Join us for a jargon-free introduction to the power dynamics of oil. We all use it in some shape or form -- to get around, to heat our homes, to make plastics -- and because of this, the power dynamics between countries who produce oil and those who consume it has been a source of tension for decades.

Who produces and consumes the most oil? What kind of power do they have? In April 2019, the impacts of Covid-19 led to negative oil prices -- what does this mean? What is the future of oil, given Covid-19 and climate change?

Our guest expert, Dr. Sergey Paltsev (from the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change and MIT Energy Initiative) covers the basics in a short, jargon-free fireside chat with host Laur Hesse Fisher, plus answers questions from the curious folks who attended the event live.

Music by Blue Dot Sessions

With the presidential election right around the corner, it seems like everyone is competing for our votes. But with all kinds of state and local districting, the electoral college, claims of gerrymandering, and a focus on swing states, it's confusing to know how votes are counted -- and how much our own vote really matters. What are voting districts and does it matter which districts I'm in? What is gerrymandering and is it bad? What’s the real deal with voter fraud and suppression? Who makes the decisions about districting and voting access?

Our guest expert, Dr. Elaine Kamarck (Director of the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institute) covers the basics in a short, jargon-free fireside chat with host Laur Hesse Fisher, plus answers questions from the curious folks who attended the event live.

Music by Blue Dot Sessions

The 2020 economic recession caused by Covid-19 opens a lot of questions, like: What exactly is a recession, and how will it impact people and our economy? Who makes decisions about our economy? What tools do decision-makers have to deal with a recession? ...and many more. Our guest expert, Dr. Louise Sheiner (Policy Director for the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at the Brookings Institute) covers the basics in a short, jargon-free fireside chat with host Laur Hesse Fisher, plus answers questions from the curious folks who attended the event live.