Irrational Politics, Remembering Good Times, First Amendment

Why Irrational Politics Appeals (16:34) Mari Fitzduff is the Founding Director of the International Masters programs in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence at the Heller School at Brandeis University.  The program is a professional program and has had participants from over 60 countries, many of them in active conflicts. She is the author of Why Irrational Politics Appeals: Understanding the Allure of Trump. Many people are questioning the rationality of President’s Trump's comments, Trump'sions, and promises. The United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union was seen as an extreme choice. Is there something about irrationality that is appealing?  Mari Fitzduff explains the psychology behind these types of decisions. Remembering Good Times (1:04:37) Andrea Bartz is a Brooklyn-based journalist and copywriter who covers health, travel, psychology, lifestyle, and more. Her work has appeared in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and a whole constellation of other outlets. She's also a budding thriller novelist and former editor of several magazines.  Did you know that technology can actually tamper with our ability to remember the important moments in life? Cameras and smartphones are usually on every traveler’s checklist but our guest today has some advice on why we should just leave those things in our hotel room. Andrea Bartz explains how to create lasting memories without your smartphone. Soul of the First Amendment (1:48:43) Floyd Abrams is the author of The Soul of the First Amendment and a senior partner in the Cahill Gordon & Reindel law firm.  Floyd received his education from Yale Law School and is currently America’s preeminent First Amendment lawyer. Mr. Abrams has spoken out on the most controversial free-speech issues of our time and argued frequently in the Supreme Court in First Amendment cases ranging from the Pentagon Papers case to Citizens United. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the American people’s right to voice their opinions freely. Floyd Abrams talks about the first amendment and how it continues to be a key element of politics and everyday life.