The State of Us

Americans are angry, overwhelmed, anxious, and yet hopeful according to a recent poll in a New York Times article. Protests of police killings have …

The group known as Unit 29155 is one of many components that make up President Vladimir Putin's hybrid warfare efforts to undermine Western democracies. Justin and Lance take you inside the story and explain its …

In most industries, federal law protects workers with disabilities including mental illness. Church is an exception. Pastors are regularly fired for …

The unemployment rate jumped to 14.7% possibly putting the U.S. in the greatest recession since the Great Depression. Justin and Lance are joined by Robin Erikson, a principle researcher in human capital, to discuss the …

The fuel efficiency of cars and light trucks operating in electric mode is equivalent to about 100 miles a gallon. Are electric cars a viable option for most consumers or are they a niche that cannot be scaled to the …

Pain - a reality that all of the world's population experiences. Emotional and physical, this universal truth is something we don't spend enough time …

Your zip code is a better predictor of your life expectancy than your cholesterol, blood pressure, and even your genetic code. Justin and Lance …

The admissions process can be stressful, unpredictable, and seemingly irrational. The race of getting into college has generated armies of test prep …

Hong Kong's protest movement is in crisis. The tactics that pushed officials to retreat are at times inadequate against an aggressive police force, …

In the second installation of discussing Cosmos: Possible Worlds, Justin and Lance are again joined by Ann Druyan to discuss humans place in the universe and to put our existence into perspective.

tags: tsou, universe, …

About 90% of the money in the world is held digitally. Digital money has arrived and it is here to stay. Justin, Lance, and Bradley discuss the world of digital transactions and how different generations perceive money.

Science is a diverse and wide-ranging field that is often underappreciated. Justin and Lance are joined by Ann Druyan, author of Cosmos: Possible Worlds, to discuss what makes us human and our place in our universe.

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A recent Pew Research Survey shows that 85% of Americans are in favor of policy to restrict automation. Justin and Lance discuss if we should be …

Images of amazing vacations, flawless bodies, and amazing homes that once dominated social media feeds are being replaced with snapshots of real life. Influencers sharing more about anxiety and depression cause teens to …

Religious, not religious, or somewhere in-between, we all have a set of beliefs. How can we better discuss faith by understanding where and when …

With about 25 trillion in official national debt and record setting stimulus packages, it is essential that we examine the true value of these …

May of 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the Kent State shootings. During this time of remembrance, we have an opportunity to examine our nations appetite for war. Justin and Lance discuss America's current attitude …

Corporate and political power brokers with access to Washington framed big oil and Christianity as the twin pillars of American exceptionalism in the …

In recent weeks, protests have broken out in response to government orders related to COVID-19. Not surprisingly, most of this dialogue is happening …

The Paycheck Protection Program was created by Congress in response to COVID-19. With billions of dollars allocated, the PPP could result in …

What do Biden and Trump need to do to win the presidency and how should they confront one another in the 2020 campaign run? Justin and Lance discuss …

At a time when our nation's leadership is being critically tested, the very notion of how the United States came to be is as important as ever. To frame our understanding of the news media, women's rights, and words …

The Education Department is set to cut off federal funding for some rural schools. Also, schools across the country have made a huge push to ensure …

The books of books or how many of us have come to know it, the Bible. Religious, not religious, or somewhere in-between, we all have preconceptions about the Bible. Justin and Lance are joined by Timothy Beal, a …

Recent data shows that there may be strong biological reasons that girls spend more time on social media and boys spend more time playing video …

Is the success of The New York Times bad for news journalism? The company now has more digital subscribers than The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and 250 local Gannett papers combined. Justin and Lance give …

Large and small hospitals are rushing to move doctor visits to virtual settings as quick as possible. Moreover, one-third of large employers were planning to offer on-site behavioral counseling this year before the …

In the age of mass information and social media, the truth can be difficult to find. For example, a study in 1977 found test subjects were more …

As states across the country move to keep more than 100 million Americans in their homes, a divide has burst into public view with the White House raising concerns over the impact of the economy from COVID-19. Justin …

John Adams and John Quincy Adams played a crucial role in the development of our nation. How did the first American political dynasty lose its …

American entrepreneurship has been declining since the early 1970's. Also, in the late 1980's, more than half of American businesses were less than …

America has a housing crisis. About a quarter of renters send more than half of their income to their landlord, homelessness is resurgent, and …

Researchers recently asked three married couples that consisted of heterosexual, gay, and lesbian partners, to keep daily diaries to track marital …

Most students have no idea how to format an email properly. Also, new members of the workforce are having trouble communicating effectively. Justin …

Is the American dream dead or do younger genertions have a different dream? Justin and Lance discuss a Wall Street Journal piece that contends the …

