In this episode, Jack interviews one of his colleagues at Portland State University,  Dr. Melody Valdini, professor of political science and co-editor of the Journal of Women, Politics & Policy. Their conversation begins with Dr. Valdini’s experiences in graduate school that focused her thinking on the power of the patriarchy and ends with the message: don’t disengage. In between, they discuss ways to attempt to reduce inequalities in the world, the need for political zen, and some more of the experiences that formed Dr. Valdini’s thinking, teaching, and advocacy. 
Dr. Valdini’s books: The Character of Democracy and The Inclusion Calculation: Why Men Appropriate Women's Representation
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Outrage, frustration, fear, and confusion are common feelings about politics in America today. It's no fun to feel this way. The Pothole Problem Podcast features interviews with activists, public servants, and political observers discussing how they work with and make use of their outrage. The intention is to examine different ways of looking at the world in order to cultivate a relationship to politics that is less frustrating and more satisfying.