All American Why

All American Why
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All American Why is a podcast for Excessive Thinkers, people who still give a damn about the country and believe curiosity is a civic responsibility. Each episode tackles a single big question about America, inviting nuance, critical thinking, and real conversation in a time of oversimplification. The show creates space for learning, reflection, and the occasional patriotic spiral, all rooted in the idea that critique is a form of care. 

Episodes

  1. 13 MAR

    Why Are We Still Debating Climate Change When Action Is the Only Option?

    Climate change is no longer theoretical. The measurements are clear and the impacts are already here. So why are we still debating instead of acting? Michael talks with climate activist and comedian Brian Ettling about climate communication, political will, and how ordinary people can push real change.  Guest Information Brian Ettling (He/Him)Climate Activist/Comedianhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ettling-97853226/https://www.instagram.com/brian.ettling/https://climatechangecomedian.com/ Recording and ProductionRecorded at: XRAY.FM StudiosOriginal Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvewsAudio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audioLearn More/SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Tracks global temperature trends and confirms recent years as the warmest on record.https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/ Annual climate summary confirming record global temperatures and major climate trends.https://www.noaa.gov/news/2023-was-warmest-year-on-record Long-running measurements showing atmospheric carbon dioxide now exceeding 420 parts per million.https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/ Historic dataset visualizing the steady rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide since the 1950s.https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/ Database tracking U.S. weather and climate disasters that caused more than one billion dollars in damage.https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/ Global report documenting rising deaths and economic losses from extreme weather and climate disasters.https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/library/atlas-of-mortality-and-economic-losses Overview of the catastrophic 2022 floods in Pakistan that affected more than 30 million people.https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/pakistan-floods Analysis of the 2023 Canadian wildfire season and the smoke that spread across much of the United States.https://www.noaa.gov/news/record-canadian-wildfires-2023 Explains how rising sea levels are causing regular coastal flooding even without storms.https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/nuisance-flooding.html Satellite data tracking global sea level rise due to melting ice and warming oceans.https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/ Major global scientific report summarizing the causes, evidence, and impacts of climate change.https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/synthesis-report/ Report explaining how climate change is affecting infrastructure, agriculture, health, and communities in the United States.https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/ Explains the federal determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare.https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/endangerment-finding Landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision confirming that greenhouse gases can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-1120.pdf Overview explaining PFAS “forever chemicals” and their environmental and health risks.https://www.epa.gov/pfas Overview of global plastic pollution and how it spreads through oceans and ecosystems.https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution Scientific research showing microplastics have been detected in human blood samples.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022001258 Analysis explaining how extreme weather and electrification are increasing strain on power grids.https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-grids-and-secure-energy-transitions Analysis of how climate-related extreme weather affects agriculture and global food prices.https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update Overview of major U.S. investments in clean energy, manufacturing, and climate technology.https://www.energy.gov/inflation-reduction-act Congressional resolution outlining a framework connecting climate action with jobs, infrastructure, and economic reform.https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109

    1hr 7min

  2. 27 FEB

    Why Are Trans People Forced to Justify Their Existence?

