The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Many of the problems in our government today come from the fact that the House and the Senate are not fulfilling their obligations. As Sen. Ben Sasse says, “We’ve accepted a new theory about how our three branches of government should work – and, in particular, how the judiciary should work.” Today on the Stephen Mansfield Podcast, we’re airing Sen. Sasse’s brilliant opening remarks from a recent Congressional Committee Hearing.

We need serious leadership in science and technology. For example, why is Donald Trump championing the coal industry? We can applaud coal’s past contributions, but it’s clearly not our future. Why can’t we embrace a transition? From energy to transportation, we need change in a wide range of industries. We need trademarking and licensing to happen quickly. We need to remove unnecessary government restrictions. We need economic incentives. Old patterns and stubborn leadership are holding us back in the United States. Let’s learn. Let’s grow. It’s time we see the benefits we’ve experienced in a digital revolution take place in arenas like transportation and energy.

There’s a story not often told about John McCain’s life. We all know he spent years in a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp. But the hidden side of that story, which touches and inspires Stephen the most, reveals how McCain’s boyhood training as an Episcopal acolyte came into play. The POW’s ability to recall prayers, creeds, hymns, and Scriptures throughout those five-and-a-half harrowing years has largely inspired Stephen’s own life. Listen in as Stephen pays tribute to three of The Maverick’s noble characteristics. Related: Great Words that Inspire (text) and The McCains (podcast)

In order for Roe v. Wade to be overturned, there will have to be a test case brought before the Supreme Court. Then, the court will have to agree to hear it. Then, many judges will rule on the case’s unique features and eccentricities. Then, if overturned, the issue of abortion will be rolled back to the states. As you can see, abortion will not suddenly become “illegal” in the U.S. As the abortion discussion heats up, ground yourself with this episode.

Following President Trump’s appointment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, Americans on both sides of the aisle are curious and concerned about what may happen to abortion’s legal status. In this episode (part one of a two-part series), Stephen argues that Roe v. Wade was bad law. Find out why…

In this episode, Stephen explains why he finds it concerning that people might think Donald Trump represents conservatism. “Trumpism” and “conservatism" are two separate things, and Donald Trump’s approach to championing those values can make many conservatives nervous… and for good reason! Take President Trump’s approach to tariffs, duties, and trade negotiations, as examples.

What’s it like to be free from the Messianic nature of American politics? Find out in this episode! No candidate or party will ever be the universal one-size-fits-all solution to the world’s problems. We’ve got to do the best we can with what we’ve got. Also in this episode – discover why Stephen’s approach to Donald Trump is exactly the same as his approach to Barack Obama.

We’ve entered a new age of our generation: an age of crass, malicious, and vile politics. It’s not one-sided. Both Trump and the left have contributed to this. In this episode, Stephen urges listeners to be on guard. Don’t allow the coarseness in public debate to make you coarse, too. Think rationally. Find common ground. Support good, judicious leaders.

If you’re a regular listener, you know that Stephen's hammered the Trump administration for its lack of support of the Kurds. But something wonderful happened earlier this month. The Trump administration broke ground on a brand new consulate in Erbil. This $600 million facility, situated on a 200,000 square meter piece of land, could potentially become the future site of an actual embassy when the Kurds gain independence.

As you know, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy will retire at the end of the month. In his place we should hope for a justice who understands and acts according to a judge’s true role: the role of interpreting the law – not creating it. In this week’s episode, Stephen discusses politics, justice appointments, and the Supreme Court’s place in our society.

Midsummer is here, and reading is on many listeners’ minds. In this episode, Stephen shares some of the top reading habits he’s developed over the years. Listen in to discover tactics that will make you a better and more accomplished reader. This episode is a must-listen for veteran readers and would-be readers alike!

Melania has many admirable qualities, but she does not seem to rely on advisers. The recent “I really don’t care, do u?” jacket faux pas is one of the most recent examples. As a leader, you’ve got to know what kind of advisers you need. And then you’ve got to trust them. We all need people in our lives who will help us be better.

