Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon

Richard Gordon
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Political strategist and advisor Richard Gordon connects with numerous elected officials and candidates on the state, local and federal levels in the real conversations we need to have during these "Unconventional Times."

  1. 5d ago

    Ep. 80: Can You Trust Election Results? Bruce Spiva Discusses Election Security

    American elections are safe and secure—so why is there so much noise about fraud and intimidation? In this episode of Unconventional Times, listeners gain clarity amid election season uncertainty as leading election lawyer Bruce Spiva dispels myths about voter fraud, explains the real impact of voter suppression tactics, and details what every voter should know to protect their rights on Election Day. The conversation explores the truth behind claims of noncitizen voting, the minimal risks posed by mail-in and early voting, the difference between foreign interference and influence, and how citizens can counteract intimidation at the polls. Insights into the legal processes protecting the vote and a call to action for every eligible American round out this essential election episode. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Intro and guest introduction[01:44] Election safety and public trust[03:30] Addressing claims of widespread voter fraud[06:35] Human error and rare registration issues[08:14] Voter fraud versus voter suppression[09:43] Modern voter suppression tactics[13:28] DOJ and federal involvement in elections[17:09] Role of election monitors and poll watchers[20:02] Foreign interference versus influence[22:59] What to do if confronted at the polls[24:16] Provisional ballots and ensuring your vote counts[25:42] Post-election legal challenges[29:11] Examination of the Alaska Senate race[32:46] Safety and integrity of mail-in and early voting[35:41] Voter ID and proof of citizenship issues[37:51] How to support the Campaign Legal Center[38:10] Closing thoughts and voting encouragement[40:14] Outro and podcast info

    Ep. 80: Can You Trust Election Results? Bruce Spiva Discusses Election Security

  2. Oct 25

    Polls, Predictions, And Political Disarray: Doug Schoen on the 2026 Midterms

    Discover what America’s top pollsters really think as the midterms loom—and why so many voters feel angry, disconnected, and uncertain about the nation’s future. In this episode, Richard Gordon sits down with legendary strategist Doug Schoen just 11 days before the crucial midterm elections. Together, they reveal why both Democratic and Republican political brands are suffering, whether the much-hyped “blue wave” is really a “red retreat,” and how rising extremism on both sides is changing the electorate. Hear a frank discussion about polling’s growing challenges, why certain demographics are shifting, the impact of negative campaign ads, and what surprises might shape the final election outcome. Doug Schoen also shares a jaw-dropping prediction for what could shock everyone the morning after the election. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode intro and guest welcome01:18 Big picture: House and Senate race forecasts03:03 Unprecedented number of close Senate races03:30 Justice Department’s Alaska controversy04:47 Blue wave or “red retreat”?05:56 How Democratic Socialists are impacting key races06:37 The Michigan Senate race and the Israel issue08:18 The angry and restive electorate09:51 Why Americans feel government isn’t working for them10:43 Rise of extremes and the missing political center12:01 How party tactics are splintering politics13:31 Change elections—the new norma14:01 What early voting reveals15:05 Are polls undercounting Republicans?16:03 Changing nature of polling and its accuracy18:12 How pollsters try to adjust to a shifting landscape19:14 The problem of phony polls in campaigns20:27 Analyzing negative campaign ads—the Ohio governor’s race23:02 How group loyalties (Latinos, young men) shift in modern politics25:03 The curious case of prediction markets28:46 Should political betting be banned?30:43 What to watch for during the final 11 days32:43 Could a global crisis upend the election?33:10 Doug Schoen’s prediction for a post-election shock34:13 Host commentary on campaign character and civic engagement38:04 Closing remarks and where to find more episodes