    Episode InformationThank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. Guest Information Rhodes Perry (He/Him)Founder and CEO of Rhodes Perry ConsultingAuthor of Belonging at Work and Imagine Belonginghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/rhodesperryconsulting Recording and ProductionRecorded at: XRAY.FM StudiosOriginal Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvewsAudio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audioLearn More/SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Transgender and nonbinary population estimates in the U.S.This provides the widely cited estimate that about 2.8 million people in the U.S. age 13+ identify as transgender or nonbinary, and about 3.3% of teens do, and explains limitations in the data.https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/trans-pop-estimates-press-release/Why trans and nonbinary people are undercounted in surveysExplains gaps in data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity and why many surveys miss people or why people may not answer honestly.https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/issues/data-collection/National survey on trans adults’ lived experiences (KFF/Washington Post)Large survey covering healthcare, discrimination, safety, and daily life for trans adults in the U.S.https://www.kff.org/lgbtq/kff-the-washington-post-trans-survey/What intersex traits are and how common they are (Cleveland Clinic)Explains intersex variations and commonly cited prevalence ranges around 1 to 2 percent.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16324-intersexGlobal intersex awareness and human rights framing (UN Free & Equal / OHCHR)Explains intersex traits, human rights concerns, and global context.https://www.unfe.org/what-we-do/our-campaigns/intersex-awarenessHuman Rights Watch report on medically unnecessary intersex surgeries in the U.S.Documents nonconsensual surgeries on intersex infants and children and the harms caused, and shows they have continued into modern times.https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/07/25/i-want-be-nature-made-me/medically-unnecessary-surgeries-intersex-children-usHuman Rights Watch update urging an end to nonconsensual intersex surgeriesMore recent expert and human rights calls to stop these practices.https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/04/experts-urge-end-nonconsensual-intersex-surgeriesMarsha P. Johnson biography (Encyclopaedia Britannica)Authoritative overview of her life and role in LGBTQ+ history.https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marsha-P-JohnsonSylvia Rivera biography (Encyclopaedia Britannica)Authoritative overview of her life and activism.https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylvia-RiveraCompton’s Cafeteria Riot historical overview (PBS)Explains the 1966 uprising by trans and gender nonconforming people in San Francisco, years before Stonewall.https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/premarketplace-history-the-comptons-cafeteria-riot-made-history-years-before-stonewall The “three-article rule” and criminalization of drag and cross-dressing (History.com)Explains how police used clothing laws to arrest gender nonconforming people.https://www.history.com/articles/stonewall-riots-lgbtq-drag-three-article-ruleTimeline of anti-cross-dressing laws in the U.S. (PBS NewsHour)Shows how these laws were used historically across the country.https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/arresting-dress-timeline-anti-cross-dressing-laws-u-sTrump executive order on “gender ideology” (January 20, 2025)Official White House text declaring the federal government recognizes only two sexes.https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/Trump executive order on military policy (January 27, 2025)Directs the Department of Defense to revise policies related to gender identity and service.https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/prioritizing-military-excellence-and-readiness/Reuters reporting on Supreme Court allowing trans military ban and Hegseth quoteIncludes the “No more pronouns. No more dudes in dresses” quote and legal context.https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-lets-trumps-transgender-military-ban-take-effect-2025-05-06/Reuters reporting on Pentagon separation timeline for trans service membersExplains the 30 and 60 day timelines and how the policy is implemented.https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-military-start-kicking-out-transgender-troops-next-month-memo-says-2025-05-08/Military Times reporting on the impact of the separation policyCovers how many service members may be affected and how the policy works in practice.https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/05/08/up-to-1000-transgender-troops-being-separated-under-new-pentagon-memo/Williams Institute study on public accommodations and bathroom safetyShows that nondiscrimination laws did not increase safety incidents in Massachusetts.https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/ma-public-accommodations/ABC News coverage of Nancy Mace bathroom ban effortExplains the Capitol bathroom controversy and the political context.https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mace-effort-ban-transgender-women-capitols-womens-restrooms/story?id=116009034Animal Pride documentary program page (PBS International)Overview of the documentary about same-sex behavior, sex-changing species, and intersex traits in animals.https://pbs.org/programs/animal-pride UC Berkeley explainer on sex-changing fishExplains sequential hermaphroditism in species like clownfish and wrasses.https://evolution.berkeley.edu/fisheye-view-tree-of-life/gender-bending-fish/Natural History Museum explainer on same-sex behavior in animalsShows how widespread same-sex behavior is across many species.https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/gay-natural-history.htmlVICE reporting on Grindr usage spike during the 2016 RNCEarly reporting on increased Grindr usage around a conservative political event.https://www.vice.com/en/article/clear-vp-turnout-grindr-during-the-rnc Newsweek reporting on Grindr app spike/crash around the 2024 RNCMore recent coverage of the same phenomenon.https://www.newsweek.com/grindr-app-crashes-milwaukee-rnc-1927750Pornhub Year in Review trends coverageSecondary reporting on adult search trends including trans-related content, useful for the “public panic vs private reality” point.https://www.them.us/story/pornhub-2025-top-searches-most-viewed-lesbian-femboy-lgbt-trendsWPATH Standards of Care Version 8International clinical guidelines supporting gender affirming care.https://wpath.org/publications/soc8/Peer-reviewed article on outcomes and standards of care (PMC)Academic publication discussing standards, outcomes, and evidence base.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9553112/American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmation of gender affirming careShows major U.S. pediatric medical body supports evidence-based care.https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/25340/AAP-reaffirms-gender-affirming-care-policyAmerican Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry statementProfessional organization supporting access to gender affirming healthcare.https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Policy_Statements/2024/Access_Gender-Affirming_Healthcare.aspx

    1hr 12min

  3. 15 FEB

    Why Don’t Americans Acknowledge That Black History Is American History, and How Can We Change That?

