From his "observation post" in Alexandria, Virginia, Stephen describes the unceasing intrusion of American government into private lives. Related Articles: Pentagon Unilaterally Grants Itself Authority Over ‘Civil Disturbances:’ http://www.longislandpress.com/2013/05/14/u-s-military-power-grab-goes-into-effect/ Biometric Database of All Adult Americans Hidden in Immigration Reform: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/05/immigration-reform-dossiers/ Associated Press Says U.S. Government Seized Journalists' Phone Records: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/13/us-usa-justice-ap-idUSBRE94C0ZW20130513

April marks the two-year anniversary of The Stephen Mansfield Podcast, and we've got some exciting new upgrades to tell you about. Related Links     Contact us at the new email address: backtalk@mansfieldgroup.com Listen to Isaac Darnall's original music: http://ikecatrett.bandcamp.com/track/headin-to-virginia-free-wheelin

The last few weeks have seen a number of developments regarding same-sex marriage. Stephen discusses both the legal and moral aspects of Hollingsworth v. Perry. Related Articles: Views From Around the Media: http://www.policymic.com/articles/31084/hollingsworth-v-perry-views-from-around-the-media Statistics Show Christians Divided on Same-Sex Marriage: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.divided.over.same.sex.marriage/32159.htm

Stephen lays out the historical validity of what his book, Lincoln's Battle With God, says about Lincoln's last words. Related Articles Photo Gallery: http://www.history.com/photos/abraham-lincoln/photo1# The Co-Conspirators: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/ biography/assassination-co-conspirators/ Lincoln's Battle With God by Stephen Mansfield http://www.lincolnsbattlewithgod.com

Stephen reads from a chapter of his book, Then Darkness Fled: The Liberating Wisdom of Booker T. Washington, to commemorate the week of Washington's birthday. The phrase "then darkness fled" comes from a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr—the anniversary of Dr. King's assassination is marked this week as well.

Stephen talks about the new Pope and what his intentions are for the Roman Catholic Church.

Stephen addresses a crucial topic: privacy and government intrusion in the age of information. Related Articles: It's Time for a National Conversation: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphbenko/2013/03/11/1-6-billion-rounds-of-ammo-for-homeland-security-its-time-for-a-national-conversation/ Google Glass: http://www.techradar.com/us/news/video/google-glass-what-you-need-to-know-1078114 Why Facebook Users Are Sharing More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/06/facebook-privacy-study-carnegie-mellon-university_n_2823535.html

Stephen talks about the psychology of thorough, in-depth reading in this age of instant information. Related Articles The Shallows—What the Internet is Doing To Our Brains: http://www.theshallowsbook.com/nicholascarr/Nicholas_Carrs_The_Shallows.html

Stephen analyzes the factors behind the recent rise of Nashville, Tennessee. Related Articles Nashville Takes Its Turn in the Spotlight: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/09/us/nashville-takes-its-turn-in-the-spotlight.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 The Black Keys Cement Nashville's Rock Star Status: http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2013/02/09/the-black-keys-help-cement-nashvilles-rock-star-status/

Stephen analyzes Pope Benedict's surprise resignation and lists some of the candidates likely to be considered in the upcoming papal election. Related Articles  Vatileaks: A Guide http://theweek.com/article/index/230986/the-catholic-churchs-vatileaks-scandal-a-guide Numbers Point to Another European Pope: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/02/12/171787275/doing-the-cardinal-math-numbers-point-to-another-european-pope