American Angst
American Angst is a podcast where political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey unpacks the founding ideals and present tensions of American democracy with clarity, depth, and concern. Hosted and produced by his longtime friend Dale McConkey, the show blends serious civic reflection with honest, good-humored conversation for anyone trying to make sense of this American moment.
Podcasting since 2025 • 32 episodes
American Angst
Latest Episodes
Is This War Different? Putting the Iran Conflict in Context
After a break, American Angst returns with Dr. Michael Bailey bringing his sharp, historically grounded perspective to one of the biggest questions in political culture right now: how unusual is this latest American war footing, really...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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59:37
Kitchen-Table Congressman? A Conversation with Candidate Shawn Harris
In this return appearance on American Angst, congressional candidate Shawn Harris joins Michael Bailey and host Dale McConkey for a candid, unscripted conversation about politics grounded in lived experience rather than partisan theate...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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1:01:50
Protesting in God's Name: Faith, Immigration, and Public Witness
This week on American Angst, Mike shares a crossover episode with host Dale McConkey Church Potluck. They are joined by United Methodist pastors Rev. Ash McEuen and Rev. Karen Kagiyama for a timely ...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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1:10:46
Jimmy Carter’s Living Legacy (Literally!) Josh Carter on Democracy, Global Health, and Caregiving
In this kickoff-to-2026 episode of American Angst, we’re joined by a truly special guest: Josh Carter—podcaster, advocate, and yes, Jimmy Carter’s grandson—who offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the values that s...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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1:05:11
"It's a Republic, not a Democracy": Bailey's Take
Dr. Michael Bailey closes out the American Angst year with a holiday-season conversation that’s equal parts warm, witty, and razor-sharp about American civic identity. Starting with a few Christmas-movie confessions (including s...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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53:19