    Episode InformationThank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. And thank you to Black Americans, past and present, whose labor, creativity, leadership, and perseverance have shaped this country from its beginning. They did not just influence the United States. They helped build it and continue to move it forward. Featured VoicesKevin Cook/Poison WatersDeanna Smith Milo ReedRecording and ProductionRecorded at: XRAY.FM StudiosOriginal Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvewsAudio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audioLearn More/SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Origins of Black History Month (Carter G. Woodson, 1926, Negro History Week)https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/carter-woodson-black-history-month/Why February (Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln birthdays)https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-black-history-month-celebrated-in-february Overview of Black History Month history and evolutionhttps://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-monthPresidential recognition of Black History Month (Gerald Ford, 1976)https://ford.blogs.archives.gov/2024/02/01/recognition-of-black-history-month/Carter G. Woodson biography and missionhttps://www.naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/civil-rights-leaders/carter-g-woodson/Slavery as a central economic system in U.S. historyhttps://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slaveryCotton and slavery’s role in building American wealthhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-tradeJim Crow laws as a legal system of segregationhttps://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/jim-crow-lawsBlack Codes and post-emancipation control systemshttps://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-codes Convict leasing after the Civil Warhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/convict-lease-system Redlining and federal housing policy (HOLC maps, 1930s)https://www.history.com/news/housing-segregation-new-deal-programRedlining and its impact on generational wealthhttps://ncrc.org/holc-health/ Civil Rights Act of 1964https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-actVoting Rights Act of 1965https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-actFair Housing Act of 1968https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overviewJames Baldwin quote on history and the presenthttps://www.brainpickings.org/2013/08/14/james-baldwin-history/African rice cultivation knowledge and Carolina economieshttps://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-gullah-geechee-and-rice-culture.htmGeorge Washington Carver and sustainable agriculturehttps://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Washington-CarverHenry Blair patents (seed and cotton planters)https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/blair-henry-1807-1860/Norbert Rillieux and modern sugar refininghttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Norbert-RillieuxJan Matzeliger and shoe manufacturing automationhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Jan-Ernst-Matzeliger Garrett Morgan and the gas mask and traffic signalhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Garrett-A-MorganSister Rosetta Tharpe and the origins of rock and rollhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/sister-rosetta-tharpe-godmother-rock-n-roll-180963600/Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raidhttps://www.nps.gov/articles/harriet-tubman-combahee-river-raid.htmHidden Figures and Black women at NASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/feature/hidden-figures-the-women-who-helped-win-the-space-race/Audre Lorde and “the master’s tools”https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/lorde-audre-1934-1992/Angela Davis on prisons, policing, and systemic racismhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Angela-Davis bell hooks on education and liberationhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/bell-hooksIda B. Wells and anti-lynching investigationshttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Ida-B-Wells-BarnettBlack Lives Matter movement originshttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Lives-Matter

    21 min
  4. Why Does Comedy Matter When Everything Feels Broken?

    5 FEB

    Why Does Comedy Matter When Everything Feels Broken?

