Policy Minded
Policy Minded is a podcast from RAND that features conversations with leading policy experts. In each episode, RAND researchers discuss policy issues and offer insights that go beyond the headlines. The show aims to help listeners better understand the policies shaping the world.
Episodes
AGI Rideout: Managing Risk on the Road to Advanced AI
The race to artificial general intelligence, or AGI, is often framed as a winner-takes-all contest. But RAND's David Frelinger and Karl Mueller argue that, as the United States runs this race against China, it must focus on avoiding disaster along the way. They propose an "AGI Rideout" strategy aimed at preventing conflict, building resilience, and navigating the risks of advanced AI.
Back to School: Three Big Challenges
As a new school year starts up, America's schools are grappling with many tough challenges—from AI in the classroom to cell phone bans to chronic absenteeism. Heather Schwartz, vice president and director of RAND Education, Employment, and Infrastructure, discusses what these trends mean for teachers, students, and parents.
Can AI Change How We Deal with Disasters?
Disasters are becoming more frequent, more severe, and more costly. This only intensifies the already difficult challenges facing America's emergency managers. RAND's Jessica Jensen and Glen Woodbury discuss how AI tools could help these professionals save lives, protect property, and reduce harm to communities.
Deterring China from Attacking Taiwan: The Role of Economic Statecraft
If China appeared ready to attack Taiwan, could economic pressure help stop a conflict before it starts? RAND's Howard Shatz and Naoko Aoki discuss how sanctions and other economic tools could influence Beijing's calculus and where they might face limitations.
How Societies Can Succeed in the AI Era
What will it really take to win in the AI age? RAND's Michael Mazarr says the answer goes beyond chips, models, and data centers. The nations that thrive may be the ones best able to handle AI's social shocks—and turn disruption into advantage.
Psychedelics Policy Is Changing. Now What?
Some federal and state leaders are rethinking psychedelics. RAND's Beau Kilmer breaks down what we know—and don't know—about psychedelics in America.
Young and Disconnected in America
Millions of "disconnected" young Americans are out of school, out of work, and not in career training. RAND's Jennie Wenger and Stephanie Bonds discuss who these young people are, the factors that can predict their disconnection, and what it will take to help them thrive.
Youth Are Using Chatbots as Therapists. What Are the Risks?
Young people are increasingly turning to AI for mental health support—even in moments of crisis. Ryan McBain discusses this trend, the risks it poses, and how AI tools could be made safer for those seeking help.
Breaking Down the Federal Budget: New Tools from RAND
What if you knew the economic effects of every line in the federal budget? The RAND Budget Model is making this possible, using AI to break down spending and tax policy. Economist Jeffrey Wenger explains how the Budget Model works, how it can be used, and why it matters to all Americans.
The Future of China's Military
China is working to modernize its military. At the same time, the Chinese population is aging rapidly and declining. What happens when China's military aspirations collide with these two trends?
Supporting America's Veterans: A Conversation with Carrie Farmer
In this Veterans Day episode, RAND's Carrie Farmer discusses some of the key issues facing those who served—from finding civilian jobs to accessing high‑quality health care. Farmer breaks down what's working, what's not, and the policy changes that could make a meaningful difference.
Critical Condition: How to Save the ER
Long waits, sicker patients, shrinking payments—America's emergency departments are under strain. And without policy action, many could close their doors. Mahshid Abir, a RAND policy researcher and a practicing emergency physician, discusses what's driving this crisis and what it will take to sustain emergency care in the United States.
42% of Americans Know Someone Who Died of Overdose
Overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44. RAND research shows the staggering reach of this crisis: More than 40 percent of Americans know someone who has died of a drug overdose. RAND's Alison Athey shares what's behind the numbers.
Is Taiwan Prepared for an Attack by China?
Is Taiwan prepared for a blockade, missile strikes, or even an invasion by China? The answer goes beyond military strength—civilian resilience is a crucial part of Taiwan's national security. RAND's Marta Kepe and Scott Harold break down the strengths and weaknesses of Taiwan's civilian resilience efforts, highlighting the public's role in preparing for and defending against aggression by China.
Improving School Safety: What the Evidence Says
What are the biggest safety issues facing schools today? What might help schools respond to social media threats more effectively? Do teachers feel secure in their classrooms? RAND experts Pauline Moore and Brian Jackson tackle these questions and more, sharing practical insights from their research on creating safer school environments.
