The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Losing Hollywood Feb 12, 2025

In yet another example of how institutions as we know them are being remade, keep your eye on Hollywood. Even before the LA Fires, many observed Hollywood in a freefall. Listen in as Stephen talks about the factors that have led to this and what we might see next.

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A Modest Proposal About Religion Jan 29, 2025

Why are we holding big national events in a church run by one of the smallest denominations? At the National Prayer service, the nation and international media were subject to hearing a small narrow political agenda from the presiding bishop of one of the most liberal Christian denominations. What opportunity was lost? What are the options for the next National Prayer service?

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Leadership and Jimmy Carter Jan 15, 2025

In President Jimmy Carter’s own words, he was a good man, but a mediocre president. His impact after his presidency was stellar. How did he go from mediocre to stellar? Listen in as Stephen breaks down some leadership aspects and the shadows they cast.

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The News: Your Expertise and Knowing the Story Jan 01, 2025

The sheer pace of change means you’re going to have to be intentional in order to keep up. In this episode, Stephen recommends you identify your areas of expertise, master the story, and analyze what it means. Then you’ll know the times and be ready for what’s coming in 2025.

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Rituals of Peace Dec 11, 2024

People have a tendency to think things will be calmer, more peaceful after we get past _________ (fill in the blank). But it never turns out that way. Rather than looking at a future time to bring peace, let’s talk about how to find peace in the midst of the storm.

The Story of Christmas: https://stephenmansfield.tv/the-story-of-christmas/

The Story of Santa Claus: https://stephenmansfield.tv/the-story-of-santa-claus/

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The March of Folly Nov 27, 2024

There are times in history a government pursues policies contrary to their own interests, making foolish decisions, and then stumbling into war. With Joe Biden’s recent decision to allow the use of long-range missiles in Ukraine, he is setting the US up for an escalation of that war and handing Donald Trump a stink bomb. If cooler heads don’t prevail, we may stumble into a nuclear war with Russia.

Get "The March of Folly:" https://www.amazon.com/March-Folly-Troy-Vietnam/dp/0345308239

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The 2024 Election: A Millennial Interview Nov 13, 2024

Today Stephen answers a millennial’s questions about the 2024 election. Listen in as Jonas Litton, our podcast producer, asks about the things on many of our minds. How relevant is the electoral college? Was this a landslide? What will Trump do his first days in office? Where is our country headed? All this and more in today’s episode.

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7 Truths of the 2024 Election Nov 08, 2024

Donald Trump is the next president of the United States. The election results were decisive due to several reasons, the primary being the number of stealth voters who turned out for Trump. We are just starting to sift through the data, so listen in as Stephen breaks down 7 statistics and trends that defined this election.

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The Math That Makes a President Oct 30, 2024

A relatively small number of people from a particular demographic will decide who the next president will be. In this episode, I break down the numbers required to win and make some observations about the candidates’ campaigns and their current trajectories.

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The Crisis of Reading Oct 16, 2024

To the extent that people read, is the extent to which the society is advancing. Reading increases our capacity for knowledge, creativity, inventiveness, and emotional intelligence. But reading is declining dramatically. Eight of the top 10 books sold on Amazon are children’s books. Listen in to hear why this is a crisis.

"The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books" (The Atlantic): https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/11/the-elite-college-students-who-cant-read-books/679945/

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The Foreign Policy Switch Oct 02, 2024

How did this happen? The majority of Republicans are doubtful of our involvement in Ukraine, questioning our involvement in the Middle East, and questioning the need for Taiwan to maintain its sovereignty. What has led to a reversal of the noble vision held by former presidents like Bush and Reagan who understood that being the world’s most powerful military with diplomatic values comes with a cost?

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Some Risky Predictions Sep 18, 2024

In this episode I recorded on September 9, 2024, before the presidential debate, I make some predictions about how the tone and posture the candidates take will determine not only the outcome of the debate, but also the election. If I was coaching the candidates, these are the recommendations I would make in order for them to win over undecided voters.

