GovernmentScienceSocial Sciences

Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

The Scholars Strategy Network

No Jargon, the Scholars Strategy Network's bi-weekly podcast, presents interviews with top university scholars on the politics, policy problems, and social issues facing the nation. Powerful research, intriguing perspectives -- and no jargon. Find show notes and plain-language research briefs on hundreds of topics at https://scholars.org/podcast.

Play

Open in

22 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 35 min
English

Episodes 22

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#307
Tuesday · 34 min
Episode 307: The Cost of Caregiving
Labor Day is supposed to be about honoring workers—but what about the essential work that happens at home, often without a paycheck? Professor Jennifer Greenfield explains why caregiving, paid family and medical leave, and the rising cost of child care are not just private family concerns, but issues that affect workers, employers, and the broader economy. She explores what paid leave policies look like across U.S. states, who gets left out of the current system, and what policymakers can do to better support people caring for children, aging parents, and other loved ones. For more on this topic: Check out Greenfield's findings, A Colorado Guaranteed Income Program Could Help Families, but the Costs Are High, co-written with Kaitlyn Sims and Stefan Chavez-Norgaard, in The Conversation Read her op-ed in the Denver Post, Here's How the Big Beautiful Bill Will Hurt Coloradans Most in Need of Assistance Check out her op-ed in The Hill, Why paid leave should be kept in Build Back Better
#306
August 25 · 38 min
Episode 306: When Schools Close
As families head back to school, many students may find themselves in a new school this year because their original school has closed. In the U.S., more than 1,000 schools closed in 2025–26. Professor Mara Tieken explains what's driving closures, why they don't always save money, and how they can reshape communities—especially rural and Black communities. She shares what communities can do when a school is threatened with closure, from fighting to keep it open to making sure the process is handled well when closure is unavoidable. For more on this topic: Check out Rural Schools Open, a resource toolkit created by Tieken to help communities facing possible school closures Read her op-ed in The Hechinger Report, Shuttering Public Schools Is a Strategy That Rarely Saves Much Money and Often Leads to Test Score Declines Read her commentary in The Washington Monthly, Don't Fall for the School Closure Temptation
#305
August 11 · 33 min
Episode 305: The Politics of Reproduction
As the U.S. birth rate continues to decline, some politicians are calling for policies that encourage Americans to have more children, otherwise known as pronatalism—even as abortion access, contraception, and maternal health care face growing challenges. Professor Carolette Norwood explains what pronatalism is, why debates over population growth are often intertwined with race and immigration, and how these conversations intersect with reproductive justice and policy. For more on this topic: Read an interview with Norwood in The Hilltop, Pronatalism and the Politics of Childbirth Check out her article, More than Abortion: Why Reproductive Justice Matters in Cincinnati Post-Roe, co-written with Thembi Carr and published in the Journal of Women, Politics & Policy Read her paper, Forced to Birth: A Case Study of Ohio's Six-Week Abortion Ban, Its Impact on Black Women in Cincinnati and Its Relevance for Reproductive Justice in Ohio and Beyond, published in Health Matrix: The Journal of Law-Medicine
#304
July 28 · 22 min
Episode 304: When Colleges Close
College closures are becoming an increasingly common part of higher education, largely driven by declining enrollment, shifting federal funding, and rising operating costs. As more campuses face financial strain, what happens when a college can't survive on its own? Professor Mary Churchill shares the story of Wheelock College's merger with Boston University, widely viewed as one of the most successful mergers in higher education. She explains how leaders can protect a school's mission, support students and faculty through major change, and make difficult decisions before a crisis leaves them with no good options. For more on this topic: Check out Churchill's book, When Colleges Close: Leading in a Time of Crisis, co-written with David Chard
#303
July 14 · 34 min
Episode 303: Who Gets to Be an American?
Birthright citizenship has been part of the U.S. Constitution for more than 150 years, but why has it become the focus of such intense political debate in recent years? Professor Anna Law breaks down the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. Barbara, explains what birthright citizenship actually means, and traces the long history of who gets to be an American. Drawing from her new book, she separates fact from fiction on immigration, citizenship, and the Constitution, and explains why understanding that history matters today. For more on this topic: Check out Law's new book, Migration and the Origins of American Citizenship Read her blog post, I Read Trump v Barbara So You Don't Have To Read her Made by History essay in TIME Magazine, History Shows Why Birthright Citizenship is so Important
#302
June 30 · 37 min
Episode 302: The Christian Women Behind MAGA
Conservative Christian women are often portrayed as followers in American politics, but sociologist Katie Gaddini says that stereotype misses the bigger picture. Drawing on the research from her new book, she explains how these women have become a powerful force on the American right, what motivates their political engagement, and how faith, motherhood, and social media shape their growing influence. For more on this topic: Read Gaddini's new book, Esther's Army: The Christian Women Who Power the American Right Check out her commentary in TIME Magazine, The woman whose crusade gave today's book-banning moms a blueprint
#301
June 16 · 39 min
Episode 301: The Cost of Incarceration