Most people suffer from ailments later in life, but before age 50, people are affected at far lower rates. What if we could stop people from …

With more than two million subscribers and one billion views per year, Prager Uiversity has become a disruption platform. Notable figures present videos in an acedemic format to promote the positions of the right. …

The workforce is more diverse in age and race. At the same time, there is a larger share of less-educated workers and productivity is not where many economists expected it to be. Justin and Lance are joined by Frank …

Do political campaigns really have the ability to change the minds of voters? Justin and Lance detail why spending billions of dollars on campaigning …

The United States spent 3.65 trillion dollars on health care in 2018. Despite the astronomical spending, evidence suggests that the U.S. performs …

Roughly 12 million students in California and Texas use social studeis textbooks from the same publisher. The books credit the same authors, but the content diverges in ways that reflect the deep partisan divide in our …

A recent survey found that for organizations that are profitable, a move from no female leadership to at least 30% representation was associated with an increase of 15% in net revenue margins. Janice Ellig, CEO of Ellig …

Should there be a citizenship question on the census? The United States government spends approximately 16 billion dollars on the census, but why? …

There is a new facial recognition app that is putting privacy in peril. The app has a database of 3 billion images that facilitates identification in seconds. Justin and Lance discuss how this will change privacy in …

With 15 million kids in child care every week, this industry has a $99.3 billion economic impact and it is responsible for about 2 million jobs overall. Cindy Cisneros, Vice President of Education Programs at CED, joins …

For democats, to win the presidency, you must win the party nomination. But to win the general election you have to appeal to some conservatives. …

The U.S. and China have signed a trade deal that officials say will lead to a sharp increase in the goods and services sold to China, and provide …

Does anxiety look different in men and how will the balance of household tasks affect men in the future? This is the first installment of a two-part …

The results are coming in after 2 years of the republican and Trump tax cut. Justin and Lance decide if the tax cut was wise, foolish, or somewhere …

President Trump announced economic sanction in response to Iran's launch of ballistic missles against two bases that typically have U.S. personnel present. Justin and Lance answer the question of how much power the …

Where does privacy end and protection begin? In the world of online gaming, the distinction is not clear, ecspecially in reguards to your child's safety against online predators. Justin and lance search for the …

Biology textboooks do not go near the question of wether genetics can explain why African Americans are over represented in athletics and why a …

Sales of meat in the U.S. fell in the past 12 months while sales of meat alternatives grew. Justin, Lance, Savanah, and Bradley find reason for the cause of this trend, as well as sample the Impossible Whopper from …

With all the noise of impeachment, Justin and Lance clear the air by providing the history of impeahment and by discussing the most beneficial direction they believe America can go in.

tags: TSOU, impeachment, …

The American electorate is the oldest it's been since at least 1970. By 2034, the population 65 and older will exceed the number of people under the …

Would it surprise you to learn that wage growth is not meeting most economists' expectations? What about if we told you that countless new hires are …

Wouldn't it be great if there was a blueprint to solving all the nations biggest problems? That's exactly what Ryan Clancy claims to have done in his …

Most Americans live in or near big cities, but our government gives citizens in small towns outsize voting power. Justin and Lance discuss the growing distain rural America has towards the federal government dispite …

Each day, Americans surrender their private information. From airports to their place of work and social media to their smartphones, countless entities claim to have your best interest in mind. Justin, Lance, and …

A recent study indicates that the best predictor of a child's success is whether they did chores as a young kid. How can you make your child do chores and what does that have to do with voting? Justin T. Weller and …

From anxiety and social skills to academic performance, various studies suggest that telling family stories not only creates a sense of identity but has valuable real-world benefits. Justin and Lance discuss the …

Counterintuitively, the wage gap widens as women attain higher levels of education. Justin, Lance, and Olivia discuss the probable reasons for this gap, as well as detail the experience of women seeking higher …

The price companies will pay for recyclables has plummeted in the fast few years. What can states do and what opportunities exist for the future? Justin, Lance, and Bradley discuss recycling.

tags: economy, china, …

About 90% of workers say that they feel it is at least moderately important that their organization is involved in social change according to a …

Nearly one out of every two Americans used at least one prescription drug in the last 30 days. The United States has some of the highest prescription costs worldwide and the QALY method might be able to lower prices. …

Today, the U.S. is facing slowing population growth and struggling rural economies. What does history tell us about how immigrants might be part of …

A recent Pew Research Survey shows that 85% of Americans are in favor of policy to restrict automation. Should we be concerned about automation and …

With the largest deviation in gas prices nationwide since 2005 and Tesla delivering a record number of electric cars, a lot is happening in the auto industry. What's on the horizon and what can we do to repair our …

Since 2010, New York City has seen a net loss of 900,000 citizens according to the Census Bureau. Justin and Lance analyze why this is happening and …

