Unsafe Space

Trade War feat. Ramsay Badawi, Jimmy O. Yang, Jonathan Aronson, Ian Henderson and Brian Peck May 05, 2018

We trade takes on a trade war with comedians Ramsay Badawi (KPCC), Jimmy O. Yang (HBO’s Silicon Valley) and panelists Jonathan Aronson (USC International Relations), Ian Henderson (writer for American Greatness), and Brian Peck (USC Law Center for Transnational Law and Business)! Hosted by Toby Muresianu and Faith Choyce.

Conspiracies feat. Adam Tod Brown, Tom Goss, Gar Culbert, Richard Fox and Nigel Raab May 05, 2018

We get to the bottom of what’s *really* going on with Adam Tod Brown (host of Conspiracy! the show), Tom Goss (of the Mean Boys podcast), and professors Gar Culbert (Cal State LA professor of Political Science), Richard Fox (author of iPolitics: Citizens, Elections, and Governing in the New Media Era), and Nigel Raab (Professor of Russian History at Loyola Marymount University). Hosted by Toby Muresianu and Faith Choyce.

Capitalism feat. Mitch Burrow, Helen Hong, Kevan Harris, Elham Saeidinezhad and Sameer Suri Mar 25, 2018

Is capitalism the future, past its prime, or what? Our live episode on it features stand-up from favorites Helen Hong and Mitch Burrow, insight from experts Elham Saeidinezhad of the Milken Institute and Kevan Harris, UCLA sociology professor and author of “A Social Revolution: Politics and the Welfare State in Iran,” plus comedy and hosting by Toby Muresianu and Sameer Suri!

Gentrification feat. Joe Dosch, Chris Estrada, Paul Ong, Mott Smith and Faith Choyce Feb 08, 2018

Comedians Joe Dosch and Chris Estrada join Paul Ong, Urban Planning professor at UCLA, and Mott Smith, founder of Civic Enterprise Development for stand-up and discussion on gentrification at the Hollywood Improv Comedy Club! Hosted by Toby Muresianu and Faith Choyce.

Climate Change feat. Jon Christensen, Willie Soon, Bryan Dey and Lori Weiss Jan 22, 2018

We talk about climate change science and policy with panelists Dr. Willie Soon and Dr. Jon Christensen and comedians Bryan Dey and Lori Weiss.

Both panelists provided a few links and encouraged people to look into the science themselves.

Jon Christensen:

The “Climate Lab” video series with Vox and the University of California: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/climate-lab
The book “Why We Disagree About Climate Change: Understanding Controversy, Inaction and Opportunity” by Mike Hulme (Cambridge University Press, 2009): https://www.amazon.com/Disagree-about-Climate-Change-Understanding/dp/0521727324/
The reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: http://www.ipcc.ch/

Willie Soon:

Sexual Harassment feat. Ashley Cullins, Casey Ley, Faith Choyce and Pamela Georgette Dec 14, 2017

What needs to change? Who should resign? Is there another side to the story? We talk sexual harassment and the current cultural moment with The Hollywood Reporter’s Ashley Cullins, therapist Pamela Georgette, and comedians Casey Ley and Faith Choyce!

North Korea with Joel Wit, Rorry Daniels, Benari Poulten and Sachi Ezura Nov 19, 2017

We get the inside scoop on the mysterious kingdom with former diplomat and editor of 38North.org Joel S. Wit, Rorry Daniels of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, producer of The Rundown with Robin Thede Sachi Ezura, and former senior producer of the Nightly Show Benari Poulten!

Video clips: http://bit.ly/unsafespacenorthkorea

Chapters:
2:25 Toby Muresianu Standup
5:12 Sachi Ezura Standup
8:13 Benari Poulten Standup
13:31 Panel Discussion

Unsafe Studio feat. Mike Schmidt and Johnny Mitchell! Sep 13, 2017

Comedian + former convict Johnny Mitchell and comedian + former defense attorney Mike Schmidt join Toby and Lou to talk prison and criminal justice. See video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/UnsafeStudioIncarceration

Topics:

