The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

As the 250th anniversary of America's founding approaches, it's prudent for us to turn back to the wisdom contained in our founding document. Even in the midst of the hellacious upheavals of our time, the eternal words of the Declaration of Independence serve as a foundation for freedom, faith, and revolution, not just in America, but around the world. Listen as Stephen sheds light on pivotal passages of the Declaration of Independence and issues a stirring personal challenge.Connect with Stephen:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Utopian dreams, though often clothed in the language of hope and progress, have brought profound suffering by denying the broken reality of the human condition. Rooted in the realism of the Judeo-Christian tradition, Stephen insists that we must see the world as it is—not as we wish it to be—recognizing that no perfect state exists on this side of eternity. By distinguishing between “utopia” (“nowhere”) and “eutopia” (“good place”), we can expose how the pursuit of perfection so often becomes tyrannical, and why wisdom, counsel, and humility remain the safer path forward.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Since 1979, Iran has been under the control of a Shiite extremist Muslim government. As of February 28th, that regime is under direct attack due to targeted efforts by the United States and surrounding regions. What began as uprisings from Iran's young people is now a historical tipping point for both Iran and our own nation. Listen in to hear Stephen's thoughts about the disconnect between the president and Congress, the aftereffects of the initial attack, and what we can expect moving forward.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Why do I call myself a conservative? The answer, despite what our current political landscape may tell you, is not that controversial. Fundamentally, I believe in a limited government, free markets, strong national defense, and an emphasis on individual responsibility. As a historian, I have studied the atrocities brought upon humanity by tyrannical and unrestrained governments. Our Founding Fathers gave us a framework to prevent this, and we should follow their lead in order to preserve our liberty.“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” - Gustav MahlerLEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Following the latest episode about the macro threats shaping our world, Stephen is re-airing an episode from 2021 that speaks directly to one of the most critical: the growing fresh water crisis. Five years after originally publishing this episode, the danger of declining fresh water remains just as urgent.Note: The Lake Mead capacity figure cited in this episode has continued to decline since the episode was recorded, falling from 35% to 33%.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Water. Birthrates. Global warming. Melting ice. Droughts. Religious shifts. These are the real factors shaping our world, not the hypothesized political incentives argued over on cable news stations. We are living through a time of global restructuring, and we must look beyond headlines to fully understand what kind of future we are walking into. Go with Stephen “behind the scenes” to explore the macro forces that could change everything.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

A Kurdish-led, youth-oriented, Western-friendly, Shah-restoring movement of protests has been taking place in Iran for the past 2 weeks, leaving the rest of the world to wonder if Iran's breaking point is near. Since 1979, the nation has been ruled by a religious clerical government who has been responsible for fueling violence and terrorism within their own country and abroad. With a young and religiously tolerant population leading the charge of current protests, could this be the beginning of the end for Iran's old ways?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

In this milestone 600th episode of the Stephen Mansfield Podcast, Stephen fields your listener-submitted questions to hear exactly what's going through the minds of concerned individuals living in our world today. From third party possibilities and population plummets, to budding world leaders and general information overwhelm, what can we expect from world history in the years ahead? All of this, and more, is addressed in today's anniversary episode.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

America's future is gripped by 3 primary crises: a deep spiritual unrest, a Congress unable to lead, and the growing influence of Marxist ideology. In this episode, Stephen examines how inner emptiness, legislative dysfunction, and a worldview of revolt are shaping the nation’s challenges. We, as a united people, must confront these realities head-on, because we can’t build a better future if we ignore what’s breaking us now.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

In the United States, socialist sympathy seems to be at an all-time high. With approximately 250 Democratic socialists holding state and local elected offices around the country, it's becoming clear that America has forgotten the lessons learned about one of the deadliest ideologies in world history. Today, it is our duty to equip ourselves and our younger generations intellectually against the failed systems of the past.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Newton's 3rd Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Outside of physics, this notion holds especially true in human behavior, namely, politics. Governance should be done in a manner to prevent the possibility of an inflamed reaction, not to incite it. Together, let's examine our current political landscape and what we can do as leaders to level out the drama.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Hard-fought U.S. citizenship is not something we should give away so easily. From the foolish policies of Biden to the heavy-handed crackdown of Trump, our nation has recently seen both ends of the spectrum regarding its treatment toward non-citizens. But what does history have to say about it? Together, let's examine our Constitution and past court rulings to understand our country's opportunity to fix birthright citizenship.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Think the Netflix series House of Guinness tells the full story? Think again—Steven Knight's recent Netflix dramatization, "House of Guinness," takes creative liberties that distort the real legacy of the Guinness family and brewery. Listen in to learn what the series gets wrong, and why we should seek to understand the historical truth behind the Guinness family's devotion to excellence and social good. Learn about Stephen Mansfield's research process that went into writing his groundbreaking book, "The Search for God and Guinness." And together, let's separate fact from fiction and celebrate the true story of faith, innovation, and impact behind one of the world’s most iconic brands.Read "The Search for God and Guinness" today! https://stephenmansfield.tv/author/search-for-god-and-guinness/LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

We live in politically tumultuous times. Our country's politically active are being targeted, threatened, and killed, which not only grieves the souls of those around them, but reverses the cause of democracy. But how do we convince our family, our friends, and our society of our perspectives, rather than attempt to extinguish any opposing force? Together, with sharpened arguments and skilled conversation, we must win over hearts rather than threaten heartbeats.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

