08/19/2021 - Nothing Says Back to School Like "No Mask" Mandates

08/19/2021 - Nothing Says Back to School Like "No Mask" Mandates

Author: Mark and Carrie August 19, 2021 Duration: 31:05

Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University's Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, political scientist and associate director of Brown's Annenberg Institute, share their take on the news.

On this episode: the morality, strategy, and politics of America's Afghanistan withdrawal; how the 2020 Census is giving Republicans and Democrats something to fret over; humanity's collective shrug after the IPCC's 'Code Red for Humanity'; the fall of the House of Cuomo; mask mandates and mask debates; what makes Jeff Bezos happy. 

You can listen to Trending Globally, another podcast from the Watson Institute, here.


Every week, Mark and Carrie brings together the distinct perspectives of Mark Blyth, a political economist at Brown University’s Watson Institute, and Carrie Nordlund, a political scientist who helps run Brown’s Master of Public Affairs program. Instead of rehashing headlines, they dig into the forces shaping them, offering a blend of academic insight and straight-talking analysis that clarifies more than it confuses. What you’ll hear is a real conversation-one that can pivot from a deep dive into economic policy to a sharp, witty observation about the day’s political theater, often within the same segment. The result is a refreshing break from the predictable rhythms of news commentary. This podcast thrives on the chemistry between its hosts, making complex topics accessible without oversimplifying them. Tuning in feels less like a lecture and more like sitting in on a lively discussion between two experts who aren’t afraid to challenge each other, or to find the humor in even the most serious subjects. For anyone weary of the media haze, Mark and Carrie provides a thoughtful, topical, and genuinely engaging way to understand the stories that define our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Mark and Carrie
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