    Episode InformationHuge thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. After we wrapped, I realized I forgot to shout out a few absolute legends like Carol Burnett and Mary Tyler Moore. I also didn’t get to name some of the incredible women in comedy I love and admire so much, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Kristen Wiig. And Catherine O’Hara deserves special love too. While she isn’t a stand-up comedian, her ability to make me and so many others laugh is truly unmatched. There are honestly too many brilliant people to list, but I hope you have someone in your life who makes you laugh whether that’s a comedian you love, a family member, a coworker, or a friend. We all deserve a little more laughter.  Guest Information Belinda Carroll (She/Her), Comedian, ActivistIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6509199/Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belinda_Carroll_(comedian)Instagram: @belindacomedyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@belinda_comedyRecording and ProductionRecorded at: XRAY.FM StudiosOriginal Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvewsAudio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audioLearn More/SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Proverbs 17:22 (Bible)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17%3A22&version=NRSVUENorman Cousins, Anatomy of an Illnesshttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/32961/anatomy-of-an-illness-as-perceived-by-the-patient-by-norman-cousins/ Laughter and stress hormones, Berk et al., American Journal of the Medical Scienceshttps://journals.lww.com/amjmedsci/Abstract/1989/12000/Neuroendocrine_and_Stress_Hormone_Changes_During.1.aspx Mayo Clinic on stress relief from laughterhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456Charlie Chaplin, Modern Times (1936)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027977/Great Depression unemployment data, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticshttps://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/10/art1full.pdfMel Brooks, The Producers (1967)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063462/Mel Brooks on making Hitler ridiculoushttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/mel-brooks-on-making-hitler-ridiculous-180962498/Mark Twain lecture tours and humorhttps://www.pbs.org/marktwain/learnmore/writings_humor.html Dick Gregory biography and civil rights comedyhttps://www.biography.com/performer/dick-gregoryDick Gregory: Beyond the Laughter documentaryhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101688/ Lenny Bruce obscenity trialshttps://www.aclu.org/documents/trials-lenny-bruceLenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth documentaryhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120715/Bob Hope USO historyhttps://www.uso.org/stories/1942-bob-hope-and-the-usoGeorge Carlin on political languagehttps://www.openculture.com/2013/02/george_carlin_on_soft_language.htmlGeorge Carlin bookshttps://www.georgecarlin.com/books/ Richard Pryor documentary Omit the Logichttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt2486682/ Eddie Murphy Delirioushttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085478/Eddie Murphy Rawhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093855/I Love Lucy “Job Switching” chocolate factory episodehttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609194/I Love Lucy “Lucy Does a Commercial” Vitameatavegamin episodehttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609186/Joan Rivers documentary A Piece of Workhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt1558250/ Robin Williams Live on Broadwayhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303781/Mrs. Doubtfirehttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107614/The Birdcagehttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115685/SNL returns after 9/11https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/snl-returns-after-9-11-flna1c9462991Jon Stewart “Can we be funny?” storyhttps://www.vulture.com/2016/09/jon-stewart-snl-911-oral-history.htmlThe Daily Showhttps://www.cc.com/shows/the-daily-showFull Frontal with Samantha Beehttps://www.tbs.com/shows/full-frontal-with-samantha-beeLast Week Tonight with John Oliverhttps://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliverThe Colbert Reporthttps://www.cc.com/shows/the-colbert-reportHave I Got News for Youhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mkw3The Golden Girlshttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088526/Broad Cityhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt2578560/Parks and Recreationhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266020/Support the showAll American Why is independently produced and listener supported.If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here:https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support Another great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

    1hr 14min
  5. Why Is A Nation Built by Immigrants Still So Afraid of Immigrants?

    21 JAN

    Why Is A Nation Built by Immigrants Still So Afraid of Immigrants?

    Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. As of the episode’s release on January 20, 2026, Danny Quach remains detained in a facility in Houston, Texas. After four months, his family and advocates have received little to no information about his status or any timeline for release or deportation to Vietnam. Guest Information Al Nodarse, Friend of DannyMary Quach, Wife of Danny Go Fund Me to Support Danny and His Family: https://gofund.me/993e46405 Recording and ProductionOriginal Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvewsAudio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio  Learn More/SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. KATU News story about Dannyhttps://katu.com/news/local/lake-oswego-rallies-for-detained-man-facing-deportation-to-vietnam-danny-quach-al-nodarse-vietnam-immigrant-baker-bakery-freedom-for-4-danny-happy-sparrow-lake-oswego-bakery-business-owner-immigration-ice-detention ReutersFour migrants die in US immigration custody over first 10 days of 2026https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/four-migrants-die-us-ice-custody-over-first-10-days-2026-2026-01-12/ ReutersFatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis sparks national protestshttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/fatal-ice-shooting-minneapolis-activist-sets-stage-national-protests-2026-01-10/ The GuardianUS immigration agents shot at people 16 times under Trump’s crackdownhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/07/trump-immigration-ice-shootingsThe GuardianWill ICE agent face consequences for Renee Nicole Good’s killinghttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/10/will-ice-agent-face-consequences-renee-nicole-goodThe Guardian2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in two decadeshttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jan/04/ice-2025-deaths-timelineWashington PostMedical examiner believes death of man in ICE custody was homicidehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2026/01/15/ice-detention-death-homicide/ American Immigration CouncilImmigration Detention Expansion in Trump’s Second Termhttps://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/immigration-detention-report.pdfACLU / Physicians for Human RightsDeadly Failures: Preventable Deaths in U.S. Immigration Detentionhttps://www.aclu.org/publications/deadly-failures-preventable-deaths-in-us-immigrant-detention Project On Government OversightICE Inspections Plummeted as Detentions Soared in 2025https://www.pogo.org/investigates/ice-inspections-plummeted-as-detentions-soared-in-2025PBS NewsHourA dozen undocumented workers were fired from a Trump golf coursehttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/a-dozen-undocumented-workers-were-fired-from-a-trump-golf-course-what-happens-nowThe WeekA pipeline of undocumented immigrants reportedly helped build and maintain Trump’s New Jersey golf clubhttps://theweek.com/speedreads/822758/pipeline-undocumented-immigrants-reportedly-helped-build-maintain-trumps-new-jersey-golf-clubThe Statute of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Passenger Search Websitehttps://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/U.S. Code, Asylum (8 U.S.C. § 1158). Legal text defining asylum eligibility and procedure https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1158American Immigration Council, Asylum in the United States. Overview of the Refugee Act of 1980 https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/asylum-united-states/USCIS, Refugees and Asylum. Official explanation of the process and legal context https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylumOffice of Refugee Resettlement, The Refugee Act of 1980. Policy guidance https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/refugee-actNational Constitution Center, Wong Kim Ark decision and Fourteenth Amendment contexthttps://constitutioncenter.org/blog/a-look-back-at-the-wong-kim-ark-decisionOyez, United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Case summaryhttps://www.oyez.org/cases/1850-1900/169us649NAPABA, Wong Kim Ark upheld birthright citizenshiphttps://www.napaba.org/page/wong_kim_arkOrganization of American Historians, Historical overview of birthright citizenship and exclusion politicshttps://www.oah.org/tah/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-history/from-wong-kim-ark-to-the-japanese-american-incarceration-asian-americans-and-the-racial-limits-of-birthright-citizenship/U.S. National Archives, Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Government background and documentary materialshttps://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/japanese-relocationSupreme Court History, Wong Kim Ark context including Ex parte Endo and incarceration referenceshttps://civics.supremecourthistory.org/article/united-states-v-wong-kim-ark/USCIS, Immigration and Nationality Act overview. Foundational post-1952 immigration lawhttps://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-actSupport the showAll American Why is independently produced and listener supported.If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here:https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support Another great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

    1hr 15min
  6. Introducing 'All American Why'

    21 JAN

    Introducing 'All American Why'

    All American Why is a podcast for people who care deeply about this country and are feeling a lot about it. Hosted by Michael Jonas, JD, MBA, the show explores politics, power, culture, and policy by asking one essential question again and again: why. Because you cannot fix what you refuse to understand. Anger, grief, hope, exhaustion, outrage, and love all coexist here. None of those feelings are wrong. All American Why makes room for all of it, while rejecting shallow debates and recycled talking points in favor of real problem solving. Michael is a business lawyer, community builder, and former congressional candidate who believes patriotism is not about comfort or silence. It is about accountability, honesty, and the willingness to name what is broken so it can actually be fixed. Drawing from law, advocacy, community work, and a firsthand run for Congress, Michael brings sharp analysis, lived experience, and humor that keeps the show grounded and human. The goal is not to tell you what to think, but to slow things down long enough to understand root causes and explore better paths forward. This show is also building a community known as the Excessive Thinkers. Policy nerds, frustrated voters, recovering and/or spiteful optimists, and anyone who believes democracy requires participation are welcome here. Expect thoughtful conversation, uncomfortable questions, and the occasional spiral. It’s giving stars, stripes, and dumpster fire vibes. Together, we will laugh, cry, and ask why. If you still believe America is worth understanding, fixing, and fighting for, subscribe, share, and join us. Welcome to All American Why.

    3 min

  7. 6 JAN

    Why Does Universal Health Care Still Not Exist in America?

