Podcast Episodes

Small Dollars, Big Strategy: Brian Derrick

Season 20 Episode 367

We discuss how the everyday voter can make strategic political campaign donations just like a billionaire.

Brian's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 

1) Find an election you've never partic…

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

Following the Money in Politics: Hilary Braseth

Season 20 Episode 366

We discuss the unavoidable intersection between our capitalist economy and democratic governance, and how their relationship plays out through campaign finance and other political transactions.

Hil…

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Holding Democracy Accountable: Miranda Spivack

Season 20 Episode 365

We discuss how the struggle for transparency is really a struggle for the soul of American democracy. 

Miranda's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 

Look up the agendas of your local schoo…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

Turning Hope Into Action: Michael Ansara

Season 20 Episode 364

We discuss the basics of organizing and the fruits of that work. Michael reminds us that "organizers organize organizations."

Michael's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 

1) Gather 4-5 frie…

Published on 3 months ago

From Protest to Power: Jonathan Pulphus

Season 20 Episode 363

We discuss the enduring power of protesting and the significance of the Ferguson uprising in the long arc of the Black liberation movement. 

Jonathan's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 

1)…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago

We Are Changemakers: Sharon McMahon

Season 20 Episode 362

We discuss the importance of shifting our mindset to one that is infused with hope. Positive change comes when we choose hope. Though nobody can fix it all, we can all do something and make an impact…

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Myth Making in America: Hajar Yazdiha

Season 20 Episode 361

We discuss the role of collective memory in the myth-making of American exceptionalism. 

Hajar's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 

1) Advocate

2) Relate

3) Create

Hajar Yazdiha is an Ass…

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Our Government Unraveled: Nancy Rosenblum

Season 20 Episode 360

We discuss how ungoverning is the equivalent of a bull in a china shop. We have already seen the destruction of many institutions and many functions of the administrative state, but we don't yet know…

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Vigilantes Among Us: David Noll

Season 20 Episode 359

We discuss the long history of vigilante democracy in the US and its return in our current politics. The playing field is currently tilted in favor of these vigilante policies, but blue states can le…

Published on 4 months ago

Build Functional Immigration: Aaron Reichlin-Melnick

Season 20 Episode 358

We discuss how out of date immigration laws are and why the only cure is comprehensive immigration reform from Congress. In the face of rising arrests and deportations by ICE, this is the perfect epi…

Published on 4 months, 1 week ago