Best commonsensedigest Podcasts (2025)

1
Where Is Our Transportation Funding Actually Going? featuring Ben Stein 31:37

19d ago31:37

31:37

Common Sense Institute recently published a study titled "Highway Detours: The Ongoing Shift of Transportation Dollars." It was authored by our Transportation Fellow Ben Stein, who, in 2006 became the Budget Director for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). At CDOT he oversaw the development and execution of the annual budget for the d…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs and the Economy - March 4, 2025 53:54

2M ago53:54

53:54

In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, March 4, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled "Over Easy or Overpriced? The Growing Cost of Living in Colorado." Our panelists included: Tamra Ryan - CSI Coors Economic Mobility Fe…

1
Iowa's DOGE Prototype and Its Results featuring Ben Murrey 27:33

2M ago27:33

27:33

The state of Iowa does not have a Department of Government Efficiency, however, Iowa lawmakers began improving government efficiency through a state initiative known as “alignment” more than a year before the American public ever heard of a “DOGE” at the federal level. Common Sense Institute commission a report that evaluates Iowa’s 2023 government…

1
The Cost of Crime in Oregon featuring Max Williams and Mark McMullen 43:26

4M ago43:26

43:26

Public concern over crime in Oregon has intensified, with a significant majority of residents expressing dissatisfaction with local government responses. A May 2024 poll revealed that 78% of Portland-area voters disapprove of how local authorities are handling crime, reflecting widespread unease across various demographics. This sentiment is furthe…

1
Boosting Iowa's Economy: The Childcare Solutions Fund featuring Sherri Penney 42:39

5M ago42:39

42:39

Like other states across the nation, Iowa faces a severe shortage of quality affordable childcare. Research by the Iowa Women’s Foundation found that the annual average cost of infant care in Iowa is 18.4% higher than in-state tuition at a four-year public college and 14.1% higher than annual housing costs. The fact is, childcare is prohibitively e…

1
The CSI 2024 Ballot Guide and Inflation Misery featuring Kelly Caufield and Zach Milne 32:51

6M ago32:51

32:51

The Common Sense Institute's 2024 Ballot Guide highlights the potential economic and fiscal impacts of key ballot measures in Colorado. Proposition 127, for instance, could lead to significant revenue losses for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and reduce overall economic output by $61.65 million. Other measures, such as school choice and law enforcemen…

1
Reforming Arizona's Homeless Service Ecosystem featuring Julie Katsel and Ted Maxwell 33:02

6M ago33:02

33:02

Earlier this year, the Common Sense Institute released a thorough review of homelessness spending at all levels – non-profits, state and local governments, and federal grants and transfers. The report identified over 200 Arizona providers – public and private - who today spend a collective $1 billion per year on homelessness-related expenses. Despi…

1
Iowa's Healthcare Landscape featuring Dr. Chelsea Lensing 35:29

7M ago35:29

35:29

Iowa’s policymakers, providers, and insurers operate within a state comprised of an aging population and large rural areas. According to the Iowa Department of Justice, the state ranks 16th nationally for the number of residents 50-years-old and over. Approximately 18% of Iowa’s more-than-three-million residents are 65 years old and older while 23%…

1
The Potential Impacts of Oregon Ballot Measure 118 featuring Lynn Snodgrass 27:59

7M ago27:59

27:59

This November Oregon voters will decide on Ballot Measure 118, which would increase Oregon’s taxes on corporations six-fold, with the proceeds to be distributed equally across all eligible individuals. Under the proposal, Oregonians would face the most aggressive gross receipts tax in the nation by far. Host and Chairman Earl Wright welcomes Mark M…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - September 10, 2024 1:01:51

8M ago1:01:51

1:01:51

In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, September 10, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "Unscrambling the 2024 November Ballot" Our panelists included: Paul Pazen - CSI Public Safety Fellow and Former Denver Police C…

