Supreme Court Wraps Up with Birthright Citizenship, Universal Injunctions, Pornography, and LGBTQ Books
Send us a textThe Final Three Supreme Court Decisions of This TermHost Wayne Unger, a law professor and former Silicon Valley expert, introduces a new format for the Discourse podcast. This episode, recorded on July 1st, 2025, includes an unscripted reaction to recent political headlines and a deep dive into three significant Supreme Court decisions. Unger discusses the Senate's split vote on President Trump's legislation, a new poll revealing concerns about American democracy, and three Supreme Court cases involving birthright citizenship, age verification for pornography websites, and religious opt-outs in education. The episode also touches on the challenges facing the Democratic Party and public school teachers.00:00 Introduction to Discourse00:46 New Format Announcement01:38 Supreme Court Decisions Overview02:13 Senate Passes Key Legislation05:18 Poll on Democracy's Future10:44 Democratic Party Leadership Crisis19:27 Supreme Court Case: Trump v. Casa29:54 Equitable Remedies and the Judiciary Act of 178931:27 Supreme Court's Decision on Nationwide Injunctions32:30 Hypothetical Scenarios and Class Action Lawsuits36:14 Free Speech Coalition vs. Paxton: Age Verification Law38:01 Debate on Scrutiny Levels in First Amendment Cases45:40 Mahmud vs. Taylor: Religious Opt-Outs in Education59:12 Taylor Swift's Heartwarming Hospital Visit01:00:07 Conclusion and Podcast InformationSupport the show
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Unscripted Fire Round: Elon vs. Trump, Supreme Court Rulings, and Iran Tensions
Send us a textUnscripted Deep Dive: Elon vs. Trump, Supreme Court Rulings, and Iran TensionsIn this episode of 'Discourse,' host Wayne Unger diverges from the usual script to provide an unscripted, rapid-fire discussion on a variety of pressing topics. The episode touches on the Twitter feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, Trump’s extension of deadlines for TikTok, a controversial Supreme Court decision on Tennessee's SB1 law affecting transgender youth, and recent U.S. military actions in Iran. Unger also covers President Trump's military parade, the No Kings protest, and a Supreme Court case regarding fuel companies' standing in challenging California's emissions standards. The episode aims to offer thoughtful analysis and critical thinking on these significant issues.00:00 Introduction to Discourse00:33 Unscripted Episode Overview01:39 Elon Musk vs. Donald Trump Feud03:40 TikTok Sale Deadline Extension07:52 Supreme Court Decision on SB129:50 Trump's Military Parade and No Kings Protest36:10 Supreme Court Case on Emission Standards40:34 Conclusion and Call to ActionSupport the show
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Trade Court Rules Against Trump's Tariffs
Send us a textDiscourse is now a Top 40 News Commentary podcast in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts. Help us keep this show commercial free by becoming a subscriber and supporting us with a monthly monetary donation. Visit discoursepod.org and click the Support button today!In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger delves into the recent ruling by the United States Court of International Trade, which declared that former President Trump did not have the legal authority to impose broad, global tariffs under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA). Unger explains the court's role, the statutory limitations of presidential power, and the constitutional separation of powers that grants Congress the exclusive authority to impose taxes, including tariffs. He also discusses the broader implications of the ruling, potential appeals, and the reactions from Trump and his supporters. The episode provides a thorough analysis of the legal frameworks involved, including the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA) and the National Emergencies Act (NEA). Unger emphasizes the importance of judicial review in maintaining the balance of power within the U.S. government.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:33 Episode Introduction and Current Events01:29 Understanding the Court of International Trade03:27 Historical Context and Legal Framework09:25 Court Ruling and Its Implications20:27 Major Questions Doctrine and Separation of Powers27:32 Trump's Response and Political Reactions34:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the show
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Medicine, Money, and Middlemen: A Deep Dive into U.S. Drug Costs
Send us a textDiscourse is now a Top 40 News Commentary podcast in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts. Help us keep this show commercial free by becoming a subscriber and supporting us with a monthly monetary donation. Visit discoursepod.org and click the Support button today!Decoding Prescription Drug Prices: A Deep Dive into the Hidden Costs and Executive OrdersIn this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger discusses the complexities behind high prescription drug prices in the United States. Unger examines President Donald Trump's recent executive order targeting drug costs, compares drug prices in the U.S. and Europe, and explores the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in driving up costs. The episode also highlights bipartisan efforts to reform the system and the impact of political maneuvering on legislation aimed at lowering drug prices. A special focus is given to initiatives like Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs, which seeks to offer medications at significantly reduced prices by bypassing traditional PBM structures.00:00 Introduction to Discourse00:48 Today's Topic: Prescription Drug Prices01:35 Listener Appreciation and Support02:23 The High Cost of Truvada06:38 Exploring Injectable HIV Prevention Drugs09:16 Insulin Price Comparison10:13 Why Are Prescription Drugs So Expensive in the US?11:47 Understanding Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)12:06 Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs Initiative16:11 The Role of PBMs in Drug Pricing33:11 Trump's Executive Order on Drug Prices37:31 Bipartisan Efforts to Lower Drug Prices42:29 Conclusion and Call to ActionSupport the show
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Diplomatic Gifts or Glaring Grifts: Examining the Qatar Plane
Send us a textDiscourse is now a Top 60 News Commentary podcast on Apple Podcasts! For us to continue this work commercial-free, please join us as a subscriber to provide a monthly donation. Visit www.discoursepod.org and click the Support button today!Diplomatic Gifts or Glaring Grifts: Examining the Qatar PlaneUnderstanding Corruption and Its Implications in Modern PoliticsIn this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger dives into the topic of corruption, using a recent controversy involving Donald Trump and a potential $400 million gift from the Qatari royal family as a springboard. The episode discusses the constitutional implications of accepting gifts from foreign states, explores the meanings and forms of corruption, and examines the historical and modern context of political corruption in the United States. Unger highlights the importance of civic engagement, free press, and cultural rejection of corrupt practices to maintain the integrity of democratic institutions. He also touches on landmark Supreme Court cases influencing current corruption dynamics, particularly in the Trump administration.00:00 Introduction to Discourse00:36 Today's Topic: Corruption01:08 The Boeing 747 Controversy03:28 Legal Implications and the Emoluments Clause05:23 Public Reactions and Opinions11:12 Defining Corruption13:44 Historical and Modern Examples of Corruption16:07 Combating Corruption: Lessons from History22:09 Supreme Court Cases and Corruption27:41 Final Thoughts and ConclusionSupport the show
Welcome to Discourse with Wayne Unger—where we cut through the noise and make sense of the chaos. On this podcast, we take a deep dive into the pressing issues shaping our world in politics, law, technology, business, and more. No echo chambers. No corporate influence. Just thoughtful analysis and respectful civic dialogue. Because understanding different perspectives isn’t just important—it’s necessary.
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