This multi-episode series is about the history of relations between the United States and the Middle East, including both US foreign policy and the Middle Eastern immigrant experience.

This episode is a brief history of the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, from the decline of the Roman Empire to the rise of the Ottoman Empire. In the first episode of Potstirrer Podcast not to center on US politics or culture, Jaye discusses the Great Schism, the rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire, the Crusades, and more.

CONTENT WARNING: The following episode includes discussion of war, with references to physical and sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.

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In the public release of the September 2019 Patreon Exclusive, Jaye discusses Donald Trump’s “disloyalty” comments regarding Jewish Democrats. Why would Trump rely on an anti-Semitic trope while stating he is an ardent supporter of Israel? Jaye also outlines reasons why white evangelicals, who are overwhelmingly loyal to Donald Trump, are also ardent supporters of the state of Israel. How do their politics in regards to Israel mesh with their support of a president who tacitly gives cover to anti-Semitic white supremacists?

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Several regions around the globe have been battling the scourge of a novel coronavirus, a highly contagious virus that leads to an illness the World Health Organization has named COVID-19. The virus leads to mild symptoms, or even no symptoms, in most people, but can lead to serious complications in a small but significant percentage of people, in some cases leading to death. COVID-19 has arrived in an real way in the United States, with tens of thousands officially confirmed positive for coronavirus, and hundreds of deaths.

Jaye reviews a brief timeline of the pandemic and the response of Donald Trump to the coronavirus threat in the US. Also, Jaye argues that the COVID-19 pandemic will significantly change America, and discusses a few possible futures, including reason for hope among the current wave of fear, uncertainty, darkness and despair.

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CONTENT WARNING: The following episode includes discussion of terrorism, hate crimes, disasters, & public health crises that have involved illness, injury & death. Listener discretion is advised. None of the content of this episode is a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

After a strong showing by US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont in the early contests of the Democratic nomination season, former Vice-President Joe Biden has gained the momentum, starting in South Carolina and thru Super Tuesday. Is this a positive turn of events for the Democrats in terms of moving away from a democratic socialist as their standard-bearer, or is having a centrist candidate as the frontrunner a bad sign for the party’s chances of beating Donald Trump in the general election?

Jaye discusses the 2020 model of election forecaster Rachel Bitecofer, reasons behind Joe Biden’s support among African-Americans, and why it is imperative that – regardless of ideology – the Democratic nominee must give voters, including those ideologically predisposed to vote for Democrats, a reason to vote for them, not simply that they are a superior alternative to Trump.

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The presidential nomination season is underway, and the Democratic race is heating up. As US Senator Bernie Sanders has received some early momentum, many Democrats, especially moderates, are concerned about Sanders, who is not a Democrat, and his democratic socialist ideology. Should Democrats be worried about the “socialist” label? Also, do Democrats have the right to feel entitled to votes from groups within their base, such as progressives and black Americans?

This is the last podcast episode under the Flying Machine banner, as Flying Machine is shutting down. Potstirrer Podcast will continue unaffiliated.

The experience as part of Flying Machine has been wonderful, and it was an honor to be in community with other amazing content creators. Over time, we became not only fellow creatives, but also friends.

Special thank you to our dear leaders, Malcolm & Justin, for the amazing network and community they built and cultivated, and allowing me to be a part of it. Here’s to new beginnings for all of us who have been part of this adventure. Cheers!

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In the final episode of 2019, Chuckles joins Jaye for a countdown and discussion of the five most downloaded episodes of 2019. They also talk about the 2020 presidential election, including the Trump impeachment, predictions for the Democratic nomination, and if Trump will be re-elected.

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NOTE: Potstirrer Podcast will be on break in the month of January, to prepare for the 2020 election cycle, but will be back in early February!

In the third annual Potstirrer Podcast War on Christmas Special, Jaye discusses the non-Christian origins of several Christmas traditions, including the twelve days of Christmas, Yule logs, Santa Claus and more. How did the Christmas holiday develop over time, and if Christmas isn’t purely “Christian,” what are evangelicals waging the “War on Christmas” truly fighting for?

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