Best commonsensedigest Podcasts (2025)

1
Executive Action & Extraction: Economic Impacts of the Mineral E.O. in the West 7:30

2M ago7:30

7:30

On April 15, 2025, the White House issued an executive order (E.O.) 14241 “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production” aimed at strengthening the United States’ supply of critical minerals and addressing associated national security concerns. This executive action mandates the development of a comprehensive report to identify vulner…

1
Arizona’s Urban Desert Miracle featuring Glenn Farley 27:20

2M ago27:20

27:20

Rapid economic and population growth in Arizona’s dry central valley has created tremendous wealth and opportunity. Rapid development also has caused many state and national leaders and several members of the media to declare the region “out of water” and to demand an end to growth as the solution. Like other southwestern states, it is clear the va…

1
Homelessness: What Is the Best Approach to Tackling It? 8:33

3M ago8:33

8:33

There are two broad approaches to homelessness. Housing first prioritizes providing stable, permanent housing to individuals experiencing homelessness without preconditions such as sobriety, employment, or mental health treatment. The core idea is that housing is a basic human right, and that once a person has a secure place to live, they are bette…

1
Where Is Our Transportation Funding Actually Going? featuring Ben Stein 31:37

4M ago31:37

31:37

Common Sense Institute recently published a study titled "Highway Detours: The Ongoing Shift of Transportation Dollars." It was authored by our Transportation Fellow Ben Stein, who, in 2006 became the Budget Director for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). At CDOT he oversaw the development and execution of the annual budget for the d…

1
Could Federal Workers Returning to the Office Boost Downtown Denver? 9:33

5M ago9:33

9:33

Our host DJ Summers, Director of Policy and Research for Common Sense Institute, delves deeper into CSI's recent report "Returning Government Employees to Work a Boon for Urban Economy" on this episode of Colorado Clarity. On January 20, 2025, the new presidential administration indicated a desire to have all federal employees return to in-person w…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs and the Economy - March 4, 2025 53:54

5M ago53:54

53:54

In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, March 4, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled "Over Easy or Overpriced? The Growing Cost of Living in Colorado." Our panelists included: Tamra Ryan - CSI Coors Economic Mobility Fe…

1
Iowa’s DOGE Prototype and Its Results featuring Ben Murrey 27:33

5M ago27:33

27:33

The state of Iowa does not have a Department of Government Efficiency, however, Iowa lawmakers began improving government efficiency through a state initiative known as “alignment” more than a year before the American public ever heard of a “DOGE” at the federal level. Common Sense Institute commission a report that evaluates Iowa’s 2023 government…

1
The Full Cost of Colorado's Ambitious Energy Goals 9:45

5M ago9:45

9:45

Everybody wants cleaner energy – but not everybody is going to be happy about how much clean energy is going to cost them. Our host DJ Summers, Director of Policy and Research for Common Sense Institute, referencing CSI's recent report "The Future of Energy Prices in Colorado," breaks down the state’s emission reduction laws which require zero carb…

1
The Cost of Crime in Oregon featuring Max Williams and Mark McMullen 43:26

7M ago43:26

43:26

Public concern over crime in Oregon has intensified, with a significant majority of residents expressing dissatisfaction with local government responses. A May 2024 poll revealed that 78% of Portland-area voters disapprove of how local authorities are handling crime, reflecting widespread unease across various demographics. This sentiment is furthe…

1
Boosting Iowa’s Economy: The Childcare Solutions Fund featuring Sherri Penney 42:39

8M ago42:39

42:39

Like other states across the nation, Iowa faces a severe shortage of quality affordable childcare. Research by the Iowa Women’s Foundation found that the annual average cost of infant care in Iowa is 18.4% higher than in-state tuition at a four-year public college and 14.1% higher than annual housing costs. The fact is, childcare is prohibitively e…

1
The CSI 2024 Ballot Guide and Inflation Misery featuring Kelly Caufield and Zach Milne 32:51

9M ago32:51

32:51

The Common Sense Institute's 2024 Ballot Guide highlights the potential economic and fiscal impacts of key ballot measures in Colorado. Proposition 127, for instance, could lead to significant revenue losses for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and reduce overall economic output by $61.65 million. Other measures, such as school choice and law enforcemen…

1
Understanding Inflation: How much misery is inflation causing? 10:17

9M ago10:17

10:17

In this episode of Colorado Clarity, host DJ Summers sits down with Chris Brown, Vice President of Policy & Research at the Common Sense Institute, to break down the multi-year inflationary cycle that’s become a central issue in the presidential election. Together, they dive into CSI’s recently released Inflation Misery Index, with a focus on its i…

