The Home Front

Host  ⁠Reed Galen⁠⁠ is joined by Tom Nichols (Author and Staff Writer at The Atlantic) for a conversation about what happens to expertise in an age of misinformation, mistrust, and political division. They discuss how experts lost credibility, why institutions failed to defend truth, and what it means when knowledge no longer commands respect in public life. Plus, the cost of treating opinions as equal to evidence and what the next generation of leaders and citizens can do to rebuild trust and defend fact-based decision making in a time of deep cynicism. For more from Tom Nichols, read his work at The Atlantic, follow him on Twitter and Bluesky, and check out his books like “The Death of Expertise” and “Our Own Worst Enemy” wherever fine books are sold. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit ⁠⁠JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded on Substack Live. Reed Galen and former national security official Miles Taylor discuss Donald Trump's deployment of federal troops on the streets of Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Axios Finance Reporter Madison Mills discuss the current state of financial news, inflation, and the impact of tariffs on consumers. They explore the role of the bond market in maintaining economic stability and the implications of a K-shaped recovery on different socioeconomic groups. Madison shares her approach to making financial news accessible to younger generations through social media and audience engagement, highlighting the importance of understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior. Read more of Madison's work here. Subscribe to Reed's Substack here. Get involved in the work of building the America of tomorrow, TODAY! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Tina Nguyen of The Verge discuss the evolution of the MAGA movement, its intersection with technology, and the role of crypto in politics. They explore the changing dynamics between big tech and the Republican party, the implications of populism, and the future of the MAGA movement in a post-Trump world. Tina also introduces her new newsletter, 'Regulator,' which focuses on the clash between big tech and government. Further Reading: Tina's Newsletter, Regulator Reed's Substack, The Home Front SUBSCRIBE TO BOTH! Quick Takeaways: MAGA's roots extend back before Trump's presidency. The right has effectively used technology to gain political power. Republicans learn from their past mistakes and adapt. Big Tech's relationship with MAGA has shifted significantly. Populism often appeals to the masses by addressing their grievances. Trump's disregard for traditional political norms has reshaped the GOP. The future of MAGA may depend on its ability to find a successor. The political landscape is increasingly influenced by wealthy tech figures. Tina's newsletter 'Regulator' highlights the tension between tech and government. The Democrats have underestimated the rise of the right in tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Utah-based political reporter Bryan Schott delve into the intricacies of Utah politics, focusing on the control of information within the legislature, the influence of developers, and the implications of recent scandals involving key political figures like Stuart Adams. They discuss the challenges faced by journalists in accessing information, the impact of gerrymandering, and the struggle for citizen initiatives against legislative overreach. The conversation highlights the tension between the political class and the citizenry, revealing a landscape where power dynamics significantly affect governance and representation. Subscribe to Bryan's work here. Reed's Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded on Substack live, host Reed Galen is joined by write Evelyn Quartz. They discuss the current gerrymandering fight and whether or not it's really about 'democracy.' They also discuss economic populism, Democrats needing to answer hard questions, and how the Millenial generation is being left behind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, host Reed Galen interviews Mondale Robinson, mayor of Enfield, North Carolina, and founder of the Black Male Voter Project. They discuss why political parties only target 'high propensity' voters, what the people need to do to make their voices heard, and why the elites are often happy to ignore the wishes of those they claim to represent. Recorded from Substack Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host ⁠Reed Galen⁠⁠ is joined by Alexander Theodoridis, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Co-Director of the UMass Poll, for an honest look at why trust in American politics and institutions is at an all-time low. They talk about what’s really driving voter dissatisfaction, the roots of polarization, and why approval ratings and party loyalty don’t mean what they used to. Alex shares insights from his research on public opinion, hyper-polarization, and how Americans are reacting to an era of constant political gridlock. They break down the frustrations of voters who feel like neither party is offering real solutions, the rise of populism, and what happens when people feel the system just isn’t working for them. Plus, how material concerns shape political choices, why it’s so hard to break out of our bubbles, and whether either party can earn back the public’s trust. For more from Alexander Theodoridis, keep an eye out for the latest UMass Polls and follow his research on public opinion, democracy, and polarization. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit⁠⁠ JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host ⁠Reed Galen⁠⁠ is joined by Sarah Stein Lubrano - writer, researcher, and author of Don’t Talk About Politics: How to Change 21st Century Minds for the second half of their conversation about why building real community is so challenging in the modern world. They discuss the rise of loneliness, the difference between weak ties and true friendships, and how social media has changed the way we connect and organize. They also explore what “social atrophy” means for Americans’ personal lives and politics, why genuine in-person relationships matter more than ever, dig into the science behind deep canvassing, and the hard truth that strong communities require consistent effort. Plus, what the loss of social infrastructure means for democracy and why anyone can play a part in rebuilding it. For more from Sarah Stein Lubrano, check out Don’t Talk About Politics: How to Change 21st Century Minds wherever books are sold, subscribe to My Subschtick, and follow her work with the Sense and Solidarity Initiative, The Future Narratives Lab, and the AHEAD app. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit⁠⁠ JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host ⁠Reed Galen⁠⁠ is joined by Sarah Stein Lubrano - writer, researcher, and author of Don’t Talk About Politics: How to Change 21st Century Minds - for a candid conversation about what really changes minds in today’s divided world. They dig into why traditional debates and protests rarely move the needle, the real reasons people hold onto their beliefs, and how genuine relationships and action can be what makes a difference. Sarah shares insights from her research on political behavior and cognitive dissonance, explains why changing minds is often a slow, social process, and talks about how activists can build movements that actually last. Plus, the limits of “debate culture,” what both left and right get wrong about persuasion, and why purpose-driven community is more powerful than traditionally expected. For more from Sarah Stein Lubrano, check out Don’t Talk About Politics: How to Change 21st Century Minds wherever books are sold, subscribe to My Subschtick, and follow her work with the Sense and Solidarity Initiative, The Future Narratives Lab, and the AHEAD app. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit⁠⁠ JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices