeline
SETN S02E61 - Kim Jung Which One? - Venezuela

S03E05 - Spanish Fly on the Wall

An autonomous region of Spain, Catalonia, may try to declare independence.  We define all the words in that sentence. And think about the future of Spain and the EU.  Also, we talk about the media and narrative, especially with the mass shooting in Las Vegas.  Also, Kayla (wrongly) loves candy corn and Stephen takes a shower.

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Catalonia independence explained, probably better
A polarized Spain
The monopoly man visit Congress

S03E04 - A PR Disaster

Puerto Rico has had a humongous disaster and also a hurricane. Their debt crisis had been strip mining the country for years, now hurricane Maria is an unfathomably worse.  Also we take a look at one reason why the earthquake in Mexico was so bad.  Also, Kayla takes us back to 90s pop, and Stephen checks in on the whole NFL protest thing.

Disaster Relief 

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Balthazar the musical
Mexico City is built on a lake bed
Puerto Rico and Wall Street
More on the PR debt crisis
John Oliver's coverage of the PR debt crisis

S03E03 - Genocide, Juggalos and War, Oh My!

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is persecuting the Rohingya people who are fleeing in droves.  No this isn't some Lord of the Rings fan fiction, this is a for reals genocide happening right now.  Also big president Trump gave a big boy speech in front of the UN. He was mighty grumpy! And, Juggalos a poppin'! It's a packed show.

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A Brief history of the Rohingya crisis
Trump's speech before the UN
Juggalos March on Washington
Faygo store locator

S03E02 - The Deep State, But not too deep

We take a look at the Deep State. Is it a hidden cabal of sunglasses wearing X-files types, or a conspiracy of powerful forces happening right under our nose.  Trump can't, won't, shan't staff the whole government.  What does that mean if there are not enough government employees?  Also Kayla goes to Sea World and we talk about the new iPhone.

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The missing jobs in the government
We need the government to do things
Hanlon's Razor

S03E01 - Free Speech, it'll Cost Ya

Nazi's (LITERAL NAZIS!!) marched in Virginia shouting antisemitic slogans and a bunch of other terrible stuff.  Can... can they do that?  Well, yes.  What can you do?  We talk about Free Speech and its limits.  Also, Kayla's still married! and Stephen gets a needle in the eye.

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Landmark Cases in Free Speech
The Daily Episode on Recruiting in Gaming Forums
Alt Right humor as a weapon
Google and Facebook are turning off Nazi websites
How the government draws the line between free speech and hate crimes

Like our new Facebook page

We've (ok, just Stephen) started a Facebook page for the show.  We'll post links and other random stuff to whet your appetite between shows.  Like, comment on stuff, kick your shoes off - ok put your shoes back on.  Seriously, who raised you?  Make yourself comfortable.  But, with your shoes on.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW
https://www.facebook.com/StephenExplainsTheNews/ 

Best of Season 2

It's a smorgasbord of news, snark and personal embarrassment.  It must be Stephen's attempts to explain what's going on to Kayla.  We talk Russian Protests, Toxic Masculinity, Wedding and Horses.  It's been an... odd year.

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Go buy a newspaper

Episode 68 - Playing Qatar like a Fiddle

Four other Arabic nations just cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. Qatar. It's a country. In the middle east. It's just, it's one of the small ones. Just listen to the episode.  Also, special co-host Ellie has a mind-blowing hobby and Stephen just straight hates doctors now.  That's it for Season 2, thanks for listening.

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Qatar sanctions in context (this is where I got the basic framework for the episode)
US reaction to the situation

Episode 67 -  Breaks-It

The UK voted, then voted again. And now they're in a bit of a kerfuffle. A spot of bother. Co-host John helps us sort out what the UK general election means for Brexit. Also John brings sports on the show for the first-time ever, and Stephen has some fun with his kid's school project.

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Bexit Time-Line
What Britain wants from Europe

Episode 66 -  Who Cares?

Congress has been taking on American healthcare. Who knew it was so complicated? We tackle Obamacare with co-host Kerry. Also, Kerry had a great time at Kayla's wedding and Stephen takes listener emails.

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How states have sabotaged Obamacare
An anlysis of how 5 different states implement Obamacare (or didn't)
A WAY SHORTER summary of the link above
Nevada might implement Medicaid for all

Episode 65 -  Islamic State of Mind

We look at ISIS and Al Qaeda: terror bros. How did they start, how do they work what do they want? Also, Kayla is just about over all this wedding planning non-sense, and Stephen goes to the dentist.

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Brookings Article comparing Al Qaeda and ISIS
Wired article that looks at ISIS social media
How Terrorists slip beheading videos past Youtube

Episode 64 -  From Russia with Love

We go back over the whole Russia interfering in our election thing. Also, Chelsea Manning was released from prison. What was the deal with her? A bunch of classified information was leaked, that's what. Plus too, did you know that Kayla is getting married? It's true!

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Article about the Manning Leaks from 2013
Manning's release from jail

Episode 63 -  Time to Panic

Trump just fired the director of the FBI. Ok - A, he's allowed to do that. But, is it smart? Nope. It's not.  Also, Kayla is still getting married and Stephen isn't bringing his kids.

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Time to Panic
Who is still investigating the Russia connection?
What's a special Prosecutor?
PARTY HARD with Andrew W. K.

Episode 62 -  Death Panels

Kooky high jinx in highest court over a little issue with capital punishment. It seems good drugs are hard to find. How's a state supposed to kill a guy, amIright? Also, Kayla's been tanning and Stephen has some prepared remarks.