Based on economic trends over the last decade, it would seem America is becoming more divided. However, a recent gathering in Texas speaks to the …

With an average balance of more than $8,000 per credit card per American household, how credit ratings work effects most U.S. citizens. Justin and …

With nearly 50 million kids in American public schools and more than 3 million teachers, school saftey affects a large percentage of the population. …

By 2060 nearly one in four Americans will be 65 or older. Originally designed for people who were mostly independent, assisted living facilities have …

The group known as Unit 29155 is one of many components that make up President Vladimir Putin's hybrid warfare efforts to undermine Western democracies. Justin and Lance take you inside the story and explain its …

According to a survey conducted by the Food and Drug Administration, there was a 78% increase in e-cigarette use by high school students and a 48% …

Numerous presidential campaigns are spending heavily on Facebook to spread their message. Some are spending hundreds of dollars to secure small …

According to a recent survey by The Conference Board, 54% of U.S. employees feel satisfied with their jobs. Justin and Lance are joined by two of the researchers who worked on the survey to explain why this is a …

Nearly 7 in 10 registered voters in the United States support the general idea of allowing anyone to buy into Medicare. Despite that, there is a lack of consensus amongst current Democratic candidates on what to do. …

The U.S. may block a new undersea cable that is supported by Facebook, Google, and their partners in China due to 'security concerns.' This issue …

Are nationalism and socialism new ideas and where do they come from? With President Trump and Senator Bernie Sanders discussing these topics, it is …

Student debt is increasing at an exponential rate. Recent findings indicate that those who borrow more default less, contrary to typical thinking. …

A new benefit provided by some large organizations: payroll advances. About 40% of adults say they do not have enough cash to cover a $400 expense. …

The police used editing software to remove tattoos from a picture of Tyrone Allen - a suspect in a bank robbery - when presenting his picture to …

Since 2008, the number of "A" ratings the NRA has assigned to Democrats in Congress has dropped from 63 to just three in 2018. What has caused this …

According to The Wall Street Journal, the values that Americans say define the national character are changing, as younger generations rate patriotism, religion, and having children as less important to them than did …

An opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal suggests that Trump may win in 2020 if liberals don't change some of their current habits. Justin and …

How serious is the climate crisis and where do farmers fit in? Justin and Lance examine a new concept that involves farmers and the battle against …

A presidential candidate recently released a plan to lift up rural communities across the country. Justin and Lance examine the issues facing rural America and the practicality of this candidate's proposal.

tags: …

Nearly 80% of Americans have a social media profile and these places are becoming a major place for pushing extreme ideologies. Justin and Lance …

The price of cars, colleges, and houses have become more costly while wages have remained essentially flat. What does this mean for the "middle …

Tens of thousands of American citizens are protesting in Puerto Rico. With tear gas deployed against the people of the United States, why isn't this …

A new study discovered that government programs for adults typically lead to more government spending. On the other hand, programs for low-income …

From the tone of your voice in a meeting to how often you are away from your desk, big employers are tracking more information on employees. Where …

What should the United States do about the minimum wage? Is the solution put forward by the House of Representatives the answer? Justin and Lance …

Who gets to own the West? According to The New York Times, a new group of billionaires is shaking up the landscape. Justin and Lance dive into the details and talk about the implications.

tags: land, government, climate, …

In a recent court ruling, it was determined that President Trump is not allowed to block critics on Twitter. This has spawned new law cases against …

After being hit hard by the departure of several large companies, Kalamazoo, MI was desperate. They believed the promise of free college might fix …

Potentially more than 550,000 people gathered to protest in Hong Kong. How long will China wait to respond more aggresively and should the United …

The Supreme Court has left the legality of Gerrymandering up to the states. Should anything be done about this and what does it mean for future …

The electoral college is a system that eludes many voters. Should the President of the United States be elected by a simple majority? Justin and …

Today, 28% of households are made up of just one person. This is a significant increase and companies are taking notice by catering more products to …

In a blog post, YouTube announced that it would further restrict content by removing videos and banning creators that were claiming one race or …

Career and technical education options are increasing while full-time MBA programs are decreasing. What does this say about the direction of …

The United Nations is forecasting that two-thirds of the world's population may soon face issues with access to water. Why haven't you heard more …

New data suggests some kids are getting extra time on standardized tests and they don't need it. Who's to blame and what's the larger problem? Justin …

He might be the richest man in the world and he runs a county with fewer citizens than Rhode Island. Prince Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates was a close friend of the United States, but recently has been …

The largest generation in the workforce today is worse off in most categories than all other living generations. What unique challenges do Millennials face and how can they overcome them? Justin and Lance explore this …

Is Facebook a monopoly and shout the FTC split the company? Justin and Lance examine an op-ed written by the co-founder of Facebook suggesting that …