    Polls, Predictions, And Political Disarray: Doug Schoen on the 2026 Midterms

  3. Oct 8

    Bringing AI to Environmental Policy: Insights from Illinois EPA's James Jennings

    Discover how a culture of creative problem-solving and embracing AI is transforming environmental protection in Illinois. This episode of Unconventional Times features James Jennings, Director of the Illinois EPA, who offers inside perspective on leading a diverse team, navigating regulatory complexity, leveraging new technology, and preparing for climate challenges. Alongside Richard Gordon, the conversation dives into building resilient infrastructure, improving permitting processes, and the critical balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. Key highlights include: Why breaking down bureaucratic "no" culture leads to more innovative solutionsHow AI is used in state government to strengthen environmental oversight and reduce staff burdenThe impact of climate change and lessons learned from recent extreme weather and wildfiresStrategies for handling federal funding uncertainty and ensuring agency readiness for shifting political landscapes Tune in for practical leadership insights and real-world stories from the front lines of environmental policy. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction from Richard Gordon [01:05] James Jennings on career path and value of legal background [03:19] The lawyer's approach: black and white vs. creative solutions [04:47] How Illinois EPA approaches AI integration [06:43] Staff innovation and AI in public communication [07:45] Data protection, breaches, and state IT policy [08:36] AI successes and transforming legacy IT [11:01] AI and human expertise in complex permitting [14:48] Shifts in permit applicant support and agency staffing challenges [17:36] Holistic review of permits and pollution impacts [19:06] Manual vs. automated federal reporting, push for real-time data [22:12] Real-time monitoring, community engagement, and incident response [24:45] Addressing Great Lakes and PFAS water issues [27:49] Economic development, agriculture, and environmental protection [29:35] Aging infrastructure and the importance of investment [31:55] Climate change impacts, wildfires, and Chicago air quality [34:42] Deploying climate grants and statewide action plans [36:17] Responding to federal funding cuts and Project 2025 planning [38:47] What James Jennings wants to accomplish most as director [39:42] Lessons in leadership, knowledge, and team mentorship [41:35] Advice for future agency heads [42:25] Closing reflections from Richard Gordon [45:37] Outro/credits

    Bringing AI to Environmental Policy: Insights from Illinois EPA's James Jennings

  4. Oct 5

    The Future is Green: Julie Moore on Technology, Floods, And Preservation in Vermont

    Discover why embracing calculated risk and innovation can be the key to solving today’s environmental challenges—as Vermont’s Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, Julie Moore, reveals how bold leadership and an engineer’s mindset are not only streamlining permitting, but helping communities respond to climate change and water quality crises. What does it take to manage an agency balancing tradition and progress, especially with floods, PFAS contamination, and information overload all at once? Julie shares practical insights on deploying AI, handling mounting data, and maintaining a culture that values both bold action and transparency. Tune in for a candid conversation packed with lessons on adaptation, resilience, and the future of state environmental leadership. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode intro; welcoming Julie Moore 01:00 Julie Moore’s background and engineering mindset 02:15 Implementing federal infrastructure funding in Vermont 03:32 Explaining the Agency of Natural Resources’ structure 05:18 Transitioning from technical expertise to broad leadership 05:47 Discussion on AI’s role in state government 07:01 Vermont’s approach to transparency and public records 08:13 Using AI to streamline permitting and administrative efficiency 09:52 Tackling information overload and digitizing records 12:08 The culture of risk aversion in permitting 13:20 Learning from failure: the Lake Carmi example 14:45 Navigating the federal-state relationship and regulatory requirements 16:05 Data reporting to the federal government 17:05 State-federal partnerships and Vermont’s size advantages 18:14 Addressing Vermont’s housing challenges with ARPA funds 19:54 Managing fluctuating federal funding streams 21:27 Storms, flooding, and climate change adaptation 23:42 River corridor management and climate resilience 24:22 Linking environmental protection and economic growth 25:33 Considering data centers and permitting implications 26:34 What keeps Julie Moore up at night: PFAS contamination 27:58 Agency growth, workforce shifts, and hybrid work transitions 29:19 Julie Moore’s legacy and advice for future leaders 31:40 Wrap-up and episode close

    The Future is Green: Julie Moore on Technology, Floods, And Preservation in Vermont

  5. Sep 29

    Behind the Curtain with Paul Lisnek: Media, Politics, and the Evolution of American Journalism