1
A Chat with CSI's Daniels Fund Junior Scholars 28:24

8M ago28:24

28:24

Our President and CEO Kristin Strohm fills in for Earl Wright on this edition of Common Sense Digest as she welcomes four full-time Daniels Fund Scholars to the show to discuss the work of four remarkable summer interns. These young men and women are working to help advance CSI’s mission of examining the fiscal impacts of policies and legislation b…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Fentanyl: Our Nation's Most Devastating Challenge 53:43

10M ago53:43

53:43

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Thursday, June 27, Common Sense Institute hosted an event titled "Fentanyl: Our Nation's Most Devastating Challenge" where speakers from across the country will share research and insights on one of the most challenging issues of our time. Our…

1
Introducing Common Sense Institute Oregon featuring Mark McMullen 30:42

10M ago30:42

30:42

In January, CSI made a bold move to kick off 2024 and launched in two new states: Iowa and Oregon. Both states are already releasing new studies and engaging in the public policy arena. Along with its successful counterparts in Colorado and Arizona, as well as a newly launched chapter in Iowa, CSI Oregon is guided by a board of local leaders, each …

1
How DSST Became a Successful Educational Model featuring Bill Kurtz and Van Schoales 37:23

11M ago37:23

37:23

Founded in 2004 as a high school in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood, Denver School of Science & Technology (DSST) is now nationally renowned for its unique design, diversity, and consistent high achievement—considered one of the leading open enrollment STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) schools in the United States. DSST’s mission…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - June 4, 2024 55:57

11M ago55:57

55:57

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, June 4, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "The Colorado Crisis: The Economic Impact of Migrants and the Homeless.." Our panelists included: Adam Paul - Director of Regional …

1
What Should We Do To Optimize RTD Ridership? featuring Kelly Brough and Daniel Hutton 35:28

11M ago35:28

35:28

What began as a relatively small-scale bus operation, RTD has grown to one of the Denver metro area’s most expansive pieces of infrastructure and a political arena of its own. Increasingly, the public is being asked to put more confidence into an organization of which it has cause to be skeptical. In the face of expansive plans, though, RTD serves …

1
A Breakdown of the 2024 Arizona Legislative Session featuring Katie Ratlief and Wayne Schutsky 38:32

12M ago38:32

38:32

Arizona's legislative session continues, and Common Sense Institute is here to discuss what's already unfolded and what remains to transpire. Specifically, we discuss the state budget and the critical areas of housing and homelessness. These topics are at the forefront of policy decisions and have significant implications for the future of the stat…

1
The Issue of Housing in the 2024 Colorado Legislature featuring Peter LiFari 33:13

12M ago33:13

33:13

Anybody in Colorado can agree that housing is at the top of the list our most pressing matters. It’s expensive, there doesn’t seem to be enough of it, people are afraid they won’t be able to keep their homes or that they’ll never buy one to begin with, and property taxes are going to make the expense issue that much worse. The Colorado legislature …

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - April 16, 2024 1:17:41

1y ago1:17:41

1:17:41

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, April 16, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: " From the State Capitol to the Kitchen Table: How Colorado Policy is Impacting Housing, Safety and Infrastructure." Our panelist…

1
Nearing the Finish Line: A Look Back and Ahead at the Colorado Legislative Session featuring Jake Zambrano 36:36

1y ago36:36

36:36

There is no shortage of public policy to pass through in Colorado in 2024. Legislators are trying to address a state in the throes of a housing affordability crisis, an infrastructure crunch, a crime wave, a post-inflation economic climate, a surge in migrants from the southern border, a statewide homelessness crisis, and a mental health crisis, on…

1
Caitlin Clarkonomics and the Impact on Iowa featuring Ben Murrey 31:19

1y ago31:19

31:19

University of Iowa’s homegrown star, Caitlin Clark, began her college basketball career playing in empty arenas at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now she competes in sold-out arenas wherever she goes—and for good reason. During her 4-year college career, Clark has broken countless records on the court and brought an unprecedented level of exc…

