Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon

Political strategist and advisor Richard Gordon connects with numerous elected officials and candidates on the state, local and federal levels in the real conversations we need to have during these "Unconventional Times."

Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon is a news podcast hosted by Richard Gordon, with 74 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Richard Gordon hosts Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon, a news show with 74 episodes published.

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  Episode #76

  Behind the Curtain with Paul Lisnek: Media, Politics, and the Evolution of American Journalism

  Sep 29, 20261h 21m

  Discover how media, law, and entertainment have become inseparable forces shaping our modern political landscape—plus, what happens when journalistic independence is tested on the national stage. In this lively and insightful conversation, Richard Gordon sits down with his longtime friend, Emmy-winning broadcaster Paul Lisnek, for a candid discussion ranging from the behind-the-scenes of winning Emmys and jury consulting on national cases, to the shifting sands of American journalism, the influence of mega-mergers, and the future of democracy in a fractured news ecosystem. Key highlights include: Paul’s fascinating transition from law to theater to media, and how a single piece of career advice changed everything. Why media consolidation—like the merger of Paramount and Warner Discovery—threatens diversity of voices and the local news landscape. The dangers and strategies of political tunnel vision, misinformation, and declining civics education. Insights from working iconic cases like O.J. Simpson and thoughts on the lasting impact of lying in politics. Paul’s favorite interviews and what makes a great question land with legends like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elton John. Predictions for the 2028 election cycle and the importance of standing for press freedom in unconventional times. Episode Overview [00:00:00] Introduction and show setup [00:02:31] Welcoming Paul Lisnek and career highlights [00:04:00] What it’s really like to win an Emmy [00:06:29] Paul’s career path: law, communication, and the counselor who changed everything [00:11:04] Connecting politics and entertainment [00:13:52] Inside high-profile jury consulting (O.J., Casey Anthony, more) [00:20:35] The rise of cable, social media, and the fragmentation of news [00:23:47] Are we causing media balkanization—or just following networks? [00:25:10] Objectivity, business, and the struggle for impartial coverage [00:31:00] The paradox of information overload and declining political knowledge [00:34:35] Media mergers: Paramount, CNN, CBS, and the threat to journalistic diversity [00:43:02] Government, business, and journalistic independence [00:45:45] The law and press freedom: Banning CNN and the constitutional stakes [00:50:22] Media solidarity and the battle for democratic norms [00:57:16] On truth, lies, and the journalist’s role [01:03:05] Election predictions, gerrymandering, and 2028 political outlook [01:11:43] Offbeat favorites: Broadway, best interviews, and dream guests [01:17:07] Closing words and reflections on the state of America

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  Episode #75

  Unconventional Times @ 75: Powerful Guest Moments and Lessons Learned

  Sep 24, 202630 min

  Serving the public can be the honor of a lifetime—and navigating chaos, disruption, and political headwinds is part of the journey. What does it really take to lead through crisis, inspire real change, and keep democracy healthy? For the 75th episode of Unconventional Times, host Richard Gordon brings back powerful moments with several high-impact guests—governors, ambassadors, strategists, insiders, and thought leaders—each offering fresh perspectives on public service, democracy, and the pivotal moments that shape our nation. Key highlights include Jennifer Granholm on stepping forward to lead, Debbie Cox Bultan on political chaos and expectations, Governor Gavin Newsom on servant leadership at the highest level, and Anthony Scaramucci reflecting on the rise of Trump and the transformation of American politics. From tackling crises to shaping the future of civic education, this episode distills wisdom and lessons learned from decades at the center of America's most important decisions. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Introduction by Intro Announcer and Richard Gordon01:49 Joe Donnelly, Jennifer Granholm, and Richard Gordon on entering public service and how critical life decisions are made03:27 Debbie Cox Bultan discusses public perception, political chaos, and Biden’s presidency04:51 Richard Gordon and Governor Gavin Newsom on White House leadership culture and serving the president06:39 Debbie Cox Bultan on 2026 and 2028 political outlooks and primaries08:44 Anthony Scaramucci reflects on Trump’s rise and the evolution of political campaigns12:18 Governor Gavin Newsom on the emotional cost and meaning of political service13:12 Joe Donnelly and Richard Gordon on crisis preparation and managing disaster14:41 Richard Gordon and Ido Aharoni debate national security and US-Israel perspectives on threats16:42 Joe Donnelly recounts fighting corruption and running for mayor19:00 Joe Donnelly breaks down the unique challenges of being US Ambassador to the Holy See21:35 Larry Sabato and Richard Gordon discuss the origins and importance of civic education24:54 Dan Glickman shares his unexpected experience as designated survivor and lessons in humility29:10 Closing remarks and where to find more episodes

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  Episode #74

  Leading with Science and Law: Secretary Reid Wilson on Environmental Policy in North Carolina

