Retail Politics Podcast

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S02E13 The Politics of Racial Reckoning Jan 17, 2022

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The Politics of Racial Reckoning

Are Companies Capitalizing Financially on Latest Civil Rights Struggle?

January 17, 2022 – In the wake of the George Floyd killing, American companies are engaging in a racial reckoning not seen since the Civil Rights struggle of the 1960s. But is the inclusion of more Black Americans in news stories, TV ads and hiring sincere?

“I think there are some companies that have leadership that realizes there has to be a change and are making a best effort,” said Phyllis Alexander of the National Coalition Building Institute. “The majority of our corporations are in the business of making money...not to do social justice.”

S02E12 The Politics of Christmas Songs Dec 26, 2021

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The Politics of Christmas Songs

From the Political to the Bizarre

December 26, 2021 – From war to nuclear holocaust, Christmas attracts songs with a purpose, in addition to those you wish remained a silent night.

“There is a billion of hours of recorded Christmas music in the world that most people do not hear,” says technical producer, Brad Maybe, organizer of The Eggnog Playlist.

S02E11 The Politics of Homlessness Dec 19, 2021

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Homeless a Persecuted Class

December 20, 2021 – As the number of billionaires in America has risen to 614 so has the population of our nation’s most unfortunate residents: the homeless. Many communities are enforcing public nuisance laws to rid them from their streets.

“Being homeless is not protected under our anti-discrimination laws and therefore many forms of what is blatant discrimination against unhoused people are very difficult for us to challenge using legal advocacy,” said Eve Garrow of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.

S02E10 The Politics of Build Back Better Dec 13, 2021

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The Politics of Build Back Better

President Biden’s Signature Legislation Perilously Dangles

December 13, 2021 – President Biden’s ambitious Build Back Better legislation that he says will make historic improvements to affordable housing, childcare, education, and tax equity faces derailment in the Senate.

“Any one member can unilaterally impose their will,” said Kevin Fogarty, former chief of staff for Republican Congressman Peter King. “When you’re dealing with such a narrow majority, it hard to get some of these things done. It’s like herding cats.”

S02E09 Rabbi Josh Yuter, The Politics of Kosher Dec 08, 2021

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Longstanding Kosher Rules in Israel Being Challenged

December 6, 2021 – Israel’s new governing coalition does not include ultra-Orthodox parties for the first time in a half century, causing a push to loosen longstanding food certification, religious and social policies.

“In America, you have no guidelines on who says what is kosher,” said Rabbi Josh Yuter, considered the world’s largest Jewish influence. “In Israel it’s completely different, in order for you to claim your establishment was kosher, you had to have the official Rabbinut body certify you.”

S02E08 Edward Nordskog, The Politics of Arson Nov 28, 2021

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America’s Most Dangerous Criminals? Fire Setters

November 28, 2021 – Footage of heartbreaking California wildfires consuming gorgeous homes seems to be a regular segment on the nightly news. But one in 10 of those devastating blazes are intentionally set, destroying communities, forests, and lives.

“The wildland arsonist, in particular, is the most dangerous criminal that there is,” says the nation’s leading arson investigator, Edward Nordskog. “They can burn a town or a county down with just a match.”

S02E7 Kerry Hawk Lessard, The Politics of Native Americans Nov 21, 2021

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Nation’s First Inhabitants Continue to Struggle

November 21, 2021 – Native Americans lead the nation among ethnic groups in COVID outbreaks and death, while also ranking first in methamphetamine drug abuse.

“There are decades of Native people not being heard,” said Kerry Hawk Lessard, executive director of Native American LifeLines, a Baltimore health center. “The identities of Native American people are so often asserted through stereotypes.”

S02E06 Jane Friedman, Politics of Holiday Publishing Nov 14, 2021

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Paper Shortage May Stall Santa’s Holiday Book Delivery

November 14, 2021 – A paper shortage threatens to disrupt holiday book sales and independent bookstores gain a small COVID victory over the nation’s book selling king, Amazon.

“During the pandemic, people have started to shop more consciously, looking at their local and retail businesses,” said book industry analyst Jane Friedman. “They want them to survive.”

S02E5 Tim Kelly, Politics of VA Nov 08, 2021

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The Politics of the Veterans Administration

Veterans Care Healthy With Customer Contact Improvement Needs

November 7, 2021 – Health care provided to 9.1 million American veterans is exceptional though improvements are needed in areas of patient access, ranging from answering the phones to providing adequate parking.

“In a word, I would say the care we provide is outstanding,” said Tim Kelly, a recently retired Customer Care Coordinator with the agency. “But if I call, and nobody answers the phone, I’m not going to remember the care, I’m going to remember that someone didn’t answer the phone.”

S02E04 Dr. Erin O’Brien, the Politics of Boston Oct 31, 2021

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The Politics of Boston

After Two Centuries of White Men Mayors, Women of Color

October 31, 2021 – White men have served as Boston mayors since its founding but on Tuesday voters will elect one of two women of color in a city scarred with a national reputation for vehemently fighting busing and housing integration.

“That’s a reputation Boston maintains but it’s definitely one that the city wants to move away from,” said Dr. Erin O’Brien of the University of Massachusetts Boston political science department.

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