The Ethical Life
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Kyte is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
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What do manners reveal about our moral values?
Episode 193: Hosts Scott Rada and Richard Kyte explore the erosion of social etiquette in American life and why it may be more consequential than it first appears.
From rising road rage and customer service outbursts to the coarse tone of online discourse, the episode looks at how rudeness has become more visible — and perhaps more accepted. One recent Pew Research Center study found that nearly half of Americans believe people have become ruder since the COVID-19 pandemic, though most don’t see themselves as part of the problem.
The conversation touches on generational divides, including sharp differences in attitudes toward profanity, and explores how digital communication and AI-driven systems reshape civility expectations. Kyte also reflects on his own classroom experiences and the ways formality and politeness in education have shifted over time.
Rather than seeing manners as outdated relics, Kyte argues they play a vital role in building trust, humility and cooperation. While norms constantly evolve, he cautions against the assumption that abandoning them altogether leads to greater freedom. Instead, he calls for a redefinition of etiquette that upholds respect and reinforces a more community-minded society.
Are we avoiding important conversations about death?
Episode 190: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the complex and often uncomfortable topic of what constitutes a "good death" in modern society.
They discuss the challenges of medical technology's ability to prolong life, even when the quality of life has significantly diminished. Kyte emphasizes that death is inherently painful, both physically and emotionally, and argues that the focus should be on avoiding unnecessarily prolonged suffering.
The hosts explore various aspects of end-of-life care, highlighting the importance of advanced directives and open family conversations. Kyte strongly advocates for individuals to prepare comprehensive end-of-life documents, including appointing a durable power of attorney and clearly communicating personal wishes to family members.
A significant portion of the conversation addresses the controversial topic of medical aid in dying. While 10 states currently have laws allowing terminally ill patients to choose medical assistance in ending their lives, Kyte expresses reservations. He believes the medical profession's primary role should be to save lives and relieve suffering, not to end them actively.
The hosts also discuss the modern practice of "outsourcing" death care, contrasting current funeral practices with historical approaches where families were more directly involved in preparing and mourning their deceased loved ones. They argued that this distancing has contributed to society's discomfort with discussing death.
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
How does revenge shape our politics and relationships?
Episode 189: Hosts Scott Rada and Richard Kyte delve into the ethical tension between justice and revenge, revealing how these seemingly similar concepts diverge in motives, processes and outcomes.
To illustrate the contrast, Kyte draws on the symbol of Lady Justice: blindfolded, holding scales and a sword — a figure meant to represent impartiality and measured response. Revenge, by contrast, is fueled by emotion and often lacks balance or mercy.
The conversation spans everything from classic Westerns to contemporary political discourse. Kyte notes that revenge has long been a powerful storytelling device, particularly in films where personal retribution collides with the rise of law and order. But the desire to get even, he warns, can also corrode trust in real-world institutions.
That concern is especially visible in modern politics. Kyte points to President Donald Trump, who has made retribution a recurring theme — both on the campaign trail and in office. Using political power to settle personal scores, Kyte argues, undermines democratic norms and risks turning governance into a vendetta.
Later, the episode turns toward everyday life. From workplace slights to social media feuds, revenge often masquerades as justice. But as one district attorney told Rada, victims of identical crimes may respond in vastly different ways — some seeking harsh punishment, others showing surprising compassion.
Kyte cautions that vengeance rarely delivers what it promises. According to philosopher Simone Weil, Kyte said that imagined evil can seem thrilling, but real evil is often dull, painful, and empty. Instead of ruminating about harm, he urges listeners to cultivate habits of empathy, forgiveness, and moral clarity.
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
How can parents balance career guidance without adding pressure?
Episode 188: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss how parents influence their children's understanding of work and career choices, highlighting the delicate balance between guiding and pressuring young people toward professional paths.
Drawing from personal experiences, the hosts emphasize the importance of exposing children to diverse career opportunities without forcing predetermined trajectories.
Kyte shares a pivotal childhood memory of his mother taking him to a hospital lab, quickly dispelling his romanticized notions of scientific work. This anecdote underscores a key point: children benefit from realistic, first-hand experiences of different professions.
The conversation reveals significant shifts in youth employment. Where 60% of high school students worked in 1978, today only about 35% hold jobs. This decline concerns experts who believe early work experiences are crucial for developing responsibility and understanding workplace dynamics.
Family businesses emerge as a unique lens for career exposure. The hosts discuss how children of small business owners often gain intimate knowledge of entrepreneurship, though they caution against automatically expecting children to inherit family enterprises.
The podcast also addresses socioeconomic factors, acknowledging that teenage employment is an economic necessity for some families rather than a developmental opportunity.
Links to stories discussed during the podcast
Some see work as a calling, others say it’s just a job, University of Michigan
How your work ethic influences your kids, Emily Rivas, Today's Parent
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
Why is empathy a taboo term in some conservative circles?
Episode 187: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the emerging conservative critiques that frame empathy as a potential moral liability, offering a nuanced perspective on human compassion’s psychological and ethical dimensions.
Kyte explained that some Christian commentators, including figures like Allie Beth Stuckey and Joe Rigney, have begun characterizing empathy as a potentially dangerous emotional response that can lead to misguided actions.
"Empathy is a psychological ability to feel what another person is experiencing," Kyte said. "It's different from compassion, which involves taking practical action to help others." He emphasized that while empathy provides an important emotional foundation for understanding human suffering, it must be balanced with practical wisdom.
The discussion highlighted recent controversies, including Elon Musk's approach to workforce reductions, which Kyte described as demonstrating a "callous disregard" for employees' experiences. The conversation also touched on broader social issues like homelessness, where simplistic solutions often fail to address complex systemic challenges.
Kyte argued that responsible empathy requires careful consideration of legitimate needs and potential consequences. "You can't immediately go from feeling someone's pain to implementing a solution without understanding the broader context," he explained.
Drawing from New York Times columnist David French's analysis, the podcast suggested that some conservative religious movements are increasingly prioritizing political dominance over compassionate understanding. Kyte warned that this approach could ultimately backfire by creating unnecessary cultural divisions.
The podcast concluded with an ethical dilemma exploring how to respond to a potentially homeless individual using gym facilities, with Kyte emphasizing that behavior, not appearance, should guide compassionate responses.
"The main question is whether the person is causing any harm," Kyte said. "If they're not disrupting others and are a paying member, there's no reason to intervene."
What draws people to spirituality over organized religion?
Episode 185: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss a paradox in America — that even as formal religious participation declines, belief in the supernatural remains remarkably strong.
According to data from the Pew Research Center, 86% of Americans believe in the existence of a soul or spirit, 83% believe in God or a universal spirit and 70% believe in an afterlife. These findings suggest that while fewer people identify with organized religion, the human need for spiritual and supernatural explanations persists.
"It seems to go deep in human nature," Kyte said. "Human beings want answers to why questions like, 'Why am I here? What's the purpose of my life?'"
Kyte explained that while science has provided explanations for many of the "how" questions, religion continues to play a role in addressing the deeper "why" questions that science cannot fully answer. This desire for meaning and purpose beyond the physical world appears to be a fundamental part of the human experience.
The discussion also explored the role of religion in providing community, support and a sense of purpose, particularly during difficult times. Kyte emphasized the importance of religious practices and rituals in helping individuals develop the habits and disciplines necessary for a "meaningful life."
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
Does temperance hold the key to responsible governance?
Episode 184: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the concept of temperance and its waning influence in today's society.
Historically considered one of the four cardinal virtues — along with wisdom, courage and justice — temperance and its connection to personal restraint and moderation have become increasingly rare in both individual and governmental decision-making.
Kyte argues that our collective lack of self-restraint has contributed to many of the challenges facing modern society. He draws a parallel between the rise of a "disposable culture" and the way we govern, noting that the prevalence of nondurable goods and a focus on short-term gratification mirror the fiscal irresponsibility seen in growing personal and national debt.
The conversation then turns to the implications of this lack of temperance, both in the private sector and in government. The hosts examine the example of Elon Musk's recent efforts to slash government programs, questioning whether this approach represents a responsible use of power or a reckless disregard for the proper channels of governance.
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
Do protests, boycotts and social media outrage actually work?
Episode 183: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the sense of urgency and panic many Americans are feeling about the country's direction under the Trump administration.
Kyte emphasizes the importance of getting involved at the local level, such as following city council and school board elections, rather than just focusing on national politics.
The conversation then turns to economic boycotts, with Rada noting that some people are choosing not to patronize companies they believe are supporting policies they disagree with. The hosts also discuss traditional protests, particularly the contrast between the recent campus activism around the Israel-Gaza conflict and the relative lack of large-scale protests against the new administration's policies. Kyte suggests that while such protests may feel personally satisfying, they are often counterproductive in actually changing minds.
