
The Home Front
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 7, 2025 • 42min
What Comes After #NeverTrump Featuring Charlie Sykes
Recorded on Substack Live. Host Reed Galen is joined by podcaster, write, and MSNBC contributor Charlie Sykes to discuss what comes after Donald Trump in the GOP. They also discuss the continuing need for decency online, and why the Democratic Party must learn to walk and chew gum.
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Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 14min
Breaking Free of the Establishment and Elite with Grace Blakeley and Evelyn Quartz
Host Reed Galen is joined by Grace Blakeley (author and staff writer at Tribune Magazine) and Evelyn Quartz (writer and communications expert), for a wide-ranging conversation about how political and economic elites have shaped a system that works for them, and leaves everyone else behind. They unpack how power protects itself, why traditional institutions have lost public trust, and what it would mean to build a future that’s actually democratic and accountable. Plus, the limits of centrist narratives, how media and messaging uphold the status quo, and why a better path forward requires confronting the hard truths we’re often encouraged to ignore. For more from Grace Blakeley, read her latest book, Vulture Capitalism: Corporate Crimes, Backdoor Bailouts, and the Death of Freedom (don’t miss my interview with Grace about Vulture Capitalism) subscribe to her Substack newsletter, and keep up with her writings at Tribune Magazine. For more from Evelyn Quartz, subscribe to her Substack Newsletter, where she writes about the failure of elite politics and the search for something more honest. 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

Jul 3, 2025 • 34min
BONUS :: Katie Phang Joins the Home Front!
Enjoy this bonus episode of the Home Front featuring attorney and former MSNBC host Katie Phang as she and Reed discuss the BBB and Aligator Alcatraz. Recorded on Substack Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 2, 2025 • 56min
Campaigning for the People with Kat Abugazaleh
Today, host Reed Galen is joined by Kat Abugazaleh, as she discusses her journey from journalism to running for Congress in Illinois' 9th District.
She emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements, community engagement, and authenticity in politics. The discussion touches on voter apathy, the challenges of running a campaign without corporate money, and the need for diverse representation in Congress.
Kat advocates for mutual aid and direct support for constituents, highlighting the impact of economic policies on voter sentiment and the necessity of addressing the concerns of young voters.
Find Kat's campaign at KatforIllinois.com
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JoinTheUnion.us and help build the America of tomorrow.
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Jun 28, 2025 • 23min
On the Road in Virginia
Today, host Reed Galen shares his experiences and reflections from his travels in Virginia, discussing the political landscape, personal nostalgia, the importance of education, campaign dynamics, and the implications of the Trump administration.
He emphasizes the need for a new vision in American politics and the importance of engaging with communities to foster change.
Read his Field Report here.
Go to JoinTheUnion.us to get involved today.
Find Reed on Linktree.
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Jun 23, 2025 • 9min
BREAKING NEWS :: DO NOT MISS THIS
Just kidding. The only thing breaking is my brain and my allergies are killing me.
Today, host Reed Galen discusses the current state of news consumption, the complexities of global issues, and the importance of community engagement. He critiques the superficial nature of social media news and emphasizes the need for deeper understanding of global events, particularly regarding military actions and political discourse. Galen encourages listeners to focus on personal responsibility and community involvement rather than getting lost in the noise of sensationalized news.
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Join the Union Today and Get Involved!
Union Events in VA this week!
6/23 Montpelier
6/24 Suffolk (I'll be there!)
6/25 Blacksburg (I'll be there, too!)
6/27-6/29 Network NOVA Conference Tysons Corner (There, too!!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 20, 2025 • 40min
Romanticizing the Past, Ignoring the Future: Ron Insana on America’s Blind Spot
Host Reed Galen is joined by Ron Insana, longtime financial journalist and senior analyst at CNBC, for a wide-ranging conversation about how America’s selective memory is putting its future at risk….leaving it vulnerable to instability, misinformation, and growing authoritarian threats. Plus, why today’s political and financial landscape feels more fragile than many realize, how right-wing media has reshaped public memory, what lessons from the 1970s we’re ignoring, and why expertise is under attack when it’s needed most. For more from Ron Insana be sure to check out his work with CNBC. 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

Jun 19, 2025 • 34min
The Trumposcene Era with Dartmouth Professor Jeff Sharlet
Today, Host Reed Galen and Jeff Sharlet discuss the current state of American politics a decade into the Trump-a-scene era. They explore the consolidation of Trumpism, the challenges of political engagement, and the importance of community building in the face of rising political violence and disillusionment.
The discussion emphasizes the need for local action and resilience in democracy, contrasting the right's effective community organizing with the left's struggles to mobilize and engage.
To get involved, go to JoinTheUnion.us to attend a local community meet up.
Read Jeff's book, A Slow Civil War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 17, 2025 • 31min
Ten Years in Trumplandia with Investigative Journalist Tara Palmeri
Today, host Reed Galen and Tara Palmeri discuss the political landscape surrounding Donald Trump and Joe Biden, reflecting on Trump's legacy, the challenges of Biden's presidency, and the implications of impeachment. They explore the dynamics within the Democratic Party, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the need for a clear political strategy moving forward.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of addressing what the Democratic Party stands for and how they can effectively engage with voters.
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Jun 16, 2025 • 18min
Hate Is Not The Answer with Host Reed Galen
Today, Host Reed Galen comes to you solo and reflects on personal loss and the broader implications of violence in society. He discusses the recent tragic shooting in Minnesota, the impact of such events on families, particularly children, and the dangers of allowing hate to dictate our responses.
Galen emphasizes the importance of community engagement and individual actions in fostering a supportive environment, urging listeners to focus on kindness and civil participation as a means to heal and rebuild.
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