Episodes
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Late June marks the end of the Supreme Court termâa moment when some of the most consequential decisions in American life are handed down. At stake are rulings that could reshape democracy and redefine or limit civil rights. Still pending: major cases on the future of birthright citizenship, transgender rights, the Affordable Care Actâs coverage of preventive care services, and more. This week, Stacey sits down with Leah Litman, University of Michigan law professor, co-host of Strict Scrutiny, and New York Times bestselling author of Lawless, to break down SCOTUSâ latest decisions and preview what to expect in these last days â what they mean and why they matter. Then, Stacey is joined by journalist and TransLash Media founder, Imara Jones, for a deep dive into one rulingâs direct impact on the transgender community, how it causes harm, why itâs a proof of concept for the right, and how we fight back.
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.
Stacey also weighs in on a tragedy close to home in Georgia, three years after the Supreme Court stripped millions of women of their civil rights in the Dobbs decision. Adriana Smith was a nurse and young mother who suddenly fell very ill. After she went untreated for brain clots, she was declared brain dead. But she was also pregnant, and due to Georgiaâs inhumane abortion laws, her family was forced to keep her on life support to incubate her pregnancy. Last week, Adriana was finally taken off life support after her forced birth was delivered via C-section. As states continue to eviscerate abortion rights and put lives at risk, inaction is unacceptable. This weekâs tool kit is about how to fight on.
Learn & Do More:
Be Curious: We must renew our attention to the ever-present issue of abortion rights. There are many excellent resources for keeping up on abortion-related news. Jessica Valentiâs substack, Abortion, Every Day, rigorously covers attacks on reproductive rights across the country. The Center for Reproductive Rights has a useful guide outlining abortion laws by state so that you can better understand your rights.Solve Problems: According to the Mayo Clinic, half of all U.S. states have laws on the books that invalidate a pregnant woman's wishes about her medical care if she becomes incapacitated, and a majority of states don't disclose these restrictions in advance directive forms. Your state legislators are the first line of defense against laws like these, and any laws that threaten abortion access. Call them and ask them to take action.Do Good: Donate to the National Network of Abortion Funds and Planned Parenthood. Abortion funds directly finance abortion care for those in need, and Planned Parenthood has remained a lifeline for people seeking the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare access. You can also research local opportunities to support doulas who provide physical, emotional, and logistical support to women during the abortion process. Depending on where you live, training opportunities may also be available.Outside of the scope of abortion care, we must also support members of the trans community, especially in light of recent attacks. As discussed with Imara, the Trump administration shut down its LGBTQ suicide prevention hotline. Please visit The Trevor Project, an organization that focuses on suicide prevention for LGBTQ young people, to donate and find out more about how you can get involved. And make sure to research opportunities to get involved with local LGBTQ organizations. You can also check out the Transgender Family Handbook by New York Magazineâs The Cut, an excellent resource for parents and others who want to support young trans loved ones.
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Last week, ICE stormed through Los Angeles, raiding Home Depots, warehouses, and schools in a cruel, targeted crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Those raids sparked a wave of protests as thousands of Angelenos marched through downtown, denouncing the Trump administrationâs unjust actions. What began as largely peaceful demonstrations escalated after Trump defied both the California governor and LA mayor by deploying the National Guard and the Marines to the city. It was a deliberate show of force and a warning to other blue states: this is what happens when you resist. But LA didnât back down. Over the weekend, Angelenos joined millions of other demonstrators in every state for the No Kingâs protests, while Trump held an underwhelming military parade on the streets of Washington DC. Itâs a stark contrast in a moment when we must continue to stand up to the onslaught anti-Democratic power grabs and strongman tactics. This week, Stacey sits down with MSNBC's senior Washington correspondent and co-host of MSNBC's the Weekend, Eugene Daniels and Immigrant Defenders Law Center (IMMDEF) attorney Yliana Johansen-MĂ©ndez to help us unpack what's happening right now and prepare for what's coming next.
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.
Learn & Do More:
Be Curious: To better understand the current national debate around immigration, our June Assembly Required reading recommendation is âThe End of Asylumâ by Philip G. Schrag, Andrew I. Schoenholtz, and Jaya Ramji-Nogales. These leading immigration law experts trace the evolution of the U.S. asylum system and expose how the Trump administration dismantled Americaâs long-standing role as a refuge for the persecuted. And as Eugene mentioned, watch your local news, subscribe to your local paper, and stay plugged into what's happening in your own community. To learn more about how you can support local journalism, visit the American Journalism Project at www.theajp.org.Solve Problems: As the rule of law continues to erode, itâs more important than ever to support those on the front linesâlegal aid organizations, researchers, and advocates serving immigrant communities. Find out how you can get involved and make a difference in your own area. If you're in Southern California, connect with our guest Ylianaâs organization, the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, at www.immdef.org.Do Good: Protest worksâbut not everyone can take to the streets. Start where you are and use what you have. If you're on social media, amplify the voices and stories of those directly impacted by the Trump administrationâs campaign of fear. If youâre able to volunteer, find a local organization supporting immigrants and get involved. If you would like to contribute directly to a detained immigrants bond fund, you can visit Clue Justice at https://www.cluejustice.org/support-the-detained-immigrant-bond-fund/ Every action counts. -
Episodes manquant?
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Winning elections starts now, and thatâs only the beginning. The way we get our news has always evolved, and today we face a fractured media landscape that makes it harder to reach people consistently. The American right has often been at the forefront of navigating these waters by finding compelling messengers and putting them on new platforms that reach voters, from the rise of talk radio in the 80s to Fox News, TikTok and YouTube today. That innovation has too often led to domination of these information ecosystems, and we can see the impact in the results of the 2024 election, especially with young voters. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is lagging behind, struggling to connect authentically with the growing number of people who get their information on social platforms. Instead of copying the rightâs strategies, it's time to listen to the people who actually know how to use these platforms. Stacey sits down with two standout voices shaping the future of political content online: journalist and political commentator Aaron Parnas, and Gen Z historian Kahlil Greene. They break down how they stay ahead of the curve, what makes social media truly effective for change, and why understanding peopleânot just platformsâis the key to being heard.
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.
Learn & Do More:
Be Curious: Getting your news from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter isnât wrongâin fact, it can be a fast and convenient way to stay informed throughout your busy day. The key is to follow credible creators you trust, like Aaron and Kahlil, and always take a moment to fact-check what youâre seeing. Stay curious, but stay smart.Solve Problems: Skip the doomscrolling. What starts as âjust a few minutesâ on TikTok can quickly spiral into hours lost in an endless feed of chaotic news. Break the cycle by sandwiching your screen time with something groundingâtake a walk, read a few pages of a book, or unwind with a new show or movie. Give your mind a reset.Do Good: Support your favorite content creators beyond the scroll. Many political commentators have blogs, websites, or Substack pages where they dive deeper into the stories they summarize in under a minute. Following them on these platforms helps you get the full pictureâand helps them keep doing what they do best. Follow Staceyâs new Substack, Assembly Notes where she dives into some topics we cover on the show and topics that come up in between episodes.Recommendations:
Stacey Abrams recommends the podcast âLandslideâ from WFAE and NPR.
Kahlil Greene recommends âThe Cruel Kids Tableâby Brock Colyar at New York Magazine.
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The U.S. birth rate is falling, and the Trump administration has a solution: Make. More. Babies. But instead of expanding support for familiesâthrough childcare, reproductive healthcare access, or paid leaveâtheyâre turning to policies touted by a set of right-wing members of a movement called pronatalism, which includes Christian nationalists and tech-industry eugenicists who see increasing the birth rate as an existential mission, for a select few. Todayâs pronatalists include figures like Elon Musk â a father of at least 14 children himself â who only want to encourage white, conservative Americans to have larger families; an idea that has terrifying implications for their vision of America. Stacey sits down with Dr. Karen Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center and professor of sociology at UNC Chapel Hill, and senior writer from New York Magazine Sarah Jones, to unpack the history of pronatalism, how the Trump administration is quietly aligning with it with a hollow policy agenda, and the kinds of proposals that can actually support American families.
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.
Learn & Do More:
The draconian Republican so-called âBig Beautiful Billâ better named the âTerrible Tyrannical Bill,â just passed the House and is headed to the Senate. It would add $3 trillion to the national debt while handing $1.5 trillion in tax cuts to the ultra-wealthyâpaid for by slashing food, job, and healthcare access for millions of working- and middle-class Americans. Most alarmingly, it targets Medicaid, requiring recipients to work 80 hours a month to keep coverage, a move the nonpartisan CBO warns could push 10.3 million people off the program by 2034. So, this week, weâre urging you to take action.
Call your members of Congress, state legislators, city council members, and county commissioners. All of these local elected officials have more power than you can imagine, and they are all going to be impacted by the decisions made at the federal level. Head to commoncause.org to find your federal, state and local representatives and let them know exactly how you feel about the bill and its attack on Medicaid.You can also support organizations that are in the crosshairs of these proposed cuts and provide vital healthcare to millions of Americans. Planned Parenthood is one of them. Go to planned parenthood.org/getinvolved to donate and take a stand.As SNAP benefits are cut, more families and their children are going to struggle to access food. Consider getting involved with your local food bank or a mutual aid organization that provides food assistance. -
Project 2025 is no longer just a blueprintâit is rapidly in motion. Over the past four months, the Republicans have begun implementing its sweeping, 900+ page plan to transform America into a Christian nationalist state. We are seeing it unfold in real time: attacks on bodily autonomy, the dehumanization and targeting of immigrants, the erasure of history and DEI initiatives, and deep cuts to essential government programs. In this episode, Stacey sits down with Atlantic staff writer and author of âThe Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping Americaâ, David A. Graham, for an in-depth conversation about the ideology behind Project 2025 and how we can prepare for whatâs coming next.
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.
Learn & Do More: Project 2025 is a roadmap that lets us prepare ourselves for whatâs to come. By understanding the goals laid out in Project 2025, we can leverage our local governments, our civic organizations and ourselves to push back. And remember to share your knowledge with your resistance community.
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There is nothing more toxic to tyranny than those willing to fight back. Across the country, every day Americans are exercising their First Amendment rights and raising their voice in protest against this dangerous administration and the right-wing autocrats who lead it. Emerging leaders are standing up for their values and running for office in their local communities. In this episode, Stacey talks about real pathways to meet the moment with action with two leaders who walk the walk: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, whose grassroots training, The Resistance Lab, teaches proven strategic tools, used by civil rights leaders of the past, to mount effective resistance; and Amanda Litman, Co-Founder of Run for Something, which helps recruit and support young progressives running for elected office.
Learn & Do More:
Be Curious: Think about ways you can step up and be a leader even outside the scope of electoral politics. Check out Amanda Litmanâs new book, When Weâre In Charge. Itâs full of practical tips on how to lead with principle and get stuff done, without burning out.Solve problems: Join in-person or virtual efforts like The Resistance Lab or Run For Something that give you practical, actionable tools for activism and running for office. You can also keep an eye on upcoming protests in your city by going to Mobilize.us or googling âState of the People Tour.âDo good: You canât do this alone, so make sure youâre building your resistance community. You already have people in your circle who want to stand alongside you against the destruction of our national values. As you build out your toolbox, find ways to pass on your knowledge, bring people together, and encourage them to get involved so the movement spreads. And as Congresswoman Jayapal said, make sure to call your representatives, and call your friends (especially those living in Republican districts) and ask them to do the same.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.
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In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, weâve watched Republicans erode American democracy with alarming speed. While this political moment may feel unprecedented, it isnât new. America has dealt its share of far-right movements, fascist provocateurs, and anti-democratic threats. But time and again, heroes have risen to meet those moments. In this episode, Stacey unpacks how weâve fought fascism before - and won. Sheâs joined by the host of MSNBCâs The Rachel Maddow Show and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism.
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.
Learn & Do More:
Be Curious: History can be an extremely useful tool to help us navigate the present. Pick up Rachel Maddowâs book Prequel â now available in paperback anywhere books are sold. Also pick up the Assembly Required Recommended Read: The Dictatorâs Learning Curve by William Dobson.Solve problems: The best thing we can do right now is show up and use our voices. There are two key ways to do this. First: call your representatives! Democrat, Republican, Independent â it doesnât matter. Tell them where you stand and why it matters. Second: get involved locally. Join a protest, volunteer to support a community that is particularly vulnerable right now, donate to a grassroots group in your area. Change starts with showing up, so letâs get to work.Do Good: Not only has Trump waged a war on books, heâs waged a war on independent businesses. So if youâre interested in reading any of the books I mentioned today, or want to pick up our weekly recommended reading, purchase them at a local bookstore. If there isnât a local option near you, or you just prefer the convenience of online shopping, check out small businesses that operate online â like Octaviaâs Bookshelf. -
In just 100 days, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have upended the post WWII international order. From pulling out of the WHO to undermining international courts, backing away from NATO to slashing foreign aid, this generationâs GOP is rapidly dismantling America's role as a global leader. In this episode, Stacey looks beyond U.S. borders and sits down with Ben Rhodesâformer Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama and co-host of Pod Save the Worldâto unpack this seismic shift in world affairs⊠and whether thereâs still time to stop it from becoming permanent.
Learn & Do More:
BE CURIOUS: Stay informed about global events and how to make sense of them by tuning in to Ben and Tommyâs weekly analysis on Pod Save the World. And read Benâs opinion piece in the NYT. SOLVE PROBLEMS: As Ben said, we canât give inâwe have to imagine more. Our government doesn't define who we are as a country. Take action where you can: volunteer to help refugees, support foreign students in your community, and show them they are welcome. Be part of the effort to re-engage with the world.DO GOOD: With the decline of U.S. AID, many NGOs have stepped in to fill the gap. One of them is CARE.ORG, which provides essential healthcare, nutritious food, clean water, and protection from violence for women and girls around the globe. Consider supporting their mission. -
One of the Republican Partyâs most dangerous campaigns is their continued assault on academic freedom. Under the pretense of fighting antisemitism and dismantling âdiscriminatoryâ DEI policies, universities across the country are under threat of losing critical funding, and students are being targeted by immigration authorities. From Trump to state governors, attacks are coming from every level of government. In this episode, Stacey is joined by Wesleyan University President Michael Roth and Barnard College Professor Nara Milanich to discuss how our institutions of higher education are pivotal to shaping an informed, innovative, and engaged society, whatâs at stake, and what academics and their allies can do to push back. Then, she hears from student journalist and Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Michigan Daily, Zhane Yamin, on how students are weathering this storm.
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.
Learn & Do More:
BE CURIOUS: Read student newspapers in your community or from your alma mater to stay connected to what is happening on the ground.SOLVE PROBLEMS: If you are part of a collegeâs community, whether youâre a student, faculty member, staff, or a nearby resident, coming together to raise your voice about your concerns can make a world of difference.DO GOOD: Student journalists need your support weathering these tumultuous times, and hearing from their readers helps tremendously. If you are enjoying their reporting, reach out and let them know! -
Trumpâs unhinged, unpredictable global trade war is causing chaos and confusion. In just one week, the President announced tariffs on the entire world, then paused some, upped others, and announced exemptions for certain goods. This capriciousness has sparked fears that another economic recession may be looming. In this episode, Stacey is joined by Dean Baker, economist and cofounder of the Center for Economic Policy and Research to break down how tariffs affect the broader economy. Then, she hears from Beth Benike, founder of Busy Baby, and Richard R. Oswald, Vice President of the Missouri Farmers Union, about how these tariffs and the environment of uncertainty are already impacting their livelihoods.
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.
Learn & Do More:
Be curious: Visit your local library, get a library card if you donât have one, and check out a book from the banned books list. Fight back with curiosity. Want to do more? Check out Book Riot or PEN Americaâs guides on how to help fight book bans.Solve Problems: call your representatives and senators, no matter their party. But donât stop there. Local elected officials have power tooâsometimes more than we realize. Visit USA.gov/elected-officials to find your federal, state, and local reps. Let them know how you feel about the rise in book bans, tariffs, and how these issues are affecting your community.Do Good: If you have the means, support small businesses in your areaâand encourage friends and family to do the same. Shop local, spend local. We're good with the clips. -
Whether your instinct now is fight or flight, many of us are searching for the way to navigate these turbulent times. In this episode, Stacey shares her practice of stoicism: an ancient philosophy built to make us more resilient, knowledgeable and grounded in the face of adversity. Sheâs joined by author, entrepreneur, and host of The Daily Stoic podcast, Ryan Holiday, to explore how we can apply the art of stoicism to this political moment âand use it as a tool to build our capacity and organize action. They talk about everything from lessons from past freedom fighters to smart media consumption, as well identifying the small ways we can make a difference and regain a sense of power and stability.
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.
Learn & Do More:
BE CURIOUS: Check out our guest Ryan Holidayâs podcast The Daily Stoic for more ways we can harness stoicism to find stability and resilience.SOLVE PROBLEMS: Make sure to think about your news diet. Focus on constructive consumption of the news that helps you stay informed instead of being a consumer of endless information. Seek out other sources like historical biographies that can better help you understand the current moment.
DO GOOD: In addition to trying to do big, audacious things to change the world, remember that small things can also make a difference. Picking up trash in your community, showing up to a city council meeting, or providing comfort to a friend who's having a hard time is all worthwhile.
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Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy's so-called assault on medical science is putting Americans at grave risk. Measles has resurfaced, HHS is losing tens of thousands of staff, and medical research at the National Institutes of Health is being cut. Stacey is joined by infectious disease researcher and science communicator Laurel Bristow, along with associate professor and infectious disease expert Ghady Haidar, to break down the immediate and long-term impacts of the Trump administrationâs dismantling of health infrastructure and skepticism of critical vaccines. They also share how we can protect ourselves and our communities from medical misinformation and disinformation.
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.
Learn & Do More:
Don't spread misinformation: Be mindful of what you share on social media. Itâs tempting to post a meme or video mocking conspiracy theories, but donât be a spreader. Share the truth. Find content that debunks misinformation without amplifying it. Be a viral truth-teller.Use your resources: Vaccines are your best protection in this uncertain health climate. Free and low-cost vaccines are available, even without insurance. The HHS provides a list of state and local health departments to help you find themâvisit hhs.gov/immunization. For example, if you're in Los Angeles, check publichealth.lacounty.gov for clinics offering free or low-cost vaccines for kids 18 and under.Stay informed: For health advice, trust medical professionals. Get information from doctors and scientists, and read research-backed articles. Social media isnât always reliableâso seek out experts with real credentials. To stay informed and up to date on the latest scientific news check out the WHO newsletter at who.int/news-room/newsletters and for the latest science reporting check out STAT news at statnews.com and Scientific America at https://www.scientificamerican.com. -
The Trump Administration is openly defying the courts, racking up over 100 federal lawsuits due to its tyrannical actions. Trump and his allies have continuously sidestepped and ignored federal judges issuing multiple injunctions to reign in his power. From flouting a judgeâs order to reverse the deportation of 250 Venezuelan immigrants without due process to unlawfully detaining and attempting to deport green card holders, this administration is pushing the boundaries of executive overreach. Stacey is joined by Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, to examine the state of our legal system and break down some of Trumpâs most significant legal battles. Then, Stacey sits down with Mandela Barnes, President of Power to the Polls, to discuss the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court raceâan election that could be the most pivotal of 2025.
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.
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Sharing another podcast we canât get enough of: Your Mamaâs Kitchen. Itâs a show about cuisine and culture, ingredients and identities, and the meals and memories that make us who we are. Host Michele Norris talks to Michelle Obama, Glennon Doyle, Gayle King and so many other guests about the complexities of family life and how their earliest culinary experiences helped shape their personal and professional lives. And of course, each guest shares a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. In this episode, singer John Legend takes us back to his roots in Springfield, Ohio, where he was an academic overachiever and a musical prodigy. John opens up about his early rocky relationship with his mother and how, over time, they came together to nurture one beautiful family. Plus, we learn how to make his mama's special mac & cheese. Listen to Your Mamaâs Kitchen wherever you get your podcasts.
