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The Civic Flame

The Civic Flame

Written by: The Civic Flame
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 The Civic Flame is where history meets hope. Hosted by a law and politics professor, it takes you inside the story of the U.S. Constitution—the debates that shaped it and the meaning it holds today. In a time of division, The Civic Flame offers something different: dialogue that sparks conversation instead of conflict. This is a call to revive thoughtful civic discourse and keep the flame of democracy burning bright.Dr. Fun Sponge Media Politics & Government Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • 26: The Kerner Commission: Still America's Roadmap to Justice

    26: The Kerner Commission: Still America's Roadmap to Justice
    Apr 30 2026

    What was the Kerner Commission Report, and why is it one of the most fundamental Congressional Reports in US history? Walk back to 1968 with us in this audience-requested episode about the report that changed the course of one of the most influential elections in US history and told the American public that we were moving towards two societies: one White and one Black.

    Dr Fun Sponge Changes to Mother of Democracy 1968: One Damn Thing After AnotherWhat was the Kerner Commission?The Great Society Loses to Vietnam A Congressional Report becomes a Bestseller!Kerner Showed us how to avoid police violence and urban unrestThe Longer We Wait to Address Injustice, the More Costly it will be
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    22 mins
  • 25: Content Warning: Mother of Democracy

    25: Content Warning: Mother of Democracy
    Apr 16 2026

    This week, we launch a new sub-series: Mother of Democracy that combines my work in women's health with my civics work. Trigger alert: we talk about rape, cults, and femicide, so this one is not family friendly.

    Major Content Warning The Epstein Class Just give me super powers or criminal immunity Gisele Pelicot and Rapist husbandsKeep Being Horrified, Stop being surprised The Rape Academy Femicide and Violent Misogyny: It’s not extremism, it’s super common Unless you’re actively fighting this, you’re not a good man Femicide Men hate women for existing. Women hate men for killing us. Misogyny and Democracy are not compatible Next week: Korea and the 4 B movement
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    11 mins
  • 24: 14th Amendment and Load-Bearing Clauses

    24: 14th Amendment and Load-Bearing Clauses
    Apr 2 2026

    In our season finale of the Civic Flame, we look at a truly load-bearing amendment. The Fourteenth Amendment includes birthright citizenship, due process, privileges and immunities, equal protection, and more!

    We go through the five sections of this game-changer and talk about how the Fourteenth Amendment fundamentally altered US citizenship and why todays' legal civil war is trying to attack it. Let's go!

    00:00:55 The Fourteenth Amendment is a big deal

    00:01:35 Section 1 of the 14th Amendment and Birthright Citizenship

    00:04:00 Birthright Citizenship and US v Wong Kim Ark

    00:06:22 Privileges and Immunities were supposed to be a big deal

    00:09:22 Due Process and Equal Protection are for persons not just citizens

    00:12:00 The 14th Amendment and the Doctrine of Selective Incorporation

    00:14:00 Right to an attorney and civil Gideon

    00:14:12 Section 2 of the 14th Amendment and representation

    00:16:40 Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and the Insurrection Clause

    00:19:33 We’re in a legal civil war

    00:21:00 Section 4 of the 14th Amendment and refusal to pay the confederate traitors

    00:24:50 Section 5 of the 14th Amendment and reaffirming Legislative Supremacy

    00:26:00 Season one finale!

    00:23:00 Thank you!
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    28 mins
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