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Artwork for The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner

The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner

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Reproductive Rights
Grassroots Activism
Civil Discourse
U.S. Senate
Salmon
Alaska Rural Communities
Renewable Energy
Immigration Policy
Abortion
Environmental Policy
Birth Control
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Weapons
Democracy
Social Media
Thalidomide
Climate Change
Affordable Care Act
Rank Choice Voting
Wyoming

The Open Mind is a thoughtful excursion into the world of ideas across media, politics, technology, the arts and all realms of civic life.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes542Founded15 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner

Latest Episodes

In a special series recorded at the One Young World conference in Munich, Germany, financier and human rights advocate Bill Browder discusses the future of Russia and Putin. One Young World is a global community of young leaders whose annual summit m... more

In a special series recorded at the One Young World conference in Munich, Germany, South Africa Public Protector Thuli Madonsela discusses the nation's constitution and economy. One Young World is a global community of young leaders whose annual summ... more

In a special series recorded at the One Young World conference in Munich, Germany, Nobel Prize laureate Maria Ressa discusses digital disinformation networks. One Young World is a global community of young leaders whose annual summit maps solutions t... more

"A Wall Is Just a Wall" author Reiko Hillyer discusses an innovative teaching model.

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Thuli Madonsela
Former Public Protector of South Africa and professor, known for her human rights advocacy during the transition to democracy.
Stellenbosch University
Episode: Democracy in the Global South
Maria Ressa
Nobel Prize-winning author, journalist, and news media executive
Rappler
Episode: Social Media as Insidious and Predatory Manipulation
Reiko Hillyer
Chair of the History Department at Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark College
Episode: Classroom 4
Mark Zauderer
Distinguished attorney, legal mind, and thoughtful commentator on American law and jurisprudence.
Author of the forthcoming book, Counsel, The Courtroom is Open
Episode: Counsel on the Law
Calvin Duncan
Founder and director of the Light of Justice program, focusing on improving legal access for incarcerated individuals.
Episode: The Clerk of the Court
Sophie Cull
Criminal justice reform advocate published on the death penalty, life sentences, and prosecutorial misconduct.
Episode: The Clerk of the Court
Mary Price
Senior Counsel at Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)
Families Against Mandatory Minimums
Episode: The Retroactivity Dilemma
Tim Draper
Pioneering entrepreneur, founder of Draper Associates and the Draper Venture Network.
Draper Associates
Episode: Crypto or Perish?
Ross Halpern
Author of 'Bear Witness, The Pursuit of Justice in a Violent Land', focusing on criminal justice reform
Episode: Missionaries, Vigilantes & Public Safety

Host

Alexander Heffner
Host of The Open Mind, known for exploring a variety of topics including media, politics, technology, and the arts, often bringing in diverse perspectives from various experts.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 67 ratings
  • Excellent - insightful and educational.

    Podchaser
    5
    mr.timberwolf
    a year ago
  • Breaking bread.

    Interesting. Thanks for making show more ‘open’ spaces. Get it?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    541red
    United States2 years ago
  • Grateful ...

    ... for Alexander's ongoing hard work, topical relevance, excellent discussion, and engaged guests.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mike from the d
    United States4 years ago
  • Address Lincoln project fiasco

    Longtime listener. You have supported the Lincoln Project hosting members on show. Now with the revelations in the press recently will you also address how the Lincoln Project fooled its own supporters and patrons? As a supporter of Project, I believe you too should address for your faithful audience. Let’s peel back the layers and see how much the onion stinks. Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    541red
    United States5 years ago
  • Consistently Excellent

    The host, Alexander Hefner, has command of a wide-range of important, timely subject matter. His guests are experts in their fields, and the conversation is informative and thought-provoking. He churns out a lot of material each week. I highly recommend this podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Fan of Gov Charlie Baker
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There is a consistent praise for the host's ability to engage expert guests in meaningful conversations.
Some audience members express a desire for more emotional delivery from the host.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful and in-depth discussions on current issues.
The podcast is recognized for its relevance and insightful commentary on pressing societal topics.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Democracy in the Global South
Q: Does that also risk the longevity of your democracy in an alliance with countries that, at least in the contemporary form, are not free societies?
Yes, it may undermine value-based relationships and relationships that are based on shared values around human rights and the rule of law.
Democracy in the Global South
Q: If that vote were held today about your serving as public protector, would it still be unanimous?
Absolutely not. I'm certain that the MK Party would not vote for me. That's President Zuma's party.
How to Overcome a Liberal Arts Backlash
Q: What do you say about the dearth of opportunity once you graduate to apply that same philosophy?
Walter expresses hope that there's a longing for connection within individuals, which education can cultivate, and emphasizes the importance of producing citizens who can navigate societal divisions.
How to Overcome a Liberal Arts Backlash
Q: How has the Socratic method evolved in your mind?
Walter discusses the continuity of the Socratic method as a dialectic from the Platonic dialogues to modern seminar tables, emphasizing its relevance for active learning in the tech age.
Copaganda and Feartopia
Q: How do you address the coverage of mental health in relation to crime?
It's crucial to recognize that social issues like mental health should be prioritized over punitive approaches like increased policing.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Covered topics include political discourse, technology's influence on society, education reform, criminal justice, and public safety. A notable emphasis is placed on exploring diverse perspectives and the intersection of various fields, providing listeners with insights into the complexities of contemporary issues. The engaging format features expert guests from various domains, ensuring a thoughtful exploration of pressing topics while fostering critical discussions that resonate with an informed audience.

Additionally, the podcast highlights themes of social justice and systemic reform, often addressed through the lens of personal narratives and expert insights, making it a unique platform for meaningful conversations.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Ralph Nader Radio Hour
2. Radio Atlantic
3. The Daily
4. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
5. Economist Podcasts

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 15 years ago and published 542 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Thuli Madonsela
2. Maria Ressa
3. Reiko Hillyer
4. Mark Zauderer
5. Calvin Duncan
6. Sophie Cull
7. Mary Price
8. Tim Draper

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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