The Political Orphanage

The Political Orphanage

Author: Andrew Heaton Language: English Episodes: 100
Finding a sensible conversation about politics that doesn't devolve into partisan shouting can feel like a lonely endeavor. That's the space The Political Orphanage occupies, hosted by comedian and self-described independent Andrew Heaton. This isn't a debate show; it's a series of long-form discussions where curiosity replaces contempt. Each episode, Heaton sits down with authors, policy experts, and various thought leaders to unpack complex ideas without the usual animosity. The goal is to explore the substance behind the headlines-the "big thinky stuff," as he puts it-while remembering that the absurdity of the political world is often best met with a laugh. You'll hear genuine conversations that delve into policy nuances, historical context, and the philosophies shaping our world, all filtered through a lens of wit and a distinct lack of bile. The result is a podcast that feels like a respite from the noise, a place for the politically curious who don't find a comfortable home in the entrenched camps of left and right. It’s news, comedy, and politics blended into something uniquely engaging, proving that serious topics don't require a solemn tone. Tune in for the kind of thoughtful, humorous dialogue that reminds you why these discussions matter in the first place.
Episodes
How To Deal with Political Lizard People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:00
Sociopaths and narcissists are both drawn to politics. How do we spot folks with faulty moral compasses before they get elected, and what do we do when they slip by? Bill Eddy is a therapist, lawyer, and mediator. He is…
Interview with the Mega Warden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:45
Randall Liberty is the Commissioner for Maine's Department of Corrections, overseeing the state's entire prison system, after previously serving as a warden, and a sheriff. He's largely responsible for implementing the "…
What's Prison Hooch Taste Like? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:47
What's prison wine taste like? How's trade work? Where do people get the ink for prison tattoos? If someone sees you cry in the slammer, do you get beaten up? If they beat you up, can you whittle your toothbrush down and…
Parenting Behind Bars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:12
How hard is it to raise kids when you're inside a penitentiary? How do you maintain relationships in general? In this episode, Part III of Prison Week, we head to the Maine Correctional Center's Women Prison to interview…
Maine is Smarter Than Your State about Prison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:26
In Part II of Prison Week, we meet prison teachers, visit the computer lab, and check out Anime in the prison library. The "Maine Model" is focused on rehabilitation and trying to get residents prepped for life on the ou…
Heaton Goes to Prison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:44
In this special, host Andrew Heaton visits the Maine Correctional Center for a day to speak with residents, corrections officers and administrators. About life in prison in general, and the "Maine Model," focused on reha…
Richer Than Ever, Miserable Anyway [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
Brink Lindsey is the Senior Vice President at the Niskannen Center. He is the author of "The Permanent Problem: The Uncertain Transition from Mass Plenty to Mass Flourishing." You can find it at mightyheaton.com/featured
A.I. and the Future of Scams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:19
Brian Brushwood is by trade a magician, but of late has become a security expert. The FBI flew him to Quantico to brief agents on how scams work, and he's become a popular speaker and consultant for large corporations on…
Undeclared Wars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:20
When was the last time the United States actually declared war? Why did it stop officially declaring war, if nonetheless bombing folks? And when is the president authorized to attack another country without explicit cong…
How the Court Neutered Trump [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:14
The Supreme Court just struck down Donald Trump's sweeping emergency tariffs, but this case is about far more than slinkies and sombreros. When Congress passes an ambiguous law, does the president get broad discretion, o…