Lucy Caldwell, from Renew Democracy Initiative, discusses growing pessimism about money. They explore a second Trump term dystopia and Arizona's abortion ban repeal. RFK Jr's appeal to Latino voters is highlighted. The episode also covers Trump's imperial plans, voter messaging, and regulating AI in elections.

In this engaging chat, Lucy Caldwell, an award-winning novelist and playwright from Belfast, discusses the intricacies of storytelling, emphasizing gender and identity. She explores the powerful impact of second-person narratives and the emotional resonance they create. Caldwell reflects on her creative journey and the crucial role of family and literary festivals in fostering writers. The conversation also touches on the joys and struggles of crafting dialogue, as well as the value of literary connections and shared experiences in shaping one’s work.

Lucy Caldwell, an acclaimed author known for her collection *Multitudes* and her role as a guest editor for a new volume of Irish short stories, discusses the current literary renaissance in Ireland. She highlights the diversity and talent in modern Irish writing, featuring voices from both sides of the border. Caldwell shares insights on curating her anthology, *Being Various*, emphasizing the emotional connections with authors. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by women writers in Northern Ireland and the significance of their perspectives.

Lucy Caldwell, a veteran political strategist and tech founder, teams up with Liam Donovan, a seasoned political and policy expert, to tackle pressing political questions. They explore the controversial idea of compulsory voting in the U.S., considering its impact on civic engagement. The duo also dives into the recent withdrawal of Matt Gaetz as attorney general nominee, highlighting strategic dilemmas for Democrats and Florida's political dynamics. They candidly discuss Trump's re-election prospects and the challenges of unity within the Democratic coalition.

Mike Madrid, a senior advisor at the California Latino Economic Institute and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, joins veteran strategist Lucy Caldwell and political expert Liam Donovan. They dive into whether Trump and the Republicans hold a true mandate and discuss the complexities of America’s working class. The trio analyzes shifting voter dynamics and the growing divide influenced by education versus economic status. They also address the national security risks associated with data harvesting, emphasizing the need for improved privacy protections.