In this episode of The Stephen Mansfield Podcast, Stephen offers a measured reflection on the life and death of Charlie Kirk. He recalls Kirk’s rise as a young conservative voice, his courage in engaging university audiences, and his commitment to faith and self-education, while also noting the controversies and missteps that marked his career. Stephen invites listeners to consider both the lessons and the legacy of a man whose memory continues to spark conversation about courage, conviction, and public life.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Donald Trump's involvement in the nation's capital has highlighted some unfinished business in the U.S. federal government: home rule. Washington, D.C. was established by the Founding Fathers as a federal district free from state attachment. Yet, there exists long debate over home rule, including Congress’s failure to create a governing body for the city prior to 1973. In this episode, Stephen examines the effectiveness of home rule, the changes playing out amongst long-neglected issues, and what it would take to make D.C. one of the greatest cities in the world.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

In our industrialized technocrat society, people are often losing a sense of what it means to be human. And as we continue to increase our time interacting with the digital realm, we must confront the ethical dilemmas that threaten our way of being: Why do humans resist evil? What does a just society look like? How can we maintain the poetry of life in the modern age? In answering all of these questions, it is imperative that we distinguish man from the machine.Fortune.com Article: Leading AI models show up to 96% blackmail rate when their goals or existence is threatened, Anthropic study saysLEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

We're all familiar with the U.S. tradition of the separation of church and state. But what about the political matters that happen behind closed church doors? Despite recent headlines, the Johnson Amendment (prohibiting non-profits from endorsing political candidates) still remains in the IRS Tax Law. And though the Trump administration has agreed not to enforce this poorly conceived law, this protection may not last long. Above all, Stephen urges religious leaders to refrain from becoming personality cults, and instead use their influence to teach principles and truths that can guide congregations in their political decision-making.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

What kind of culture are you building? In this episode, Stephen challenges the notion of “THE Culture” and urges listeners to recognize the clash of cultures shaping our time. "Culture" is not monolithic—in reality, we live among a multitude of cultures that are grown, cultivated, and lived out in families, churches, and communities. It is within our power to generate infectious, life-giving cultures right where we are to turn the tide of the empty, Neo-Pagan society we find ourselves in today.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

In 2024 alone, 1.14 million abortions—3,100 per day—were performed in America. But since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, has that number increased like the speculations claim? In this episode, Stephen explains how the overturning of Roe v. Wade didn’t reduce abortions but shifted them to new methods like Telehealth and medication. With moral clarity, Stephen challenges listeners to consider what our laws say about the value of human life.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

In this episode of The Stephen Mansfield Podcast, Stephen reflects on the recent U.S. airstrikes against Iran and the deeper spiritual and political dynamics within the country. With Christianity quietly flourishing among a young, oppressed population, he calls attention to the stark contrast between Iran’s vibrant people and its aging, radical regime. It’s time for the Iranian people to rise and reclaim their nation, but not necessarily with the help of the West.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Every nation needs immigrants. At the same time, every nation needs a wise immigration policy. The incendiary rhetoric of our news cycle our population trapped in black-and-white thinking, unable to realize the danger of our declining birth rate, the value of our immigrant workers, or the carelessness of our past policies. Listen in as Stephen reveals why we should be prioritizing a sane and responsible path for creating new US citizens.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

America’s conservative movement is being seduced by the strongman myth. As Vladimir Putin escalates his war on Ukraine, U.S. leaders like Donald Trump echo his rhetoric, turning their backs on democratic allies and just war principles. Is the right losing its moral compass in pursuit of power and posturing?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

College football is in a downward spiral. Wealthy universities are buying their way to dominance, while teenage athletes sign multi-million-dollar deals, fueling a culture of greed and imbalance. Now, President Trump and legendary coach Nick Saban are stepping in, aiming to bring sanity and integrity back to the game. What will come of this great American tradition?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

According to a well-known analytical tool, creativity has been declining since the 1990s. This is likely because we are over-scheduled and over-stimulated. In this episode, Stephen recommends what you you can do to increase and improve your own creativity. It will probably surprise you!LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Where federal money goes, federal control follows. Listen in as Stephen talks about what the Trump administration is requiring of Harvard in order to restore $9B in funding. Is it reasonable? Is this normal?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Money. Politics. Our loved ones’ money and politics. If we believe the news, the world is falling apart, and we worry about it all. So how do we cope? How do we confront and overcome worry? Stephen talks in this episode about some surveys regarding worry, but more importantly, how we can tame worry.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

We are losing the ability as human beings to hold two competing thoughts at the same time. Instead we choose one of two sides – black or white, good or evil – without nuance. Then we sacrifice ourselves on the sharp points of those extremes. What happens when we bring this kind of extreme thinking to our politics?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/X: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

In this episode, Stephen gives his take on two controversial news events. One is the weirdest White House meeting he can remember in American foreign policy. The other is an encouraging breakthrough in the Middle East. As always, he reminds listeners to be aware of what’s happening.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

Trump has called Zelensky a dictator and accused him of misusing American funds. What is really going on in the Ukrainian/Russian war? Who is the aggressor? Do we know how to have enemies? Listen in as Stephen breaks all of this down.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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/LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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/0345308239LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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. LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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/LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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?LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites

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.LEARN MORE:Website: https://stephenmansfield.tv/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mansfieldwrites/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MansfieldWrites