1:54 What’s prison like and does it work?
6:00 Religion in Prison
8:47 Are fewer laws the answer? Is the Prison industry driving incarceration?
10:49 Breakdown of drug offenders in federal and state prison.
12:34 Is the damage incarceration and for-profit policing are doing to society greater than crime itself?
16:29 What’s the difference between jail and prison?
17:24 The bail system
20:45 Violent vs. Nonviolent crimes in prison, and why America has higher incarceration rates than other countries.
22:30 Caning, and how to make punishment swift and certain.
25:35 What’s the practical alternative to prison?
32:35 Does keeping criminals off the streets reduce crime?
33:55 Taking away the parole system
36:04 Prison workers
42:67 Programs that reduce sentence length
50:35 Treating teens who are sexting as sex offenders.
53:25 English common law as the basis of our law.
57:40 Withholding evidence and false accusations.
1:01:45 The role of race in criminal justice

Sources:

https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/pie2016.html
https://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/releasing-drug-offenders-wont-end-mass-incarceration/
https://www.ncjrs.gov/ondcppubs/publications/pdf/whos_in_prison_for_marij.pdf

Read co-host Toby Muresianu’s thoughts on the topic: https://medium.com/@tobymuresianu/afterthoughts-on-unsafe-space-incarceration-fb982beafb6d

Incarceration feat. Heather Mac Donald, Thaddeus Russell, Petey DeAbreau and J-L Cauvin Jun 03, 2017

We return to NYC to tackle incarceration with vocal advocate for police Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute, libertarian and founder of Renegade University Thaddeus Russell, former criminal and comedian Petey DeAbreau, and former prosecutor and comedian JL Cauvin. What do you think? Go to our facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/UnsafeSpaceShow) to discuss this episode!

Table of Contents:

1:08 Show begins.

2:54 Toby Muresianu Standup

7:35 JL Cauvin Standup

14:10 Petey DeAbreu Standup

22:32 What causes America’s high incarceration rates?

32:35 Why don’t other countries that prohibit the same things have similar rates of incarceration?

41:39 Is a racial conspiracy to blame for incarceration, a la Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow”?

43:53 What led you to crime?

45:58 What would the effect of legalizing drugs be on poor communities?

52:28 What was the experience of a prosecutor like?

59:20 Evidentiary requirements and the constitution.

1:06:20 Stop and Frisk.

1:14:30 Growing up in the hood.

1:18:51 Audience member: It’s not an honest discussion with out addressing racism.

Russia feat. Kira Soltanovich, Sofiya Alexandra, Peter Savodnik and Benjamin Graham May 02, 2017

Standup and discussion on the original international bad boy: Russia. With journalist Peter Savodnik (journalist and founder of Stateless Media), Benjamin Graham (USC International Relations professor) and comedians Kira Soltanovich (Showtime) and Sofiya Alexandra (Amazon’s Danger and Eggs).

2:20 Toby Muresianu Standup

6:40 Sofiya Alexandra Standup

16:00 Kira Soltanovich Standup

24:40 Panel Intros

25:47 What are people getting right and wrong about Russia?

31:05 Does Russia want to get caught in places like Uk

36:26 What is the Syria conflict about?

39:00 Do the Russians have a compromising tape of Trump?

41:55 How can people say Russia isn’t powerful?

46:18 How do you make jokes in a time of political danger?

53:02 Understanding Russian History

55:20 What is the story that the Russian government tells itself?

1:05:50 What’s behind Russia’s links to the far right?

1:11:45 Any possibility of Russian regime change?

The Next 4 Years feat. Elahi Izadi, Caleb Brown, Chelsea Shorte, Jack Hunter and Matty Litwack Apr 24, 2017

As we approach Trump’s 100 day milestone, here’s a show recorded right before the inauguration with people’s predictions and outlook for the next four years. Recorded in Washington D.C., the show features comedian and Washington Post journalist Elahi Izadi, the Cato Institute’s Caleb Brown, Rare.us editor Jack Hunter, and comedians Chelsea Shorte and Matty Litwack. 3:20 Toby Muresianu Standup 7:50 Chelsea Shorte Standup … Continue reading The Next 4 Years feat. Elahi Izadi, Caleb Brown, Chelsea Shorte, Jack Hunter and Matty Litwack

Sex Work feat. Manisha Shah, Kasey Koop, Thai Rivera and Sammy Obeid Apr 08, 2017

