95 episodes

With the new class structure resembling that of the Medieval times, opportunity is quickly disappearing for small business people, property owners, skilled workers and private sector professionals.
Join world-renown author Joel Kotkin and tech-entrepreneur Marshall Toplansky as they explore what we can do to liberate the global middle class.
They sit down with business, government, and citizen leaders to uncover the trends and give you the insights and tools to forge a better future.
Joel Kotkin is the Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University, Executive Director of the Urban Reform Institute, and an internationally-recognized authority on global, economic, political and social trends. His most recent book, The Coming of Neo-Feudalism is now available for pre-order.
Marshall N. Toplansky is a widely published and award-winning marketing professional and successful entrepreneur. He co-founded KPMG's data andanalytics center of excellence and now teaches and consults corporations on their analytics strategies.
This show is supported by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Feudal Future Joel Kotkin & Marshall Toplansky

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.6 • 34 Ratings

With the new class structure resembling that of the Medieval times, opportunity is quickly disappearing for small business people, property owners, skilled workers and private sector professionals.
Join world-renown author Joel Kotkin and tech-entrepreneur Marshall Toplansky as they explore what we can do to liberate the global middle class.
They sit down with business, government, and citizen leaders to uncover the trends and give you the insights and tools to forge a better future.
Joel Kotkin is the Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University, Executive Director of the Urban Reform Institute, and an internationally-recognized authority on global, economic, political and social trends. His most recent book, The Coming of Neo-Feudalism is now available for pre-order.
Marshall N. Toplansky is a widely published and award-winning marketing professional and successful entrepreneur. He co-founded KPMG's data andanalytics center of excellence and now teaches and consults corporations on their analytics strategies.
This show is supported by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

    The Impact of Third-Party Candidates in Tipping the Election Scale

    The Impact of Third-Party Candidates in Tipping the Election Scale

    Could the fate of an entire election hinge on the unsung heroes of American politics, the third-party candidates? Join us as Professor John Compton and Michael Barone unpack that very question, offering an electrifying discourse on the stirrings within third-party politics that could tip the scales in a nail-biter of an election. Our guests peel back the layers on voter disenchantment and the sway of protest votes, zeroing in on the battlegrounds of Michigan and Minnesota. Brace yourselves for an insider's look at the strategic gambits and vice-presidential surprises that could rewrite the rules of political engagement.

    In this thought-provoking session, we take the pulse of the No Labels movement's quest for a resonant candidate and scrutinize the enigmatic shifts within the evangelical voter base. As we navigate through the thorny bramble of political pandering and the curious allegiance to former President Trump, we confront the realities of political loyalties reshaped by judicial appointments and policy stances. And when the topic of Alvin Bragg's indictment emerges, you'll find the analysis of its effects on Trump's support as gripping as the headlines themselves. So tune in and witness a deep exploration of the potential for third-party triumphs and tribulations, drawing lessons from the past while charting the unpredictable currents of our political future.
    Support Our Work
    The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

    Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

    For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

    Follow us on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

    Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

    Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

    Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

    This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

    • 37 min
    Addressing the Housing Affordability Crisis and Protecting the Middle Class Dream

    Addressing the Housing Affordability Crisis and Protecting the Middle Class Dream

    Unlock the mystery behind why securing a roof over your head has become an arduous quest in today's Western civilization. This episode promises to gift you with the perspectives of housing experts Joel Farkas, Wendell Cox, and Karla López del Río, as we navigate through the complexities of local and state regulations, fees, and the polarizing anti-sprawl policies that contribute to the housing unaffordability crisis. It's a discussion that extends beyond numbers and policies, touching the lives of middle-class families and reshaping the demographic landscape of entire states.

    Imagine a world where the American Dream is accessible to all, not just a privileged few. We share personal journeys, including those of first-generation college students and politicians, who grapple with the nuances of financial systems that seem stacked against them. The conversation also elevates the importance of public education in the housing sector, highlighting the power of informed policymaking that takes into account the real needs of communities, especially those seeking the stability and prosperity that homeownership can bring.