For many Americans, contact with the criminal legal system comes with a hidden price tag. Without their knowledge, incarcerated people can often rack up large bills owed to the government to pay for the cost of their own incarceration. Sociologist Brittany Friedman explains how these "pay-to-stay" laws work, how civil lawsuits are used to collect that money after release, and why the push to reform these criminal legal fines and fees has drawn bipartisan support. For more on this topic: Read the article mentioned in the episode, Civil Lawfare, co-authored by Friedman and published in the journal Social Problems Listen to her podcast, Exploitation Nation Check out her book, Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons Read her SSN key findings brief, Ending Modern-Day Slavery in California
#300
June 2 · 39 min
Episode 300: Can America's Political Parties be Fixed?
No Jargon celebrates its 300th episode with a conversation about where American democracy and politics stand today, featuring the Scholar Strategy Network's new board chair, Mark Schmitt. Americans are increasingly frustrated with both the Democratic and Republican parties thanks to endless fundraising messages, political gridlock, and the sense that politicians don't represent the people. Schmitt makes the case that political parties are still a vital part of a healthy democracy and talks through the kinds of structural changes that could help rebuild trust and bring more people into the political process. For more on this topic: Read the New America report co-authored by Schmitt, A Blueprint for Healthier Political Parties Check out New America's companion report, A Model for Associational Party Building
#299
May 12 · 26 min
Episode 299: Can Cash Improve Pregnancy Outcomes?
Pregnancy is often treated as a personal responsibility, but the effects don't stay personal. When expectant parents can't afford basics like stable housing or healthy food, it can have ripple effects for society. That's why some communities are trying a different approach: giving expecting parents direct cash support during pregnancy. Professor Ali Groves explains how these programs work, focusing on the Philly Joy Bank, and why receiving money with no strings attached can ease stress and help families during a critical period. For more on this topic: Read Groves' analysis in The Gender Policy Report, Parenting is Expensive, Guaranteed Income May Help, co-authored with Libby Valdez and Yuan He Check out her op-ed in Penn Live, When Washington fails expecting mothers, Philadelphia shows a better way
#298
April 28 · 34 min
Episode 298: The Fight Over Climate Rules
The EPA's 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding has been the legal foundation for U.S. climate regulation under the Clean Air Act for over a decade. In February, the Trump administration repealed it. That move puts the future of federal climate policy in question. Professor Alejandro Camacho explains what the endangerment finding did and why it mattered for policies ranging from vehicle emissions to power plant rules. Drawing on his new book, he also puts this moment in context: showing how earlier waves of environmental policymaking took shape in the 1960s and '70s, and why today's approach is marked by polarization, legal battles, and uncertainty. For more on this topic: Check out the book Camacho coauthored, Lessons for a Warming Planet: A Vital History of US Environmental Law Read his commentary in Legal Planet, The Trump Administration is Squandering Our Natural Heritage Read his op-ed in The Hill, Donald Trump's record-breaking race to wreck the planet
#297
April 14 · 45 min
Episode 297: New Rules for College Admissions
By now, most students who applied to college for the fall semester have received their decisions, bringing a mix of emotions, from excitement and relief to disappointment and uncertainty. For many, especially those turned away from top-choice schools, the admissions process can feel arbitrary and even unfair. Professor Julie Park breaks down what's changed for college applicants since the Supreme Court's 2023 decision restricting race-conscious admissions. She also explores the uneven return of standardized testing and how policy shifts are reshaping who gets into selective colleges and what schools can still do to make the process more fair. For more on this topic: Check out Park's new book, Race, Class, and Affirmative Action: College Admissions in a New Era Read her op-ed in The Hechinger Report, There's a 'cascade effect' from the Supreme Court's affirmative action ban, and it's hurting Black and Latino students Read her essay in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Economic Diversity Is Ticking Up at Elite Colleges. Why?
#296
March 31 · 42 min
Episode 296: The Politics of What We Eat
Nutrition policy is back in the spotlight. Under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, the federal government has been especially vocal about and involved in what Americans eat, including policies that change what can be bought with federal benefits. Nutrition policy researcher Pasquale Rummo breaks down what the debate about ultra-processed foods is all about, how Americans' diets are shaped by both choice and policy, and what coming changes could mean for consumers and the food industry. For more on this topic: Read Rummo's op-ed in The Hill, co-written with Jesse Strunk-Elkins: SNAP Benefit Cuts Will Leave Millions of Americans Overworked and Underfed
#295
March 17 · 35 min
Episode 295: The Affordable Housing Myth
Housing costs keep rising across the United States, and policymakers are scrambling for solutions. In Congress, policymakers from across the aisle are advancing legislation aimed at encouraging more housing construction, based on the idea that increasing supply will help bring prices down. But what actually makes housing "affordable" and who benefits from the policies meant to fix the problem? Drawing on decades of research and experience working on housing issues in New York City, Professor Hilary Botein explains how politics and local housing markets affect who has access and why simply building more housing may not help people with the lowest incomes.
#294
March 3 · 35 min
Episode 294: What Did We Learn From Covid?