We discuss decriminalization, trafficking, personal experiences with sex work and more with UCLA professor Manisha Shah, Playboy writer and stripper Kasey Koop, Thai Rivera of the Unbothered podcast and Sammy Obeid of Conan and Last Comic Standing. Note: Resources for people who wish to leave sex work include JourneyOut.org, CastLA.org and others. 2:30 Toby Standup 6:35 … Continue reading Sex Work feat. Manisha Shah, Kasey Koop, Thai Rivera and Sammy Obeid

Campus Free Speech and Silence U Part 2 Premiere feat. Rob Montz, Jenny Yang and Nathan Mosher Mar 26, 2017

Is free speech is threatened on campus? We premiere mini-documentary Silence U Part 2: What Has Yale Become? and discuss it with filmmaker Rob Montz, comedian Jenny Yang of MTV’s #BeyondTheWall, and UCLA undergrad comedian Nathan Mosher. 00:00 Episode Intro 01:00 Stage Intro 02:45 Toby Muresianu Standup 07:48 Jenny Yang Standup 14:25 Nathan Mosher Standup 20:54 … Continue reading Campus Free Speech and Silence U Part 2 Premiere feat. Rob Montz, Jenny Yang and Nathan Mosher

Unsafe Studio: Environmentalism & Strip Mining Uteruses feat. Trey Lord Feb 17, 2017

A special Unsafe Studio recorded with Trey Lord of the Bionic Planet podcast at Songbyrd in Washington DC. Topic guide: 12:00: Ayahuasca 15:00: Private property in the developing world 18:30: What’s the best fuel for the developing world? 26:15: Black Lives Matter and the White Baby Defense 28:00: Obama writing check to Green Climate fund? 32:00: … Continue reading Unsafe Studio: Environmentalism & Strip Mining Uteruses feat. Trey Lord

Nationalism vs. Globalism with Roy Germano, James Myers, David Marcus and Courtney Fearrington Feb 03, 2017

We visit New York City with NYU professor and director of “The Other Side of Immigration” Roy Germano, Trump-supporting comedian James Myers, The Federalist senior contributor Dave Marcus, and comedian and former US Marine Courtney Fearrington.

Unsafe Studio feat. Jeremy McLellan and Eric Lampaert Nov 28, 2016

Comedians Jeremy McLellan of South Carolina and Eric Lampaert of France and England join Lou and Toby to discuss Trump’s cabinet, immigration, and how age of consent laws apply to jockeys. Some highlights: 02:18 Tweeting comedy in multiple languages. 12:57: Trump’s National Security Advisor Mike Flynn and Islam 26:50: Age of Consent. 32:53: Guns from a … Continue reading Unsafe Studio feat. Jeremy McLellan and Eric Lampaert

Post-Election Spectacular feat. Helen Hong, Thai Rivera, John L. Ray and Caroline Heldman Nov 23, 2016

We discuss what’s next after the election, why it happened and why they voted the way they did in often-heated, often-hilarious discussion with comedians Helen Hong (Inside Amy Schumer), Thai Rivera (Fusion’s Roast of America), Caroline Heldman (Occidental College Politics professor) and John L. Ray (Former DNC analyst).

The Media feat. Christina Bellantoni, Tamer Kattan, Chriss Street, Georgia Kernell and Julianne Simitz Oct 04, 2016

We return to Los Angeles to cover the industry that covers everybody: The Media. This was a funny and insightful show, as well as a contentious one – particularly around the topic of covering white supremacist movements. You can read some of the articles referenced on white nationalists, Trump and David Duke, and the fight between the … Continue reading The Media feat. Christina Bellantoni, Tamer Kattan, Chriss Street, Georgia Kernell and Julianne Simitz

Political Correctness feat. Baron Vaughn, Bri Pruett, Teela Foxworth, and Charlie Hinkle – live from Bridgetown Comedy Festival Aug 30, 2016

We travel to Portland, Oregon to talk political correctness at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival! With a stellar lineup including Baron Vaughn (Netflix’s Frankie and Grace), Bri Pruett (comedian and sex columnist for the Portland Mercury), Teela Foxworth (professor of communications at Portland Community College) and Charlie Hinkle (board member of the Portland ACLU and first amendment law … Continue reading Political Correctness feat. Baron Vaughn, Bri Pruett, Teela Foxworth, and Charlie Hinkle – live from Bridgetown Comedy Festival

Unsafe Studio: Mike Schmidt and Sameer Suri Jul 28, 2016

Lou calls in from covering the national conventions, former attorney and current comedian Mike Schmidt argues with guest Sameer Suri about NATO, and Toby Muresianu hosts a discussion about current politics.