    As the narrative unfolds, we confront the urgent issue of California's shifting demographics, driven by a housing crisis that sends residents in search of more affordable pastures. The dialogue turns to the pivotal role that civic engagement and sound policy can play in nurturing homeownership, the bedrock of the middle class, and in preventing a descent into a modern feudal society. Join us for a thought-provoking episode that will leave you inspired to advocate for change and optimistic about the potential to reinvent the housing landscape for the betterment of all.
    Support Our Work
    The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

    Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

    For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

    Follow us on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

    Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

    Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

    Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

    This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

    • 39 min
    Navigating the Tides of Change: How Global Politics May Shape America's 2024 Elections

    Navigating the Tides of Change: How Global Politics May Shape America's 2024 Elections

    Uncover the unforeseen ways foreign policy sways the American electoral tide with us, Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin, as we host a conversation that traverses the global political landscape and its potential shocks to the 2024 elections. With luminaries like former U.S. Ambassador to Italy Ron Spogli and Asia Pacific expert Robert Koepp sharing their insights, this episode is a deep dive into the geopolitical undercurrents—from NATO's strategies to the East Asian power balance. We navigate the complex web of international relations that could very well dictate the next occupant of the White House.

    Witness a thought-provoking dissection of how America's stance on global democracy, AI, and climate change may just redefine our future. Presidential historian Luke A. Nichter and ex-ICANN innovation lead Ashwin Rangan join our panel to analyze the critical role technology plays in shaping both domestic and global perceptions. The episode doesn't shy away from hard-hitting topics like the decline of democracy and the global economic chess game orchestrated by emerging powers, notably China and India. Their maneuvers on the world stage could be a game-changer in the political arena.

    Finally, the spotlight turns to the educational forefront with a look at how institutions such as Chapman University are evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing geopolitical theatre. We ponder America's relationship with Europe and consider the educational strategies needed to arm the next generation with the tools to navigate a world where international policy decisions have profound domestic repercussions. It's a masterclass in connecting the dots between the halls of academia and the complex web of global politics, with an eye firmly on the horizon of the 2024 elections. Join us for an episode that's equal parts enlightening and urgent, as we chart the course for America's role in an increasingly interconnected world.
    Support Our Work
    The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

    Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

    For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

    Follow us on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

    Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

    Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

    Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

    This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

    • 1 hr 20 min
    Exploring the Impact of Catholic Schools on Underserved Communities

    Exploring the Impact of Catholic Schools on Underserved Communities

    Unlock the secrets of a holistic education that goes beyond academics as we engage with Stephannie Saroki de Garcia, Soledad Usura, and Tony Lemus, dissecting the profound effects of Catholic school environments on underserved communities in California. Discover how these institutions foster discipline, character development, and purpose, equipping students with the tools to succeed in life. Our conversation with these insightful guests reveals personal success stories and the critical role of parental involvement, along with an educational approach that safeguards against the pitfalls that often undermine public schooling.

    Wearing a school uniform might seem trivial, but as we discuss, it's emblematic of the structured environment Catholic schools use to cultivate a level playing field for students, minimizing distractions and promoting accountability. We examine the challenges and strategies involved in creating charter schools with a virtues-based curriculum, delving into the societal implications of Catholic education against permissive cultural norms. The debate extends to the sticky issue of unionized influences and the prioritization of students' best interests, a contentious topic that our guests navigate with finesse.

    Lastly, we tackle the pressing issue of educational quality, a subject close to Soledad's heart, as her research highlights concerning trends in test scores and the imperative for reform. The potential of Catholic schools to provide a competitive edge in education markets like California and New York, where public schools often fail minority students, is a focal point of our dialogue. Join us in this critical examination as we explore how nurturing institutions grounded in virtue could guide our society towards a more promising horizon, steering clear of a "feudal future.
    Support Our Work
    The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

    Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

    For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

    Follow us on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

    Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

    Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

    Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

    This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

    • 39 min
    Exploring the Paradox of Peace and Economics in Taiwan-China Relations and International Trade Expectations

    Exploring the Paradox of Peace and Economics in Taiwan-China Relations and International Trade Expectations

    Discover the nuanced complexities of Taiwan-China relations and the unexpected preferences of their people towards peace, as we're joined by Raymond Kuo from the Rand Corporation and Professor Robert Koepp of Chapman University. Instead of the often-presumed march towards military conflict, we uncover a deeper narrative that highlights the Taiwanese public's recent electoral choices favoring a reduction in tensions with China. Our guests bring to light the intricate economic interdependencies that may be the true linchpins of stability in the region, as well as the strategic wisdom behind Taiwan's bolstering of its defenses—not for war, but as a steadfast deterrent to uphold the peace that both sides of the Taiwan Strait deeply value.

    Then, let's unravel the intriguing theory by Dale Copeland on trade expectations and peaceful international relations, a perspective that might just redefine major power dynamics. We scrutinize the idea that the promise of burgeoning trade could be more influential in maintaining harmony than the current trade volume itself. If countries view the future of trade as bright, they're motivated to keep the peace; but if they foresee a trade downturn, the scales could tip towards conflict. This notion of the 'shadow of the future' provides a captivating lens through which we analyze state behavior on the global stage, and could very well be the key to understanding how economic foresight shapes international policies and alliances. Join us for a compelling exploration of these critical global issues with our esteemed experts.
    Support Our Work
    The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

    Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

    For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

    Follow us on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

    Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

    Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

    Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

    This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

    • 8 min
    Navigating the Future of Higher Education: Challenges, Reform, and the Role of Civic Engagement

    Navigating the Future of Higher Education: Challenges, Reform, and the Role of Civic Engagement

    Embark with us as we traverse the complex terrain of higher education alongside our distinguished panel—Rick Hess, Justin Dyer, and Dean Andrew Moser. Together, we scrutinize the waning public confidence in academic institutions, dissect the legislative counteracts to campus culture, and address the impending demographic shift that predicts a drop in college-age students. Our conversation circles around the importance of alumni, legislative bodies, and political engagement in remedying the challenges that plague both public and private universities. We confront the monoculture in academia, especially within the humanities, and how this ideological conformity, coupled with a culture of self-censorship, stifles the dynamism of campus life.

    The debate intensifies as we shift focus to the idea that education has become too specialized, potentially at the cost of a citizenry well-versed in civics and the broader societal context. The University of Texas' bold steps with their new school of civic leadership shines as a beacon of hope amidst this specialization trend. We dissect the hurdles of weaving together a diverse student fabric while maintaining the integrity of civic understanding. Our dialogue spans the necessity for interdisciplinary studies and the pursuit of wisdom over narrow expertise, recognizing the societal forces at work even within K-12 education that influence these trends.

    In our closing reflection, we turn to the timeless virtues of a liberal arts education, and how grammar, logic, and rhetoric remain indispensable in a modern workforce that prizes critical thinking and complex problem-solving. Drawing from personal experiences as a professor, I underscore the significance of engaging with challenging ideas to better equip students for a fluid job market. We conclude with an optimistic vision of education reform, inspired by a collective drive to enhance learning at every level and the potential for a reinvigoration of educational institutions evocative of the 19th century’s rich array of academic choices. Join our insightful dialogue that leaves us hopeful and charged for the future of learning.
    Support Our Work
    The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

    Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

    For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

    Follow us on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

    Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

    Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

    Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

    This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

    • 36 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
34 Ratings

34 Ratings

Hassan Ilyas ,

Pushing forward thinking

Great show to really understand that it’s okay to be in the middle

Salsandi ,

Great stuff

I heard Kotkin interviewed by Steve Bannon and I bought the book. So glad to find the podcasts so I can soak in the sauce for a while before I grapple with the meat in the book. I suspect Bannon is right. This is the warning we must heed in order to stop the property less unfulfilled existence that could be around the corner to neo-feudalism.
Loving the podcasts.

t-sita ,

😟

🙄

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