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Our Political Moment Sep 04, 2024

Kamala Harris has had the most amazing five weeks in American electoral history. Now the campaign is entering a new stage, a time for debating the issues. Will we see Kamala Harris lean more centrist and communicate her positions articulately? Will Donald Trump find his balance and get in the game? There is plenty of drama in this election.

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The Hamlet Effect Aug 21, 2024

Donald Trump has become the Hamlet of American politics. Like Shakespeare’s character, he is troubled, emotional, haunted by his own demons and paralyzed from taking action. Trump has lost the narrative and continues to run a populist campaign rather than addressing the issues. Listen in as I predict where these present trends will lead.

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When Your Enemy is Destroying Himself Aug 07, 2024

It's no secret that Kamala Harris is the most unpopular vice president in American history. But rather than attacking her on the basis of race or gender, if Trump let her record speak for itself, he could quickly get the American people on his side. Listen in as I break down Kamala's obvious weaknesses and the tactics Trump should be using to reveal them.

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American History Turns Jul 26, 2024

An assassination attempt, the GOP convention, President Biden dropping out of the race—the past two weeks have turned the tide of American history. Donald Trump went from an iconic moment of courage and survival to then giving the longest acceptance speech in history. He may be ahead in the polls, but listen in to hear why a win is not in the bag. Kamala Harris has the ability to right herself. And what of the Secret Service? I unpack all of it in this episode.

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Five Vital Stats Jul 17, 2024

Want to know the most important numbers on my mind these days? How about 2.1, 60, 0, 117, and 25-30? Listen in to hear how these numbers are related to things like gratitude, Congress, babies, the presidential election, and war. This episode touches on those as well as immigration, Cincinnatus, drones, political time, and long life.

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Flags, Embassies, and a Radical Idea Jul 03, 2024

With very few exceptions, I believe only the US flag should be flown over US Embassies abroad. I believe this so strongly that I propose a Constitutional Amendment. Too often our administrations use our embassies to further their own pet causes to the detriment of our country’s reputation. I’d like to return to respecting our embassies for what they are—official headquarters for US diplomatic relations with foreign countries.

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A Cry For Heroes Jun 12, 2024

Some say culture is the codification of a value system and the arts are reflective of our hopes. So what does it mean that Sherlock Holmes, Lord of the Rings, and Superman are such big movie franchises right now? What does this say about the times we’re living in and what we’re looking for? Listen in as I explain some historical parallels for today.

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The Gen Z Baby Boomer Gap Jun 05, 2024

In the areas of economics, faith, patriotism, and family, there’s a generational disconnect between baby boomers and Gen Z. In this episode I quote some interesting survey results, talk about why there is such a huge gap between these generations, and suggest what we need to do to preserve our culture.

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Ten Facts Shaping Your World May 22, 2024

The press of world events and the 24-hour news cycle lead us to focus on the immediate, and we miss important trends. Every so often we need to take the 30,000-foot view to know what’s working and what’s not. Listen in for ten statistics showing positive trends in the areas of poverty, child welfare, life expectancy and more. Be encouraged and do the good that you can do.

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Our Toxic Campuses May 08, 2024

To most Americans, the violent protests that have taken place on our American college campuses have come as a surprise. What caused these to erupt? Listen in as I describe three factors that have led to this moment.

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A Just War Primer Apr 24, 2024

There seems always to be a war occurring in some part of the world, but what moral framing should nations apply that keeps them from doing the kind of damage that will taint generations? Augustine proposed the conditions for a Just War, including the criteria that justifies going to war and if those are met, how to conduct that war. Listen in to this 15-minute primer of the Just War Theory.

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My Government and Me Apr 10, 2024

Just before Easter, Joe Biden issued a presidential statement supporting March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility and called on all Americans to observe it. How is it that President Biden, a Catholic, goes out of his way to announce support for Transgender Americans on Easter–the highest holy day for Christians—when previous presidents ignored it? It seems my government is going out of its way to say the traditional faith shared by the majority of Americans is increasingly in the way of an agenda.

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ISIS-K Strikes Again Mar 27, 2024

In the wake of the attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow, two things become apparent: ISIS is not dead, and Vladimir Putin is looking incompetent. Listen in for more about ISIS-K, the US intelligence chatter, Putin’s laugh, and deflection of blame.