One of Stephen's greatest criticisms of Donald Trump is that he is not doing “the art of the deal.” We allow our allies to take advantage of us. We allow them to issue high tariffs against us. If we’re going to have a President from the private sector, he should bring his powerful negotiating skills to the table! Trump is right about moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He’s right about tariffs. And he’s right to negotiate with North Korea. But "the art of the deal" is lacking in all of these moves! Bring something back from these negotiations, President Trump.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem – and suicide rates around the world are skyrocketing. In the U.S., for example, the annual suicide rate has increased 24% between 1999 and 2014. So, what can we do? In this episode, Stephen reflects on suicide in our culture, as well as the recent loss of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade.

On May 12, there were elections in Iraq, and the main winner was the Shiite party. Since then, the government in Baghdad has announced anyone caught not fasting during Ramadan can be turned over to the judiciary. This is tragic for many reasons, including that many Americans and other nationalities fought and died for democracy in Iraq. We are losing our influence in Iraq, along with the benefits of our sacrifice and the trillions that we’ve spent there. And we’re hearing nothing out of Washington.

Politicians aren’t usually known for their courage. Yet recently, the Trump administration has done some things that – whether you like them are not – are essentially extensions of prior commitments previously unfulfilled. While certainly not right on all issues, the Trump administration deserves credit for some recent decisions. Learn more in this episode.

The majority of African Americans tend to be left-leaning, Democratic voters. But Stephen’s recently noticed a trend – a shift toward right-leaning politics that's led by young freethinkers like Candace Owens, an African American woman who is breaking from the standard left-leaning consensus in the African American community. "Candace Owens speaking at the 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland." by “Gage Skidmore“ Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC-BY2.0). Accessed 23 May 2018. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Candace_Owens_(38655654300).jpg

No, the world’s not coming to an end. But economic turmoil is always a real possibility. Fortunately, it’s something we can prepare for and protect ourselves from. In this episode, Stephen shares practical tips to help get your family on firm footing. Learn about “The Grandmother Strategy,” the connection between generosity and prosperity, and a behavior Stephen calls the “key to wealth."

There’s been a trend of recent decades toward trying to personally destroy the people that we cannot defeat politically. In this episode, Stephen discusses why this trend is toxic to democracy. He also shares a story about the first time he saw it happen in 1987, as well as how the politics of personal destruction affected one of his friends.

In 2015, Stephen recorded a podcast about why men engage in extramarital affairs. It was widely discussed and helped a great many men and marriages. Because of the huge impact this episode has had, we're re-airing it this week. Men, even if you can't imagine yourself becoming involved in an affair, you need to listen to this episode. Women, this episode may shed some light on the flawed male psychology behind extramarital affairs. This episode originally aired on August 26, 2015.

History is not led by by the majority, but by the dedicated minority. And that minority is often led by one man of character - one man who inspires the people while embodying their hopes and values. In this episode, Stephen honors one such man, United States Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis, “The Warrior Monk.”

We see the horrific use of chemical weapons in places like Syria and sometimes think, “It’s happening there, and it’s terrible, but it’s not happening here.” Without trying to incite irrational fear, Stephen suggests that such attacks could happen on U.S. soil. In this episode, he provides clear information about chemical warfare, as well as three concrete steps the average person can take in response to the proliferation of these weapons.

In this episode, Stephen talks about one good thing that’s happening in our political culture. It’s a corrective to trends of recent generations and something to be excited about. In the midst of the seeming ineptitude of Congress and all the weirdness and confusion coming out of Washington, D.C., states are beginning to consider their direction on their own. Stephen discusses why this is such a needed trend.