1
Crime Trends in Colorado featuring Paul Pazen 32:10

1y ago32:10

32:10

Few people in Colorado have not directly experienced crime. From property offenses to violent crimes, every crime leaves a traumatized victim. Whether the wounds are physical, psychological, or financial, it is important to acknowledge the profound effects that a crime can have on its victims. At Common Sense Institute, our goal is to address the e…

1
Tackling Homelessness in Arizona featuring Tom Simplot 24:57

1y ago24:57

24:57

Homelessness – and the provision of related services – has evolved into a substantial economic sector. While services are primarily provided by nonprofits, funding starts at the federal level and flows from federal, state, and local grantors into the nonprofit space. The funding and services are distributed through a vast national network of local …

1
Announcing the Launch of CSI Iowa featuring Joe Murphy and Ben Murrey 29:20

1y ago29:20

29:20

In January, CSI made a bold move to kick off 2024 and launched in two new states: Iowa and Oregon. Both states are already releasing new studies and engaging in the public policy arena. Along with its successful counterparts in Colorado and Arizona, as well as a newly launched chapter in Oregon, CSI Iowa is guided by a board of local leaders, each …

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - February 13, 2024 1:04:19

1y ago1:04:19

1:04:19

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, February 13, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition was titled: "Supply & Demand, What to Know About Today's Degrees and Tomorrow's Jobs." Our panelists included: Janine Davidson - President…

1
Diagnosis of Colorado’s Healthcare Industry featuring Dr. Reggie Washington 34:31

1y ago34:31

34:31

Colorado’s healthcare industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy. In addition to protecting Coloradans’ personal health and wellbeing, the healthcare industry supports 18% of all Colorado jobs. The underlying economic and policy conditions that impact the healthcare system are more favorable in Colorado than in most other states, accord…

1
The Economic Costs of Colorado's Foster Youth featuring John Farnam 28:22

1y ago28:22

28:22

Colorado’s foster care youth are a small but troubled section of society. Unfortunately, data is scarce for their life outcomes after they exit the system and, in some cases, when they are still inside it. To illustrate the economic impact of even a small sliver of the foster population, the report focuses on those aging out of the system. This is …

1
The Multifaceted Issue of Homelessness in Colorado featuring Donna Lynne 29:50

1+ y ago29:50

29:50

Over the last three years, Colorado has spent nearly $2 billion on homelessness, concentrated largely in the Denver metro region. While metro areas across the country have seen a surge of people experiencing homelessness, the Denver metro has some of the highest levels of growth among the areas the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development t…

1
Understanding and Solving Arizona's Budget Deficit featuring Danny Seiden and Glenn Farley 30:06

1+ y ago30:06

30:06

Over the past decade Arizona’s population and economy have grown rapidly, but more recent data suggests this pace is slowing. Today the state is facing the end of its fastest period of revenue and spending growth ever – over the past five years, General Fund revenue collections have grown 52%, while spending has increased by over two-thirds (to $17…

1
The 2024 Free Enterprise Report featuring Lang Sias, Glenn Farley and Dr. Steven Byers 43:47

1+ y ago43:47

43:47

The Free Enterprise Report is a marquis report that provides an objective, non-partisan, fact-based analysis of both the Colorado and Arizona economic landscapes and each state’s most pressing issues. The study is a year long undertaking and includes the CSI Economic Performance Index as well as a Free Enterprise Competitiveness Index across eight …

1
The 2024 National Western Stock Show featuring Paul Andrews 26:59

1+ y ago26:59

26:59

The National Western Stock Show, held annually in Denver since 1906, is known as the Super Bowl of livestock shows, and one of the most prestigious horse shows and rodeos in the world. Initially aimed at demonstrating better breeding and feeding techniques to local stockmen, the show has grown to become one of the world’s largest stock shows, attra…

