We discuss rethinking the Constitution as a way to reimagine democracy. In addition, we examine the role of constitutionalism in exporting the principles of democracy as the underpinning of American imperialism. Aziz’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Join a union or a party formation or a tenants’ association in your community Get involve…

We discuss the Green New Deal and how youth movements like the Sunrise Movement are the secret sauce in getting the federal government to drive the effort to stop the climate crisis. Aru’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Hold on to a disciplined form of hope Join Sunrise Movement! Sunrisemovement.org/become-a-member Aru Shiney-Ajay is the…

We discuss the great reshuffle of land in the last few centuries and the intersection of land, power, and democracy. Michael’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Support conservation easements Learn about the indigenous communities that have been displaced from the land where you live and finds ways to support reallocation Michael Albertus i…

We discuss the anti-democratic and reactionary nihilistic nature of the Christian nationalist movement. Christian nationalism is an ideology that functions as a tool for a leadership driven organization machine that turns mythology into political power. Katherine’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Mobilize the pro-democracy majority Stop p…

We discuss mobile voting as the definitive way to make elections more accessible for everyone — especially for Americans with disabilities and overseas citizens — and therefore finally increase turnout in significant numbers. Bradley’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Sign up and get involved at mobilevoting.org Rally your friends and fami…

We discuss whether executive orders can change the Constitution, the ongoing transformation of executive power, and the true intersection of the Constitution and democracy. Julie’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get a pocket Constitution and read it over with a red pen! Think about the kind of democracy you want to live in and decide how…

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…