After criticism from the FDA, Walmart and other retailers are raising the minimum age from 18 to 21 to purchase tobacco products. This is in response to a recent increase in teen use of vape pens and e-cigarettes. …

With the recent testimony of William Barr, the Russia investigation continues. Who is the real winner in the aftermath of the Mueller report, President Trump, the Democrats, or someone else? Justin and Lance share their …

Some 90% of Americans have seen their incomes stagnate or decline in the past 30 years. What's the solution, progressive capitalism? Justin and Lance …

In many counties across the United States, a majority of population growth was attributed to immigration. What's this tell us about our economy, …

This question has haunted America since its founding. How is it relevant today and what does it mean for the future?

tags: politics, government, news, …

Julian Assange was arrested at Ecuador's embassy and is now facing multiple charges. His case raises questions about freedom of the press and at what …

The liberals on social media are not as representative of the Democratic party as some may believe. New data suggests that, as a whole, Democrats are …

Businesses are increasingly making use of biometric data to improve security, but does using this data violate employees privacy? Justin and Lance …

About 10% of Venezuelans have left the country, the Bolvar is experiencing nearly two million percent inflation annually, and the prevalence of the …

Jetblack is a new program that Walmart started in an effort to make smarter investments in the future of shopping and possibly as a response to Amazon. Facebook continues to face questions regarding its privacy …

From 37 to 77 there is a wide age range of candidates running for president in 2020. Will age play a role? With Brexit looming there are some …

9 out of 10 adult addicts tried a drug before their senior year of high school and about 50% of current high school students said they have tried a …

Millennials are more likely to seek therapy. A New York Times tech writer shares how he broke free from his phone and decluttered his brain. Justin and Lance share their insight on these current issues.

tags: tech, …

President Donald Trump has made reducing the United States trade deficit a top priority for his administration. Despite that, last year America saw its largest deficit in history. What's happening? Justin and Lance …

According to recent projections, in as little as five years, authoritarian governments like China and Russia may overtake democracies in total GDP. What does this mean for the United States? Justin and Lance explore how …

The week was dominated by news surrounding the President. Justin and Lance explore each of the major stories and share their thoughts.
tags: politics, …

The Methodist Church tightened its ban on same-sex marriage and gay clergy Tuesday. What will this mean for the United States' second largest …

The United States leads the western world with a 63 month average for prison sentences. Is our criminal justice system working? Justin and Lance discuss what the problem is and explore the merit of the Judge's position.
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A recent article in The Wall Street Journal reveals some interesting questions about the safety of marijuana. Justin and Lance go over the details …

Increased farm production has resulted in increased water pollution. Farmers are facing challenges on multiple fronts with farm bankruptcies on the …

Should opposition have caused Amazon to pull its plans for a second HQ in New York? Justin and Lance discuss the larger implications of the Amazon …

What are the implications of President Trump declaring a national emergency to build a border wall? Justin and Lance look at the politics, legality, …

401(k)s are often misunderstood and could be greatly improved. About 1 in 4 Americans has no retirement savings of any kind. What does this mean for …

Gen Z and their predecessor, the Millennials, have the potential to greatly change the Republican and Democrat parties. Both generations are more diverse. What does the future look like with these two generations as the …

Presiden Trump gave his second State of Union address. What were the main policy points, has progress been made, and what is next in politics? Justin …

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States will be withdrawing from an arms treaty with Russia. What is the motivation for this and is there a real alternative?

The FBI, CIA, and Department of Defense briefed Congress on current threats. Iran may begin trade with Britain, France, and Germany. China and Russia may work together to undermine the United States. The report also …

There is a lot of talk about Millennials, but what about their predecessor, Generation Z? Justin and Lance explore how Gen Z views tech and what the …

President Trump recently announced the United States' official support for the opposition leader in Venezuela. Russia and China both have interests …

SCOTUS overturned several lower courts' rulings on President Trump's transgender military ban. Did the court make the right choice and is this even …

HUD will spend about $20 billion to rebuild some of the 90,000 homes that were destroyed by the hurricanes in 2017. Is this the best way to spend the money? Justin and Lance explain the situation and propose some …

Nearly one in three Americans live in a rural community, but healthcare continues to be a struggle for people in these areas. Jamie Houseman is the President of Mercy Health Urbana Hospital and joins Justin and Lance to …

More than 800,000 Americans are still going without pay because of the longest government shutdown in history. Justin and Lance discuss the economic implications, what will happen if the shutdown continues, and who's to …

Some schools are nixing homework while others are teaching resilience. The number of hours doing homework for middle and high schoolers has been …

There is a lot wrong in the world, but it is crucial to also know what is going right. Hundreds of millions of people gained access to basic necessities in 2018. Justin and Lance highlight some of the positives from …

President Trump's address to the nation made several claims. Justin and Lance share information on the Coast Guard, illegal drugs, immigration, and crime. The facts are important in understanding these critical issues.