    Guest Information Collin Stackhouse (He/They), Communications Coordinator, Health Care for All OregonWebsite: https://www.hcao.org/Instagram: @healthcareforalloregonBlueSky: @healthcareforallor.bsky.socialReddit: @healthcare4alloregonRecording and ProductionProduction Studio:  Sasquatch Media Grounds @sasquatchmediagroundsOriginal Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvewsAudio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. OECD overviewhttps://www.oecd.org/about/OECD health system comparisonshttps://www.oecd.org/health/health-systems/ Kaiser Family Foundation on medical debt and delayed carehttps://www.kff.org/health-costs/Medical bankruptcy researchhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1127305/ Health insurance company profits and earningshttps://www.statista.com/topics/6700/health-insurance-companies-in-the-us/ UnitedHealth Group annual earningshttps://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/investors.htmlInsurance claim denials and prior authorization impactshttps://www.kff.org/private-insurance/issue-brief/prior-authorization-in-medicare-advantage/ Affordable Care Act overviewhttps://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/health-policy-101-the-affordable-care-act/Pre-existing condition protectionshttps://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/pre-existing-conditions/index.htmlHistory of U.S. universal health care effortshttps://pnhp.org/a-brief-history-universal-health-care-efforts-in-the-us/ Oregon universal health care effortshttps://www.elderlawanswers.com/can-oregon-launch-universal-health-care-in-the-us-21255Support the ShowAll American Why is independently produced and listener supported.If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here: https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/support Another great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

    49 min
  8. Why Did 'Woke' Become the Enemy Instead of Injustice?

    6 JAN

    Why Did 'Woke' Become the Enemy Instead of Injustice?

    Guest InformationShari Dunn (She/Her/Hers), Author and CEO/Principal ITBOM LLCWebsite: https://thesharidunn.com/Instagram: @thesharidunn.com6Bluesky: @qualified-sharid.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharidunn/Substack: https://sharidunn.substack.com/Recording and ProductionProduction Studio:  Sasquatch Media Grounds @sasquatchmediagroundsOriginal Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvewsAudio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.Lead Belly, “Scottsboro Boys” (1938), Library of Congresshttps://www.loc.gov/item/jukebox-15460/William Melvin Kelley, “If You’re Woke You Dig It,” New York Times Magazine (1962)https://www.nytimes.com/1962/05/20/archives/if-youre-woke-you-dig-it.htmlMerriam-Webster, “The History and Meaning of ‘Woke’”https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/woke-meaning-originSnopes, “Origins of the Term ‘Stay Woke’”https://www.snopes.com/articles/464795/origins-term-stay-woke/Erykah Badu, “Master Teacher” (2008)https://open.spotify.com/track/2ZqTz3tqZLqI6HnHqG2KcBPowell v. Alabama (1932), U.S. Supreme Courthttps://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/287/45/Norris v. Alabama (1935), U.S. Supreme Courthttps://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/294/587/Emmett Till, National Museum of African American History and Culturehttps://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/emmett-tillJim Crow laws, National Archiveshttps://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/jim-crowCivil Rights Act of 1964, U.S. Department of Justicehttps://www.justice.gov/crt/civil-rights-act-1964Voting Rights Act of 1965, U.S. Department of Justicehttps://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-rights-act-1965Fair Housing Act of 1968, U.S. Department of Justicehttps://www.justice.gov/crt/fair-housing-act-1Redlining maps and history, Mapping Inequality Project (University of Richmond)https://dsl.richmond.edu/panorama/redlining/ Gallup polling on Martin Luther King Jr.’s public approvalhttps://news.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/229376/gallup-vault-martin-luther-king-jr.aspxMartin Luther King Jr., “Beyond Vietnam” speech (1967), Stanford King Institutehttps://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/beyond-vietnamFBI COINTELPRO records on Martin Luther King Jr.https://vault.fbi.gov/Martin%20Luther%20King%2C%20Jr. Malcolm X background and post–Nation of Islam work, Stanford King Institutehttps://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/malcolm-xJohn Lewis and Bloody Sunday at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, National Park Servicehttps://www.nps.gov/articles/bloody-sunday-edmund-pettus-bridge.htmExecutive Order 10925 (1961), The American Presidency Projecthttps://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-10925Executive Order 11246 (1965), U.S. Department of Laborhttps://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/executive-order-11246Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978), U.S. Supreme Courthttps://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/438/265/U.S. Department of Justice, Ferguson Report (2015)https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/800146/downloadPew Research Center, Black Lives Matter coverage and pollinghttps://www.pewresearch.org/topic/race-ethnicity/black-lives-matter/U.S. Census Bureau, racial wealth gap datahttps://www.census.gov/topics/income-poverty/wealth.htmlFederal Reserve, Survey of Consumer Financeshttps://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maternal mortality by racehttps://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/data-research/index.htmlU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, environmental justicehttps://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice Bureau of Justice Statistics, race and sentencing datahttps://bjs.ojp.gov/topics/race-and-ethnicityFlorida Stop WOKE Act (HB 7, 2022), Florida Senatehttps://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/7Florida Parental Rights in Education Act (2022), Florida Senatehttps://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/1557PEN America, educational censorship and gag order reportshttps://pen.org/report/educational-gag-orders/ACLU of Florida, analysis of anti-DEI lawshttps://www.aclufl.org/en/issues/free-speech/stop-woke-actNew York Times reporting on Ron DeSantis and “wokeness”https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/18/us/politics/desantis-woke-florida.htmlNational Archives, “Reconstruction: Carpetbaggers, Scalawags, and the Ku Klux Klan”https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/reconstruction Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Reconstruction Era overviewhttps://americanhistory.si.edu/reconstruction-eraLibrary of Congress, Reconstruction primary sources and essayshttps://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/civil-war-and-reconstruction-1861-1877/reconstruction/Support the ShowAll American Why is independently produced and listener supported.If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here:https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/supportAnother great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