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Why No Two-State Solution Mar 13, 2024

A two-state solution? It sounds fair and is the default proposal by most Western leaders. But did you know a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians has been proposed many times, and each time, it is rejected by Arab leaders? Listen in to learn more about the history of Israel and Gaza and my radical proposal.

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A Good Man Leaves Us Feb 28, 2024

Good men and women like US Congressman Mark Green (TN 7th congressional district) are leaving Congress because “You can’t get anything done in this place.” We have had an eroding of both the effectiveness and the checks and balances within Congress and it has become dysfunctional. But you can affect change. Listen in for some things you can do as an American citizen to break this cycle.

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The Iranian Battleplan Feb 14, 2024

Shia Muslims are behind Hamas, the Houthi movement, and Hezbollah and many other independent militias around the world doing great damage. What is their end game? Many people in Washington, DC, and elsewhere fail to see things at 20,000 feet, but there’s a larger chess game being played and it’s important we understand what that chess game is. Iran is taking advantage of US weakness. They see America as a declining power, and not to be feared. Make no mistake, Iran is on the move, and they are trying to drive the US out of the Middle East so they can exert their power.

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2024: A Year of War Jan 31, 2024

Most Americans are focused on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, but we have war threatening on many fronts, including Korea, Taiwan, and Pakistan. NATO is globalizing 90,000 troops, the largest force since the Cold War. Listen in to understand why this is abnormal and to be aware of these unusual times.

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Knowing Your University Jan 17, 2024

If one of the good things that comes out of October 7th and the Hamas incursion and the Israeli response in Gaza and the protests around the world is that people start waking up to what’s happening at the universities they favor and start looking for other universities to support that are closer to their values and what they believe in, that’s a good thing. Listen in to hear some of the things that are taking place on the campus. It’s essential that you know what a university teaches before you send your child there or before you support it.

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The Lies About Ukraine Jan 03, 2024

The lies spreading about Ukraine and Vladimir Zelensky include accusations about declaring martial law, canceling elections, shutting down opposition parties, hiding private offshore accounts, and gaining financially from international aid. In this episode, I address each of these rumors directly and make the case for a noble Ukrainian cause. If the United States goes weak in the face of Russia, we will pay for it internationally.

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How Did We Get Christmas? Dec 13, 2023

Listen in as I go back in history and describe how we got our current Christmas celebrations. How did we land on Dec 25th? How did Santa Claus get mixed in? What about the myths about coming down the chimney and a sleigh pulled by reindeer? Why do we decorate a tree? Some of these have an inspiring backstory while some are a bit silly. I encourage you to take Christmas in hand, make it meaningful, and build memorable rituals in the Christmas season.

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Racism and Christian Theology Nov 29, 2023

This episode is primarily a call to my Christian brothers and sisters to consider their theology carefully as it pertains to Israel. Whichever eschatology (end times) interpretation you lean toward, let’s remember first that God loves and died for all of us, including Arabs; and second, many who live in Gaza (some 3,000) are in fact Christians. Don’t allow your support for Israel to lead to a disregard of other people and ethnicities.

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The Thanksgiving Story 2023 Nov 15, 2023

Do you know the true, historically accurate story of the first Thanksgiving? There is some controversy about the actions of the generations following the original Pilgrims, but in this podcast, I sidestep those controversies to tell the story of the first Pilgrims. Gather your family and friends and listen in to hear their brave story, from a brutal voyage across the Atlantic to a joyous celebration with the native people. Happy Thanksgiving to you, and may you, too, live for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.

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Don't Fund Your Enemies Nov 01, 2023

Where is your money going? If you give to a school or university, I encourage you to do your research and ensure that it is not being used to fund teachings and beliefs antithetical to your values. Amidst the bloodshed occurring in Israel and Palestine, vile and dehumanizing protests are bringing some rather shocking university ideals into the light. Don't continue to donate to places that support morals that oppose yours.