Six years after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global emergency, are we any better prepared for the next pandemic? Professor Joseph Harris reflects on what Covid revealed about the strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. public health system and the fragility of global cooperation. Drawing on his research on universal health coverage and AIDS treatment politics in countries such as Thailand and Brazil, he explains how politics and power shape who has access to care—and how professional and social movements can drive reform. For more on this topic: Listen to Harris's podcast: The Global Health Politics Podcast Check out his commentary in The Conversation: What the US could learn from Thailand about health care coverage
#293
February 17 · 38 min
Episode 293: Haiti and the Weight of Uncertainty
Haitians living in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are once again facing uncertainty. Though a federal judge intervened just a day before the Trump administration was set to end TPS for Haiti, thousands of families are still left not knowing what happens next. Professor Evan Auguste explains the emotional strain of living with the constant fear of losing legal status, and how history, trauma, and racism have shaped the mental health of Haitian immigrants. He also shares his work to help create a culturally rooted healing initiative that brings Haitian traditions into mental health spaces, and what this project can teach psychologists and policymakers alike. For more on this topic: Read his opinion piece in the Haitian Times, How we hold Haiti's diasporic grief Check out his co-authored analysis in NACLA Report, To Save Haitian Lives, Global Health Leaders Call for Solidarity
#292
February 3 · 30 min
Episode 292: When Tariffs Hit Home
A year into President Trump's second term, tariffs and trade disputes have once again become central to U.S. economic policy. Professor Menzie Chinn looks back at the biggest economic trends of the past year and explains how rising tariffs are shaping prices, business decisions, and household budgets. Drawing on his research and public writing, he breaks down what these changes mean for everyday affordability and long-term economic stability. For more on this topic: Check out Chinn's blog, Econbrowser, about current economic conditions and policy Read his analysis in EconoFact, The U.S. Agricultural Sector Under Stress
#291
January 20 · 31 min
Episode 291: The Ripple Effects of Attacks on Higher Education
The Trump administration has made changes to how the federal government approaches diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, using executive actions, funding rules, and legal challenges that are reshaping how colleges operate. In response, campuses across the country are reassessing these programs — some ending them, others renaming offices or pausing services as they navigate new legal and funding realities. Professor Anthony Hernandez shares what he learned from a listening tour across New Mexico, California, Texas, and Wisconsin, where he spoke with students and educators experiencing these shifts firsthand. He explains what's at stake for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and why these issues matter for college access, upward mobility, and the broader civic landscape. For more on this topic: Read Hernandez's op-ed in USA Today: Trump education cuts quietly declare that opportunity should be rationed on race Check out his op-ed in the Chicago Tribune: America cannot compete globally if it undermines its own people Read his op-ed in The Fulcrum: Tennessee's Attack on Federal Support for Hispanic-Serving Colleges Hurts Us All
#290
Dec 16, 2025 · 31 min
Episode 290: When Nonprofits Can't Count on Washington
As we head into the holiday season, many nonprofits are entering their busiest time of year while uncertainty around government funding continues to loom. Professor Dyana Mason explains how President Trump's executive actions and funding freezes have disrupted essential services — from food programs to international aid — and what that means for the people who rely on them. She breaks down why so many nonprofits depend on federal dollars, what happens when that money suddenly disappears, and how political pressures are putting new strain on these organizations. For more on this topic: Read Mason's op-ed in The Conversation: Nonprofits that provide shelter for homeless people, disaster recovery help, and food for low-income Americans rely heavily on federal funding – they would be reeling if Trump froze that money, coauthored with Mirae Kim.
#289
Dec 2, 2025 · 41 min
Episode 289: The Rising Costs of Healthcare
In the wake of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, millions of Americans are left wondering what comes next for their healthcare. Professor Miranda Yaver breaks down what fueled the shutdown, why the Affordable Care Act is once again under strain, and what rising healthcare costs will mean for families, healthcare providers, and entire communities. She also previewed her forthcoming book, Coverage Denied, which examines the impact of coverage denials to patient health. For more on this topic: Read Yaver's op-ed in MSNBC: Republicans are trying to turn their attacks on Obamacare into self-fulfilling prophecies Read her SSN brief: How Health Insurance Denials Induce Administrative Burdens, and How to Fix It Check out her book, Coverage Denied: How Health Insurers Drive Inequality in the United States, which will be published March 2026
#288
Nov 18, 2025 · 37 min
Episode 288: Recognizing Defendants' Disabilities
The criminal legal system often misunderstands—and mishandles—people with intellectual disabilities. Law professor Katie Kronick explains how and why these individuals so often fall through the cracks in a system built around efficiency and rigid rules. She breaks down the stakes with real examples, including a high-profile death penalty case now before the Supreme Court, and shares ideas for building a criminal justice system that recognizes and respects the needs of defendants with intellectual disabilities. For more on this topic: Read Kronick's amicus brief for the Supreme Court case Hamm v. Smith Check out her essay in the Sentencing Matters Substack: Why is it So Hard for Courts to Adjust to Advancements in Knowledge of Human Behavior? Read her op-ed in the Baltimore Sun: The Criminal Legal System Is Failing People With Intellectual Disabilities

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes