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 • 28 episodes
American Angst
Latest Episodes
"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
Trump’s Troublesome Environmental Policy: From Ocean Depths to Atmospheric Heights
In this wide-ranging episode of American Angst, Dr. Michael Bailey and Dale take a deep and sobering look at Donald Trump’s environmental record. Using a “bottom of the ocean to the top of the atmosphere—and into our minds” framework, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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1:02:15
Thanksgiving: The Most American Holiday?
It's a special Thanksgiving crossover episode of American Angst and Church Potluck! Dr. Michael Bailey and Dale McConkey start off-topic with a quick overview of 10 dizzying days in American politics. From there,...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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1:04:36
Election Results and Shutdown Breakthrough: Who Won the Week?
In this episode of American Angst, Michael Bailey briefly updates us on the apparent breakthrough in the government shutdown. The deal reopens the government and restores furlough pay, but Bailey emphasizes that
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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58:59
American Dream on Hold: The Rising Barriers to Homeownership for Young Adults
Homeownership used to be the on-ramp to the middle-class American Dream. For many young adults, that on-ramp now feels barricaded—by high prices, high mortgage rates, high rents, and student debt. In this episode, Michael Bailey and Dale McConk...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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53:06