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.
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Our nationâs veterans are being disproportionately impacted by the Trump administrationâs assault on government agencies, from cuts to the VA, to job and funding reductions across the board. Not only have Republicans turned their backs on those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, they are also doing damage to a constituency that was already underserved. Stacey is joined by Jason Kander, an Afghanistan Veteran and former Secretary of State of Missouri to talk through the needs of veterans on everything from healthcare to housing. Then Stacey speaks to Laila Ireland, a transgender Army veteran and member of SPARTA Pride, about how Trumpâs dehumanizing attacks on LGBTQIA+ service members degrade the effectiveness of our military and erode our core values.
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.
Learn & Do More:
Check out or support organizations like Veterans Community Project, which builds tiny houses for veterans in need, and visit SPARTA pride which provides essential resources for transgender people who currently serve or have previously served in the military.If youâre a veteran or know a veteran who has recently been fired due to mass layoffs, check out The Public Service Alliance for support in fighting back or finding new employment.Keep up to date by reading trusted sources like the Associated Press, the New York Times, and visiting CNNâs handy resource to track cuts to the federal workforce. -
Trumpâs speech to a joint chamber of Congress was the longest in history, clocking in at nearly 100 minutes. Instead of providing viable solutions to problems like our affordability crisis or the current trade war , he used his platform to push his ongoing dangerous narrative on immigration, crime, and transgender rights. Stacey is joined by Jen Psaki, Host of MSNBCâs âInside with Jen Psakiâ and the MSNBC original podcast âThe Blueprint with Jen Psakiâ to recap, respond, and strategize ways that Democrats, and average citizens can prepare for the additional chaos to come and push back.
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.
Learn & Do More:
Keep yourself informed. To understand whatâs true and whatâs not from Trumpâs speech, visit politifact.com or the Associated Press.Make your voice heard. Thereâs a great toolkit for the week of Congressional recess at https://indivisible.org/muskorusMutual aid remains an excellent way to "do good" in your community. As prices rise due to Trump's policies, making it even harder for families to make ends meet, consider visiting your local food bank or shelter and volunteering or making a donation. -
President Trumpâs affinity for crypto currency has emerged as another vehicle for profit and peddling influence. On todayâs episode, we break down the basics of crypto and how the industry infiltrated Trump's world, unpacks the ways this administration is creating a friendly environment for this unregulated market in ways that might impact our economy more broadly, and questions its ethics. Stacey is joined by Zeke Faux, investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek, and Annie Lowrey, staff writer at The Atlantic, to explore the good, the bad, and the gray areas of digital currency.
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.
Learn & Do More:
· If you want to learn more about cryptocurrency and its newly entwined relationship with our government, check out both Annie and Zekeâs work at Bloomberg and The Atlantic.· If you are considering, or know someone else who is thinking of investing in cryptocurrency or other high-risk assets, prioritize safety. Invest in what you understandâavoid following trends blindly. Always research companies, funds, or assets before committing your moneyâand encourage other people in your life, especially those who may be most vulnerable to financial losses, to do the same.· Start asking questions of your elected officials. Since weâre showing up in their inboxes and at their town halls, put them to the test. Ask about their positions on crypto and pay attention to how they respond. We have a number of urgent issues, but truly canât afford to let this one escape our attention or theirs. -
Another week, another Trump admin scheme to cripple the governmentâthis time by targeting the very workers who keep it running, from food inspectors to mail carriers to those serving in our military. On todayâs episode, Stacey breaks down Trumpâs mass firing of probationary government employees and how these layoffs could soon ripple across entire sectors. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, joins to break down whoâs being affected and why the blunt force tool Republicans are using in the name of efficiency, will backfire. Stacey and Liz talk about why unions matter more than ever in a shaky labor market and how we all need to stand up for workforce protections.
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.