How AGI Could Reshape National Security
How might the emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI) reshape global security? RAND experts explore the uncertain future of AGI and identify five major security challenges it could bring—from new "wonder weapons" to sweeping shifts in the balance of global power.
Why Is It So Expensive to Build Apartments in California?
RAND research finds that building multifamily housing in California costs more than twice what it costs in Texas. What's driving these high costs? How might California address its housing crisis? And what can other states learn?
How to Prevent Catastrophe in Outer Space
Space is becoming more congested, contested, and competitive. This poses serious risks—from satellites colliding to a major conflict breaking out. How can humanity prevent such a disaster? RAND's Bruce McClintock and Douglas Ligor discuss the need for international space traffic management.
What Is the U.S. Doing to Counter China in the Indo-Pacific?
RAND's Kristen Gunness breaks down U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific. She discusses Washington's efforts to increase U.S. basing and access in the region, what actions might trigger a response from China, and the possibility that Beijing could impose a quarantine of Taiwan.
Decoding Dementia: What You Need to Know
Nearly 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. And an estimated 12 million have mild cognitive impairment, which may be a sign of Alzheimer's or other dementias. RAND's Peter Hudomiet and Jodi Liu discuss the risk factors—and why early detection is so important.
How Will AI Reshape Work?
What do we really know about AI's potential impacts on the workforce? What jobs and tasks might be transformed, replaced, or even deleted? How could reforms to the education system help workers and employers adapt? We tackle these questions and more.
Avoiding Nuclear Escalation in a Conflict with China
What if China invades Taiwan, the United States intervenes, and the world's two superpowers engage in direct military conflict? RAND experts Dahlia Goldfeld and Nathan Beauchamp-Mustafaga discuss how the United States could prevail in such a scenario without triggering catastrophic nuclear escalation.
School's Out. How Are America's Teachers Doing?
As teachers across the country pack up their classrooms for summer break, we sit down with RAND education researchers Elizabeth Steiner and Ashley Woo. They discuss their recent findings on teachers' stress, compensation, use of AI, and more.
Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl
RAND's David Luckey discusses what's contributing to the supply of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in the United States, the biggest challenges to stopping the flow of these drugs across U.S. borders, and why we need a "whole-of-nation" approach to address the crisis.
It's Time to Rethink U.S. Defense Strategy
RAND's David Ochmanek discusses the erosion of U.S. military power and influence. Ochmanek, who previously served as a deputy assistant secretary of defense under two different administrations, breaks down why U.S. defense strategy and posture have become "insolvent," lessons from the war in Ukraine that the United States could apply to future conflicts, and how the U.S. military can learn to "fig
Military Recruitment Is on the Rise. Now What?
RAND's Beth Asch, a renowned expert on military personnel economics and defense manpower, breaks down the recruiting crisis the U.S. military has faced in recent years, why enlistment numbers rebounded last year, and what the service branches should focus on to ensure a capable force for the future.
Welcome to Policy Minded
What if all your coworkers … were geniuses? On Policy Minded, we pick the brains of the world's top policy experts, so you can get smarter about the issues that shape the world. Our first episode drops May 15th, 2025.
New Missions in Emergency Management
Emergency management is essential to all communities, but it isn't a field that most people think about often or understand well. Patrick Roberts and Mary Ellen Carroll join us to discuss what today's emergency managers do to support communities, how the field is evolving, and why emergency management matters to all of us. For more information on this episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
News from RAND
Big changes to the podcast. Plus, RAND has a new website. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Global catastrophic risk, tech vendors and national security concerns, geoengineering.
Assessing global catastrophic risk; how "mercurial leadership" at SpaceX could threaten national security; the actual dangers of geoengineering; and protecting your sleep during election season. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
North Korean troops to Russia, the death of Hamas's leader, U.S. economic policy toward China.
What to make of Russia and North Korea's relationship; why Yahya Sinwar's death matters; the effectiveness of U.S. economic policies toward China; abortion access for minors in Virginia; and how to restore freshwater ecosystems. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The Israel-Hamas War One Year After October 7
Expert insights on the crisis in the Middle East, including the humanitarian disaster, where the war might be headed next, and prospects for ending the conflict. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The effects of artificial intelligence, pretrial mental health diversion, U.S. climate policy.