Unsafe Studio: Riley Silverman and Joanna Castle Miller Jul 20, 2016

Joanna Castle Miller discusses documenting her father’s run for President on the Constitution Party ticket as part of her comedic series Red White and Dad; Riley Silverman sheds light on the trans bathroom issue, and they both discuss the current state of political satire with hosts Lou and Toby.

Health Care feat. Josh Barro, Quincy Jones, Dave Mehreje, Daniel Bruggers Jun 12, 2016

A super fun discussion of why health care costs so much and how to fix the system, featuring Josh Barro (editor of Business Insider and host of KCRW’s Left, Right and Center) Daniel Bruggers (Otolaryngologist and fellow at the Reason Institute), Quincy Jones (star of the new HBO special Burning the Light), and Dave Merheje (winner … Continue reading Health Care feat. Josh Barro, Quincy Jones, Dave Mehreje, Daniel Bruggers

Modern Love feat. Casey Ley, Laura Crawford, Greg Edwards and Pamela Georgette, MFT May 10, 2016

We’re back with an episode on sex, dating, and monogamy (or not) in the modern age. Joining us are marriage and family therapist Pamela Georgette and comedians Casey Ley, Greg Edwards and Laura Crawford.

Unsafe Studio: Jeffrey Dinsmore and Joe Dosch Apr 02, 2016

A fun discussion of Trump rallies, Cuba, modern parenting, clearing the name of Pee-Wee Herman, what animal Lou would be in the gay community, and other things. Featuring Jeffrey Dinsmore of the Dad Jeans podcast and Joe Dosch, of the Mean Boys scripted podcast.

Unsafe Studio: Julianne Simitz and Carl Kozlowski Mar 22, 2016

We return to the studio to talk to Julianne Simitz, producer of Bad News Live, and Carl Kozlowski of the Koz Effect podcast about whether Trump is like Hitler, squatty potties, and everything in between!

Unsafe Studio: Sameer Suri and Justice Wainwright! Mar 10, 2016

Lou and Toby sit down with comedians Sameer Suri, a gay Indian Trump supporter, and Justice Wainwright, whose viral tweets you may have seen. Sameer argues why Scalia was a fantastic judge, Justice recounts being stabbed over a Nintendo 64, and much more.

Income Inequality feat. James McKeever, Betsy Salkind, Keith Carey, and Andrei Muresianu! Mar 08, 2016

A funny and informative discussion on income inequality, featuring comedians Betsy Salkind (the Tonight Show, Comedy Central) and Keith Carey (The Comedy Store), plus experts James McKeever (Pierce College sociology and philosophy department chair) and Andrei Muresianu (mutual fund manager, board member of the Para Los Niños educational nonprofit, and brother of one of the hosts). Two charts are … Continue reading Income Inequality feat. James McKeever, Betsy Salkind, Keith Carey, and Andrei Muresianu!

Unsafe Studio: Brendan O’Neill, Laura Crawford, Marcella Arguello Feb 23, 2016

Our latest episode of Unsafe Studio, the version of the show recorded in Lou’s apartment as opposed to in front of a live audience, features Brendan O’Neill, editor of spiked magazine and columnist for the Australian and the Big Issue, as well as the hilarious Marcella Arguello and Laura Crawford. We talk about universities, free speech, … Continue reading Unsafe Studio: Brendan O’Neill, Laura Crawford, Marcella Arguello

Unsafe Studio: The Primaries feat. Christian Grose and Laura Crawford Feb 12, 2016

Our first in-studio (or in-apartment) podcast features USC Professor Christian Grose (author of Congress in Black and White), regular guest Laura Crawford (Buzzfeed) and Toby & Lou talking about the primaries, what really goes on at the Iowa Caucuses, and discuss whether what people say about college kids nowadays is true.

Islam feat. Jihad Turk, Heina Dadabhoy, Aron Kader, and Mitch Burrow! Feb 06, 2016

In our latest podcast, we talk about Islam in a political context with Jihad Turk, President of Bayan Claremont Islamic Graduate School, Aron Kader of Comedy Central’s Axis of Evil Comedy tour, Mitch Burrow (USMC veteran and regular on Bob & Tom radio) and Heina Dadabhoy, blogger for FreeThoughtBlogs.com!

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