We discuss why joining a club or an association is the glue that binds civic society to democracy. They are the classrooms for our citizenship! Pete’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Join a club! Re-inhabit the world that you’re in, by learning about it. Pete Davis is a bestselling author of Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in an Age of…

We discuss a vision for the Democratic Party that goes back to its roots and represents working people and champions issues such as healthcare, student debt, and wages through a class lens. Faiz’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Call your member of Congress. Write a letter to the editor. Gather in civic organizations, host a house party a…

We discuss the influence of Karl Marx in American politics and the continued relevance of Marxism today. Andrew’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Form a reading group to change your collective political consciousness Read something challenging at an intellectual, political, or philosophical level Andrew Hartman is professor of history at …

We discuss that Americans should prize truth over tribe. A lot of disinformation is hiding behind the First Amendment – using the right to free speech to tell lies. The muddy media and information ecosystem is turning us against our neighbors. Barb’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Meet people in real life because when we know them it’s h…

We discuss how the public interest movements in the 60s and 70s can be a source of inspiration for American democracy and why this movement was a formidable force in influencing public policy that benefits all of us, from traffic safety to the Clean Water Act. Paul’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Focus on state and local government Make…

We discuss what we can all do to say "no" to Project 2025, including getting Democrats to play hardball in local, city, and state offices, and to protect and win elections this year and in the midterms next year. Ezra’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Organize in your community with like-minded Americans Use your constituent power to infl…

We discuss many of our rights that are at risk under the new Trump administration, what our rights actually are–like due process and the 1st amendment, and an action plan for when they come under attack. Monica’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Know what your rights are and speak up. Talk to your friends and family about DC statehood Moni…

We discuss the long history of organizing as a tool for fortifying American democracy, making it more equitable and just. Americans live from the benefits of organizing every day, whether that’s women’s suffrage or disability rights. Organizing is the tool for everyday people who are not in positions of power to solve the problems their communities…

We discuss the role of political parties in representing your interests and turning those interests into public policies that meaningfully make a difference in your life. Since the 1980s, both major political parties have adopted neoliberal policies, marked by declining responsiveness to major policy areas, and instead prioritizing pro-market and a…

We discuss why now is the time for a third political party to really take center stage in American democracy. Maurice’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Organize! Join an organization. Create conditions where people can govern and decide the direction of their country and their democracy Maurice Mitchell is the National Director of the Wor…

We’re sharing an episode from our friends at Latino USA! In this episode, producer Reynaldo Leaños Jr. travels to southern Arizona where one of the first major concentrations of surveillance towers on the southern border were built, and he looks at what these towers mean today, and for the future of those crossing, and living, there. The “virtual w…

We discuss how ungoverning is the equivalent of a bull in a china shop. Many institutions will be destroyed, but we don't know which ones and to what extent! Nancy’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Don’t let unpredictability strip you of your agency Vote in local, county, and state elections Nancy Rosenblum is the Senator Joseph Clark Pro…

We discuss election integrity and voting machines, the amazing work of election workers, and the logistics of election audits. Ben’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Talk to your town or county clerk and offer to help. Be a poll worker for a day! Ben Adida is the Executive Director of Voting Works, the only non-profit voting system vendor …

We discuss why the American electorate voted the way they did in 2024, the history of various voter suppression tactics, and how we can bounce back from a feeling of post-election civic helplessness. Michael’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Use your platform! Do the research. Read books. Go deep on what's going on and convey what you've …

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 level the playing field by playing constitutional hardball. David Noll reminds us that the American people have beat back movements to use vigilante powe…

We discuss how the Democratic party continues to ignore AAPI voters in schools despite their increasing power at the ballot box and the necessity to build coalitions with them to win elections. Between 2016 and 2020, voter turnout in this community increased by 47%. The near doubling of AAPI voters in Georgia and Arizona effectively made the Biden …

We discuss the intersection of feminism and democracy and discover how the egalitarian underpinnings of feminism are fundamental to an equal society. Abortion bans illustrate this well. “Any time there's a conflict between the Constitution and someone's personal bodily autonomy and the subject of rights under the law, that is anti-democratic.” Nico…