Civil Discourse
Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh
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Episodes
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This podcast uses government documents to illuminate the workings of the American government, and offer context around the effects of government agencies in your everyday life.
Recent Episodes
FEB 13, 2026
SCOTUS Eras: The Hughes Court
Aughie and Nia explore the Hughes Court, years 1930 - 1941. Charles Evans Hughes managed many personnel changes; he wrangled lots of strong personalities and widely divergent judicial philosophies in his time as Chief Justice. Hughes brought tremendous political skill to navigating this court in transition.
56 MIN
FEB 11, 2026
Story Behind the Name: Sam Ervin
Aughie and Nia discuss Sam Ervin, a man of many contradictory positions and Chairman of the Watergate Hearings in the U.S. Senate.
28 MIN
JAN 30, 2026
SCOTUS Eras: The Taft Court
Aughie and Nia explore the Taft Court, years 1921 - 1930. William Howard Taft is the only Chief Justice to have served as President of the United States. His court was conservative, leaning in the pro business direction in terms of striking down regulations of the economy.
67 MIN
JAN 28, 2026
Story Behind the Name: Carrie Buck
Nia and Aughie explain who Carrie Buck was, of the Supreme Court case Buck v Bell (1927).
18 MIN
JAN 23, 2026
SCOTUS Eras: The White Court
Aughie and Nia discuss the Whie Court, ears 1910 - 1921. Edward Douglass White was the first Associate Justice to be elevated to the position of Chief Justice. The White Court was slightly less conservative than the previous Fuller Court, choosing to favor regulations under the Commerce Clause and upholding the federal income tax.
46 MIN
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