Perspectives Matter... A McCuistion Program

Perspectives Matter | The Presidential Office: It's Influence and Power Today

Running for elected office requires certain skills, governing requires others.
Beginning in the 20th century as methods of communication evolved from radio to television and now podcast, it seems the rules of governing have changed.
The demands of our highest office have also changed. Are we expecting too much of our elected leaders?
Joining host Jim Falk to talk about the evolving landscape and the power presidents hold are: Jeremi Suri, Ph.D., Historian, Professor Department of History, the University of Texas at Austin, author of The Impossible Presidency, and John Lawrence, Ph.D., visiting professor, University of California, Washington Center, author of The Arc of Power: Inside Nancy Pelosi’s Speakership - 2005- 2010.
#PresidentialOffice #power #Influence #jimfalk #jeremisuri #johnlawrence #perspectivesmatter #mccuistiontv
 
5002
 
If you want to catch up on any past McCuistion programs, you can watch them at your convenience by visiting https://perspectivesmatter.com/.
Please remember that Perspectives Matter... a McCuistion Program is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that receives no KERA pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 30 years comes from grantors and viewers like you. So thank you, most especially in this critical time, for your continued support. We appreciate you.

Presidential Leadership: the Defining Traits

As we approach the inauguration of the 47th American president, it’s an ideal time to reflect on past leaders and consider which of them are remembered as the most successful.
What defining character traits and skills made these presidents stand out?
Joining host Jim Falk to discuss this and more, are:
Talmage Boston, a lawyer and presidential historian. Mr. Boston is the author of “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents.”
John Lawrence, Ph.D., a former senior congressional staff member who served from 2005 to 2013 as chief of staff to Nancy Pelosi. He is a visiting professor at the University of California’s Washington Center where he teaches about Congress and contemporary American politics, and he is the author of “Arc of Power: Inside Nancy Pelosi’s Speakership.”
And Jeremi Suri, Ph.D., a frequent guest of the program, is a presidential historian at the University of Texas at Austin where he is the Mack Brown Distinguished Professor for Global Leadership, History, and Public Policy. He is the author and editor of several books but one that is of particular interest for this conversation is “The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America’s Highest Office.”
Every new president steps into the Oval Office with the hope of one day joining the ranks of the nation’s list of the best. However, given the high bar set by those who achieved this distinction, it’s no easy task. This discussion reminds us that there are common threads shared by the best presidents: building a strong team, being open to opposing views, and learning from past mistakes.
Join us to learn more about the traits our best presidents shared in common.
 
#5001

Back to the Office: Entitlement vs. Productivity

In March 2020, the pandemic forced companies to adopt remote work overnight, transforming how we think about the workplace.
Balancing remote work and office time isn’t just a question of productivity—it’s also a profound management challenge.
Four years later, several major companies are demanding employees return to the office—or leave—sparking a renewed debate about the future of work as employees face returning to the office – or else.
As companies try to figure out “the new normal,” we ask: how does remote work impact productivity? And how should companies manage these shifts?
Joining our host, Dr. Yoram Solomon, are:
Julie Whelan, Global head of occupier thought leadership at CBRE,Ben Wigert, Ph.D., the Director of Research and Strategy, Workplace Management at the Gallup organization, andAndra Ghent, Ph.D., Professor of Finance at the University of Utah.
Join us to learn more about what’s working, what’s not, and where we should go from here in defining the future of work.

Perspectives Matter #4021 - The University of Austin: the Fearless Pursuit of Truth

In this episode of Perspectives Matter, host Jim Cathcart welcomes Dr. Michael Shires, Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President for Strategy and Operations, and Dr. David Ruth, Dean of the Center of Inquiry for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics at the University of Austin. Together, they discuss the revolutionary approach of this Texas-based institution that combines a commitment to traditional scholarly values with a bold vision for the future of higher education.
Inspired by President Kanelos’s declaration, “We can’t wait for universities to fix themselves, so we’re starting a new one,” the University of Austin is forging a new path. Its guiding principles—academic freedom, open inquiry, and fearless truth-seeking—aim to address what has gone wrong in higher education and foster the development of ethical leaders, innovators, and public servants.
Join us to learn how this unique institution prepares students to think boldly, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to society. Whether you’re an educator, student, or simply curious about the future of learning, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss.

Perspectives Matter - The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: The World's Problem

Joining Host Jim Falk are:
Ambassador Mark Asquino, Ph.D., who has a 37-year foreign service career with assignments in Latin America, Europe, Central Asia and Africa. He was the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Sudan from 2008 to 2010.
And Julie Gregory, a research analyst with Protecting Civilians and Human Security Program at the Stimson Center. Previously, she worked the Office of the Carter Center, Mercy Corps and the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services.
The United Nations estimates that over one-half of its population of 50MM is facing hunger; millions have been displaced and sexual violence is rampant with child soldiers on the front lines.
Recognizing that Sudan has been conflict-ridden for years, despite significant efforts of peacekeeping, it is understandable to ask, why we should care and, two, can the United States play a constructive role to build a path towards peace.
Join us to learn more on the humanitarian crisis in the Sudan, the deadliest conflict in the world.

