No Jargon, the Scholars Strategy Network’s monthly podcast, presents interviews with top university scholars on the politics, policy problems, and social issues...
With the holiday season upon us, many are looking forward to spending time with family—reconnecting, sharing traditions, and reflecting on what really matters. Dr. Alvin Thomas shares insights into what it means to be a dad today—especially for Black fathers who are navigating cultural, economic, and social challenges. He explains why involved fathers are so vital for children, how traditional views of masculinity are being redefined, and what cultural and policy changes are needed to better support fathers in showing up for their families. For more on this topic: Listen to Thomas’s award-winning podcast at The Black Fathers' Pulse. Read his SSN key findings brief: Fatherhood: Supporting Healthy, Resilient, and Thriving Family Ecosystems Read his op-ed co-written with Tova Walsh about fathers and their needs in The Hill.
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Episode 265: Dissecting the 2024 Presidential Election
The re-election of President Donald J. Trump is certain to be scrutinized for years to come, but for many voters, the immediate aftermath brings emotions that are complex and deeply felt. In a candid conversation, Dr. Christina Greer, a political science professor at Fordham University, shares her reflections on the 2024 presidential election as an expert on American politics, Black ethnic politics, and campaigns and elections. Dr. Greer discusses the deep-seated forces—such as white supremacy and patriarchy—that cut across racial and gender lines to shape how people vote, and dives into what the next four years might hold for the U.S. For more on this topic: Listen to Greer speak about political matters on the In The Thick podcast. Read her new book, How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams.
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Episode 264: Threats, Opportunities, and the Future of U.S. Elections
With the 2024 presidential election just around the corner, Professor Paul Gronke joins us for a conversation about the U.S. voting system. He shares insights into the challenges of election security, the increasing harassment faced by officials on the front lines, and how the "Stop the Steal" movement has shaken public trust. Can the current voting system handle threats to the election? And what reforms are needed to rebuild trust in our elections? Professor Gronke dives into these complexities and discusses what’s at stake for democracy in 2024. For more on this topic: Visit the Elections & Voting Information Center for nonpartisan research on election administration. Check out Gronke’s opinion piece about the benefits of ranked choice voting in The Oregonian.
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Episode 263: How SSN Transforms Academic Research into Policy Action
For this special guest episode of No Jargon, we’re diving into how the Scholars Strategy Network helps scholars turn research into impactful policy. SSN executive director Pao Maynard-Moll spoke with Robert Perkinson, an associate professor of American Studies at the University of Hawaii Manoa and co-leader of the Hawaii SSN chapter, for his Better Tomorrow Speaker Series podcast at the university. They explore how SSN connects academics with policymakers and communities, using real examples from Alabama and Maine to show the power of research in driving change. For more on this topic: Listen to the Better Tomorrow Speaker Series podcast episodes. Read SSN’s Annual Report for the 2023-24 academic year.
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Episode 262: America’s Student Attendance Problem
During the COVID-19 pandemic, students and parents faced a lot of disruptions in their education experience, but student attendance has been a longstanding issue, especially in some urban areas. Factors like poverty, housing instability, and transportation issues contribute to high absenteeism rates. Professor Sarah Winchell Lenhoff discusses some of the reasons why some students miss so much school, the ways in which the pandemic has intensified these challenges, and shares some innovative strategies that are being implemented to address them. For more on this topic: Read Lenhoff’s SSN memo: Attendance Incentives Read her policy report, co-written by Jeremy Singer, Walter Cook, and Ben Pogodzinski: Detroit’s Uniquely Challenging Context for Student Attendance
No Jargon, the Scholars Strategy Network’s monthly 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 www.scholarsstrategynetwork.org/nojargon. New episodes released once a month.