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The Vital Center

The Niskanen Center
Disinformation
Republican Party
Online Misinformation
Diploma Divide
Social Media
American Politics
Polarization
Vaccination
Public Health
Cultural Liberalism
Posture Science
Political Polarization
Human Behavior
Norman Holmes Pearson
Influencers
Espionage
Cold War
Higher Education
Cultural Divides
Voting Behavior

Both the Republican and Democratic parties are struggling to defend the political center against illiberal extremes. America must put forward policies that can reverse our political and governmental dysfunction, advance the social welfare of all citizens, combat climate change, and confront the other forces that threaten our common interests. The podcast focuses on current politics seen in the con... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes92Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentNewsPolitics

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Artwork for The Vital Center

Latest Episodes

Since our species first emerged on the planet some 300,000 years ago, the overriding problem for most humans has been the struggle for food and shelter. But in 1930, the British economist John Maynard Keynes foresaw that economic growth (despite the ... more

When most people think about the 1970s, they’re likely to conjure up images of Watergate, oil shortages, disco, and outrageous hairstyles. When academic political historians have thought about the 1970s, they have tended to see the era largely as one... more

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From the 1930s through the early 1960s, roughly half of Americans described themselves as liberals. But in the decades that followed, liberalism has suffered near-continuous reputational decline. The critics, rivals, and enemies of liberalism sought ... more

On February 27, 2022, three days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Olaf Scholz, who was then the Chancellor of Germany, gave a speech to an emergency session of the German parliament at which he described the attack as a Zeitenwende – an histori... more

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Recent Guests

Henry M. J. Tonks
Historian and postdoctoral fellow at Kenyon College with a focus on American liberalism.
Kenyon College
Episode: Reevaluating the New Liberals, with Henry Tonks
Steve Grove
CEO and Publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune, former Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development in Minnesota.
Minnesota Star Tribune
Episode: Going local to heal politics and institutions, with Steve Grove
Andrew Holter
An historian and writer, editor of the anthology 'Going Around Selected Journalism'
Episode: The Legend of Murray Kempton, with Andrew Holter
Sam Tanenhaus
Biographer of William F. Buckley Jr. and author of 'Buckley: The Life and the Revolution that Changed America'
Author
Episode: How William Buckley shaped the American right, with Sam Tanenhaus
Virginia Postrel
Author, journalist, and speaker with interests in technology, politics, and culture.
Niskanen Center
Episode: The libertarian prophet of the abundance movement, with Virginia Postrel
Alan Ehrenhalt
Renowned journalist, author of 'The Lost City', and contributing editor for Governing Magazine
Governing Magazine
Episode: Populism and working-class nostalgia for the 1950s, with Alan Ehrenhalt
Molly Worthen
Professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of 'Spellbound, How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump'
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Episode: Exploring the Secrets of Political Charisma, with Molly Worthen
Matt Zwolinski
Professor of philosophy and affiliate professor of law at the University of San Diego
University of San Diego
Episode: The old, weird history of libertarianism, with Matt Zwolinski
Dave Hopkins
Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston College
Boston College
Episode: Understanding the diploma divide, with Matt Grossmann and Dave Hopkins

Host

Jeff Kaviservis
Host known for his analytical approach to current events and political structures, frequently drawing on historical context.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 55 ratings
  • Insightful podcast, but not very hopeful

    While I 100% agree with the points of view expressed, they can come across as an autopsy of liberal democracy. I wish the a more problem solving approach was taken, particularly on behalf of us not breathing the exalted air of the elite that matter.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Efbrazil
    United States8 months ago
  • Trapped in another time

    A quiet curation of academia that asserts the relevance of a problem from almost 20 years ago: that *everyone* is just too wrapped up in their respective political side.

    An ironic problem is that there is no intellectual exploration outside its own highbrow confirmations. But what can you expect from Ivy League naval gazing? This might not be an issue but for how often this show brings up “populism”.

    The deeper irony is that this show does not understand the past of their supposition.Extremism ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Rahb Grauss
    United States10 months ago
  • Love the Richard Kahlenberg show!!!

    More on him! More on this general subject! Will read his latest book!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    robin reese
    United States3 years ago
  • Fascinating Conversations

    One of the best political podcasts I’ve come across. Impressive and insightful guests, and Geoffrey Kabaservice is remarkably knowledgeable and, perhaps more importantly, a skilled host. Indispensable listening for political moderates and those with an interest in modern American political history.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dumaisn
    United States4 years ago
  • A Thoughtful Look at today’s issues

    This is a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to look at issues affecting American politics and also provide answers on how to improve and defend American democracy. It is not to be missed.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    denminn
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

The show is often praised for its informed guests and the quality of interviews, highlighting a balanced perspective on contemporary issues.
Some critics feel the discussions can sometimes lack hope or actionable change, calling for a more optimistic outlook.
Listeners appreciate the insights and intellectual depth of discussions regarding modern political challenges.
Many express a desire for more actionable solutions and constructive dialogue rather than a focus on entrenched partisan issues.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#246
Finland/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Legend of Murray Kempton, with Andrew Holter
Q: What lessons do you think Kempton has for us in the present day?
Kempton's work teaches us the importance of connecting with our community and the value of direct interactions for understanding the truth.
The Legend of Murray Kempton, with Andrew Holter
Q: How did you come to the idea of preparing this anthology?
I felt it was a shame that the last collection of Kempton's work was published in 1994, and I discovered a vast amount of his writings that hadn't been included in that collection.
The libertarian prophet of the abundance movement, with Virginia Postrel
Q: What do you think it will take for people on the left and the right to actually put forward a more positive vision of progress?
Making housing more abundant and accessible is key to improving societal conditions while addressing the pessimism among young people regarding their futures.
The libertarian prophet of the abundance movement, with Virginia Postrel
Q: Do you see some of your lineage in this current debate over abundance?
Virginia Postrel connects her scholarly lineage to contemporary discussions, emphasizing a dichotomy between dynamism and stasis in political and cultural landscapes.
The politics of abundance, with Misha Chellam
Q: Can you tell me what the Abundance Network does?
The Abundance Network works to close the gap between California's values and outcomes, focusing on improving governance and state capacity.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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Location
Interests
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Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Vital Center

What is The Vital Center about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the central political landscape in America, the content emphasizes the challenges faced by both major parties in upholding the principles of moderation amid rising extremism. The episodes explore various facets of current political issues, drawing on historical context and personal narratives to provide an enriched understanding of America's socio-political dynamics. The discussions frequently incorporate examples from contemporary scholarship and highlight initiatives by non-partisan think tanks, making the podcast a valuable resource for listeners seeking informed perspectives on policy decisions that impact social welfare, climate change, and political structure.

Listeners can expect engaging conversations that not only diss... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Vital Center?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Vital Center:

1. Central Air
2. The Ezra Klein Show
3. Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
4. The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan
5. KCRW's Left, Right & Center

How many episodes of The Vital Center are there?

The Vital Center launched 5 years ago and published 92 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Vital Center?

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What guests have appeared on The Vital Center?

Recent guests on The Vital Center include:

1. Henry M. J. Tonks
2. Steve Grove
3. Andrew Holter
4. Sam Tanenhaus
5. Virginia Postrel
6. Alan Ehrenhalt
7. Molly Worthen
8. Matt Zwolinski

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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