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From Medicare shortfalls to the Wall and the United States role in Syria, a lot happened over the past week. Justin and Lance make sure that nothing …

The United States has seen a 700% increase in our incarcerated population since the 1970s. What is the problem and how can we fix it? The Last Mile …

The state of California has a number of new legislative measures taking effect this year that make significant changes to gun rights, sexual assault …

From US-China relations and the Mueller Probe to Parkland Shooting and Tensions Over Immigration, there was certainly no shortage of news this year. Our team is going to break down the most significant events and review …

Over Christmas, President Trump remained steadfast in his position on the government shutdown and also stood by his criticism of the Fed raising interest rates. Justin and Lance discuss Trump's decisions and tactics …

Nearly 60 million Americans live in small towns and rural areas. The problem is that these places are dying, both economically and culturally. Is …

Universal or unconditional basic income has started an interesting conversation about the future of our society. Basic income may hold the answers to …

A district judge in Texas struck down the Affordable Care Act last week and the decision has raised some interesting questions. Is the individual mandate constitutional? What do Democrats and Republicans in Congress …

Is the iPhone to blame for the gig economy? What will the future of jobs on demand be? Justin and Lance discuss the economic, political, and cultural …

The House of Representatives may get more bipartisan starting in 2019. Ryan Clancy, Chief Strategist for No Labels, explains what Nancy Pelosi has …

A recent study indicates that the best predictor of a child's success is whether they did chores as a young kid. How can you make your child do chores and what does that have to do with voting? Justin T. Weller and …

In the wake of the G-20 summit, President Trump says that progress has been made with China. Global growth is recoiling, but was this all part of Mr. Trump's plan? Justin and Lance explore whether or not Trump's trade …

The television "news" media has been in an uproar this week. Justin and Lance share their insight on the situation at the U.S. and Mexico border. They also discuss the GM Ohio plant closing and what it might mean for …

With podcasting on the rise, household names like Spotify and Pandora are looking for ways to improve the industry and monetize the effects. How will …

How should Disney and other entertainment organizations handle the current conversations around how women are portrayed? Justin and Lance discuss the …

Justin and Lance share their Thanksgiving traditions and some insight into great food.

The new rules proposed by the FDA would eliminate about one-third of the cigarettes sold annually. The goal is to curb teen use of tobacco which has …

Amazon just announced the two locations for its second H.Q. Five Below sells items for $5 or less and has seen tremendous success at its brick and mortar locations. What do these companies tell us about the future of …

UltraFICO scores are on the way. How will this change your ability to get credit, what are the risks, and is there a better option? Justin and Lance …

New research may indicate that the Placebo Effect is a biological process. These findings open the door to larger philosophical questions and how …

The mid-terms are over and the Democrats and Republicans have made gains. What are the key takeaways and where do we go from here? Justin and Lance …

With the election looming, Democrats are facing some short-term problems and Republicans must address their long-term future. Justin and Lance explain the current shortcomings of both parties.

What's happening in Texas, dark money for Democrats, President Trump's ideas, and more. Justin and Lance run through the state of the election as it stands now.

President Trump floated the idea of attempting to end birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants with an executive order. Is this legal and could …

The digital world is increasingly being woven into the fabric of education. To what extent should companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft be …

Sears was a pillar of American success in the 1950s and '60s. Adjusted for inflation, how would its employees fare against the new American icon, …

Over 400,000 people registered to vote as a result of Snapchats efforts. Other technology companies are using similar campaigns to encourage young …

The midterms are around the corner and much is at stake for both parties. The Democrats know what they are against, but do the know what they are for? Justin and Lance give their predictions for the election and discuss …

Charlottesville has experienced racial tensions throughout its history and now there are signs that the school's gifted program may favor white …

Some banks are valuing Uber at near $150 billion ahead of its IPO next year.
Should the U.S. still be an ally of Saudi Arabia after the death of a …

North Korea, trade, politics, and the stability of Asia are at stake. What is President Trump's strategy and can it work? Justin and Lance discuss …

Facial recognition for cows, printable food, and the food computer. What changes are coming to our daily nutrition? Justin and Lance react to the future of food.

The mainstream media is failing to cover the current bipartisanship in Washington. Instead, they continue to talk about the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh. What's happening that you werent aware of? Lance and Justin are …

Nafta is gone. The United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) is headed to congress for approval. What's changed and is it good for America? Lance and Justing have the scoop.

