Coffee With the Constitution

Nikki Bondale

Hello Everyone! My name is Nikki Bondale and I'm an undergraduate student with a passion for politics and constitutional law. Each week, I cover topics ranging from historical events surrounding Constitution to modern-day events and Supreme Court cases. Hope you enjoy!

  1. 20/02/2025

    Episode 22— Politics... and Sports?

    Hey Everyone! Welcome to what I like to call a dinner party's worst nightmare— a podcast episode entirely about politics and sports. In this episode, we'll be looking at instances in which professional athletes used sporting events to make political statements or to advocate for changes in society. From the 1936 Berlin Olympics to former 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick, historical sporting matches are littered with political statements. Hope you all enjoy the episode!!

    20 min

  2. 13/02/2025

    Episode 21— Advocacy & Broadway: When Politics Takes Center Stage

    Hello everyone! In this week’s episode, we’re diving into something truly unique—the unexpected connection between Broadway musicals and politics. At first glance, it might seem like these two worlds don’t have much in common, but history tells a different story. FromWest Side StoryandShowboat toRentandHamilton, musicals have long been used as a platform to reflect, critique, and even shape political discourse. Join us as we explore how Broadway has tackled issues like civil rights, war, government corruption, and activism, and how these performances continue to influence and inspire audiences today. Whether you're a theater lover, a history buff, or just curious about the power of storytelling, this episode is for you! Hope you all enjoy!!

    14 min

  3. 05/01/2025

    The Sixth Amendment

    Hey Everyone! Today we will be looking at the 6th Amendment and continuing our mini-series looking into each amendment of the US Constitution. Hope you all enjoy!

    7 min

  4. 29/12/2024

    The Fifth Amendment

    Hey All! Today we will be examining the key tenets of the 5th Amendment, including landmark cases that have helped mold and shape the legal system we have today! Hope you all enjoy!

    8 min

  5. 26/12/2024

    Episode 20—Can Someone Trademark Donald Trump's Name?

    Hello Everyone! Today we will be looking at Vidal v. Elster (2024), a case involving trademark rights and the Lanham Act of 1946. This case examined if a living individuals' name can be trademarked without their consent! Especially with all of the merchandise that was being made leading up to the 2024 Election, it's a very current and interesting issue to look at. Hope you all enjoy!

    12 min

  6. 18/12/2024

    Episode 19— Question of Transgender Rights Enters the Supreme Court

    Hey Everyone! In today's episode we are actually looking at a case that has not been decided on yet by the Supreme Court— US v. Skrmetti. It was argued less than a week ago before the justices and involves a potentially discriminatory Tennessee law. This case will set precedent for future questions of transgender rights by determining if transgender individuals constitute a "quai-suspect qualification" necessitating the Intermediate Scrutiny standard. In looking at the oral arguments, the Justices brought up questions of standing and federalism, the matter of whether transgender athletes shall be allowed in competitive sports, and history of discrimination toward trans individuals. Hope you all enjoy and let me know what you want to hear next!!

    33 min

  7. 05/11/2024

    Episode 18- 2024 Election: Which Way will the Swing States Swing?

    Hello Everyone! In this episode we're looking at how the 7 key battleground states are looking leading up to the Presidential Election. I'll be discussing how these states have swung historically, how their polling systems work, how many electoral votes each states have, and how they are slated to swing compared to the last election. Hope you all enjoy and happy election day!

    10 min

  8. 22/07/2024 ·  Bonus

    Episode 17: BREAKING NEWS- President Biden Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Election

    Earlier this week, July 21st, President Biden formally announced that he will no longer be running for reelection in the 2024 election. This is an unprecedented act that has shaken up how this election is going to look. Backed by notable Democrats such as Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, many do support his decision to step down. Biden and other Democrats are now backing Kamala Harris, the current US Vice President, as the name that should be at the top of the ticket in November. More updates to come!

    4 min
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About

Hello Everyone! My name is Nikki Bondale and I'm an undergraduate student with a passion for politics and constitutional law. Each week, I cover topics ranging from historical events surrounding Constitution to modern-day events and Supreme Court cases. Hope you enjoy!

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