Evangelicals today are in crisis – largely because so many, especially the leaders, are wed to Donald Trump, who earned 81% of the white evangelical vote, half of the Roman Catholic vote, and half of the votes of regular church attendees. So, what’s the problem? Stephen sees a backlash against evangelicals that will only grow without some changes in behavior. Find out what solutions he proposes in this episode. "Blue Springs Church" by “Bill Showalter“ Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC-BY2.0). Accessed 03 April 2018. https://www.flickr.com/photos/wrshow/33541016781

Stephen recently learned from Kurdish elders in Nashville that ISIS is reaching out to Iraqi, Iranian, and Kurdish youth. In fact, ISIS is gaining money, power, and influence throughout the U.S. In this episode, Stephen urges awareness, action, and relationship-building. There is too great a chasm between Anglo cultures and Middle Eastern cultures. It’s time for that to change.

Russia’s behavior is a result of the United States’ weakness at certain critical moments. (For a recent example: our failure to support the Kurds, 93% of whom voted in favor of a referendum on independence.) Stephen believes that if the U.S. doesn’t change its diplomatic tone, Russia is going to gain alliances and territories in the Middle East that it’s wanted for generations. It’s time to take a stand.

Stephen recently published a podcast on the topic of guns, which generated much feedback and conversation among listeners. Today he issues an apology regarding a statement made in that episode. This episode also includes a discussion of how the Second Amendment, James Madison’s writings in the Federalist Papers, and recent Supreme Court cases can inform our understanding of the contemporary gun debate. Finally, leaders especially need to hear Stephen’s exhortation regarding guns and safety at the conclusion of this episode.

We could talk forever about Billy Graham’s life, ministry, preaching, and theology. But today Stephen wants to talk about one critical moment in Billy Graham’s life that happened in 1949. In a monumental meeting, Graham and his team set firm boundaries that resulted in a scandal-free ministry for more than 60 years. Those four important decisions are discussed in this episode.

People who do not clean up their own house end up having their house cleaned for them. We’ve seen this with the American medical community through Obamacare and now the Trump administration’s attempts to fix the system. Now, we’re going to see the process unfold yet again through gun legislation. Stephen’s urge to gun-owners: judge yourself, lest ye be judged.

Stephen wants you to fall in love with Winston Churchill… however it happens! In this episode, Stephen shares his top book and film recommendations, as well as why Churchill is rewarding at every level.Books:Stephen’s book: The Character and Greatness of Winston Churchill: Hero in a Time of Crisis by Stephen MansfieldStephen’s favorite: My Early Life: 1874-1904 by Winston ChurchillHighly recommended: Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill: A Brief Account of a Long Life by Gretchen Rubin Newer Churchill book: Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill by Candice MillardOlder Churchill book: Winston Churchill: An Informal Study of Greatness by Robert Lewis TaylorSubstantial one-volume tome: In Search of Churchill by Martin GilbertFilms:Young Winston (1972)Churchill: The Wilderness Years (1981)The Gathering Storm (2002)Into the Storm (2009)Dunkirk (2017)Darkest Hour (2017)

Did you know that an American citizen who works for NASA has been held in solitary confinement in Turkey for 18 months? And that he just received a 7.5 year prison sentence for a crime he could not possibly have committed? The United States has essentially done nothing but express concern. Stephen believes the nation of Israel offers a better model. We must respond with direct and fierce action.

I like Turkey very much. But I do not like Erdoğan, the current leader of Turkey, or the thuggish government and military he has produced. Now, he’s accusing the YPG (a U.S. ally) of being in league with the PKK, and therefore an enemy of Turkey. Why does the U.S. call Turkey an ally? Why do we allow Erdoğan to do the things he does, violating a slew of NATO principles along the way? We are betraying the Kurds. Afrin will be a symbol of American weakness for which we will pay dearly in the future if we do not change course.