After a day of passionate testimony, who should be believed and how can this be approached in a civil manner? Justin and Lance have some surprising …

Fifth generation wireless technology will change the way we access the internet and it will be here sooner than you think. Justin and Lance breakdown …

No Labels laid out a National Strategic Agenda and one of the main goals was to address our mounting national debt. The United States has to start by balancing the budget. Here are six widely supported ways to do it.

The leaders of North and South Korea signed a number of agreements aimed at easing tensions on the peninsula. What's included and missing from the …

The 60 biggest fracking companies had -$90 billion in free cash flow per quarter from 2012-2017 and investors keep supporting them. What does this mean for the economy?

With positive economic numbers, why are some Americans not feeling the benefit? Raising wages may seem like the answer. Justin and Lance uncover the problems.

Donald Trump responds to the New York Times op-ed entitled "I am the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration." What are the consequences for the media and the President?

Democrats tried to delay the hearings on President Trump's Supreme Court nominee. Why would the Democrats do this and can they succeed?

Employers are taking a serious interest in hiring inmates to code and high school students to weld. Is there a downside to programs like this?

President Trump took to Twitter, saying Google unfairly filters search results. Yahoo is the only major email provider scanning emails. How do these …

The immigration debate continues to be widely controversial, but what do the facts say about the issue? Justin and Lance respond to a comment and share the truth.

Cindy Cisneros, Vice President of Education Programs at CED, joins Justin and Lance to explain how to tap into the labor market of workers who have given up looking for a job.

Paul Manafort was convicted of eight different counts. Michael Cohen plead guilty, admitting that Trump directed him to pay two women to keep silent. …

After 17 years and several recent setbacks, the Afghan government has proposed a conditional ceasefire with the Taliban. Does the U.S. support this and is there a better option?

U.S. households now have more than $13.3 trillion in debt. Delinquency rates are down, but is the economy at risk and how can the lending process be …

In June, the number of available jobs exceeded the number of unemployed Americans. Is a labor shortage on the horizon and what would that mean for …

A new round of U.S. sanctions are set to go into effect later this month. What is the Trump administrations strategy and how will Russia react? Is there a better option?

Can the gridlock in Congress be broken? No Labels thinks so. Ryan Clancy, the Chief Strategist for the organization, joins Justin and Lance to explain the Speaker Project.

Can the gridlock in Congress be broken? No Labels thinks so. Ryan Clancy, the Chief Strategist for the organization, joins Justin and Lance to explain the Speaker Project.

There are numerous anti-poverty programs teaching people to have a positive outlook. Can this be applied in the United States and what else must be done?

The wives and children of former ISIS fighters are being held in detention camps with no foreseeable way out. What's happening in the middle east and …

Should healthcare be restricted based on where you live? Some communities are lacking essential services. Justin and Lance share solutions to this …

The price of electricity has actually decreased since 2008. Why is renewable energy becoming affordable and what's it mean for the American economy?

President Trump's administration is planning to offer a $12 billion aid package to farmers in response to falling agriculture prices. What is the …

A new argument suggests that phone may not be the biggest problem facing teens. Are phones a coping method and what is the underlying issue?

Americans know less about their own country than you might think. Why is it important for an average citizen to understand how the government works?

President Trump and President Putin shared some differing insight into several of the most pressing issues. Justin and Lance have the full …

The U.S. has some of the most advanced cyber weapons on the planet, but do we have the policy necessary to use them effectively? The American way of …

Women earn 4% less for every child they have on average according to a recent article in the New York Times. Is this intentional, does it matter, how can it be changed?

Why are Americans so dug into their positions? Can we change it? Justin and Lance discuss TrueChat's problem solver mentality and how people can …

Police are now required to get a warrant before obtaining surveillance on cell phone location data according to a recent Supreme Court ruling. How …

The Supreme Court has freed states to make businesses responsible for collecting sales tax on web sales. What will this mean for your online shopping?

Where does the United States stand in the world? Is the country's empire beginning to crumble? Justin and Lance discuss the problems and potential …

As a Supreme Court Justice prepares to retire, what will the Republicans do to fill his seat? How will this affect America for generations to come?

No Labels and several members of the House of Representatives may hold up the vote for a new Speaker next year if reforms to the position are not …

The President signed an Executive Order to stop separating families while initially processing their requests for asylum. What changed his mind and is there another move coming on immigration?

Thousands of children are being separated from their families at the Mexico border. Is there a solution to immigration issue?

Harvard University just released polling information on the seven things everyone should know about young Americans. What do these facts tell us …

The U.S. is providing intelligence to make missile strikes more accurate in the middle east. What does the President expect from Yemen and how does it impact you?

President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un signed a joint statement after their historic meeting. Can we expect any real changes and what's next?

Suicides have increased 25% nationally since 1999, despite increased efforts to prevent them. The State of Us opens the conversation about this topic, with more episode to come on the issue.

Can you give your child too little freedom? What happens to kids that are not permitted to fail? American children are facing a problem: overprotection.