  Sep 18, 202639 min

  Discover how resilience in environmental policy can safeguard communities and spark economic growth—as North Carolina’s DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson shares insider strategies for tackling today’s climate and development challenges. What happens when natural disaster recovery, cutting-edge AI, and unstoppable population growth collide in one of America’s fastest-changing states? In this candid and informative conversation, Wilson recounts the personal roots of his environmental commitment, details how North Carolina is building resilience against increasingly frequent extreme storms, and explains how the state balances conservation with booming development. From AI’s transformative impact on government records to the heated debate over data centers and the ongoing battle against “forever chemicals,” this episode unpacks real-world solutions, the complexities of federal-state cooperation, and what keeps environmental leaders up at night. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction & Reid Wilson’s background[04:14] Evolution of environmental policy and climate change challenges[07:18] Resilience and recovery strategies in North Carolina[10:07] Growth, natural systems, and mitigating storm impacts[12:11] AI innovations in DEQ and its double-edged sword[16:03] Federal-state relationships, funding, and regulatory tensions[22:25] Economic development vs. conservation[26:28] Certainty and permitting for business[29:18] The impact and controversy around data centers[32:39] What keeps Wilson up at night[34:09] Surprises, communicating with the public, and transparency[35:42] Wilson’s vision and legacy for DEQ[37:06] Advice for the next DEQ leader & close

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  Episode #73

  Modernizing Environmental Protection: Tim Davis on AI, Permitting, and Saving Utah’s Great Salt Lake

  Sep 16, 202657 min

  Discover how smart use of technology can help protect the environment and boost government efficiency—all without sacrificing public engagement or environmental quality. In this episode, Tim Davis, Utah’s Commissioner of Environmental Quality, joins Richard Gordon from the Environmental Council of the States conference in Jackson Hole to reveal how Utah is modernizing environmental regulation. From harnessing AI to speed up permitting and slashing redundancies across five agencies, to confronting the challenges facing the shrinking Great Salt Lake, Tim Davis provides a practical roadmap for reconciling economic growth with hard environmental limits. Get an insider’s view on data centers, climate change, federal-state dynamics, and what it takes to drive cultural change to save vital natural resources. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode intro & Jackson Hole conference context01:08 Tim Davis’s career overview01:47 Technology and modernization in Utah’s DEQ03:12 AI in the agency: streamlining data review and permitting07:16 The Abundance Accelerator Initiative: cutting inefficiency09:09 Financial & operational impacts of process changes12:38 Permitting as a tool for economic development13:16 How Utah is making permitting faster and more transparent17:14 Speed permitting and use of external reviewers19:29 Safeguarding environmental standards while speeding up processes21:00 Funding for e-permitting systems and inter-agency coordination22:56 State-federal relations, politics, and primacy26:05 FAST-41 program and federal project acceleration31:08 Coping with cuts in EPA and federal funding34:45 Economic development vs. environmental protection: data centers case40:39 Climate change, the Great Salt Lake crisis, and state responses45:43 Water rights, consumption, and future sustainability46:13 Wildfires and climate adaptation47:33 Salt Lake Olympics 2034 and climate goals49:40 Hardest challenges: Saving the Great Salt Lake50:50 Tim Davis’s legacy and advice for future leaders52:48 Episode wrap-up and reflections

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  Episode #72

  The Balance of Industry and Nature: Randy Bates on Alaska’s Environmental Mission

  Sep 11, 202658 min

  Discover why balancing economic growth and environmental protection isn't just possible in Alaska—it's essential. In this insightful episode, Richard Gordon sits down with Randy Bates, Alaska's Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, to talk about the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with safeguarding America's last frontier. From a commercial fisherman’s lifelong love of Alaska’s natural resources to managing permitting in a state with world-class mines, fisheries, and soon, possibly, data centers, Randy Bates shares firsthand strategies for partnership, transparency, and resiliency in the face of climate extremes. He dives into the real impact of climate change on Alaska’s coasts and wildlife, the challenge of funding from shifting federal priorities, and powerful takeaways about agency leadership. If you want a candid, on-the-ground look at the intersection of environment and industry in Alaska, this episode is a must-listen. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction & host welcome[01:29] Meet Commissioner Randy Bates & his Alaska background[02:24] The meaning of “conservation” in Alaska’s DEC[03:15] Fishing, resource management, and personal connections[04:55] Balancing industry and environmental protection[06:07] Living and working in Juneau; community impact of mining[07:41] Economic growth vs. environmental protection in Alaska[09:10] State laws, permitting, and effective resource management[11:00] Interagency partnerships and DEC’s core mission[12:29] Transparency, communication, and telling your story[13:40] The role of AI and permitting challenges[15:14] Workload from Alaska’s industries and the necessity for efficiency[16:47] Subsistence and economic realities[18:34] Federal land, shifting funding, and federal-state relationships[21:51] FAST-41 and streamlining infrastructure permitting[24:52] Real-time monitoring and compliance assistance[27:47] Transparency with industry and the public[29:35] Data centers: challenges, opportunities, and power[32:44] Exxon Valdez: lessons in disaster response and prevention[39:05] Facing climate extremes and change in Alaska[41:00] Effects of warming on glaciers, fisheries, and infrastructure[45:10] Coastal erosion and climate adaptation[46:41] Wildlife, habitat concerns, and caribou populations[50:01] Agency challenges, leadership, and communication[53:51] Final thoughts, leadership advice, and episode close

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