In November, Stephen responded to the watershed of sexual abuse allegations coming to light. Today – 10 weeks after that episode originally aired – the "Weinstein effect" continues its spread. As the sexual abuse epidemic unfolds, it's more important now than ever before to understand what's happening in our culture. This week on the Stephen Mansfield Podcast, we're reposting Stephen's original episode addressing this issue. First and foremost, Stephen firmly believes sexual abuse of any kind is both sin and criminal. Yet he’s also concerned about how some of these cases are developing – precisely because he is so opposed to any kind of sexual abuse. If light and frivolous allegations are used as a basis for destroying someone’s life, there will be backlash, which will ultimately result in legitimate claims being unheard as society becomes exhausted with unsubstantiated allegations. It’s beyond time for our society to have moral conversations. Stephen hopes this episode will help.

The Founding Fathers distrusted human nature. They were mostly Christians who believed in the Fall of Man. Though the phrase hadn’t been uttered yet, they believed that “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” That’s why they designed a tripartite government that forces conflict to serve us. They wanted tension, differing opinions, and checks and balances. While temporarily painful, the pressure felt during a government shutdown is ultimately a good thing. As constituents, we are better served by this kind of discussion and pressure.

The statue version of history omits flaws. This view perpetuates a false belief that the great men and women of history had relatively little existence outside of the great acts for which they are known. The recent story of the university that wanted to remove a Lincoln statue because the Great Emancipator once said he would allow slavery to continue if it would preserve the Union tells us as much. Our society is waking up to the idea that great figures of history can be mixed. Not all aspects of their lives are “statue-worthy.”

In this episode, Stephen shares his candid review of Darkest Hour, the latest Hollywood blockbuster that delves into the life of Winston Churchill. Consider the leadership themes. Don’t be dissuaded by the ahistorical bits, which Stephen discusses here (spoiler-free). Also, check out a few of Stephen’s other Churchill recommendations, including his favorite Churchill film, Young Winston, which is based on the Prime Minister’s single-volume autobiography, My Early Life. Get your copy: The Character and Greatness of Winston Churchill by Stephen Mansfield

How did “evangelical,” which has its roots in the Greek word for “good news,” come to have a largely negative association with right-wing politics? In this episode, Stephen briefly traces the history and usage of the word, discussing along the way: the ancient church, John Wesley and the Methodist movement, Billy Graham and Richard Nixon’s friendship, and our own age – an era that saw 81% of white evangelicals vote for Donald Trump.

Whether you’re a Christian or not, the Christmas season is an excellent time to allow the humanity, warmth, love, and graciousness of the Christmas season wash over you. In this podcast, Stephen recommends some books and movies through which you might allow yourself to be transformed… Joyeux Noel (watch the trailer) It’s a Wonderful Life (watch the trailer) A Christmas Carol (watch the trailer) The Gospel of Luke (read) The Man Who Invented Christmas (watch the trailer) The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits by Les Standiford In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story by David McCullough

We are constantly being bombarded with negative news. It’s easy to become disillusioned, our beliefs about ourselves, our people, and our country suffering along the way. In this podcast, Stephen offers a solution through recommending a few books and videos. May these restore your peace, hone your vision, and ennoble your soul. Patriotic Grace: What It Is and Why We Need It Now by Peggy Noonan What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism by Dan Rather and Elliot Kirschner Listen to David McCullough on YouTube (you pick the video!)

The political middle has been abandoned. The mainstream may talk about the “middle” as a place for those with weak, undecided opinions, but Stephen sees the “radical middle” as a place for thoughtful voters with convictions and morals. In this episode, Stephen gives some examples of what a right-of-center political viewpoint looks like.

Politically speaking, Stephen finds himself right of center – what he’s come to call “the radical middle.” While this podcast is not about Stephen’s political beliefs, he believes that his experience and viewpoint may help listeners make sense of our current political climate.