The Supreme Court made a narrow ruling in a recent case concerning LGBT+ rights. Are there more significant issues surrounding this controversy and …

What really causes school shootings? Some contend that bullying isn't the problem. Justin and Lance also update you on the estimated death toll in …

The debate around school violence focuses on guns and mental health, but is there a broader issue? Lance shares his thoughts on this critical issue.

The United States accounts for only 4% of the hurricanes that make landfall, so why does the country incur 60% of the costs? Justin and Lance discuss this revelation from The New York Times.

An ad appeared in the Wall Street Journal on Saturday about false news and Facebook was the advertiser. Is the company taking this problem seriously …

The Trump Administration is proposing requiring drug manufacturers to list the full price of their medications in advertisements. Would this help …

Justin and Lance hold true to the values of The State of Us and read the newspaper in an attempt to find a topic worthy of informed debate.

Some states are allowing ex-felons to vote. Should they be allowed to and what are the implications?

The United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem amongst the death of multiple protesters. What can be done to ease tensions in the region?

President Trump has left the Iran Nuclear Deal. China is amenable to working on the United States' trade deficit and North Korea just released three hostages. Are these legitimate wins for America?

Can a single judge solve America's drug problem? It is indeed possible with multidistrict litigation. Justin and Lance discuss this relatively …

The United States and China just finished unproductive trade negotiations and President Trump is turning to outside advisers. Does any of that matter to the American people?

What excatly is AI and should you protect your kids from it? Even the tech savy people have something to learn on today's episode.

With labor shortages across the country, small towns are trying all kinds of ways to lure workers. Can paying people to move to your city work or is there a better option?

The leaders of North & South Korea meant on Friday to discuss peace. Will this historic moment lead to peace and what role will the United States …

The world's largest online retailer will start delivering packages inside some cars with your permission. This may be the company's first step toward delivering packages inside your house.

An opinion piece suggests that fixing the college loans might be common sense and as easy as eliminating a single lousy option. Justin and Lance …

Trump’s gamble on trade might be paying off in Europe, but what is the risk of a trade war for American farmers? Justin and Lance discuss the perhaps …

The European Union may be giving in to the pressure of tariffs proposed by President Trump. Could the United States and Trump benefit from the …

With a worker shortage in full swing, many employers are turning to the youngest echelon of the workforce: teens. Will this have a positive or …

The US and its allies struck multiple Syria targets in response to the illegal use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government. Was President …

Throughout Mark Zuckerberg's testimony to the House and Senate committees, it became clear that a number of lawmakers do not understand these issues. …

Is there a problem in the bail bonds industry and, if so, how can it be solved? Justin and Lance discuss a recent New York Times article about the …

President Trump has ordered troops to the Mexican border, but not to the Canadian border. Why is the National Guard only headed South?

States' rights are becoming a conversation piece again because of California. Why should you care about what's happening in California?

Donald Trump ordered his State Department to freeze $200 million in funds for Syrian relief efforts. Was this the right thing to do and is there alternative?

The country feels more divided than ever before, but is it because of President Trump or is this what Americans wanted?

Smart kids in Generation Z seem to be considering tech school over college.
Why is this happening and will it be a positive for America?

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On Friday night, President Trump’s administration announced another ban on people who are transgender serving in the military. What is the purpose of this and is it the right move for America?

Facebook’s CEO posted an apology and action plan to address the Cambridge Analytica data issue. Will this make your information secure and are you …

In New Hampshire yesterday, President Trump announced his approach to addressing the opioid crisis. What is he proposing, should you care, and can it …

The likely outcome of Russia’s presidential election tomorrow will be the reelection of the current president. Why is it that 18 to 24 year-olds …

After several shakeups on the President's staff and the midterms approaching, what can we expect from Donald Trump?

Wisconsin’s governor is expected to sign a bill into law that requires certain parents seeking food stamps to work at least 30 hours a week to be …

President Trump told South Korean diplomats he would meet with North Korea's supreme leader. Should he have agreed to meet so quickly and what will …

Over 100 Republicans signed a letter asking the president to reconsider his proposed tariffs. As President Trump announces them today, what will the tariffs mean and do they matter?

The term “fake news” is everywhere. Who should the arbiters of truth be and how can you know who to trust? Justin and Lance examine the greater issue …

President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia now has nuclear weapons that cannot be stopped by the United States. President Trump hasn’t yet …

As the Islamic State continues to be repressed by US backed forces, Russia and others are fighting for dominance in the region. What should America’s …

Should teachers be required to supply so much data and what do administrators use the data for? Will the millennial nomad movement take hold? Great …

Facebook and other social media can’t detect doctored photos that spread fake news. What does this mean for you and how can this problem be solved?

