Show-me Institute Podcast

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Jeff Asher, data analyst and co-founder of AH Datalytics, about the Real-Time Crime Index (RTCI). They discuss how the RTCI provides a near real-time look at crime trends across the U.S. by sampling data from hundreds of law enforcement agencies. Jeff explains the challenges of working with incomplete and imprecise data, the methodology for standardizing crime statistics across different agencies, the importance of real-time data for informed decision-making, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

James V. Shuls speaks with Crosby Kemper III, former director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, executive director of the Kansas City Public Library, and co-founder and former chairman of the Show-Me Institute, about the role of American institutions in shaping culture. They explore the impact of libraries, museums, and other cultural pillars on society, the ways in which these institutions influence public discourse and community engagement, the challenges they face in an evolving cultural landscape, and the importance of preserving these institutions for future generations. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Patrick Tuohey, senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute, about the Kansas City 33 School District's recent proposal to issue $424 million in bonds for building improvements. Despite a significant decline in enrollment and a previous failed bond referendum, KCPS is asking taxpayers to fund this initiative through increased property taxes. They discuss whether new buildings can truly address the district's deeper issues, such as poor academic performance and declining enrollment, if the funds could be better spent elsewhere, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Charles Fain Lehman, fellow at the Manhattan Institute, about his recent report titled "Doing Less with Less Crime and Punishment in Washington, DC." They explore the factors contributing to the rise in violent crime and public disorder, the impact of reduced law enforcement capacity, the broader implications for public safety, potential reforms to improve the criminal justice system, strategies for better resource allocation, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: a Missouri Taxpayer Bill of Rights, St. Louis County considering adopting a 'county manager' form of government, what the latest test scores tell us about Missouri schools, and more. Read the Taxpayer Bill or Rights here: https://showmeinstitute.org/publication/taxes/a-taxpayer-bill-of-rights-for-missouri/ Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Jude Schwalbach, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Reason Foundation, about his recent article on the urgent need for school districts to either reduce staffing or consolidate to survive. They discuss the financial pressures facing many districts due to declining enrollment, the tough decisions schools must make to remain viable, the potential benefits of consolidation, the resistance from various stakeholders, innovative solutions to navigate these challenging circumstances, and more.Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, James V. Shuls speaks with Michael Q. McShane, Director of National Research at EdChoice and Senior Fellow of Education Policy at the Show-Me Institute, about his latest paper, 'Why Markets Matter in Education.' They explore the growing role of market forces in education, the benefits of choice and competition for schools and students, the impact of educational marketplaces on innovation and quality, the challenges of government intervention in schooling, and the long-term advantages of allowing parents to shape their children's educational journeys. Read the essay here: https://bit.ly/3YG77Cy Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass talks with Patrick Tuohey, Senior Fellow at the Show-Me Institute, about the Missouri-Kansas border war over economic development incentives. They discuss how the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals reignited the subsidies battle between the states, the effects on local economies, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Daniel DiSalvo, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a professor of political science in the Colin Powell School at the City College of New York–CUNY, about his recent report on the policy response to declining public school enrollment. They explore the causes behind the drop in student numbers, the effectiveness of current educational policies, the challenges faced by public schools in adapting to these changes, innovative approaches to address enrollment declines, and more. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3LCvFVw Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with James V. Shuls, Director of Research and Senior Fellow at the Show-Me Institute, and Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, about the history and impact of the school choice movement. They discuss Shuls' recent paper, "The Father of the School Choice Movement," which highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Father Virgil Blum alongside the well-known Milton Friedman. The conversation explores Blum’s legal, moral, and religious advocacy for educational freedom, his role in founding Citizens for Educational Freedom, and how his work laid the groundwork for modern school choice policies. Find the paper here: https://bit.ly/3zKTGXH Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

James V. Shuls speaks with Russell S. Sobel, Professor of Economics and Entrepreneurship at the Baker School of Business at The Citadel, about his latest paper, "Why Markets Matter for Human Progress & Prosperity." They discuss how free markets drive innovation, prosperity, and human flourishing, the historical context of market-based economies, the pitfalls of government intervention, the long-term benefits of entrepreneurship and competition, and more. Read the full paper here: https://bit.ly/3zISjZA Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Elias Tsapelas, Director of State Budget and Fiscal Policy at the Show-Me Institute, about his recent report, "Missouri's Hancock Amendment: A Primer." They discuss the historical context and significance of the Hancock Amendment, its impact on Missouri’s fiscal policy, what can be done to improve protections for Missouri taxpayers, and more. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3Uzznoh Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Stephane Lavertu, Professor at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University and a Senior Research Fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, about the so-called "fiscal cliff" in public education funding. They discuss the idea that returning to pre-pandemic funding levels constitutes a crisis, the implications of declining student enrollment, whether maintaining or increasing current funding levels is truly necessary, and more. Stéphane Lavertu’s teaching and research focus on public administration, political economy, public policy analysis and evaluation, and education policy and governance. He has a doctorate in political science from the University of Wisconsin, a master’s degree in education from Stanford University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from The Ohio State University. His interdisciplinary research examines the politics of public administration and the performance of public organizations, particularly in the co

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Judge Glock, the Director of Research and a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and a contributing editor at City Journal, about the ongoing attempts to address homelessness through housing policy. They explore the effectiveness of current housing initiatives, the challenges in implementing effective policy solutions, innovative approaches to reduce homelessness, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

James V. Shuls, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: – Their new report, "Longer Days and Fewer Total Hours: Examining the Four-Day School Week in Missouri" – The rise of the four-day school week in Missouri – The impact on student achievement and teacher retention – Parent opinion on the four-day school week, and more Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Bryan Caplan, Professor of Economics at George Mason University, about his latest book "Build, Baby, Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation." They discuss reducing housing regulations to address the housing shortage, the broader impacts of housing policy on urban development and affordability, how to talk about public policy, and more. Order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Baby-Science-Housing-Regulation/dp/1952223415 Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with Ryan Bourne, the R. Evan Scharf Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics at the Cato Institute and editor of the book "The War on Prices: How Popular Misconceptions about Inflation, Prices, and Value Create Bad Policy." They discuss the effects of price controls, recent interventions in the economy, how to remind people about free market principals, and more. Ryan Bourne occupies the R. Evan Scharf Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics at Cato and is the author of the recent books Economics In One Virus, and The War on Prices. He has written on numerous economic issues, including fiscal policy, inequality, minimum wages, infrastructure spending, the cost of living and rent control. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass, David Stokes, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss the end of the 2024 Missouri Legislative Session.  Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to discuss: - The state budget - The final week of the legislative session - The latest plan in the City of St. Louis to deal with the prevalence of temporary tags, and more Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Andrew J. Rotherham is a co-founder and External Relations leader at Bellwether, a national nonprofit that exists to transform education to ensure systemically marginalized young people achieve outcomes that lead to fulfilling lives and flourishing communities. Rotherham also works in Bellwether’s Policy and Evaluation practice area and serves on the Virginia Board of Education. He occupies a unique place in the U.S. education sector working across silos. He has been appointed to senior policymaking roles by Democrats and Republicans, works at the intersection of research and policy, media, and practice, and is a longtime champion of heterodoxy, empiricism, and pragmatism in education policy. Rotherham writes the blog and newsletter Eduwonk.com. Learn more about Bellwether: https://bellwether.org/ Produced by Show-Me Opportunity