The conversation then explores the role of social media in political discourse, with Rada noting the tendency for people to vent their frustrations in echo chambers that reinforce their views. Kyte emphasizes the importance of honest, nuanced conversations over emotional venting, arguing that the latter is unlikely to persuade those with differing opinions.
The episode also touches on the concept of "tone policing," where people are accused of dismissing others' anger based on how it is expressed. Kyte pushes back against this idea, arguing that respectful disagreement is important for healthy discourse.
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
Does greater wealth lead to increased happiness?
Episode 182: The conversation between hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada begins by examining a recent New York Times article that explored dozens of metrics that were used to measure societal well-being in the United States.
The study found that while the United States has experienced remarkable economic growth and prosperity since the 1990s, measures of happiness and overall well-being have not kept pace.
"There was little disagreement about that," Rada said. "At the same time, they looked at things like trying to measure people's happiness and things like addiction and things like long longevity, and all of these things were either not growing at the same rate as they were in the other wealthy countries in the world or were getting worse."
Kyte attributed this disconnect to the United States' highly materialistic culture, noting that countries such as Japan experienced similar declines in well-being as they became more prosperous and focused on material goods. In contrast, the island of Okinawa, which maintained a focus on tradition, community and relationships, saw much higher levels of happiness.
The discussion also explored the role of income inequality, with the U.S. ranking among the highest in the world for income disparity. Kyte explained that this can create stress and a sense of unfairness, even among those who are relatively well-off.
The conversation delved into the limits of how much money can truly contribute to happiness, with Kyte explaining that once basic needs are met, additional wealth does not necessarily lead to greater fulfillment. Instead, he emphasized the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships and intrinsic sources of joy.
Links to stories discussed during the podcast
Why Americans older than 60 are so happy, by Emily Peck, Axios
Ted Talk: Why monkeys (and humans) are wired for fairness, by Sarah Brosnan
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
How can you reclaim focus in a digital world?
Episode 181: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada explore the growing challenge of maintaining focus and attention in our increasingly digital world.
To combat these distractions, Kyte suggests three key strategies: cultivating face-to-face relationships, spending time in silence and engaging in creative activities. He emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from phones during social gatherings to fully engage with others, as well as the value of quiet reflection to develop deep focus.
The discussion also explores the concept of depth versus breadth of experience.
Kyte explains that while breadth involves a wide variety of activities, depth requires focusing on a single thing in greater detail. The hosts agree that deeply focusing on one task can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment compared to multitasking, which the research shows is detrimental to productivity and focus.
Links to stories discussed during the podcast
Attention spans are declining. Here's how to reverse the trend, by Richard Kyte
The real stakes of the war for your attention, by Sean Illing, Vox
Chris Hayes' 'Sirens' Call' is a thorough look at the fight for attention in modern age, by Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
How would you react to these four ethical dilemmas?
Episode 180: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk through the best answers to four ethical dilemmas.
One scenario involves a last-minute concert invitation where the tickets turned out to cost $75 each, despite assumptions they were free. The discussion centered on the importance of clear communication to avoid misunderstandings that could damage friendships.
Other dilemmas include how to deal with a rude traveler at an airport, how to handle a constantly complaining elderly relative and a cat-sitting situation where the owner gave the host an expired gift card, prompting a debate on the ethics of regifting.
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
Does confronting mortality make our lives more meaningful?
Episode 179: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss how our awareness of mortality shapes the way we live.
Kyte begins by discussing how ancient philosophers, particularly the Stoics, believed we should keep death constantly in mind. This, they argued, helps us avoid self-deception about our mortality and the tendency to become overly attached to material possessions and markers of success.
Later, the hosts discuss how major religions have grappled with the question of what happens after death. While some offer detailed explanations, Kyte notes that not all religions provide clear answers. He suggests the emphasis in Christianity, for example, is more on how to live well rather than specifics about the afterlife.
Rada and Kyte share their personal reflections on mortality. Rada admits he doesn't think about it much, while Kyte says he ponders it daily, not in a morbid way, but to remind himself to use his finite time wisely. They discuss how people near the end of life often shift their priorities to relationships, forgiveness and small joys.
A key theme that emerges is the importance of storytelling and self-reflection in giving meaning to our lives. Rada observes that unlike animals, humans have a unique ability to narrate our experiences and define our identities through internal conversations. Kyte emphasizes how this helps us understand our place in time and our connections to others.
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
How can embracing failure lead to personal growth?
Episode 178: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss failure and how successful people often view it as an important part of achieving their goals.
Kyte explains that he is a proponent of not being afraid of failure, recounting how, as a young skier, he made it a goal to fall down frequently in order to improve, rather than just trying to make it down the hill without falling. He says this mindset of not being afraid to fail or look ignorant has served him well throughout his life and career.
The discussion then turns to how many successful people, when reflecting on their careers, often cite their failures as important learning experiences that helped them achieve greatness.
The conversation also touches on the role of luck in success, with Kyte arguing that successful people often downplay the significant impact luck has played in their achievements.
Links to stories discussed during the podcast
The Beauty of failure and the gifts we overlook, by Richard Kyte
The Importance of Failure, The Gray Area Podcast with Sean Illing
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
Can distinctive cultural practices survive in a flattened world?
Episode 177: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada explore the paradox of valuing diversity while facing the erosion of cultural distinctiveness.
"There's a deep incompatibility between two different conceptions of diversity," Kyte said. "Individual diversity requires inclusivity, but group diversity necessitates exclusivity to preserve shared practices and beliefs."
The podcast highlights the alarming statistic that an estimated half of the world's 7,000 languages may disappear within a generation, taking with them the rich cultural knowledge embedded in these tongues.
Rada inquires about the potential benefits and drawbacks of a common global language, highlighting that while it could enhance convenience, it could also result in a world that lacks cultural diversity.
The hosts also discuss the impact of globalization and capitalism on traditional practices, such as the evolution of ethnic restaurants in the United States. As these establishments become more mainstream, they often lose their authentic cultural roots, replaced by standardized menus and business models.
The hosts emphasize the need for a balanced approach, one that preserves communities with distinctive cultural characteristics while also promoting inclusivity.
Links to stories discussed during the podcast
Last of their kind: What is lost when cultures die? by Wade Davis, Scientific America
Seven unique practices in the world that are dying out: See them before they are gone forever, by Ben Groundwater, The Sydney Morning Herald
Before it disappears: recording endangered practices, skills and knowledge, by Nik Petek-Sargeant, The British Museum
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
Does settling down or seeking adventure lead to a more fulfilled life?
Episode 176: Is life richer when you settle in one place and grow deep roots, or when you prioritize exploration through travel and seek constant adventure? This age-old question is the focus of the latest episode of "The Ethical Life" podcast.
Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss how advances in technology and remote work options have made it easier for people to choose how they want to live. Kyte said that the desire for freedom often draws people to a more nomadic lifestyle, but warned that the experience can be deceptive, lacking the sense of community and obligation that provides meaning.
The hosts explored the benefits of travel, such as reduced stress and increased creativity, but also acknowledged the tendency for people to get stuck in routines and forget to explore their own communities. They emphasized the importance of intentionally seeking out new experiences, even close to home.
The discussion also touched on the growing number of "full-time traveler residents" in states like South Dakota, as well as the emotional appeals and potential pitfalls of a nomadic life.
Kyte shared the story of a friend who initially enjoyed the RV lifestyle but later decided to settle down, craving a stronger sense of community and connection.
Links to stories discussed during the podcast
Nomadic adventures or a rooted life? The joys and limits of wandering, by Richard Kyte
On living an exciting life, by Nick Costello
Becoming a resident of South Dakota is easy. Some say too easy, by Jack Dura, The Associated Press
Slate Political Gabfest, 2024 conundrums edition
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
What's the secret to sticking to your goals in the new year?
Episode 175: As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people set out to make positive changes in their lives through New Year's resolutions. However, the success rate for these resolutions is notoriously low. Hosts Scott Rada and Rick Kyte explore the complexities and challenges of setting and achieving New Year's goals.
The hosts begin by examining why we are so drawn to making resolutions, even though many of them fail. Kyte suggests the timing plays a role, as the excess of the holiday season leads people to want to cut back in areas like spending and weight.
But Rada wonders if the timing of New Year's resolutions, at the height of winter in many parts of the country, makes them more difficult to stick to. He proposes that shifting the new year to about April 1 could be more conducive to resolutions focused on exercise, healthy eating and spending time with loved ones.
The hosts also discuss the challenge of balancing multiple resolutions, with Kyte emphasizing the importance of changing daily routines incrementally to support various goals. However, they acknowledge the conflict between our aspirations and our natural impulses, shaped by evolution to seek out calorie-dense foods and avoid physical exertion.
Rada and Kyte stress the need to find ways to make healthy activities enjoyable, such as incorporating social elements. They also highlight the value of accountability, whether through public declarations of goals or relying on peer pressure from friends.