1
Reforming Arizona’s Homeless Service Ecosystem featuring Julie Katsel and Ted Maxwell 33:02

9M ago33:02

33:02

Earlier this year, the Common Sense Institute released a thorough review of homelessness spending at all levels – non-profits, state and local governments, and federal grants and transfers. The report identified over 200 Arizona providers – public and private - who today spend a collective $1 billion per year on homelessness-related expenses. Despi…

1
Maternal Care Matters: A Deep Dive into Health Equity 10:10

10M ago10:10

10:10

In this episode of Colorado Clarity, we sit down with Dr. Reggie Washington to discuss the critical state of maternal healthcare. As an expert in the field, Dr. Washington sheds light on the challenges, disparities, and advancements in maternal care, both in Colorado and across the nation. Join us as we explore the vital role of equitable healthcar…

1
Iowa’s Healthcare Landscape featuring Dr. Chelsea Lensing 35:29

10M ago35:29

35:29

Iowa’s policymakers, providers, and insurers operate within a state comprised of an aging population and large rural areas. According to the Iowa Department of Justice, the state ranks 16th nationally for the number of residents 50-years-old and over. Approximately 18% of Iowa’s more-than-three-million residents are 65 years old and older while 23%…

1
Fighting Crime: The Power of Proposition 130 8:57

10M ago8:57

8:57

In this episode, DJ Summers is joined by Former Chief of Police Paul Pazen to discuss the pressing issue of rising crime rates and the upcoming November Ballot Initiative, Proposition 130. This critical measure aims to allocate funding to agencies across the state to enhance public safety and support law enforcement efforts. With his extensive expe…

1
Amendment 80: The Future of School Choice in Colorado 11:38

10M ago11:38

11:38

In this episode, DJ Summers is joined by Kelly Caufield, CSI Colorado’s Executive Director, to discuss Amendment 80, a key proposition on the upcoming November ballot. If passed, this amendment would embed school choice into the Colorado Constitution. Tune in to learn what this could mean for education, families, and the future of schooling in the …

1
The Potential Impacts of Oregon Ballot Measure 118 featuring Lynn Snodgrass 27:59

10M ago27:59

27:59

This November Oregon voters will decide on Ballot Measure 118, which would increase Oregon’s taxes on corporations six-fold, with the proceeds to be distributed equally across all eligible individuals. Under the proposal, Oregonians would face the most aggressive gross receipts tax in the nation by far. Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes Mark M…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - September 10, 2024 1:01:51

11M ago1:01:51

1:01:51

In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, September 10, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "Unscrambling the 2024 November Ballot" Our panelists included: Paul Pazen - CSI Public Safety Fellow and Former Denver Police C…

1
A Chat with CSI’s Daniels Fund Junior Scholars 28:24

11M ago28:24

28:24

Our President and CEO Kristin Strohm fills in for Earl Wright on this edition of Common Sense Digest as she welcomes four full-time Daniels Fund Scholars to the show to discuss the work of four remarkable summer interns. These young men and women are working to help advance CSI’s mission of examining the fiscal impacts of policies and legislation b…

1
Big Cats, Bigger Debate: Colorado's Ballot Initiative 91 10:12

11M ago10:12

10:12

Ballot Initiative 91, a bold move to ban big cat hunting in Colorado. The group "Cats Aren't Trophies" is leading the charge to stop the killing, wounding, pursuing, or trapping of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynxes. This quirky yet crucial issue is stirring up debates across the state, especially among rural residents and hunters. How will this i…

1
Meat, Morals, and Money: Colorado's Slaughterhouse Ban 14:19

11M ago14:19

14:19

Deep diving into one of the most contentious issues on Colorado's 2024 state-wide ballot: the proposed ban on slaughterhouses. With only one slaughterhouse in Denver and a wave of complaints driving the proposal, we explore how this ban could impact Coloradans. Is there a tangible benefit to banning these establishments, or is the push fueled by em…

1
Decoding PERA: The Essential Guide to Colorado's Public Pensions 10:48

12M ago10:48

10:48

What exactly is PERA? Are state and public employees getting the short end of the stick? Is PERA financially sound? And how is Colorado managing these challenges? PERA obligations might sound dull at first, but this is a conversation that affects nearly 140,000 public employees in Colorado. Join us as we delve into these vital questions and more. F…

1
Mile High Report Card: Denver's State of the City 13:29

12M ago13:29

13:29

What is the state of our city? How is Mayor Mike Johnston addressing homelessness? Will housing prices continue to soar unaddressed? Are migrants top of mind for the administration? DJ Summers & Cole Anderson dive into Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's State of the City address, examining the challenges faced in the past year and his plans for the futur…

1
Denver's Multifront Battle: War on Fentanyl, Migrant Influx, and Property Tax Hikes 8:04

1y ago8:04

8:04

Welcome to the pilot episode of Colorado Clarity! Join hosts DJ Summers and Cole Anderson from the Common Sense Institute as they dive into the most pressing policy issues impacting Colorado today. In this episode, they tackle the fentanyl crisis sweeping through Colorado, the significant financial burden of the migrant influx on Denver and surroun…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Fentanyl: Our Nation’s Most Devastating Challenge 53:43

1y ago53:43

53:43

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Thursday, June 27, Common Sense Institute hosted an event titled "Fentanyl: Our Nation's Most Devastating Challenge" where speakers from across the country will share research and insights on one of the most challenging issues of our time. Our…

1
Introducing Common Sense Institute Oregon featuring Mark McMullen 30:42

1y ago30:42

30:42

In January, CSI made a bold move to kick off 2024 and launched in two new states: Iowa and Oregon. Both states are already releasing new studies and engaging in the public policy arena. Along with its successful counterparts in Colorado and Arizona, as well as a newly launched chapter in Iowa, CSI Oregon is guided by a board of local leaders, each …

1
How DSST Became a Successful Educational Model featuring Bill Kurtz and Van Schoales 37:23

1y ago37:23

37:23

Founded in 2004 as a high school in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood, Denver School of Science & Technology (DSST) is now nationally renowned for its unique design, diversity, and consistent high achievement—considered one of the leading open enrollment STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) schools in the United States. DSST’s mission…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - June 4, 2024 55:57

1y ago55:57

55:57

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, June 4, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "The Colorado Crisis: The Economic Impact of Migrants and the Homeless.." Our panelists included: Adam Paul - Director of Regional …

1
What Should We Do To Optimize RTD Ridership? featuring Kelly Brough and Daniel Hutton 35:28

1y ago35:28

35:28

What began as a relatively small-scale bus operation, RTD has grown to one of the Denver metro area’s most expansive pieces of infrastructure and a political arena of its own. Increasingly, the public is being asked to put more confidence into an organization of which it has cause to be skeptical. In the face of expansive plans, though, RTD serves …

1
A Breakdown of the 2024 Arizona Legislative Session featuring Katie Ratlief and Wayne Schutsky 38:32

1y ago38:32

38:32

Arizona's legislative session continues, and Common Sense Institute is here to discuss what's already unfolded and what remains to transpire. Specifically, we discuss the state budget and the critical areas of housing and homelessness. These topics are at the forefront of policy decisions and have significant implications for the future of the stat…

1
The Issue of Housing in the 2024 Colorado Legislature featuring Peter LiFari 33:13

1y ago33:13

33:13

Anybody in Colorado can agree that housing is at the top of the list our most pressing matters. It’s expensive, there doesn’t seem to be enough of it, people are afraid they won’t be able to keep their homes or that they’ll never buy one to begin with, and property taxes are going to make the expense issue that much worse. The Colorado legislature …

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - April 16, 2024 1:17:41

1+ y ago1:17:41

1:17:41

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, April 16, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: " From the State Capitol to the Kitchen Table: How Colorado Policy is Impacting Housing, Safety and Infrastructure." Our panelist…

1
Nearing the Finish Line: A Look Back and Ahead at the Colorado Legislative Session featuring Jake Zambrano 36:36

1+ y ago36:36

36:36

There is no shortage of public policy to pass through in Colorado in 2024. Legislators are trying to address a state in the throes of a housing affordability crisis, an infrastructure crunch, a crime wave, a post-inflation economic climate, a surge in migrants from the southern border, a statewide homelessness crisis, and a mental health crisis, on…

1
Caitlin Clarkonomics and the Impact on Iowa featuring Ben Murrey 31:19

1+ y ago31:19

31:19

University of Iowa’s homegrown star, Caitlin Clark, began her college basketball career playing in empty arenas at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now she competes in sold-out arenas wherever she goes—and for good reason. During her 4-year college career, Clark has broken countless records on the court and brought an unprecedented level of exc…

1
Crime Trends in Colorado featuring Paul Pazen 32:10

1+ y ago32:10

32:10

Few people in Colorado have not directly experienced crime. From property offenses to violent crimes, every crime leaves a traumatized victim. Whether the wounds are physical, psychological, or financial, it is important to acknowledge the profound effects that a crime can have on its victims. At Common Sense Institute, our goal is to address the e…

1
Tackling Homelessness in Arizona featuring Tom Simplot 24:57

1+ y ago24:57

24:57

Homelessness – and the provision of related services – has evolved into a substantial economic sector. While services are primarily provided by nonprofits, funding starts at the federal level and flows from federal, state, and local grantors into the nonprofit space. The funding and services are distributed through a vast national network of local …

