Episodes
Who is the Working Families Party?: Maurice Mitchell
We discuss why now is the time for a third political party to really take center stage in American democracy.
The Gerontocracy Problem: Samuel Moyn
We discuss the overlooked and insidious complications from gerontocracy in American democracy.
Activism vs. Majority Rule: Brian Adams
We discuss the balance of influence between activists and the majority in local politics and how we can reinvigorate democracy at the local level.
Unsticking Congress: Maya Kornberg
We discuss the myriad of ways to fix Congress, ranging from campaign finance reform and age limits to town hall meetings and stopping violence against members of Congress.
Doctor for the Senate: Abdul El-Sayed
We discuss why Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is running for Senate in Michigan and what kind of Senator he aspires to be. A public health expert with deep understanding of the healthcare system, Dr. El-Sayed believes that Medicare for All can be a realistic future.
Governors Can Defend You: Julia Spiegel
We discuss the work of governors across several states to defend the rights of their residents. GovAct serves as an innovation hub for policies on democracy, public health, and reproductive rights.
Holding Democracy Accountable: Miranda Spivack
We discuss how the struggle for transparency is really a struggle for the soul of American democracy with Miranda Spivack, author of Backroom Deals in Our Backyard: How Government Secrecy Harms Our Communities and the Local Heroes Fighting Back.
Protect Whistleblowers: Joe Spielberger
Joe Spielberger is the policy counsel for the Effective and Accountable Government team at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO), where he advocates in Congress and the executive branch to strengthen whistleblower rights, protect a merit-based civil service, and promote government ethics and transparency. We discuss how government can be transparent and accountable to us, the People.
Voters Are the Boss: Jessica González-Rojas
Jessica Gonzalez Rojas is the New York State Assembly Member representing the 34th District in New York City. We discuss the New York State budget and how she represents her constituents on housing, food insecurity, and healthcare.
When Government Works: Debbie Cox Bultan
Debbie Cox Bultan is the CEO of the NewDEAL, a network of 150 rising state and local officials, and the NewDEAL Forum, which identifies and promotes innovative state and local pro-growth progressive policies. We discuss what it means to deliver good governance at the state and local level.
Everyday Freedom: Philip K. Howard
Philip K. Howard is the founder and chair of Common Good, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for simplifying government, and has advised both parties on needed reforms. His latest book is Everyday Freedom: Designing the Framework for a Flourishing Society.
Making Government Responsive: Sam Oliker-Friedland: Sam Oliker-Friedland
Sam Oliker-Friedland is the Executive Director of the Institute for Responsive Government and a former Department of Justice voting rights litigator at the Civil Rights Division. We discuss the promise of automation for good governance and democracy.
The Power of Citizen Voice: Layla Law-Gisiko
Layla Law-Gisiko serves on Manhattan’s Community Board 5 at the very center of New York City. She currently chairs the land use committee, which makes recommendations on the community’s built real estate environments. We discuss her community advocacy, the land use issues the Community Board considers, and the future of New York’s Penn Station.
Fighting for Good Governance: Anna Eskamani
Representative Anna Eskamani serves on behalf of Florida’s 42nd district of Orange County in the state House of Representatives. We discuss her victories at the ballot box and her work to represent her constituents. Her campaign slogan is “Working for you. Fighting for us.”
Create Responsive Government: Octavia Abell
Octavia Abell is the co-founder and CEO of Govern For America, which describes its mission as bridging the gap between governments and emerging leaders to build a pipeline of diverse and dynamic public sector talent. We discuss the power of public sector workers to be agents of change, whether that's public policy on climate or streamlining the process of getting a birth certificate.