Links to stories discussed during the podcast
New Year’s resolutions: Who makes them and why? by Shanay Gracia, Pew Research Center
The psychology behind why new year’s resolutions fail, by Cynthia Vinney, Verywell Mind
How to achieve more with the right goals, by Jason Feifer, One Thing Better
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
Will these predictions come true in 2025?
Episode 174: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada were joined by special guest Tim Kelley to make their predictions for the new year. Topics include cellphone bans in schools, the growth of autonomous taxis, AI breakthroughs and weaponization, the rise of vertical farming and the trajectory of energy prices. The hosts also reviewed their prior year's predictions, assessing which came true.
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
Guest Tim Kelley is the senior editor for products and partnerships with Lee Enterprises.
How can acts of generosity transform us during the holidays?
Episode 173: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss why acts of generosity often resonate so deeply with others during this time of year.
"We have such a profound desire to connect with one another, and acts of generosity, especially when we encounter it from a stranger, reaffirm for us that we're surrounded by goodness," Kyte said.
The hosts delve into how our workplace and social environments can shape our perceptions of others, making unexpected kindness all the more impactful. Kyte shared a powerful story about a friend who was helped by a stranger at a dollar store, highlighting the joy experienced by both the giver and receiver.
The discussion also touches on the importance of gratitude, the decline of personal connections in modern society and the ethics of regifting.
Read more
How an unexpected gift reminded me of what matters most, by Richard Kyte
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
How can we restore a sense of public order in our cities?
Episode 172: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the ethical considerations around public disorder in cities, focusing on the growing sense that standards of conduct have slipped in many urban areas.
Kyte introduces the concept of "moral ecology," drawing a parallel to environmental ecology. He argues that a sense of security and predictability in public spaces is a vital component of a healthy moral ecology.
Rada notes that while serious crimes have declined, persistent issues like open drug use, mental illness, homelessness and lower-level offenses contribute to a pervasive feeling of unease among the public.
The hosts say that the fraying of social connections and reduced face-to-face interactions in public spaces may be a root cause of the discomfort many people feel.
Kyte emphasizes the need for more public infrastructure, such as accessible bathrooms, to address the dignity and basic needs of those experiencing homelessness, and the hosts agree that these systemic problems contribute to a broader cynicism about the ability of public institutions to effectively address community issues.
The hosts conclude by suggesting that increasing participation in local government, integrating civil service into school curricula and restoring more autonomy to municipalities could help develop localized solutions to public disorder challenges.
Links to stories discussed during the podcast
Liberalism and public order, by Matthew Yglesias, Slow Boring
The Hidden Politics of Disorder, Ezra Klein, The New York Times
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
What role should religion play in our public schools?
Episode 171: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the many proposals to integrate religious teachings and symbols into public school curricula and the debates over the role of faith in education.
In Texas, the state board of education recently approved an optional "Bible Literacy" curriculum that provides financial incentives for districts to adopt Bible-based lessons. Meanwhile, a federal court temporarily blocked a Louisiana law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
These initiatives, largely driven by Republican-led state governments, raise ethical questions about fairness and inclusion, Kyte said.
"Religion is really bound up in defining what a culture is," Kyte explains. "You can't separate religion and culture, so trying to exclude it from public institutions is challenging."
Rada raises questions about the true intent behind these curriculum changes. He questions whether the focus is on conveying the Sermon on the Mount's message of caring for the less fortunate or simply on displaying more punitive biblical edicts.
Kyte acknowledges the delicate balance, noting the importance of teaching religious literacy without indoctrination. He suggests integrating faith-based concepts into subjects like history, literature and political science, rather than mandating standalone Bible courses.
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."
What motivates us to give during the holiday season?
Episode 170: As the holiday season approaches, many are feeling the pull to give back to their communities. But what truly motivates us to be generous, and does the impact of our donations matter more than our reasons for giving?
Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the science behind the joy of giving, exploring research that shows donating time or money can boost mood and health.
"Much of philanthropy is motivated by the ways in which we feel good from helping others out,” Kyte said.
The hosts also talked about the balance between financial contributions and volunteering, noting that both forms of giving play important roles.
Later, the conversation shifts to the concept of "Effective Altruism," which prioritizes high-impact global donations over local community support. Kyte argued this view overlooks the vital role of strong social capital and healthy local communities in enabling effective worldwide aid efforts.
"You don't want civil society to fall apart," Kyte said. "You always have to pay attention to what the conditions are of the local community."
The podcast also explores the choice between public and anonymous donations, with Kyte noting that visible giving can inspire others, while anonymity allows donors to avoid unwanted attention.
About the hosts
Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."