

The Home Front
Reed Galen
Our nation is at an inflection point and American democracy is at stake. This podcast is hosted by Reed Galen and features conversations about today’s political challenges, our vision for the future, and how all Americans can be a part of the pro-democracy movement. Guests include political experts, thought leaders, journalists, authors, and activists.Reed Galen is author of “The Home Front” on Substack, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, and President of JoinTheUnion.us, a pro-democracy coalition dedicated to defending American democracy and defeating authoritarian candidates.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 2, 2025 • 37min
Katie Phang Joins the Home Front!
In today's conversation, Reed Galen and Katie Phang discuss the implications of U.S. military actions in Venezuela, exploring the legal, ethical, and political ramifications. They delve into the hypocrisy of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding drug trafficking and oil interests, and the challenges faced by the military in a complex geopolitical landscape. The discussion also highlights the domestic issues overshadowed by foreign engagements and the need for accountability from political leaders.
Check out Reed's article on Venezuela: https://reedgalen.substack.com/p/the-sunday-reed-no-war-in-venezuela
Follow Katie on Substack: https://katiephang.substack.com/
Takeaways from today's talk:
Takeaways
Accountability is crucial for the illegal actions of the Trump administration.
The blatant hypocrisy in U.S. foreign policy is evident.
Military actions in Venezuela raise serious ethical questions.
Oil interests play a significant role in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
The military faces complex challenges in policing a heavily armed society.
Congress must take a bipartisan approach to address military actions.
Legal and ethical dilemmas are increasingly present in military operations.
Domestic issues are often neglected in favor of foreign military engagements.
Visibility and communication with the public are essential for political leaders.
The incompetence and corruption of political leaders impact military decisions.
Email us! thehomefrontmedia@gmail.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 1, 2025 • 53min
Explaining AI with Kevin Williams
In this episode, host Reed Galen is joined by Kevin Williams, an AI expert, about the prospects of artificial intelligence, what it's doing for businesses, the double-edged nature of the technology, and how we as citizens need to prepare for it.
To find out more about Kevin's work, click here: https://ascendlabs.ai/about-us/
Follow Reed on Substack.
Build the America of tomorrow. JoinTheUnion today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24, 2025 • 15min
To Them, You Don't Matter
In the first of three solo commentaries, host Reed Galen takes you on a tour of a dinner at the White House, why AI needs serious guardrails, how war in Venezuela is a terrible idea, why private equity ruins whatever it touches, and how you can should shop local this Christmas season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 20, 2025 • 30min
Creating Better Boundaries in Utah with Elizabeth Rasmussen
Today, host Reed Galen is joined by Elizabeth Rasmussen, Executive Director of Better Boundaries, an organization dedicated to achieving fair legislative representation for Utah voters. Starting with the passage of Prop 4 in 2018, which Reed helped pass, Better Boundaries has been working through the courts to ensure that every Utah voter's voice is heard.
Learn more about Better Boundaries: https://betterboundaries.org/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 2025 • 45min
Carolina Blue with NC Democratic Chair Anderson Clayton
Today, host Reed Galen is joined by North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton. They discuss Anderson's efforts to bring elections closer to home by focusing on, and recruiting candidates for local elections, as well as statewide and federal offices.
They also discuss the state of the Democratic Party and its future, and why rural areas cannot be overlooked by politicians or political parties.
Learn more about the NC Democratic Party
Follow Anderson
Follow Reed https://reedgalen.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 15, 2025 • 55min
AI Bubbles, Bailouts, and Vulture Capitalism with Grace Blakeley (BONUS)
In this engaging discussion, Grace Blakeley, an insightful author and commentator on political economy, reveals how AI wealth is inflating consumer spending, benefiting the top 10% while the majority struggle. She critiques the history of bailouts, warning of moral hazards that favor the wealthy, and highlights the political backlash they can provoke. Grace advocates for collective organizing to challenge systemic injustices and ensure a fairer economy. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on jobs and the urgent need for grassroots action.

Nov 14, 2025 • 37min
Bringing the News to the People with GetReal News Founder Heidi Przybyla
In this conversation, host Reed Galen and GetReal News founder Heidi Przbyla discuss the critical state of local journalism, the decline in trust in media, and the need for innovative approaches to rebuild newsrooms. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement in journalism and the role of technology in creating new information pathways. Heidi advocates for empowering citizen journalists and restoring trust in media to foster a healthier democratic society.
Find out more about GetReal: https://www.getrealnews.org/
Learn more about Heidi: https://www.heidiprzybyla.com/
Follow Reed on social media: https://linktr.ee/reedgalen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 12, 2025 • 34min
The Government Knows Your Face with 404 Media's Joseph Cox
Summary
In this conversation, Reed Galen and Joseph Cox delve into the pressing issues surrounding surveillance, privacy, and the implications of facial recognition technology. They discuss the role of government agencies like ICE in utilizing these technologies, the political divide on privacy legislation, and the challenges in regulating data brokers. The conversation also touches on the media landscape's impact on public awareness and the potential consequences of surveillance technology on due process and individual rights.
Learn more about 404 Media
Read Joseph's Story on Facial Recognition HERE.
Follow Reed on Substack: https://reedgalen.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 10, 2025 • 45min
Life in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism and Government Monitoring with Cooper Quinton
In this episode, host Reed Galen and Cooper Quinton of the Electronic Frontier Foundation discuss the pervasive nature of surveillance in modern society, focusing on both corporate and government surveillance. Cooper, a senior technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, shares insights into how surveillance technologies are used and the implications for privacy and free speech.
They explore the role of large corporations in data collection, the impact of the Patriot Act, and the need for comprehensive privacy legislation. Cooper also highlights tools and strategies for individuals to protect their privacy.
In-Depth about EFF:
Surveillance is pervasive in modern society, affecting privacy and free speech. Corporate and government surveillance are both significant concerns. The Patriot Act has facilitated extensive surveillance practices. Comprehensive privacy legislation is needed to protect individuals. Individuals can use tools like Privacy Badger to enhance privacy. Surveillance technologies are often used without warrants, exploiting legal loopholes. The third-party doctrine undermines privacy expectations. EFF provides resources to help individuals protect their privacy. Surveillance capitalism is a growing industry with little regulation. Public awareness and advocacy are crucial for privacy protection.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 5, 2025 • 58min
2025 Election Recap with Joe Trippi and Alex Shashlo!
In this post-election analysis, Reed Galen, Joe Trippi, and Alex Shashlo discuss the implications of recent election results in California, New Jersey, and Virginia. They explore the shifting political landscape, the impact of Trump on Republican candidates, and the internal conflicts within the MAGA movement. The conversation emphasizes the need for Democrats to adopt effective strategies moving forward, focusing on voter engagement and addressing pressing issues like rising costs. The speakers highlight the importance of candidates and messaging in elections, ultimately calling for a reimagining of democracy to better serve the American people.
Listen to That Trippi Show
Follow Trippi's Takes
Subscribe to Reed's Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


