Red Tape R Street Institute and Pod People

How free are we really? In the first episode of Red Tape from R Street, hosts Kelli Pierce and Shoshana Weissmann pull back the curtain on some of the ways that the government is getting in the way of your day-to-day freedom. Host Kelli Pierce first speaks with Jill Snider, a retired New York City Police Officer and R Street's Policy Director for Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, who talks about the consequences of cash bail and the punishment it inflicts on those unable to pay.

Kelli also speaks with R Street's Courtney Joslin about pharmacist-prescribed birth control as a way to improve access and reduce barriers to care. They discuss the significant ramifications birth control access can have on the lives and freedom of women across the country.

(0:00:00) - Show and Host introduction with Kelli Pierce and Shoshana Weissmann
(0:04:45) - The Importance of Bail Reform with Jill Snider
(0:24:05) - Birth Control and Barriers to Healthcare Access with Courtney Joslin

Why is the government getting in the way of green energy initiatives? Join hosts Kelli Pierce and Shoshana Weissmann as they navigate some of the red tape that is slowing down clean energy projects.

R Street’s Josiah Neeley speaks with host Kelli Pierce about the crucial role of our nation’s power grid in our pursuit of green energy goals. He talks about how wind and solar have become the cheaper options, why utilities are monopolies, the challenges this creates for our clean energy future, and finally why there aren’t more clean energy projects connected to the grid.

Next up, R Street’s Philip Rossetti shares his thoughts on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and how it can delay clean energy projects by years-even decades. He also talks about the hard choices we have to make as we pursue a greener future. 

(0:00:00) - Bureaucracy or BS
(0:05:42) - Power Grid and Clean Energy Goals with Josiah Neeley
(0:20:22) - NEPA's Impact on Clean Energy with Phil Rossetti

Don’t like or understand something? Just ban it! In this episode of Red Tape from R Street, host Kelli Pierce is joined by Brandon Pugh, R Street's Resident Fellow and Policy Director for the Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats Program. They discuss the potential implications of a Tik Tok ban in the United States and examine the delicate balance between data security and tech policy.

Kelli also speaks with Mazen Saleh, R Street’s Policy Director for Integrated Harm Reduction, to discuss why tobacco bans are a bad idea and the challenges surrounding nicotine and tobacco-related policies. Mazen also breaks down the controversy surrounding flavored e-cigarettes, discussing their potential benefits as a safer alternative to traditional combustible cigarettes. Plus, they get real about why quitting cold turkey doesn’t always work and the essential role of harm reduction strategies in managing nicotine addiction.

What can we learn about the U.S. debt crisis from a classic South Park episode? Turns out, almost everything. In this episode of Red Tape, Kelli and Shoshana dissect the classic Margaritaville episode from Season 13 of South Park in 2009. 

Host Kelli Pierce is then joined by Nan Swift, a Resident Fellow for R Street’s Governance Program, to examine the complexities of the U.S. budget and why bad ideas persist in government. Also, why is Bill Gates receiving farm bill subsidies? 

Kelli also speaks with Jonathan Bydlak, Policy Director for the Governance Policy Program and a Resident Senior Fellow, where they discuss the differences between how the federal government and states handle budgeting, and the implications of people seeking more and better public assistance. Also, what Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul have in common.

(0:05:36) Using Cartoons to Understand the World
(0:12:46) The Partisan Use of Budget Reconciliation
(0:21:52) Congressional Spending and Priorities
(0:32:51) South Park and Economic Perceptions
(0:38:34) Federal Reserve Versus US Treasury
(0:41:31) The Importance of Fiscal Discipline
(0:47:31) Public Perception vs. Actual Votes
(0:50:26) Budget Discipline and Hard Choices

What will happen to our jobs when the robots take over? Kelli and Shoshana navigate the world of artificial intelligence and jobs with R Street’s Resident Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation, Adam Thierer. An expert on AI, he explains why you shouldn’t worry so much about the robots taking your job. 

Kelli also speaks with Dr. Christi Smith who explains why a criminal record shouldn’t always prevent you from getting a job. Instead, more states should look at “clean slate” laws that remove barriers to jobs for those with criminal records. Kelli and Christi discuss the importance of giving people second chances and allowing them to become productive members of society. 

(0:06:14) The Impact of AI on Jobs
(0:08:45) The Evolution of Technology and Professions
(0:12:26) AI and Quantum Computers Enhance Creativity
(0:16:21) Truckers Union vs. Driverless Trucks
(0:20:26) Retraining in Changing Industries
(0:26:41) Technology, Burnout, and Job Security
(0:36:00) Clean Slate Laws for Convicts
(0:39:27) Jobs for Those With Sealed Records
(0:42:28) Clean Slate
(0:45:31) Clean Slate Reform

The Pope was wearing what?! Get ready to find out as we navigate the murky waters of misinformation. R Street's Resident Elections Fellow, Matt Germer, joins host Kelli Pierce to talk about election misinformation and the strengths and weakness of states' voting infrastructures that have been revealed by the last few elections.

Kelli also speaks with Stacey McKenna, R Street's Resident Senior Fellow for Integrated Harm Reduction about the complexities of the current drug crisis. Stacey breaks down how fear-based messaging and anti-drug campaigns riddled with misinformation are doing more harm than good. Stacey also gives insight on effective harm-reduction methods, and shares her personal experience with addiction.