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 • 12 episodes
American Angst
Latest Episodes
Campaigns, Congress, and Cattle: A Conversation with Candidate Shawn Harris
In this special episode of American Angst, political scientist Michael Bailey and host Dale McConkey welcome retired Brigadier General Shawn Harris, a Democratic candidate for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. The conversation ran...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:06:09
End of an Era? Dems in the Hot Seat, Part 4
In our fourth and final installment of our "Democrats in the Hot Seat" series, political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey shifts the focus squarely onto the Democratic Party—its historic dominance since the New Deal, the vision it set forth,...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:02:50
Patriarchy in the Pulpit and the Pentagon: Pete Hegseth and Doug Wilson
CROSSOVER EPISODE! In this first-ever crossover episode between Church Potluck and American Angst 101, host Dale McConkey, political scientist Michael Bailey, and historian Christy Snider dive into a hot-button political...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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56:35
Limits to Pluralism? Dems in the Hot Seat, Part 3
Political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey leads this episode of American Angst 101 with a sweeping exploration of how the United States’ founding-era vision of a liberal federal government—meaning one grounded in Enlightenment id...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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49:05
Elitism, Crime, and Borders: Dems in the Hot Seat, Part 2
In this follow-up to the previous conversation on MAGA critiques of the Democratic Party, Political Scientist Michael Bailey dives into the final three charges: (1) being elitist cultural snobs, (2) soft on crime, and (3) favoring open borders....
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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58:33