Let's face it, sometimes the world feels broken. We can see what needs fixing, yet more and more, it feels like the problems are too big and the bad guys are wi...
Cory Booker On Winning the Messaging War Against Trump with Radical Empathy
President Donald Trump’s first 100 days are well underway, implementing ruthless and legally questionable executive orders, eviscerating American political norms, and filling government positions with loyalists. This week, Stacey Abrams speaks to Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who speaks unabashedly about why Democrats must strive to reach more Americans, how he approaches working across the aisle on issues that matter, and what we can do to fight back and fight for all Americans. Together, Stacey and Sen. Booker give concrete suggestions on how to support elected officials and organizations doing the work that matters, how to speak up about Trump’s Cabinet nominations, and how even small steps like amplifying democrats through social media can help expose more people to critical information. They also answer a listener’s question about how to communicate effectively with your elected representative!We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More:The most effective letters from constituents to their elected officials are creative, heartfelt, and detailed. Don't underestimate your power -- organizing with like-minded individuals around a shared message does make an impact. Do a social media audit: who are you following? Are there elected officials you admire who you can add to the list? What are you sharing and posting? Could it be more positive, engaging, and helpful?Send $1 today to an organization working on an issue you care about.
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Defeating Trump’s Chaos Playbook with Our New Age of Insistence
Donald Trump has been inaugurated for a second term as President, and the “blitzkrieg” of orders, insults and rhetoric has already begun. Stacey Abrams speaks to Melissa Murray, host of Crooked’s legal podcast Strict Scrutiny and constitutional law professor at NYU, about how much Trump can actually do unilaterally and why his actions–like his order about TikTok–threaten the balance of power between the branches of government. They look at the true impact of using shock and chaos to govern–like his order about renaming Denali–and why we should be concerned about the new “broligarchy” that stood behind Trump at his inauguration. Stacey and Melissa explain the executive orders that run afoul of the 14th Amendment, like the end to birthright citizenship and new government policy on gender, and together, they showcase ways that we can continue to understand what’s coming so we can effectively speak out. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More:Listen to Crooked’s Strict ScrutinySign up for Sherrilyn Ifill’s SubstackGet involved with local and state organizations working on an issue you care aboutCheck in with friends and family
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Why DEI Scares Trump and Project 2025 and Why It Should
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is being weaponized by Donald Trump and Project 2025 and right-wing activists. That's because DEI has been around since the start of the country, opening doors of opportunity for millions of Americans, correcting past wrongs, and, crucially, benefiting everyone. In this episode, Stacey Abrams speaks with Kenji Yoshino, director of NYU’s Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and a constitutional law professor, about why we should clearly define, defend, and expand DEI. They explain who is covered, counter the misinformation about how DEI works, and advocate for DEI as a necessary tool for the future for the country.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More:Sign up for updates from American Pride Rises at aprnetwork.orgFind risk assessment resources from the Meltzer Center at advancingdei.meltzercenter.orgCheck out Nicholas Confessore’s thorough reporting on DEI opposition for The New York Times
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How to Save the Environment from Trump and Project 2025
In his first term, Donald Trump pulled out of the global Paris Climate Accords and rolled back over 100 regulations impacting the safety of our air, water, and environment at large. As we prepare for Trump’s second term, Stacey Abrams speaks to Tik Root, Senior Staff Writer at Grist, about what protections and milestones are most at risk, which elements of the Inflation Reduction Act have bipartisan appeal, and how much Congress and the courts could play a role in slowing Trump’s fossil fuel agenda. They also discuss actionable ways that individuals can monitor their environmental safety and climate impact within their communities and homes. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More:Read Tik and his colleagues’ climate reporting at Grist.orgDo research to identify climate and environmental issues that are impacting your communityLook out for incentives like tax rebates to reduce your energy costs and upgrade your appliances
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Do You See What I See? Building AI for All of Us
In the face of unbridled AI development and incoming President Trump’s close advisors who happen to be big investors in AI, it’s more important than ever to raise the alarm about areas of concern. Stacey Abrams speaks to Joy Buolamwini, the AI researcher and artist who brought to national attention the way bias is coded into artificial intelligence, particularly in facial recognition technology – what Buolamwini coined the “coded gaze.” They discuss what we should know about the pitfalls and potentials of AI today, and Buolamwini invites listeners to join the ongoing mission of the Algorithmic Justice League to raise awareness about the impact of AI and how we can all contribute to a more equitable use of the technology.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More:Watch Coded Bias on NetflixOrder Joy Buolamwini’s book Unmasking AIJoin the Algorithmic Justice League
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More Society & Culture podcastsMore Society & Culture podcasts
Let's face it, sometimes the world feels broken. We can see what needs fixing, yet more and more, it feels like the problems are too big and the bad guys are winning. But the truth is, they’re not. They’re just hoping we stop fighting.
Welcome to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, a new podcast from Crooked Media and Democratic changemaker Stacey Abrams. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable, and are willing to pitch in and work towards the solution.
Each week, Stacey will break down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduce us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategize, and share tangible ways to get involved. Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon.