Truth Decay: Our Inaugural Angst

Political philosopher Michael Bailey has spent years thinking carefully about American democracy—its roots, its ideals, and its increasingly shaky relationship to truth. In American Angst 101, he sits down with his friend Dale McConkey to reflect on what’s happening in our political culture, what’s changed, and whether anything can be done about it. The podcast opens with humor (and a theme song contest), but quickly shifts into a deeper discussion about the decline of shared facts and the rise of political dishonesty—not just in general, but in specific, troubling ways.

The goal here isn’t to score points or amplify outrage. It’s to have a good-faith conversation about the forces reshaping American civic life. Michael and Dale don’t pretend to have all the answers, but they do ask real questions—and they try to do it with clarity, curiosity, and a bit of humor. Whether drawn to the political analysis, the honest back-and-forth, or the concern that something vital is slipping away, listeners are invited to think along with them.

The views expressed on American Angst 101 are those of the individuals involved and do not represent any institution or organization.