American Angst

USA 250: "Dear America," - Letters from Mike's Friends

What happens when you invite dozens of thoughtful people to write a letter to America on its 250th birthday? The responses are heartfelt, surprising, hopeful, grateful, critical, deeply personal—and unmistakably American. In this special episode of American Angst, Dr. Michael Bailey steps back from the usual conversation to listen to the voices of friends, former students, colleagues, immigrants, veterans, educators, scientists, public servants, faith leaders, and everyday citizens. More than two dozen accepted the invitation, each offering a brief "Dear America" letter reflecting on what this country has meant to them—and what they hope it can become. Mike closes the episode by expressing his gratitude for the remarkable people who shared their stories and reflecting on what these diverse voices reveal about the ongoing American experiment. Conceived by co-host Dale McConkey as part of American Angst's America 250 series, this special episode invites listeners to hear America through many different voices—hopeful, honest, challenging, and deeply human. The views expressed on American Angst are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

USA 250: 25 Things Mike Loves About America

As America approaches its 250th birthday, Michael Bailey sets aside his angst and offers a thoughtful, humorous, and deeply personal celebration of the United States. Hosted by Dale McConkey, this special episode counts down 25 things Michael loves about America—from the profound to the delightfully unexpected.  The conversation spans everything from America's founding ideals, history, government, and innovation to its culture, geography, food, language, music, literature, and natural wonders. Along the way, Michael reflects on what makes the American experiment unique while acknowledging its imperfections with honesty, humor, and gratitude. Whether you find yourself nodding along or raising an eyebrow, you're bound to come away with a fresh appreciation for the many facets of the American story—now 250 years strong. The views expressed on American Angst are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Filibustered: When Debate Damages Democracy

In this episode of American Angst, political philosopher Michael Bailey offers a clear, engaging, and deeply informed exploration of the filibuster—what it is, how it has evolved, and why its modern use may be undermining democratic governance in the United States. Moving beyond the familiar image of marathon speeches, Bailey explains how today’s “silent filibuster” functions as a routine tool of obstruction, effectively requiring a supermajority for most legislation and raising serious questions about accountability, majority rule, and the balance of power. Drawing on constitutional principles, historical context, and contemporary political realities, he challenges the common defenses of the filibuster—particularly the idea that it protects minority rights—while arguing that it often suppresses deliberation rather than promoting it. Host Dale McConkey provides light humor and conversational flow. The views expressed on American Angst are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Is This War Different? Putting the Iran Conflict in Context

After a break, American Angst returns with Dr. Michael Bailey bringing his sharp, historically grounded perspective to one of the biggest questions in political culture right now: how unusual is this latest American war footing, really? Rather than offering hot takes, Bailey carefully sorts through what feels familiar, what feels troublingly new, and what may signal a deeper shift in the way the United States talks about power, war, and presidential authority. With his trademark mix of intellectual seriousness, dry wit, and wide-ranging historical context, Bailey explores whether today’s rhetoric around conflict is simply more of the same—or something far more unsettling. If you want political commentary that is thoughtful, probing, and more interested in perspective than panic, this episode is worth your time. The views expressed on American Angst are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Kitchen-Table Congressman? A Conversation with Candidate Shawn Harris

In this return appearance on American Angst, congressional candidate Shawn Harris joins Michael Bailey and host Dale McConkey for a candid, unscripted conversation about politics grounded in lived experience rather than partisan theater. Drawing on decades of military service as a brigadier general and his current life as a cattle rancher, Harris frames leadership as humility, responsibility, and a relentless focus on people over personality. The discussion moves from Northwest Georgia’s “kitchen-table” struggles—affordability, rural healthcare and mental health gaps, and PFAS contamination—to bigger questions about voter laws, institutional trust, and the risks of sliding into another “forever war.” Harris critiques celebrity politics and fear-driven narratives, arguing that real representation means showing up, listening, reading the fine print, and working with anyone—Democrat, Republican, or Independent—who’s serious about solving problems. What emerges is more than a campaign interview: it’s a reminder of what public service can look like when compromise is treated as progress, not weakness. The episode feels less like spin and more like a neighbor pulling up a chair, telling you what he’s seen, and inviting you to hold him accountable. The views expressed on American Angst are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.