In what has become a Stephen Mansfield Podcast Thanksgiving tradition, Stephen tells the story of the Pilgrim Thanksgiving, the one that has inspired the American holiday. So gather the family and listen to this brief, exciting account of an episode from our nation’s history and from our heritage of faith. Landing of the Pilgrims by Michele Felice Cornè, circa 1805

In this podcast, Stephen addresses the rash of sexual abuse cases developing in our culture. First and foremost, Stephen firmly believes sexual abuse of any kind is both sin and criminal. Yet he’s also concerned about how some of these cases are developing – precisely because he is so opposed to any kind of sexual abuse. If light and frivolous allegations are used as a basis for destroying someone’s life, there will be backlash, which will ultimately result in legitimate claims being unheard as society becomes exhausted with unsubstantiated allegations. It’s beyond time for our society to have moral conversations. Stephen hopes this episode will help.

Many Americans are encouraged by Trump’s rough, unusual, and non-political style. And while there are certainly merits to this approach (a marked difference from the smooth, polished, teleprompter-backed Obama administration), Stephen’s noticed a loss of U.S. prestige around the globe. In this podcast, recorded in Jerusalem, Stephen shares some observations from his year of international travel: from seeing a group of ISIS warriors to watching Israel’s response to the rising tide of antisemitism in the U.S.

Stephen has written on the faith of several former Presidents, including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Abraham Lincoln. In this podcast, he addresses the reasons why his most recent book is not called The Faith of Donald Trump. Discover how religious figures like Paula White and Norman Vincent Peale (author of The Power of Positive Thinking) influenced Trump from his early years all the way through the election. Pick up your own copy of Choosing Donald Trump: God, Anger, Hope, and Why Christian Conservatives Supported Him.

On September 25, Iraqi Kurdistan held a referendum regarding independence from Iraq. The overwhelmingly positive decision to push for independence was met on October 16 by a combination of Iraqi military forces and the PMU (an Iranian-backed militia). These forces invaded Iraqi Kurdistan, retook the disputed oilfield of Kirkuk, looted homes, and punished Sunni Muslims as they moved in with tanks and howitzers. In this podcast, Stephen describes the U.S. abandonment of the Kurds as “absolutely stunning.” Find out why it’s so important that the U.S. government and press should begin paying attention to the situation.

In this podcast, Stephen reveals how a Canadian-American man born in South Africa could change the world through his work in Puerto Rico. Can you guess who he’s talking about and what the man might do? Don’t miss this exciting podcast, in which Stephen discusses the technological possibilities of a not-too-distant future. (Also, find out why third world countries sometimes have far better technologies than we do in our own “first world” nations!)

There are two stories unfolding in the world: the progress of governments and the progress of private firms and individuals. The U.S. education system tends to focus on the former. In this podcast, Stephen suggests that the technological innovations of private firms don’t get adequate representation in the U.S. education system. Take his quiz, and then see if you can guess how Stephen expects a new epoch to begin in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Like many of his friends, Stephen hunts, owns guns, uses guns, and has a concealed carry permit. While he’s not an NRA member, he does believe in responsible gun ownership. In this podcast, Stephen presents some questions for more knowledgeable gun-owners… Is there a compelling reason (other than being a collector) for a person to own an automatic assault weapon? What is the loss to the average citizen, and is it any violation of the 2nd Amendment, for us to add more restrictions to automatic assault weapons? Finally, Stephen urges gun-advocates, “Fix the problem from within, or it’s going to get fixed for you from the outside.”

This is a very special podcast for Stephen. The Mansfield Group is excited to announce the new GreatMan movement, accompanied by the launch of the GreatMan Podcast and www.GreatMan.tv. Over the next 14 months, Stephen has an incredible international travel schedule, which will allow him to continue investigating and reporting on politics and faith trends from around the world. The Stephen Mansfield Podcast will remain dedicated to these issues. The GreatMan Podcast, however, will let Stephen fulfill a longterm dream of speaking to men directly about the issues that matter to them. The GreatMan Podcast will help men fight the battles they need to fight in order to become the men they’re meant to be. Tell your friends, and subscribe now!