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Israel, Gaza, and Tomorrow Oct 18, 2023

The October 7th attack on Israel by the Hamas terrorist group was unprecedented in its strategy, execution, and violence. Now, we must ask: What string of events led to this? And what will happen next? Join me as I explain some of the historical tensions surrounding Israel and the challenges it is facing today.

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Reality Distortion in Politics Oct 11, 2023

As the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, some alarming survey results are catching my attention. The public perception of political figures is often a distorted reality, whether it be to a candidate's detriment or advantage. And in the case of Donald Trump, the impression he has made upon Republicans is stunning. What do you think of his faith? Listen in as I divulge what the majority of the GOP perceives about him and some of the other candidates.

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Boys and Society Sep 27, 2023

We are living in a society that continually marginalizes, medicates, and mandates its young boys. It is an unfortunate truth that our boys and young men are in great need today. Tune in as I give statistical evidence as to why this is.

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Four Economic Trends Sep 13, 2023

Today, I take a look at some rather astonishing statistics that reflect a growing economic world. With global wealth inequality at its lowest level in nearly 150 years, we have much to appreciate and even more to hope for.

2023 Global Wealth Report: https://www.ubs.com/global/en/family-office-uhnw/reports/global-wealth-report-2023.html

Jeff Stein article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/03/us-debt-deficit-rises-interest-rate/

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The Maui Fire: A Warning Aug 30, 2023

The island of Maui has suffered greatly from the devastating fires it experienced this month, and so have its people and leaders. Emergency systems broke down as the crisis arose, which will undoubtedly lead to years of investigation and prosecution. Join me as I discuss the lessons learned and how we can better prepare for the unexpected.

Support Convoy of Hope: https://convoyofhope.org/

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Politics as Crime: A Warning Aug 16, 2023

A dangerous trend has taken hold of the American political system. We've seen it happening with Republicans and Democrats alike, and it's attempting to undermine the way our country was set up to run. Let's talk about criminally charging our politicians.

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Review: Sound of Freedom Aug 02, 2023

This summer, an important piece of art is shaking our culture. The movie "Sound of Freedom" starring Jim Caviezel has turned the national spotlight on the issue of human trafficking. The film itself is a great piece of cinematography, and does an amazing job educating and exposing us to the evils of sex slavery, especially among children. But while this film helps the anti-trafficking cause, we mustn't let our egos get the best of us. Tune in to hear my opinion on the matter.

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Supreme Court Sanity Jul 19, 2023

When it comes to court rulings (or anything for that matter), we mustn't be quick to believe the picture the media paints. Over the past year, the Supreme Court has handed down some lawful and rational decisions, but news outlets and even our own president have made misleading and dangerous statements about these rulings. Let's remember the role of the Supreme Court is to interpret laws, not write them.

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A Summer News Survey Jul 05, 2023

As summer activities are in full swing, I want to bring 5 short (but not unimportant) news stories to your attention. Enjoy your vacations and time out in the sun, but don't overlook what's happening in our world!

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A New Day for the GOP Jun 14, 2023

The GOP is in danger of becoming a Trump cult. While the former president did some good for our country and its foreign relations, his current actions and behavior should drive us to consider other presidential candidates. Today, I list 5 very qualified candidates who would make excellent nominees for the Republican Party. It's time to let the past be the past and look toward a future of new politicians.

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A Sports Betting Plague May 31, 2023

I've spoken previously about the dangers of sports betting, but it's time to take a look at this issue from a macro level. Did you know that the state governments have a big part to play in the billions of dollars that are generated each year from sports betting? This should make you concerned about the future of athletics. Let's address this.

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The Power of the Trades May 17, 2023

There exists a stigma in our society that looks down upon those in skilled labor positions. Plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, construction workers...we can't function without them! It's time to shift our perspective on the skilled trades. Let's end the war on work.

Dave Ramsey: America's Labor Crisis Live Stream: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/americas-labor-crisis

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When The U.S. Projects Weakness May 03, 2023

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a looming problem with global consequences. Russia and China are in the beginning phases of what could be a very dangerous and powerful axis partnership. This, I believe, is happening largely due to perceived weakness from the United States. It's time we address it.

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