Episode 841: Common-Sense Reforms to the Justice System
Newt talks with Jessica Jackson, a leading advocate for criminal justice reform and CEO of REFORM Alliance. They discuss REFORM’s mission to transform the criminal justice system, particularly probation and parole, to reduce incarceration rates and improve reentry into society. Jessica shares her personal journey, which began with her former husband's incarceration, and highlights the systemic failures she witnessed. REFORM Alliance, founded with the support of high-profile figures like Meek Mill, Jay-Z, and Robert Kraft, aims to implement common-sense solutions that enhance public safety and support individuals transitioning from supervision to productive lives. They discuss the success of the First Step Act, which significantly reduced recidivism rates, and the upcoming Safer Supervision Act, designed to modernize federal supervision practices. Jessica introduces the "You Belong" initiative, encouraging community integration for those on supervision, and emphasizes the importance of Second Chance Month in promoting rehabilitation and reintegration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode 840: Rome – The Neverending Empire
Newt talks with Italian journalist and bestselling author, Aldo Cazzullo, about his new book, “The Neverending Empire: The Infinite Impact of Ancient Rome.” They discuss the enduring influence of the Roman Empire on modern Western civilization and the United States. Cazzullo argues that the Roman Empire's legacy is evident in American democracy, architecture, and cultural symbols, asserting that the empire never truly fell but continues to live on. He highlights the parallels between Rome and the United States, such as the use of the eagle as a symbol and the strategic approach to turning defeated enemies into allies. They discuss the resilience and integration strategies of ancient Rome, the impact of Julius Caesar and Augustus, and the conversion of Rome to Christianity. Cazzullo emphasizes the importance of Rome's dream of universal peace and governance, suggesting that the United States is uniquely positioned to fulfill this vision today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode 839: Predicting the Taiwan Strait Crises
Newt discusses the potential crises between China and Taiwan with Dr. Weifeng Zhong, a senior advisor at the America First Policy Institute and an affiliate scholar at the Mercatus Center. Dr. Zhong leads the open-source Policy Change Index project, which uses AI and machine learning to analyze propaganda texts and predict government actions. Their conversation explores the Chinese Communist Party's attitude towards Taiwan, the role of propaganda in shaping public sentiment, and the implications of China's domestic challenges on its foreign policy. Dr. Zhong highlights the importance of monitoring changes in propaganda to understand Beijing's intentions and discusses the potential impact of economic weakness on China's approach to Taiwan. They also discuss the use of AI in analyzing North Korean propaganda and the broader implications of Chinese technology in global surveillance. Dr. Zhong's insights provide a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical dynamics in the Taiwan Strait and the role of AI in predicting potential conflicts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode 838: President Trump’s First 100 Days
Newt’s guest is Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America. They discuss President Trump's first 100 days in office, highlighting significant achievements such as border security, economic growth, and challenging unfair international tariffs. Their conversation also covers the Trump administration's strategic approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of merit and performance over diversity quotas. They consider the potential for a Trump economic boom, the necessity of passing reconciliation in Congress, and the broader implications of Trump's presidency on American politics and global relations. Roberts shares insights from his recent book, "Dawn's Early Light," which outlines a revitalized conservative movement focused on empowering families and local communities. Their conversation concludes with a call to action for Congress to act swiftly to ensure continued economic success and political momentum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode 837: Protecting the American Worker
Newt’s guest is Vincent Vernuccio, president and co-founder of the Institute for the American Worker. They discuss the significant labor policy developments and legislative efforts aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors. Their conversation covers the introduction of the Start Applying Labor Transparency (SALT) Act, which seeks to amend the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to ensure greater transparency in financial transactions between unions and labor consultants. Vernuccio also explains the implications of President Trump's executive action, Schedule F, which aims to make certain federal employees at-will to enhance accountability. They also discuss the challenges posed by public sector unions and the potential impact of Senator Josh Hawley's Faster Labor Contracts Act, which could impose arbitration on private sector union negotiations. Vernuccio emphasizes the need for modernizing union models to align with today's workforce demands for flexibility and merit-based advancement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join former House Speaker, professor, historian, and futurist Newt Gingrich as he shares his lifetime of knowledge and access to the world’s most interesting minds in a new series that covers all aspects of our society. From history to health, national security to science, Newt offers stories, conversations, and context to uncover new perspectives, knowledge and insight. This podcast isn’t about politics; it’s about exploring the past, present, and future to understand where we’ve been and where we’re going. Welcome to Newt’s World, a podcast for independent thinkers.