© 2025 Iowa Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Parallels between the U.S. and Brazilian insurrections

Ways To Subscribe
River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

Mauro Heck moved to the U.S. from Brazil in 1981, four years before the end of the country's military dictatorship.

He maintains dual citizenship, voting with his daughters in the most recent election. He — as well as family and friends — was shocked when the transition of power was interrupted by insurrectionists.

River to River host Ben Kieffer is joined by Heck and Iowa State University professor and expert in Brazilian politics Amy Erica Smith to talk about the recent violence and the parallels to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Later, President Joe Biden is visiting Mexico after visiting its border with the U.S. for the first time as president. Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked his attempt to end Title 42 which allows border officials to quickly expel asylum seekers and migrants.

Kieffer talks with Iowa State economics professor Peter Orazem about how policies that have slowed immigration have contributed to the worker shortage.

Guests:

  • Mauro Heck, Brazilian native, long-time Iowa resident
  • Amy Erica Smith, associate professor, Iowa State University
  • Peter Orazem, university professor, Iowa State University
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.