    1hr 5min

  9. 6 JAN

    Why Is the Insurrection a Warning We Still Haven’t Learned From?

    Guest InformationMichael Jonas, JD, MBA, Podcast Host/Producer, Owner/Attorney, Narwhal Law and Business Strategy Websites: https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/, https://www.narwhallawandbusinessstrategy.com/Instagram: @allamericanwhy, @narwhallawandbizstrategyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelericjonas/Email: michael@allamericanwhy.comLearn More/SourcesThe following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. U.S. House Select Committee on January 6, Final Report https://january6th.house.gov/reportExecutive Summary of the January 6 Report (PDF)https://january6th.house.gov/sites/democrats.january6th.house.gov/files/Executive%20Summary.pdfU.S. Department of Justice, Capitol Breach Cases https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/capitol-breach-cases DOJ Press Releases on Seditious Conspiracy Convictionshttps://www.justice.gov/opa/prAttorney General William Barr on Election Fraud (AP News, Dec. 2020)https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-elections-william-barr-voting-presidential-elections-7b7a1dff2c20c9d4c6a36b4c3c5f4f3aDHS CISA Statement on 2020 Election Security https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/joint-statement-elections-infrastructure-government-coordinating-councilReuters Analysis of Failed Election Lawsuitshttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-allies-lost-nearly-every-election-lawsuit-2020-2021-06-21/U.S. Capitol Police Press Releaseshttps://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releasesFBI Pipe Bomb Investigationhttps://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/update-on-pipe-bombs-investigationInsurrection Act of 1807 (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255)https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/chapter-13Congressional Research Service on the Insurrection Acthttps://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11465Brennan Center, Insurrection Act Explainedhttps://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/insurrection-act-explainedFourteenth Amendment, Section 3https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-14/section-3/Just Security, Legal Analysis of Disqualification After January 6https://www.justsecurity.org/82134/section-3-of-the-14th-amendment-and-the-disqualification-of-insurrectionists/Post-Election Fundraising Analysis, New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/us/politics/trump-fundraising-election.htmlOutrage Economy, Columbia Journalism Reviewhttps://www.cjr.org/the_media_today/outrage-economy.phpBBC International Coverage of January 6https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55592332Support the showAll American Why is independently produced and listener supported.If you value conversations that center nuance, critical thinking, and honest inquiry, you can support the show here:https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/supportAnother great way to support the podcast is by sharing this episode, leaving a review, or sending it to the Excessive Thinkers in your life who love asking “why” and thinking deeply.

    17 min

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About

All American Why is a podcast for Excessive Thinkers, people who still give a damn about the country and believe curiosity is a civic responsibility. Each episode tackles a single big question about America, inviting nuance, critical thinking, and real conversation in a time of oversimplification. The show creates space for learning, reflection, and the occasional patriotic spiral, all rooted in the idea that critique is a form of care. 

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  • Creator
    All American Why
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
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    © 2026 My Creativity Vitality LLC. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    All American Why