Heather Cox Richardson, a historian and author of "Democracy Awakening," joins Dylan Penningroth, a law and history professor at UC Berkeley, to dissect the evolution of the Republican Party. They explore Lincoln's original vision for a government aimed at equity, the backlash from wealthy industrialists, and the party's struggle to redefine itself amidst growing wealth inequality. The conversation also touches on the media landscape leading to the 2024 election and the vital role of grassroots engagement in restoring democratic ideals.

Dylan Penningroth, author of 'Before the Movement', dives into the often-neglected stories of Black civil rights that trace back to the era of slavery. He highlights the importance of everyday legal matters and the significant role of local court records in uncovering hidden histories. Penningroth reveals how enslaved individuals engaged with legal systems, challenging perceptions of their exclusion. This conversation also explores the evolution of race relations and the complexities within Black communities in their ongoing fight for equality.