1
Announcing the Launch of CSI Iowa featuring Joe Murphy and Ben Murrey 29:20

1+ y ago29:20

29:20

In January, CSI made a bold move to kick off 2024 and launched in two new states: Iowa and Oregon. Both states are already releasing new studies and engaging in the public policy arena. Along with its successful counterparts in Colorado and Arizona, as well as a newly launched chapter in Oregon, CSI Iowa is guided by a board of local leaders, each …

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - February 13, 2024 1:04:19

1+ y ago1:04:19

1:04:19

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, February 13, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "Supply & Demand, What to Know About Today's Degrees and Tomorrow's Jobs." Our panelists included: Janine Davidson - President…

1
Diagnosis of Colorado’s Healthcare Industry featuring Dr. Reggie Washington 34:31

1+ y ago34:31

34:31

Colorado’s healthcare industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy. In addition to protecting Coloradans’ personal health and wellbeing, the healthcare industry supports 18% of all Colorado jobs. The underlying economic and policy conditions that impact the healthcare system are more favorable in Colorado than in most other states, accord…

1
The Economic Costs of Colorado’s Foster Youth featuring John Farnam 28:22

1+ y ago28:22

28:22

Colorado’s foster care youth are a small but troubled section of society. Unfortunately, data is scarce for their life outcomes after they exit the system and, in some cases, when they are still inside it. To illustrate the economic impact of even a small sliver of the foster population, the report focuses on those aging out of the system. This is …

1
The Multifaceted Issue of Homelessness in Colorado featuring Donna Lynne 29:50

1+ y ago29:50

29:50

Over the last three years, Colorado has spent nearly $2 billion on homelessness, concentrated largely in the Denver metro region. While metro areas across the country have seen a surge of people experiencing homelessness, the Denver metro has some of the highest levels of growth among the areas the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development t…

1
Understanding and Solving Arizona’s Budget Deficit featuring Danny Seiden and Glenn Farley 30:06

1+ y ago30:06

30:06

Over the past decade Arizona’s population and economy have grown rapidly, but more recent data suggests this pace is slowing. Today the state is facing the end of its fastest period of revenue and spending growth ever – over the past five years, General Fund revenue collections have grown 52%, while spending has increased by over two-thirds (to $17…

1
The 2024 Free Enterprise Report featuring Lang Sias, Glenn Farley and Dr. Steven Byers 43:47

1+ y ago43:47

43:47

The Free Enterprise Report is a marquis report that provides an objective, non-partisan, fact-based analysis of both the Colorado and Arizona economic landscapes and each state’s most pressing issues. The study is a year long undertaking and includes the CSI Economic Performance Index as well as a Free Enterprise Competitiveness Index across eight …

1
The 2024 National Western Stock Show featuring Paul Andrews 26:59

1+ y ago26:59

26:59

The National Western Stock Show, held annually in Denver since 1906, is known as the Super Bowl of livestock shows, and one of the most prestigious horse shows and rodeos in the world. Initially aimed at demonstrating better breeding and feeding techniques to local stockmen, the show has grown to become one of the world’s largest stock shows, attra…

1
Colorado’s Workforce Woes, Opportunities and Economic Mobility featuring Tamra Ryan and Scott Laband 37:07

1+ y ago37:07

37:07

Colorado’s labor force is facing an unprecedented shortage, and conventional trends alone won’t resolve the issue. The state’s tight labor market, with 2.7 jobs for every unemployed person, is resulting in a significant $46 billion loss in annual GDP. A substantial portion of the unemployed and marginally attached to the labor force are people with…

1
Where Have All the Condos Gone? featuring Peter LiFari, Ted Leighty and Bruce Likoff 38:53

1+ y ago38:53

38:53

Over the past fifteen years, Colorado condominium construction has experienced a severe decline. Condominium development between 2018 and 2022, across 11 front range counties which collectively house over 80% of Colorado’s population, was 76% lower than between 2002 and 2008. This amounted to 14 new apartments for every 1 new condo in recent years,…

1
A Chat with Guy Benson Ahead of the Free Enterprise Summit 30:07

1+ y ago30:07

30:07

Guy Benson is a well-known political commentator and media personality. He is among the roster of the 25 millennial broadcasters in American news and politics and served as a Media Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University's Institute of Politics. He is also the keynote speaker at our 2023 Free E…

1
A Vision and Framework for Colorado’s Energy Future featuring Tisha Schuller and Doug Benevento 34:19

1+ y ago34:19

34:19

In an ideal end state, Colorado’s energy would be affordable, reliable, and leave the smallest possible environmental footprint. To achieve this, energy would be appreciated as a central force that enables progress—rather than being viewed by legislators and policymakers as a necessary evil. Consumers would be empowered with choices that reflect th…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - September 26, 2023 1:12:24

2y ago1:12:24

1:12:24

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, September 26, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition featured discussion about Proposition HH: the Taxpayer Dilemma. The panel featured the following participants: Kelly Caufield - CSI Execu…

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