China, AI, and social media manipulation; preparing for AI to transform the workforce; how a pretrial mental health diversion program is working in Los Angeles; and U.S. climate policy. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Military and veteran caregivers, school shootings, Ukraine's Kursk invasion.
A close look at America's military and veteran caregivers; charging the parents of school shooters; and how Ukraine's Kursk offensive changed the geometry of the battlefield. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Device explosions in Lebanon, school safety, managing escalation with China.
'Stunning' explosions targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon; what teachers think about active shooter drills and school safety; managing escalation with nuclear adversaries like China; and providing more support to veterans left behind. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
AI-enhanced social media manipulation, Ukraine's resistance to disinformation, the state of U.S. public education.
Social media manipulation in the era of AI; lessons from Ukraine's resistance to Russian disinformation; what the data reveal about U.S. public education; and addressing America's drinking water quality problems. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The threat of bioweapons, Ukraine's surprise offensive, making U.S. elections safer.
Reducing the risk of biological disasters; a look at Ukraine's Kursk invasion; the problem with AC in a warming world; and preparing for political violence as the U.S. presidential election nears. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Why AI projects fail, youth at risk of homelessness, Russia's objectives in Ukraine.
Why AI projects fail and how they can succeed; the link between foster care and homelessness among L.A. youth; what Russia is saying—and not saying—about its war aims in Ukraine; and a look at the Wireless Emergency Alerts system. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Stopping the Houthis, addressing anti-Asian hate, NATO and crisis management.
What the United States can do about the Houthis; support for Asian American communities facing hate; breaking down the collapse of Bangladesh's government; ways NATO can improve its crisis management capabilities; and how, when, and whether to use non-lethal weapons. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Pandemic learning loss, arms control with Russia, resisting disinformation during election season.
What school districts are doing to address pandemic learning loss; U.S. options for future arms control with Russia; why Black Americans aren't buying election-year falsehoods; and Ukraine's "old-school" approach to battlefield communication. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
CrowdStrike meltdown, preventing attacks after the Trump assassination attempt, China's disinformation.
How the CrowdStrike meltdown highlights systemic risk; things we can all do to prevent violent attacks; how the U.S. and Japan can address China's disinformation; and why it's time to rebrand "sleep divorce." For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
NATO, veterans' lung health, homelessness in Los Angeles.
NATO's strategy toward Russia; calculating burden-sharing among allies; veterans' respiratory health across age and over time; and tracking the unsheltered population in three L.A. neighborhoods. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
NATO's Big Summit: What Will Define the Future of the Alliance?
As NATO leaders gather for a historic summit in Washington this week, RAND experts have been exploring the challenges, opportunities, and important strategic questions facing the alliance. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Psychedelics, how the government can boost its tech workforce, challenges facing NATO.
Exploring policy options for psychedelics; what the federal government can do to hire young tech workers; ways NATO can adapt to climate change; and building a bridge for Ukraine into NATO. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Russia-China military cooperation, a look at abortion care in North Carolina, treating opioid use disorder.
What future military cooperation between Russia and China might look like; the effects of a new abortion law in North Carolina; limited access to medication treatment for opioid use disorder; the state of the American teacher; and considering the potential for an 'October surprise' from North Korea. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The upside in Ukraine, one more reason why companies should invest in their people, NATO.
It's not all bad news for Ukraine; data shows that investing in employees can boost stock performance; a look at the effectiveness of federal programs to assist military-to-civilian employment transitions; and how NATO can focus more on economic security. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The U.S. needs a strategy in Ukraine, health and health care for LGBTQ+ veterans, L.A.'s proposed cooling policy.
What it will take for the United States to end the war in Ukraine; the state of health and health care for LGBTQ+ veterans; how to respond to China's aggression in the South China Sea; and how to protect Los Angeles residents from dangerous heat. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The impact of same-sex marriage, summer learning programs, AI security.
The "unambiguously positive" effects of same-sex marriage; creating effective summer learning programs; what private health plans pay hospitals compared with what Medicare would pay; and protecting AI models against attackers. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The state of American power and influence, Russia's self-inflicted wounds, kidney donations.
America's national standing may be waning; why Russia is its own worst enemy; whether we give AI too much of ourselves; why a market for donor kidneys isn't the best option; and how China might use disinformation in a conflict with Taiwan. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Iran-Israel escalation, insurers' resistance to covering new drugs, cobalt mining in the Congo.
