I delve into a CNN poll of voters who self-identify as independents and ask whether the "open primary" concept is going to help solve their problems with our political system.

I discuss the 2024 book by Matthew Taylor, "The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy" and update listeners on what I have been doing lately. 

I talk some more about the descent of the U.S. into fascism and how this is causing me to rethink my political objectives and strategies. It has led me back into the early development of my own political thinking, particularly my understanding of Jesus' message and practices and what I think about the development of Christianity in later years.

I talk about the two forms of meditation, concentration and mindfulness, how to practice them, and what to expect from your practice. I also discuss what awakening is and how I have experienced it. (Edited version of livestream.)

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee is questioning Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the head of the Department of Health and Human Services, about decisions at HHS and the turmoil those decisions are causing. I report on the genesis of the hearing and explain the larger political context, which is that the Trump administration is advancing an American form of fascism, explaining this and giving my take on it.

Updates on non-major party candidates who could make an impact in 2026: independent Dan Osborn for U.S. Senate in Nebraska, Green Party candidate Butch Ware for governor in California, and independent candidate Kshama Sawant for U.S. Congress from Washington state. Also, an update on the court case challenging California's top-two electoral system.

This is an edited version of a livestream I did on my other channel a couple weeks ago. I talk about the concept of manifesting, clarifying intention, dealing with doubt, and being mindful of how much dissonance there is between your goals and the emotional core of your personal story.

A federal appellate court has released its reasoning for allowing states to forbid a candidate from appearing on election ballots as an "independent." I explain its reasoning and offer my view.

I look into "Progressive Christianity," a label being adopted by a number of churches and organizations, and assess the arguments of Michael Kruger, a critic of this movement.

I discuss a Wall Street Journal article indicating that Elon Musk has not followed through with any actions to create a new party as he had announced last month.

Political Dharma is being renamed The Spiritual & Political Podcast, with some slight changes in content. Along with my usual political topics I will be ending my other channel, A Buddhist Christian?, and moving the topics of that channel to this one.

Update on why the court case challenging California's "top-two" election system is being delayed. Minor parties brought the challenge on the grounds that the system prevents them from having a reasonable chance of getting their candidates on the general election ballot.

I discuss Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s denial yesterday that he is running for President in 2028 and what might really be behind this story.

In this episode I announce my plan to combine my two channels, "Political Dharma" and "A Buddhist Christian?", under one new name and somewhat shift its overall orientation. Let me know your feedback and I hope you will stay with me!

01:08: Fox News published a new public opinion poll about views toward having a new major third party;07:44: Green Party candidate for Governor of California is boosted by Kamala Harris dropping out;15:50: What I've been up to lately.

In a recent interview Joe Rogan challenged Bernie Sanders on the topic of climate change. Here I take apart Rogan's arguments to show why he got it wrong. (This is an excerpt from my longer video about the interview, with more of Rogan's comments.)

00:57: Republicans pass Trump's budget bill;
03:40: Elon Musk announces new political party;
08:39: Green Party endorses Butch Ware for governor;
11:38: Libertarian Party woes continue;
13:46: Apology for my previous video;
16:01: Why I'm taking a break from the show.

Note: I had to severely trim clips from the interview due to a copyright claim.00:28: Intro and preview of topics;05:24: Why are workers worse off?15:51: Climate change;25:42 Automation and job losses;33:41: Trump's lawsuits against media.

00:35: The Republican fight over Trump's budget bill;05:12: Fights within the Democratic National Committee;09:35: Democrats fight over NY mayoral primary;14:06: The continuing saga of the Libertarian Party.

Vice-president J.D. Vance calls himself a "post-liberal Catholic." What the heck is that? In this video I critique a speech by author and scholar Patrick Deneen, one of the chief intellectual voices in the movement.