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A History of the Death Penalty
Death Penalty Facts
The Lethal Injection Drug Shortage

Episode 61 -  Kim Jong Which One?

Tensions with North Korea are running high.  So, what's the deal with North Korea?  Plus too, Venezuela is being torn apart. So, what's up with that?  Also, Kayla just wants to dance and Stephen is sick.... of kids.

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Trump doesn't know about Korea
Opinion: How U.S. could ease tensions with North Korea
Protests in Venezuela
Quick Facts about Venezuela Protest
The Greatest Rube Goldberg machine EVER

Episode 60 -  Another Theory Another Pod

Stephen is going to try to condense complex international relations into a simple either/or theory. This will work flawlessly. FIGHT ME! Also Kayla discovers the lost Japanese art of Karaoke and Stephen can't stop thinking about horses.

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NATO Member nations
Russian interference in Baltic States
Trump changes his mind about NATO
Trump's populist appeal

Episode 59 -  Wish Upon a Tzar

Yuuuge protest in Russia.  Let's take a look at Russian history to find out why.  Also, Kayla's dealing with the after effects of dental surgery, and Stephen has a totally real and true medical condition.

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The Atlantic's Coverage of the Russian Protests
Alexey Navalyn's YouTube video about corruption
Wealth inequality in Russia
Brexit
Vasovagal Syncope

Episode 58 -  F.B. Eye Spy

The House Intelligence Committee is looking into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The FBI drops a bombshell! Also Kayla has her wisdom teeth out and Stephen is OLD.

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Washington Post coverage of the hearing
Full Transcripts of the Comey testimony
Intelligence Committee Chair, Nunes makes some wild claims

Episode 57 -  SETN World Tour

We take a trip around the world news scene with guest co-host Listener Abby. We look at Yemen, Mosul, South Korea and France and try to figure out where those places are. Also Abby is sups preggers and Stephen thinks we have too much choice.

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The Yemen Civil War turns 2
How do the French people pick a president?
The South Korea impeachment scandal

Episode 56 -  I'll Take My Answer off the Air

So the current president accused the previous one of a felony over twitter. You know, normal stuff. We take a look at Wiretaps, what are they, how do they work. Also, Kayla is getting her wisdom teeth out, and Stephen reassures her with his own story.

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A History of Wiretapping
A conference paper on Wiretapping (but it's easy to read)

Episode 55 -  Executive Action Adventure

Executive Actions are coming out of the Trump fact and furious! Um, actually, it's kinda average. Their content is still pretty new. So, what are executive orders? Let's go on a journey! Also, Kayla loves sunshine and Stephen discovers white privilege.

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List of Executive Orders
A Couple Commemorates their breakup in photos

Episode 54 -  My crane?

Ukraine had a little war not too long ago. It never really ended. So, yeah, just huge sections of the country are still in rebellion. We're not talking about this? Also, Kayla LOVES three day weekends, and Stephen proposes to his wife (13 years ago).

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Russian motivation in the Ukraine crisis
Another view on what Russia is doing
Ukrainian law maker with ties to Trump, tried for treason
SUPER long blow by blow of the Ukraine war 

Episode 53 -  So Much Winning

Michael Flynn stepped down as head of the NSA after only 24 days (a record!) Why'd he do it? What is the NSA? WHAT THAT BEHIND YOU!! Also, Kayla's wedding planning is going... ok, and Stephen is excited to meet a kindred spirit on the freeway.

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NY Times "Daily" Podcast
The Atlantic's take on the scandal
Flynn probably didn't violate the Logan Act
Flynn firing show deeper problems for Trump

Episode 52 -  News Clues

Fake news is a real thing and it's making money off your gullibility. Also, it's not just news Trump disagrees with. Also, Kayla thinks all of professional sports are rigged and Stephen is suffering from a fresh neurosis. You won't believe what happens at minute 10!

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How fake news writers make money
Americans distrust the media
Americans don't trust any institutions really

Episode 51 -  Chaos Theory

Chaos seems to follow Trump wherever he goes: the campaign trail, the transition, the string of executive orders. Maybe it's on purpose. Stephen has a theory. But, SHUT UP Beyonce is pregnant! Also Kayla and Stephen take a day off, it's better than working.

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The Mind of Donald Trump
Trump White House in Chaos
6 Steps for dealing with a drama queen

Episode 50 -  E-Mall-You-Mints

Who would have thought a business man with deals all over the world might also have some conflicts of interest as the head of state.  EVERYONE!!  Stephen risks it all to finally explain the Illuminati and Kayla and Stephen celebrate their 50th episode.

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Trump's executive orders, for now 
All of Trump's potential conflicts of interest
The Illuminati's official website (Official Sponsor of SETN)

Episode 49 -  Presidents a poppin'

South Korea impeached their president. The Gambia can't get rid of theirs. The USA is getting ready for a new one. It's presidents a go go. Also, Kayla wants mandatory 3 day weekends and Stephen has some issues getting in shape.

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The South Korean impeachment 
Who is President of The Gambia?

Episode 48 -  Put That Thing Back Where It Came From!

The UN security council declared that Israels settlements in the West Bank are illegal. We define basically every single one of the terms in the last sentence. Also, Kayla has big news, and Stephen's mother is still giving him chores - from beyond the grave.

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What does the UN vote on Israel mean?
Obama authorized the US position on the Israel vote
Trump's conflicts of interest are NOT solved