Sanford Summer Reading/Watching/Listening 2026

Nicholas Carnes: The Politics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Volume 2

Sanford Professor Nicholas Carnes has co-edited a new book examining the surprising intersections of politics and pop culture: The Politics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Volume 2. Building on the success of the first volume, this new collection explores the political messages, cultural debates, and real-world implications of Marvel’s Phase 4 films and series

Mallory SoRelle: Uncivil Democracy: How Access to Justice Shapes Political Power

Mallory SoRelle’s most recent book, Uncivil Democracy: How Access to Justice Shapes Political Power (with Jamila Michener), explores how people’s experiences navigating the U.S. civil legal system indelibly shape their democratic citizenship for better and worse. Currently, she is studying 1) the politics of consumer debt relief and 2) the emerging political economy of “fringetech.” 

Sanford's Policy 360

Policy 360: Policy Conversations Across a Changing Landscape

In the 2025–2026 academic year, the Sanford School Policy 360 podcast explored a wide range of issues shaping public life, from renewed debates over civics education, gerrymandering and voter representation to fast-moving questions around artificial intelligence, including deepfakes, social media verification, music, creativity and the future of work. Episodes also examined reform efforts in the criminal legal system, the hidden costs of non-compete clauses for workers, tenant rights in a housing system often tilted toward landlords, and the policy implications of GLP-1 drugs that improve health without reducing short-term health care spending. 

The season brought Sanford voices and guests into conversations about environmental leadership with former EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the hidden everyday successes of government with former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, the promise and challenges of data centers as community neighbors, and trust and leadership with Gen. CQ Brown Jr. From Jamaican sprinters and “ladders of opportunity” to environmental justice, technology, health, housing, democracy and economic mobility, Policy 360 offered timely conversations that connected research, leadership and lived experience to some of the year’s most pressing policy questions.

Sanford's World Food Policy Center

The World Food Policy Center is a research, education, and convening organization within Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. Their mission is researching policy so all people have access to nutritious and affordable food from a sustainable food system. 

Their "Leading Voices in Food" podcast brings together experts from around Duke to share their research expertise with the director of the World Food Policy Center, Norbert Wilson. 

Some standout episodes this year include discussions about climate resilient food systems with Alex Pfaff, and an interview with Jonathan Zhang about how GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic) are changing healthcare experts' approach to diet and other health outcomes.  

Michael Regan on Environmental Justice - NPR

NPR-Charlotte spent the hour with Michael Regan, former EPA administrator, former North Carolina environmental secretary and current Polis Distinguished Fellow at Sanford, discussing his ties to North Carolina, environmental justice and the consequences of rolling back environmental policies.

Susan Colbourn and Making a made-in-Canada military - CBC

The Canadian federal government unveiled its defense industrial strategy this past week, signaling a shift to a more made-in-Canada military. It's part of the Carney government's broader plan to boost defense spending and revamp our armed forces as global allegiances change. Susan Colbourn joins Piya Chattopadhyay to parse the strategy and the bigger project of changing Canada's relationship with its military – and our military's relationship with the world.

Frank Bruni and The Real State of the 2026 Midterms - Katie Couric

We’re about six months out from the midterms, and while Democrats are starting to feel some momentum, there are still a lot of variables at play. So where do things actually stand right now, and what should we be watching in the months ahead? To help us understand this moment, Katie Couric talks to one of her favorite writers, Frank Bruni. He’s a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times where he’s worked for more than 25 years and he’s also a professor of public policy at Sanford

Frank Bruni: New York Times

Frank Bruni is a celebrated journalist and writer with a career that spans politics, global affairs, pop culture, and culinary critique. He writes for the New York Times about myriad topics, including his life experiences, opinions, and, most importantly, his dog Regan. 

David Graham: The Atlantic

David A. Graham is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where he covers U.S. politics and global news. Graham's articles include timely reporting about social, political and global events, as well as opinions analyzing the current dynamics of policies and policymakers.

As a self-described "jazzbro", Graham will also occasionally write about his love for jazz, as recently shown in this story. 

Graham previously edited The Atlantic‘s politics section and has reported for Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, and The National. He lives in Durham, North Carolina and is currently an Adjunct Instructor of Journalism & Public Policy with the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy. 

David Schanzer: Perilous Times

David Schanzer, Professor of the Practice in the Sanford School of Public Policy Director of the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security, draws upon his decades of experience in domestic and international conflict in his column on Substack. With thousands of subscribers, Schanzer is often cited by the media and contributes to reports from international news outlets regularly. 

With his legal background, and ability to assess events with historical context, Schanzer's "Perilous Times" is worth the free subscription. 

John Hood: Carolina Journal

Sanford faculty member John Hood writes twice a week for the Carolina Journal with his historic perspective on politics, economics and policy. He brings a pragmatic approach that envisions a North Carolina that embraces new ideas while understanding it's history. 

Don Taylor: Professor Taylor's Two Ditches

Sanford professor Don Taylor covers a wide array of philosophical and ethical questions around higher education, specifically the faculty's role in guiding university policies. Taylor also shares his historical perspective on healthcare equity and access across North Carolina and beyond, and often chimes in on the latest developments in college sports policy. 

Danny Werfel: Bloomberg

As the former IRS Commissioner and now a Distinguished Fellow with Polis: Center for Politics at Sanford, Danny Werfel brings his wealth of knowledge to Bloomberg Tax as he covers today's economic news and policy. His unique experience at the highest levels of government, combined with his extensive knowledge of current events, makes for an engaging and timely column.