We discuss how we can tell the truth, how we can speak the truth, and how we can avoid misinformation and disinformation. Pauline's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Maintain a degree of curiosity! Care before you share. Pauline Hoffman, also known as the Data Doyenne, is an esteemed infodemiologist and the author of Fake News, Witch Hunts,…

We discuss how AI can both serve the public interest and advance the goals of our democracy, despite the misgivings about the current state of AI. Bruce's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Use the tools of AI! 2) Use assistive tech to write to your elected representatives Bruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologis…

We discuss Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World—a guide for a new generation of activists seeking not just to understand power, but to build it. Stephanie's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Learn a new skill, like non cooperation or mutual aid 2) Find organizations that align with your values and check if they offer …

A fair, humane, and orderly immigration system should think of the US as the top destination for top talent from around the world, as well as a beacon of hope. Changing the law to give permanent legal status and a pathway to citizenship would fix the current failed immigration system. Todd's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Post know-your-…

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 participated in before and get involved 2) Check out the Supreme Court races in Pennsylvania, governor's races in NJ and VA, and the California redistricting ba…

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. Hilary's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get the data of your state, locality, and elected officials at opensecrets.org Piece together what is hap…

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 school board and city council, and attend the public meetings Learn how your local and state governments make decisions Miranda S. Spivack is a veteran reporter a…

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 friends to talk about what's happening 2) Share ideas on what you can do to resist Michael Ansara is a seasoned community organizer and the author of The Hard…

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) Speak with a young person in your life about what they're wrestling with 2) Emphasize community engagement Jonathan Pulphus is an organizer from St. Louis…

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. Sharon reminds us that if something is worth doing for everyone, it's worth doing for one person. Sharon's civic action toolkit recommendations are: …

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 Associate Professor of Sociology at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences and the author of The Struggle for the People's King: How Politics T…

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 how much there is still to come. Nancy's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Don't let unpredictability strip you of your agency 2) Vote in l…

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 reminds us that the American people have beat back movements to use vigilante power to …

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 episode to remind us that we still need immigration reform. Aaron's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Be welcoming and model inclusion in your …

We discuss how certain radical acts of justice by everyday people challenge the legitimacy of the criminal system and form the underpinning of a new collective legal thought, demosprudence. Collective understanding of justice and safety is changing away from the concept that justice equals cages. Jocelyn's civic action toolkit recommendations are: …

We discuss deliberative polling as a way to assess the will of the people and then to make it consequential. This is what democracy is all about. James's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Question your own beliefs and assumptions 2) Learn to listen to people whom you would not normally talk to James Fishkin is the Director of the Deliber…

We discuss the main goals of copaganda: narrowing our conception of safety and threat, constantly warning us that those harms are increasing, and telling us that the solution to our fears is more investment in the punishment bureaucracy. Alec's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Educate yourself on how copaganda works 2) Read the Copagand…