Top Government Podcasts

The Big Steal tells the story of Vladimir Putin and his violent assault on human dignity, rule of law, democracy and truth – in Russia, its neighbours and across the West.

A former KGB officer, Putin climbed his way to the presidency of the world’s largest nation, and put in place a mafia state that steals from its own people to cause havoc abroad. When he stole the country’s most successful energy company, Yukos, he gave a clear warning of what was to come. Since then, Western enablers in politics, business and the law have helped Putin on his way.

Gavin Esler speaks to the people who have challenged Putin, tried to understand him, or simply hoped to survive. He takes us through to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a new and dangerous world that is opening up, and asks the question: where do we go next?

Produced by Fresh Air Production

Truth in Politics. Is it even possible to discuss truth in a safe way in a polarized United States? It is hard to imagine a safe conversation with your friends, co-workers, and family discussing the nation’s biggest issues. What it would be like to listen to and watch political discussions without the current reactivity, meltdown, or withdrawal? By listening in on the Purchasing Truth podcast with host Bill Stierle and moderator Tom, you will experience a discussion on why the restoration of the conversation about truth with perspective leads to a productive conversation in a partisan nation. This podcast will address the use of language by our leaders and in the news that has been dividing us, distracting us, splitting us, and keeping us from the unity we desire. An image of Norman Rockwell’s Thanksgiving in a distant American past reflects an American ideal captured in the little girl’s face as she experiences family members leaning in for connection that welcomes and accepts diverse opinions. At that time, people held vibrant conversations that reinforced unity without the discourse breaking the family apart. Today, America is very different. Freedom of speech and the technology age has brought a diversity of expression and access to instant information. Regrettably, it has also allowed for the expansion and amplification of marginal versions of truth and unverified opinions. With so many voices pulling for our attention, how can we accurately assess the reality or danger of all the things we hear? This results in issues being used to create enemy images of each other and keep us in a state of disconnection that generates fear and anger. Each side is looking for a mistake or angle to exploit and sow dissent. Political truth is lost as identity politics and limited beliefs about party objectives are marginalized. Having safe conversations about our versions of truth has been lost. Truth is not absolute. It changes and evolves when we search for and learn new things. The good news is we can have a better, safer discussion about what’s leaning towards false, partial-truth, or a full version of the truth and develop the ability to separate them from each other. In a world where the media is controlling the narrative, it’s more important than ever to dissect the messages that are shoved in our faces on a daily basis. Together, Bill and Tom sift through the information and data that is available, providing clarity and guidance, and return to a place where honesty and integrity mean something. Bill Stierle is a thought leader in the integration of emotional intelligence and brain research. With over 27 years of speaking, training and executive consulting expertise, Bill’s content and contributions are being felt daily inside the world’s top business schools, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government institutions. His extensive knowledge in communication and human development provides fresh insight on motivation, conflict reduction, professional productivity, organizational performance, and individual effectiveness. His thought-provoking, dynamic trainings provide content-rich, practical information that leaves a lasting impact on his audiences. Join Bill and Tom as they lead you to explore and engage truth in a different way. Discover language strategies, concepts, and skills that will move you closer to the truth as they tackle politics, leadership, health care, business, and many other areas that affect us all. Don’t just accept whatever information comes your way. Learn how to approach and process it from different angles and protect yourself against the truth being hijacked. In a world of uncertainty, massive cable, network, social media, and leadership propaganda, Purchasing Truth is a place where messages and motivations become clear. Make sure your truth can’t be purchased. Join us.