Why People Lie: The Science Psychology, and Consequences - Part One

Is telling the truth always the “right” thing to do? Are there occasions when it’s OK to lie? What causes chronic lying?
Joining Host Jim Cathcart are expert researchers/ scientists in the field of lying and deception:
Dr. Daniel  C. Krawczyk, Ph.D.,Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas and
Michael J. Lundie, Ph.D.Staff Cognitive Scientist,Psychological Sciences GroupResearch and Development DirectorateApplied Research Associates, Inc.
How do you know when someone is NOT telling the truth? As it turns out, lying is something that everybody does. Yes, all of us. Even the good guys and gals.
Lying is a part of every culture and it is directly related to the level of trust and cooperation between people.
Join us to take a look at how lying impacts us all, and what can be done about it.
For more information and to engage with our program, visit our website at McCuistionTV.com or connect with us on social media. Thank you for listening, and remember, your perspectives matter.
 
Originally aired April 7, 2024
______________
Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs at https://mccuistiontv.com/donations-support/.
Thank you for engaging with us:Niki McCuistion, Co-founder/ Executive Producernikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com(214) 394-6794
 

The Olympic Games: A Societal and Economic Viewpoint

Despite several major obstacles, the Paris Olympics were a remarkable success, offering valuable insights into the future of the Games.
 
Joining Host Vince Poscente to discuss some of the challenges the Games are faced with are:
 
Dr. Johan Rewilak an Assistant Professor in Sport Management at the University
of South Carolina specializing in Sports Economics and Finance. He has conducted
research into both the economic impact and country performance at the Olympic
Games; 
 
Dr. Tarlan Chahardovali is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport and
Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina. Her research
focuses on the intersection of gender, sports, and economics, with a particular
emphasis on gender equity in sports; and  
 
Dr. Jules Boykoff, is a Professor of Political Science at Pacific University. He is
the author of six books including Power Games: A Political History of the
Olympics, which explores the complex intersections of politics and the Olympic
movement.
 
The discussion focuses on the Olympic Games from a societal and economic point of view. Our guests discuss the current state of the Olympics through the lens of financial and strategic dynamics shaping the Games. They explore how the pursuit of excellence,
international understanding, and fair play continue to guide the Olympics as they introduce new sports, unlock fresh revenue streams, and strengthen the Olympic brand.
The discussion looks at gender equity and the challenge of declining viewership.
Perspectives Matter is funded through a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, The Foundation for Responsible Television, which does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 34-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs. 

Perspectives Matter - AI, Computers and Humans: The Social Implications

Technology continually blurs the lines between reality and artificiality. A compelling and thought-provoking question we need to consider is: Can computers make people think they are human?
Host Yoram Solomon, PhD., explores the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and its capacity to mimic human behavior, framed through the lens of the Turing Test—a method devised by Alan Turing to determine if a machine can exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from that of a human.
Joining Yoram are:
Ryan Boyd, a Professor of Computational Social Science and Psychology at UTD’s School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. And Taylor Webb, a Cognitive Scientist and AI Researcher currently conducting his post-doctoral work at Microsoft Research Labs in New York.
 They explore how AI is learning to mimic human behavior and how easily we, humans, can be deceived. The discussion cautions- why it is important to understand these developments, what are the implications, and how we can tell whether we are communicating with a person or a machine.
Yoram opens the discussion with a recording of his conversation with ChatGPT, which attempts to pass the Turing Test by pretending to be human. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the mechanics and implications of such technologies.

Nuclear Energy: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Challenges?

Nuclear energy involves life and death issues.
A majority of U.S. adults remain supportive of expanding nuclear power in the country, according to a Pew Research Center survey from May. Overall, 56% say they favor more nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
However, the study also says, that the future of large-scale nuclear power in America is uncertain.
 While Congress recently passed a bipartisan act intended to ease the nuclear energy industry’s financial and regulatory challenges, reactor shutdowns continue to gradually outpace new construction.
How safe is nuclear energy, what are the
costs? What are the hazards it poses?
There are many questions and challenges that still need to be answered which may involve possible health issues and risks.
Another large issue with nuclear energy is the handling of nuclear waste.
And what about not in my back yard issues?
Joining Host Jim Falk are:
Dr. Paul Dorfman Associate Fellow, Science Policy Research Unit at the
University of Sussex Member, Irish Govt Radiation Protection Advisory
Committee Chair, Nuclear Consulting Group, which brings together leading
academics and experts in the fields of renewable energy technology,
economics and the environment.
And Mark Nelson. He is the Founder & Managing Director of Radiant
Energy Group, a Chicago-based consulting group advising corporations
and organizations on clean energy strategies. Mr. Nelson holds a masters
in nuclear engineering from Cambridge University.
Be our guest to learn more about how nuclear energy presently and for the future impacts our lives.

Nuclear Power: Is it the Future Energy Solution?

Across the globe, efforts are underway to develop green energy with the goal of reducing our dependence on oil, gas, and coal.
According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, nuclear energy is seen by many as a key component.
Yet, while Americans are increasingly supportive of nuclear energy, many others in the U.S. and across the globe are concerned about the risk nuclear energy presents.
Joining host Jim Falk to talk about European concerns, from France, is Dr. Paul Dorfman, an Associate Fellow, with the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex. Dr. Dorfman is Chair of the Nuclear Consulting Group, which brings together leading academics and experts in the fields of renewable
energy technology, economics, and the environment.
And in our Dallas studio, Mark Nelson, Founder and Managing Director of the Radiant Energy Group, a Chicago-based
consulting group advising corporations and organizations on clean energy strategies.
Join us to hear diverse perspectives on nuclear energy.
 
#4014