Learn & Do More:
If you have the time, read about labor history. One of Staceyâs favorites is: Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor by Steven Greenhouse. You can also watch a classic film on labor like Norma Rae starring Sally Field.The reason unions exist is to advocate for workers and give them collective power. So if youâre aware of mistreatment at a workplace or people being taken advantage of, maybe itâs time to become an organizerâor simply help someone advocate for themselves. There is power in speaking up and helping others find support. To learn how to better lift up your voice, check out Unite & Win: The Workplace Organizerâs Handbook or visit workerorganizing.org. Itâs designed for labor organizing, but the tips can help anyone.If you have been impacted by the workforce reduction, join the AFL-CIOâs new campaign for workers and share your story at deptofpeoplewhowork.orgA special call to action: Visit VowForGirls.org to raise awareness, fund change, and help girls take control of their futures. Ending forced child marriages is an important but overlooked cause â this is a fate that 12 million girls across the world face every year. -
A league of unextraordinary gentlemen has taken over the White House. This week, Stacey breaks down how Donald Trump has allowed Elon Musk and his squad of young DOGE staffers to have unprecedented access to the federal government. Wired editor Leah Feiger joins Stacey to explain how she and her team of reporters uncovered how DOGE infiltrated the Treasury department, the potential security and privacy implications, and how AI fits into the equation. Then, Stacey sits down with University of Pennsylvania law professor and Strict Scrutiny co-host Kate Shaw to tackle the question on everyoneâs mind: how is any of this legal? Also, be sure to listen for a special message from Stacey on how to manage our response to crisisâso we can stay informed, cut through disinformation, and fight back.
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:
To stay informed about everything thatâs going on with Doge, Musk, and Trumpâs billionaire bandits, make sure to follow the reporting from Leah and her incredible team at Wired, as well as the other news sites she shouted out like 404 Media, Teen Vogue, and Rolling Stone. If you want to continue to learn about the questionable legality of the Trump administrationâs actions, listen to Strict Scrutiny, co-hosted by our amazing guest Kate Shaw.
A critical way to use your voice is to uplift stories like the ones we covered so they donât get drowned out in the intentional chaos. If this resonated with you, tell someoneâa friend, relative, colleagueâeven post it to your socials. Donât let stories like this fade.
Support organizations like Democracy Forward, State Democracy Defenders, and The Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection that are filing lawsuits to challenge Musk's unprecedented government takeover.
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Trump's immigration crackdown is in full force. Three weeks in, heâs signed 10 executive orders targeting everyone from migrants attempting to cross the border to refugees seeking asylum from their war-torn countries. This week, Stacey Abrams dives deep with two expert guests. Nayna Gupta, Director of Policy at the American Immigration Council, breaks down how immigrants already in the US are being affected, the rise in ICE raids, what a humane immigration system should look like, and how to empower those at risk by knowing our rights. Then, Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, explains why Americaâs stance on asylum and refugees is at the core of who we are as a country and how the world sees us. He debunks viral disinformation about federal aid, discusses the importance of saving USAID and refugee resettlement programs against attack, and shines a light on how polling confirms Americans are in fact welcoming to immigrants. Together, they explain why we should harness a shared vision for our country with immigration as a vital part. Stacey also answers a listener question about how people can form citizen action groups in their local areas.
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.
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Learn & Do More:
To understand more about undocumented immigration, asylum seekers, refugees, and how to know your rights against ICE, visit organizations dedicated to each issue for further insight. This includes Refugees Internationalâs Advocacy Lab, the American Immigration Council, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. The National Domestic Workers Alliance also has a helpful guide to know your rights and to prepare yourself.At a time of heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric influencing all members of Congress, it is even more important they know that you support your immigrant friends and neighbors - on both sides of the aisle. Write and call your members of Congress. The Congressional switchboard number is 202-224-3121. Give them your state & zip code and ask to be transferred to your representative and Senators. Please also contact your state and city government to advocate for better policies at the local level.If you want to help refugees resettle in the US, find an organization in your home state that does this work, like a local mutual aid group. Remember, these are families who have left everything behind. You can help with donations or by volunteering your timeâwhatever you have the capacity for. - Montre plus