The Iran-Israel conflict isn't likely to wane; why insurance companies won't pay for new drugs; how cobalt mining contributes to poverty and servitude in the Congo; and how COVID-19 affected prison education. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Why Russia doesn't want an Israel-Iran war, AI in America's classrooms, China's role in the opioid crisis.
The implications of an Israel-Iran conflict for Russia; how educators use AI tools; helping schools respond to social media threats; addressing China's role in synthetic opioid trafficking; and cooperation with U.S. allies in outer space. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Threats to the 2024 election, Kishida's visit to Washington, veterans' working conditions.
A "perfect storm" of threats as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches; elevating the U.S.-Japan alliance; why America's ties with India are "fundamentally fragile"; and ensuring veterans have access to safe and healthy working conditions. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Gaza's humanitarian crisis, gun deaths in America, climate change and conflict.
The challenge of distributing aid to Gazans who need it most; tracking U.S. data on firearm homicides and suicides; the link between climate change and conflict; and the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The risks posed by AI, NATO's new members, patient privacy laws.
RAND experts on whether AI is an existential risk; how Finland and Sweden will bolster NATO; why drones pose a threat to correctional security—and what to do about it; why your health data may not be as private as you think. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The Israel-Hamas war, Russia's mistakes, ensuring safe drinking water.
What's needed for a chance at peace in Gaza; Russia's long history of errors; how technology could help defend Taiwan; why it's not enough to just replace lead pipes; and understanding older Americans' media habits. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Crisis at the U.S. southern border, diminishing the Houthi threat, L.A.'s dire rental market.
What's at the heart of the migrant crisis; how U.S. strikes can limit Houthi military capabilities; considering a hypothetical U.S.-China war over Taiwan; and why L.A.'s rental landscape could get even worse. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Two years of war in Ukraine, the ripple effects of overdose deaths, Israel's duty to Gazans.
RAND experts' insights on two years of fighting in Ukraine; just how many Americans know someone who has died of a drug overdose; Israel's duty to take responsibility for civilian well-being in Gaza; the availability of telemedicine for mental health care; and the dangers of using AI to monitor youth suicide risk. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Postwar strategy toward Russia, restrictions on classroom discussion topics, threats to critical infrastructure.
Considering how the United States should deal with Russia after the war in Ukraine ends; how policies that restrict teaching about race and gender 'spill over;' threats to the U.S. financial system and other critical infrastructure; and U.S. strategy in Southeast Asia. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
America's high prescription drug prices, L.A.'s housing crisis, stopping the spread of false information.
Comparing U.S. prescription drug prices to those in other countries; improving treatment for child diarrhea; what might be standing in the way of affordable housing in Los Angeles; reining in the risks of robotaxis; and three ways to stop the spread of false information online. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The future of Alzheimer's treatment in America, allied space power, raising the stakes in Ukraine.
Why primary care providers may be key to faster Alzheimer's treatment; charting a path toward thoughtful allied space power; how the West can 'up the ante' in Ukraine; and preparing for artificial intelligence in the power grid. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The Israel-Hamas war, AI and the risk of biological attacks, supporting veterans.
What's standing in the way of a two-state solution; whether artificial intelligence can assist in a large-scale biological attack; exploring new treatments for veterans facing PTSD and depression; why veteran single parents need more support. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The facts on hiring people with criminal histories, Taiwan's election, how to deal with the Houthis.
What the evidence says about hiring people with criminal histories; what to expect after Taiwan's election; preventing presidential coups; how stackable credentials can help low-income students; and why diplomacy is needed to fully address the Houthi threat. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The cost of care for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, how climate change could affect elections, planning for Ukraine's recovery.
Estimating the costs of treating patients hospitalized with COVID-19; preparing for climate change risks to the 2024 elections; the problem with "crime-free housing" policies; and how to ensure a successful and secure recovery in Ukraine. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The trouble with a cease-fire in Gaza, what Americans think of veterans and the military, tropical cyclones.
Unintended consequences of a cease-fire in Gaza; what the war in Ukraine is costing Russia; public perceptions of veterans and military service; how many people are affected by tropical cyclones; and tips for countering "Truth Decay" in an election year. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Looking back at the big policy stories of 2023.
The Israel-Hamas war; the consequences of America's opioid crisis; deterring Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific; planning for the effects of climate change. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Can psychedelic-assisted therapies help veterans with PTSD?
Rajeev Ramchand, codirector of the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute, joins us for a discussion on the use of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat conditions such as PTSD and depression. What do we know about the potential benefits and risks of these treatments? And what should policymakers consider as we learn more about them? For more information on this week's episode, v
How economics might lead to peace in Gaza, the link between climate change and conflict, "crime-free housing" policies.
Economics could help drive peace in Gaza; how the Israel-Hamas war has upended the terrorist threat matrix; preventing climate-related conflict in the Middle East and Central Asia; the failure of "crime-free housing" policies; and how to create productive police-community dialogues. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Insights on the Israel-Hamas war, promoting the 988 hotline, the nuclear threat facing South Korea.
Why the Oct. 7 attack wasn't Israel's 9/11; what history tells us about hostage crises; why it's time to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; and how to strengthen South Korea's nuclear assurance. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Veterans Day: Supporting those who served
Could psychedelics become a viable therapy for treating veterans with PTSD or depression? What do we know about food insecurity among veterans? For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The information war between Israel and Hamas, recreational cannabis, gun violence in America.
How lies and misinformation will play a key role in the Israel-Hamas war; what North Korea might be learning from Hamas; a look at the evidence on how to address America's gun violence problem; and exploring supply models for recreational cannabis. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
What Happens When AI and Gene Editing Come Together?
Two revolutionary technologies, machine learning and gene editing, are converging. This could transform how diseases are treated, how crops are grown, how wars are fought, and much more. RAND Europe research leader Sana Zakaria and RAND senior research engineer Timothy Marler join us to discuss this possible future—and the policy approaches needed to prepare for it.
Expert insights on the Israel-Hamas war.
This week, we break down what RAND researchers have to say about the Israel-Hamas war, including the challenges of an Israeli ground invasion, preventing civilian casualties, and Iran's and North Korea's potential involvement. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
The risk of escalation in Ukraine, estimating disaster recovery costs, detecting deepfakes.
Scenarios that could lead to escalation of Russia's war in Ukraine; how much is "enough" for U.S. nuclear forces; why it's so difficult to estimate the costs of recovery from natural disasters; and the importance of education to help people detect deepfakes online. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Exposure to Trauma in the Intelligence and Law Enforcement Communities
In this special episode, host Evan Banks sits down with RAND researchers Heather Williams and Richard (Dic) Donohue. Williams, a former intelligence officer, and Donohue, a former police sergeant, recount their personal experiences with trauma and traumatic stress. They also discuss the work they do now, which focuses on what is needed to ensure intelligence and law enforcement professionals get t
"All work and no pay" for teachers, the costs of insomnia, connections between wildfires and food insecurity.
Most of America's teachers feel overworked and underpaid; why insomnia is a multibillion-dollar problem; helping overworked public defenders; why the United States and Israel may be on parallel paths; and how food insecurity and wildfire risk are connected. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Preparing for a Future with More Flooding
RAND experts Michelle Miro and Krista Romita Grocholski join us to discuss the growing problem of flooding in the United States. They recently published a paper that examines this issue in the Mid-Atlantic region, where extreme precipitation has led to flooding nearly every season since 2018. Climate data, they say, is essential to helping stormwater managers and civil engineers better protect the
Why Ukraine isn't like World War I, an alternative to student loans, the tech "Cold War."
Why comparing the war in Ukraine to World War I is misleading; income share agreements as an alternative to student loans; the U.S.-China race for technological supremacy; and how India is edging out China in South Asia. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Maui's wildfires, regulating artificial intelligence, New York City's housing crisis.
Invisible damage from the Maui wildfires; improving the safety of America's AI industry; Ukraine's civilian resistance; and how to increase housing affordability in New York City. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
Russia's private military contractors, Truth Decay and national security, stackable college credit.
Undermining Russia's private military contractors; what nighttime lighting reveals about China's efforts to imprison Tibetans; how "Truth Decay" is damaging U.S. national security; and the stackable credential movement. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
U.S. and allied defense strategy, supporting Ukrainian refugees, the mental health crisis in U.S. jails.
How to reverse the erosion of U.S. and allied power and influence; Washington's concerns over Taiwan's defense spending; why European host countries shouldn't treat Ukrainian refugees like short-term visitors; and addressing the mental health crisis in U.S. jails. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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