Students and parents are demanding changes to gun laws. Legislators are responding. Today, The State of Us has compiled some highlights of these moving discussions.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has redrawn a gerrymandered map. Will this set a precedent, can you expect to be more fairly represented, and could …

Across America, politically correct phrases might be taking precedence over informed debate. Is this the right course of action for society?

Americans feel that the country is worse than it was 50 years ago. Is this accurate and, if not, what is the reason for the disparity?

The President has sent to congress a budget proposal. Is this how things are supposed to work? How will this affect the country and your everyday life if it is passed?

How does YouTube decide what to show you? The answer and the dangers of it may surprise you. The State of Us shares critical insight on the responsibility of YouTube and its users.

Democrats and Republican leadership have announced a potential two year budget deal. Will this deal be good for the American people? Why did Nancy Pelosi give an eight hour speech?

Prosperity Now just released their annual scorecard on inequality in the United States. Lebaron Sims, Senior Research Manager at Prosperity Now, joins The State of Us to determine what’s next for the poorest Americans.

President Trump spoke about his immigration “compromise” during his State
of the Union address. Can Democrats and Republicans find common ground to
…

Americans are spending more and saving less as the economy continues to climb. Is this sustainable and what balance should you be striking between …

Numerous businesses are giving bonus and reinvesting in the United States. They cite the tax bill as the reason. Are the Republicans and the President owed more credit than they are being given?

Rupert Murdoch has suggested that if Facebook cares about responsible media then it should pay publishers for content the same way cable providers …

The Senate has failed to pass a continuing resolution for the budget and the government has shutdown. What will this mean for the 60,000 legal …

The Pentagon is reviewing the United State’s nuclear policy and considering developing smaller nuclear weapons. Can this be an effective deterrent …

Justin, Lance, and Taylor discuss President Trump's comments throughout the week. What do they mean and how will they change the world's view of us?

Why are hospitals running low on IV bags? It’s the same reason that 1.5 million Americans are still without power in Puerto Rico. What can you do to make a difference? Justin and Lance answer these questions and more.

Could there be a limited nuclear option? US intelligence agencies failed to predict North Korean nuclear missile strides. Higher education is …

After the release of a new book, President Trump comes after his former senior strategist Steve Bannon. How will the protests in Iran potentially cause issues for the US economy?

After two years of mostly stagnant wages, workers are finally seeing wages start to rise. What is causing this, is it sustainable, and who deserves credit?

What happened in 2017 or, more specifically, what didn’t happen in 2017? Justin and Lance breakdown the good and bad. They also discuss how to move …

How did business and the economy fair in 2017? Pretty well, but what does that mean for 2018 and beyond?

 As 2017 comes to a close, Justin and Lance examine the important world
events that have transpired. What do Americans need to focus more on in
2018?

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Are you saving enough for retirement? How can you save efficiently? Nearly half of Americans may not be saving enough. Find out how to avoid their mistakes.

What is happening with American Indians and are they being neglected by the United States? The State of Us investigates.

What is in the final GOP tax bill? The State of Us has the full breakdown of the Republican plan expected to become law.

What does the Alabama election outcome mean for voters around the country? Will it have larger implications?

In this episode, we discuss President Trump's decision to designate Jerusalem as the capital and where the job market lies.

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Justin and Lance harken back to a simpler time. A time when Lance read the newspaper. What's happening in the world today?

What's next for Small Town, USA? Is America's division fixable? Justin and Lance examine the root of the problem and begin to discuss solutions.

Will the Republicans get their tax bill passed and should investment movement towards Bitcoin? What's next in the sexual misconduct era?

Pew Research data indicates that each generation sees themselves as less responsible, moral, and compassionate. What does this mean for American and how can we address it?

Will nearly 600,000 refugees be allowed to return Myanmar after the "ethnic cleansing" incident? It appears that there might be hope, but will it be safe for these refugees to go home?

Justin and Lance reflect on Thanksgiving, the traditions, and America. The State of Us celebrates a long and accomplished history.

Why are citizens of the United States not able to keep in their thoughts about Zimbabwe and Puerto Rico? Justin and Lance discuss the background of the situation.

In today's episode, Justin and Lance discuss the hospital coverage crisis for Native Americans and how Puerto Rico is still not shaping up as they try to rebuild.

The GOP is hard-pressed to get tax reform done before the end of the year. Can they do it and how will it affect health insurance? Lance and Justin explore how to drain the swamp.

Seventy-seven percent of Americans believe the nation is divided on the most important values according to a Gallup poll, but why? Could it be as …

Democrats swept Republicans up and down the ticket last Tuesday. Across the country, Americans sent a message, but what are they saying? How will the GOP respond?

Last week Republicans released their proposed tax bill. Will collapsing several brackets and cutting exemptions help the everyday American?