Civitas Outlook
Topic
Pursuit of Happiness
Published on
March 4, 2025
Contributors
Ryan Streeter
Joel Kotkin

Populism Unpacked: Voices from the Heartland

From Joel Kotkin's podcast at Chapman University:

Dive into the compelling world of populism in our latest podcast episode where we engage with thought leaders Ryan Streeter and Karl Zinsmeister. With multiple perspectives surrounding the rise of populism, this episode unpacks what it means for the future of American governance and society at large. Discussing the resurgence of populism, our guests present arguments on how it can serve as a counter to the elite's dominance, spotlighting the voices of the working and middle class as critical elements in shaping America's future.

Streeter and Zinsmeister analyze survey data revealing encouraging optimism among working-class individuals who feel disconnected yet hopeful about their future. They delve into the historical roots of populism, its present-day expressions, and the impact of technology on political discourse. By engaging in this critical dialogue, we aim to equip listeners with a well-rounded understanding of these dynamics.

What does this surge in populism signify? Is it a threat, or can it be a beacon of hope? Tune in to hear expert insights, captivating anecdotes, and thoughtful commentary that challenge conventional ideas about power dynamics in America.

Next up
Arthur Brooks on the Secret to a Fulfilling Life

Arthur Brooks on the Secret to a Fulfilling Life

Jul 7, 2025
1:10:28
Arthur C. Brooks on The Art & Science of Getting Happier: Live at The Texas Tribune

Arthur C. Brooks on The Art & Science of Getting Happier: Live at The Texas Tribune

Mar 29, 2024
1:06:07
No items found.

Join the newsletter

Receive new publications, news, and updates from the Civitas Institute.

Sign up
More on

Pursuit of Happiness

How to Save Our Urban Centers

What will the future of American cities look like?

Joel Kotkin
Pursuit of Happiness
Jun 26, 2025
National Poll from Civitas Institute: Americans Concerned About AI, Economic Issues

The Civitas Institute Poll, conducted from March 11-20, 2025, asked 1,200 Americans an array of questions about how things are going in the country.

Daron Shaw
Pursuit of Happiness
Jun 11, 2025
Divorce, Family Arrangements, and Children's Adult Outcomes

This paper uses linked tax and Census records for over 5 million children to examine how divorce affects family arrangements and children's long-term outcomes.

Andrew C. Johnston
Pursuit of Happiness
May 22, 2025
Estimating the Productivity of Community Colleges in Paving the Road To Four-Year College Success

Despite a relatively rich literature on the community college pathway, the research base on the quality differences between these institutions has been decidedly thin.

Scott Carrell, Michal Kurlaender
Pursuit of Happiness
Feb 7, 2025
Beware the New Eugenics

Who decides what humans become?

Joel Kotkin
Pursuit of Happiness
Jul 1, 2025
Humanity According to Alasdair MacIntyre

He reminded us that life is mainly about love and friendship, not reason and will.

O. Carter Snead
Pursuit of Happiness
Jun 5, 2025
Charter Schools Are Not ‘State Actors,’ And SCOTUS Should Have Said So

Charter schools need more autonomy than district schools if American families are going to have real choice in education.

Michael Toth, Gavin Schiffres
Pursuit of Happiness
May 28, 2025
The Death of the Family Home Is Killing the American Middle Class

The US is following the UK and Australia back down the road to a feudal past, thanks to policies forcing people into dense city centres.

Joel Kotkin
Pursuit of Happiness
May 25, 2025
No items found.

Arthur Brooks on the Secret to a Fulfilling Life

Pursuit of Happiness
Jul 7, 2025
1:05

Jeff Rosen on What “The Pursuit of Happiness” Meant to America's Founders

Pursuit of Happiness
Jan 26, 2025
1:05

Arthur C. Brooks on the Pursuit of Happiness in an Unhappy World

Pursuit of Happiness
May 8, 2024
1:05

Arthur C. Brooks on The Art & Science of Getting Happier: Live at The Texas Tribune

Pursuit of Happiness
Mar 29, 2024
1:05

Melissa Kearney on Two-Parent Privilege and Social Mobility

Pursuit of Happiness
Mar 18, 2024
1:05
No items found.
The Education of David Mamet

The inherent complexity of an artist is that he ought to be nationless, placeless, even languageless. But Mamet proves that such a thing is impossible.

Emina Melonic
Pursuit of Happiness
Aug 15, 2025
Ed Feulner, Movement Man

Feulner’s vision of modern conservatism was one of ordered liberty: one that drew as much on classical liberals like Hayek as it did on older traditions that have shaped the American Founding and Western civilization.

Samuel Gregg
Pursuit of Happiness
Jul 25, 2025
Beyond the Melting Point: Exodus, the Sequel

“If we cannot get the Holy Land, we can make another land holy." Israel Zangwill

Juliana Geran Pilon
Pursuit of Happiness
Jul 25, 2025
Carl Trueman’s Trek Through the Inferno

Unchecked by reason, tradition, or authority, the critical impulse becomes a kind of universal solvent, eroding ideas, institutions, cultures, families, communities, art, literature, philosophy, and law—everything that makes life beautiful or worthwhile.

Rachel Lu
Pursuit of Happiness
Jul 18, 2025
No items found.
No items found.
Join the newsletter

Get the Civitas Outlook daily digest, plus new research and events.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.