1
Colorado’s Workforce Woes, Opportunities and Economic Mobility featuring Tamra Ryan and Scott Laband 37:07

1+ y ago37:07

37:07

Colorado’s labor force is facing an unprecedented shortage, and conventional trends alone won’t resolve the issue. The state’s tight labor market, with 2.7 jobs for every unemployed person, is resulting in a significant $46 billion loss in annual GDP. A substantial portion of the unemployed and marginally attached to the labor force are people with…

1
Where Have All the Condos Gone? featuring Peter LiFari, Ted Leighty and Bruce Likoff 38:53

1+ y ago38:53

38:53

Over the past fifteen years, Colorado condominium construction has experienced a severe decline. Condominium development between 2018 and 2022, across 11 front range counties which collectively house over 80% of Colorado’s population, was 76% lower than between 2002 and 2008. This amounted to 14 new apartments for every 1 new condo in recent years,…

1
A Chat with Guy Benson Ahead of the Free Enterprise Summit 30:07

1+ y ago30:07

30:07

Guy Benson is a well-known political commentator and media personality. He is among the roster of the 25 millennial broadcasters in American news and politics and served as a Media Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University's Institute of Politics. He is also the keynote speaker at our 2023 Free E…

1
A Vision and Framework for Colorado’s Energy Future featuring Tisha Schuller and Doug Benevento 34:19

1+ y ago34:19

34:19

In an ideal end state, Colorado’s energy would be affordable, reliable, and leave the smallest possible environmental footprint. To achieve this, energy would be appreciated as a central force that enables progress—rather than being viewed by legislators and policymakers as a necessary evil. Consumers would be empowered with choices that reflect th…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & The Economy - September 26, 2023 1:12:24

1+ y ago1:12:24

1:12:24

In this special edition of of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, September 26, Common Sense Institute hosted its quarterly Eggs & The Economy Event. This edition featured discussion about Proposition HH: the Taxpayer Dilemma. The panel featured the following participants: Kelly Caufield - CSI Execu…

1
Proposition HH Explained by Gov. Bill Owens and Chris Brown 33:27

1+ y ago33:27

33:27

On November 7, 2023 Colorado voters will approve or reject Proposition HH, Property Tax Changes and Revenue Change Measures. Proposition HH was referred to the ballot by the State Legislature following the passage of SB23-303. As the title suggests, Proposition HH is a complex proposal. It modifies or reduces taxation rates and exemptions for multi…

1
The Implications of and Solutions for Learning Loss featuring Lisa Graham Keegan 38:45

1+ y ago38:45

38:45

In this episode of the Common Sense Digest, we dive deep into the pressing issue of learning loss and its far-reaching impact on education — and the economy. Joining us is a renowned expert in the field, Lisa Graham Keegan, a results-driven school choice advocate and former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction. Lisa is welcomed by Host and …

1
Quantifying the Cost of Crime in Colorado featuring George Brauchler and Mitch Morrissey 28:16

1+ y ago28:16

28:16

Few people in Colorado have not directly experienced crime. From property offenses to violent crimes, every crime leaves a traumatized victim. Whether the wounds are physical, psychological, or financial, it is important to acknowledge the profound effects that a crime can have on its victims. At Common Sense Institute, our goal is to address the e…

1
The Economic Impacts of Colorado’s Sports and Tourism Industry featuring Kyle Dyer and Richard Scharf 34:53

1+ y ago34:53

34:53

Colorado boasts a wide array of natural beauty and tourist attractions which attracts millions of visitors to the state every year. Pristine nature, world-class skiing, and captivating sports teams all contribute to the robust inflow of tourists that Colorado welcomes. The revenue generated by the state’s diverse attractions supports a substantial …

1
Protecting Arizona’s Economic Competitiveness featuring Danny Seiden and Courtney Coolidge 25:02

2y ago25:02

25:02

Every year in Arizona, legislators introduce hundreds of bills, most of which are never enacted. This year, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“Arizona Chamber”) identified 67 “Job Killer” bills which would have imposed substantial new taxes, costs, or administrative burdens on Arizona businesses. Ultimately, none of these bills were ena…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Eggs & the Economy - June 13, 2023 1:12:05