    Discover how media, law, and entertainment have become inseparable forces shaping our modern political landscape—plus, what happens when journalistic independence is tested on the national stage. In this lively and insightful conversation, Richard Gordon sits down with his longtime friend, Emmy-winning broadcaster Paul Lisnek, for a candid discussion ranging from the behind-the-scenes of winning Emmys and jury consulting on national cases, to the shifting sands of American journalism, the influence of mega-mergers, and the future of democracy in a fractured news ecosystem. Key highlights include: Paul’s fascinating transition from law to theater to media, and how a single piece of career advice changed everything.Why media consolidation—like the merger of Paramount and Warner Discovery—threatens diversity of voices and the local news landscape.The dangers and strategies of political tunnel vision, misinformation, and declining civics education.Insights from working iconic cases like O.J. Simpson and thoughts on the lasting impact of lying in politics.Paul’s favorite interviews and what makes a great question land with legends like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elton John.Predictions for the 2028 election cycle and the importance of standing for press freedom in unconventional times.Episode Overview [00:00:00] Introduction and show setup [00:02:31] Welcoming Paul Lisnek and career highlights [00:04:00] What it’s really like to win an Emmy [00:06:29] Paul’s career path: law, communication, and the counselor who changed everything [00:11:04] Connecting politics and entertainment [00:13:52] Inside high-profile jury consulting (O.J., Casey Anthony, more) [00:20:35] The rise of cable, social media, and the fragmentation of news [00:23:47] Are we causing media balkanization—or just following networks? [00:25:10] Objectivity, business, and the struggle for impartial coverage [00:31:00] The paradox of information overload and declining political knowledge [00:34:35] Media mergers: Paramount, CNN, CBS, and the threat to journalistic diversity [00:43:02] Government, business, and journalistic independence [00:45:45] The law and press freedom: Banning CNN and the constitutional stakes [00:50:22] Media solidarity and the battle for democratic norms [00:57:16] On truth, lies, and the journalist’s role [01:03:05] Election predictions, gerrymandering, and 2028 political outlook [01:11:43] Offbeat favorites: Broadway, best interviews, and dream guests [01:17:07] Closing words and reflections on the state of America

    Behind the Curtain with Paul Lisnek: Media, Politics, and the Evolution of American Journalism

  6. Sep 24

    Unconventional Times @ 75: Powerful Guest Moments and Lessons Learned

    Serving the public can be the honor of a lifetime—and navigating chaos, disruption, and political headwinds is part of the journey. What does it really take to lead through crisis, inspire real change, and keep democracy healthy? For the 75th episode of Unconventional Times, host Richard Gordon brings back powerful moments with several high-impact guests—governors, ambassadors, strategists, insiders, and thought leaders—each offering fresh perspectives on public service, democracy, and the pivotal moments that shape our nation. Key highlights include Jennifer Granholm on stepping forward to lead, Debbie Cox Bultan on political chaos and expectations, Governor Gavin Newsom on servant leadership at the highest level, and Anthony Scaramucci reflecting on the rise of Trump and the transformation of American politics. From tackling crises to shaping the future of civic education, this episode distills wisdom and lessons learned from decades at the center of America's most important decisions. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Introduction by Intro Announcer and Richard Gordon01:49 Joe Donnelly, Jennifer Granholm, and Richard Gordon on entering public service and how critical life decisions are made03:27 Debbie Cox Bultan discusses public perception, political chaos, and Biden’s presidency04:51 Richard Gordon and Governor Gavin Newsom on White House leadership culture and serving the president06:39 Debbie Cox Bultan on 2026 and 2028 political outlooks and primaries08:44 Anthony Scaramucci reflects on Trump’s rise and the evolution of political campaigns12:18 Governor Gavin Newsom on the emotional cost and meaning of political service13:12 Joe Donnelly and Richard Gordon on crisis preparation and managing disaster14:41 Richard Gordon and Ido Aharoni debate national security and US-Israel perspectives on threats16:42 Joe Donnelly recounts fighting corruption and running for mayor19:00 Joe Donnelly breaks down the unique challenges of being US Ambassador to the Holy See21:35 Larry Sabato and Richard Gordon discuss the origins and importance of civic education24:54 Dan Glickman shares his unexpected experience as designated survivor and lessons in humility29:10 Closing remarks and where to find more episodes