2y ago1:12:05

1:12:05

In this special edition of Common Sense Digest, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, June 13, Common Sense Institute hosted Eggs & the Economy which featured an in-depth conversation from the State House to the walls of local government. The panel featured the following participants: Kelly Caufield - CSI Executive Direct…

1
A Comprehensive Look at Public Safety and Fighting Crime in Colorado featuring Paul Pazen 29:08

2y ago29:08

29:08

It’s no secret that Colorado has been hit with a crime wave. Skyrocketing crime rates, fentanyl deaths, and the number one rank in the country when it comes to auto thefts, are all factors that have put Colorado’s economic future at risk and made Coloradans less safe. Public safety plays a critical role in the economic vitality of a community. Incr…

1
CSI Mid-Year Wrap-Up featuring Lang Sias, George Brauchler and Kelly Caufield 50:11

2y ago50:11

50:11

As we near the year's midpoint, we take time to reflect on what we've accomplished and discuss where we go from here. It has been a busy year for Common Sense Institute, which means there is plenty of fertile ground to cover as we discuss the legislative session, touch on our studies and reports, and look ahead to election season and beyond. Host a…

1
Manufacturing Matters in Arizona featuring Steve Macias and Glenn Farley 32:14

2y ago32:14

32:14

Our recent report, The Economic Impact of Arizona’s Manufacturing Sector, demonstrates how the manufacturing sector has been one of the fastest growing parts of the Arizona economy over the past decade. In March, manufacturers added 2,000 jobs in Arizona (1st in the country), even as the overall labor market shrank. The manufacturing sector has for…

1
SPECIAL EPISODE: Coffee and Common Sense Arizona 5.2.23 32:05

2y ago32:05

32:05

In this special edition of Common Sense Digest Arizona, we feature discussion from one of our recent events. On Tuesday, May 2, Common Sense Institute hosted Coffee & Common Sense: A Conversation About Arizona's Changing Economy. We welcomed an expert panel to discuss how Arizona's economy has transformed over the last decade, what's driving this, …

1
The 2023 Colorado Legilsative Session featuring Jordan Sanchez and Jake Zambrano 27:36

2y ago27:36

27:36

The Colorado legislative session wraps up imminently. The budget for 2023-2024 has passed, which outlines state spending totaling $41.1 billion. It’s a number larger than the GDP of Libya, Bolivia, Uganda, Iceland and dozens of other countries. $41.1 billion also represents a 4.2% increase over last year and the largest budget in Colorado history. …

1
Is Colorado as Economically Competitive As It Used To Be? featuring Loren Furman and Lang Sias 35:45

2y ago35:45

35:45

For much of the last two decades, Colorado has been very highly ranked among U.S. states for being business friendly. This has been reflected in state-by-state rankings extolling Colorado's relatively low tax rates, highly educated workforce, and high quality of life. These positive factors reinforced patterns that increased the size and scope of C…

1
What’s New in Housing? featuring Peter LiFari and Adam Burg 27:00

2y ago27:00

27:00

According to CSI Housing fellow Peter LiFari’s latest housing report, as of 2021, 80% of Coloradans live in a county with an aggregate housing supply shortage. As a result, home affordability has decreased by 85% since 2015. Now, as of 2022, Colorado is the 8th most unaffordable state for renters in the country. Governor Polis and leaders in the le…

1
Navigating the Benefits Cliff and Incentivizing Work in Colorado featuring Tamra Ryan and Juan Pena 44:02

2y ago44:02

44:02

In the coming weeks, CSI will release a report focused on how minimum wage policy and other benefits like Medicaid impact the state, employers, and workers. More than 1 of every 4 Coloradans, is currently on Medicaid. We believe this research that will help us better quantify the costs to the state’s growing budget and how we can ensure policy ince…

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