    Unconventional Times @ 75: Powerful Guest Moments and Lessons Learned

  7. Sep 18

    Leading with Science and Law: Secretary Reid Wilson on Environmental Policy in North Carolina

    Discover how resilience in environmental policy can safeguard communities and spark economic growth—as North Carolina’s DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson shares insider strategies for tackling today’s climate and development challenges. What happens when natural disaster recovery, cutting-edge AI, and unstoppable population growth collide in one of America’s fastest-changing states? In this candid and informative conversation, Wilson recounts the personal roots of his environmental commitment, details how North Carolina is building resilience against increasingly frequent extreme storms, and explains how the state balances conservation with booming development. From AI’s transformative impact on government records to the heated debate over data centers and the ongoing battle against “forever chemicals,” this episode unpacks real-world solutions, the complexities of federal-state cooperation, and what keeps environmental leaders up at night. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction & Reid Wilson’s background[04:14] Evolution of environmental policy and climate change challenges[07:18] Resilience and recovery strategies in North Carolina[10:07] Growth, natural systems, and mitigating storm impacts[12:11] AI innovations in DEQ and its double-edged sword[16:03] Federal-state relationships, funding, and regulatory tensions[22:25] Economic development vs. conservation[26:28] Certainty and permitting for business[29:18] The impact and controversy around data centers[32:39] What keeps Wilson up at night[34:09] Surprises, communicating with the public, and transparency[35:42] Wilson’s vision and legacy for DEQ[37:06] Advice for the next DEQ leader & close

    Leading with Science and Law: Secretary Reid Wilson on Environmental Policy in North Carolina

  8. Sep 16

    Modernizing Environmental Protection: Tim Davis on AI, Permitting, and Saving Utah’s Great Salt Lake

    Discover how smart use of technology can help protect the environment and boost government efficiency—all without sacrificing public engagement or environmental quality. In this episode, Tim Davis, Utah’s Commissioner of Environmental Quality, joins Richard Gordon from the Environmental Council of the States conference in Jackson Hole to reveal how Utah is modernizing environmental regulation. From harnessing AI to speed up permitting and slashing redundancies across five agencies, to confronting the challenges facing the shrinking Great Salt Lake, Tim Davis provides a practical roadmap for reconciling economic growth with hard environmental limits. Get an insider’s view on data centers, climate change, federal-state dynamics, and what it takes to drive cultural change to save vital natural resources. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode intro & Jackson Hole conference context01:08 Tim Davis’s career overview01:47 Technology and modernization in Utah’s DEQ03:12 AI in the agency: streamlining data review and permitting07:16 The Abundance Accelerator Initiative: cutting inefficiency09:09 Financial & operational impacts of process changes12:38 Permitting as a tool for economic development13:16 How Utah is making permitting faster and more transparent17:14 Speed permitting and use of external reviewers19:29 Safeguarding environmental standards while speeding up processes21:00 Funding for e-permitting systems and inter-agency coordination22:56 State-federal relations, politics, and primacy26:05 FAST-41 program and federal project acceleration31:08 Coping with cuts in EPA and federal funding34:45 Economic development vs. environmental protection: data centers case40:39 Climate change, the Great Salt Lake crisis, and state responses45:43 Water rights, consumption, and future sustainability46:13 Wildfires and climate adaptation47:33 Salt Lake Olympics 2034 and climate goals49:40 Hardest challenges: Saving the Great Salt Lake50:50 Tim Davis’s legacy and advice for future leaders52:48 Episode wrap-up and reflections

    Modernizing Environmental Protection: Tim Davis on AI, Permitting, and Saving Utah’s Great Salt Lake
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Political strategist and advisor Richard Gordon connects with numerous elected officials and candidates on the state, local and federal levels in the real conversations we need to have during these "Unconventional Times."

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