The Home Front

Recorded on Substack Live October 21st, 2025. Join Reed, Evelyn Quartz, and Corbin Trent for a wide-ranging conversation about the government shutdown, why healthcare is the last best option for Democrats to fight on, and a little political philosophy thrown in for good measure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Reed and Joe Mayall have a conversation that delves into the shortcomings of the American healthcare system, the public's understanding of economic and monetary policy, highlighting the general skepticism towards political candidates and their messaging. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity in political discourse and how voters can sense insincerity. Subscribe to Joe's Substack Subscribe to Reed's Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Reed Galen discusses the recent interview between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates, highlighting the disconnect between elite political discourse and the realities faced by everyday Americans. He critiques Klein's perspective as out of touch and emphasizes the need for the Democratic Party to reconnect with the electorate by addressing their real concerns. The conversation underscores the importance of belief in political engagement and the urgency for a new direction in American politics. Read the original essay Follow Reed on Substack Have a question or comment? Email us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen interviews Amy McGrath, a retired Marine fighter pilot and candidate for the U.S. Senate from Kentucky. They discuss her motivations for running, the key issues facing Kentuckians, including healthcare and tariffs, and her perspectives on national security and military leadership. McGrath emphasizes the importance of engaging with forgotten communities and fighting for the needs of everyday Kentuckians, particularly veterans. She also addresses the challenges women face in the military and the need for a strong, independent military leadership. Find Amy's campaign: https://amymcgrath.com/ Follow Reed on Substack. Chapters: Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amy McGrath and Her Campaign 02:56 The Decision to Run for Senate 05:27 Key Issues Facing Kentuckians 08:27 Healthcare Challenges in Kentucky 11:21 Engaging with Forgotten Communities 14:06 National Security Perspectives 16:59 Military Leadership and Political Influence 19:43 Women in the Military and Combat Standards 22:26 Veterans' Issues and Healthcare 25:22 Vision for the Future and Bold Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, host Reed Galen and Cliff Schechter discuss the current state of American politics, focusing on the economic disparities, the failures of political messaging, and the dynamics within the Democratic Party. They explore the rise of authoritarianism and the need for bold proposals to address the challenges facing the nation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of effective communication and leadership in politics, as well as the necessity for the Democratic Party to connect with working-class voters and address their concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Reed Galen and David Troy discuss the current state of democracy in America and globally, emphasizing the need for a broader definition of democracy beyond just elections. They explore the challenges posed by capitalism, the importance of regulatory guardrails, and the impact of monopolies and network effects in the tech industry. The discussion also highlights the cultural differences in regulatory approaches between the U.S. and Europe, and the necessity for imaginative leadership to navigate the future of American democracy and the Constitution. Find Dave at America 2.0. Follow Reed on Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary Today, host Reed Galen speaks with misinformation expert Nina Jankowicz about the current political landscape in the U.S., focusing on the rise of managed autocracy, the role of controlled opposition, and the challenges facing democracy. They explore the impact of online harassment, particularly on women, and draw parallels with global autocracies. Nina emphasizes the importance of active information consumption and finding joy amidst the chaos of the political climate. Follow Nina: https://bsky.app/profile/ninajankowicz.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninajankowicz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@wiczipedia https://www.threads.com/@wiczipedia https://wiczipedia.substack.com/ https://americansunlight.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wiczipedia/ Follow Reed on Substack: https://reedgalen.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen speaks with Clara Mattei, a professor of economics at the University of Tulsa and President of The Forum for Real Economic Emancipation, about her work on economic emancipation and the historical context of capitalism and fascism. They discuss the unique economic landscape of Tulsa, the interconnection between economic and political emancipation, and the need for a new understanding of economic models that empower rather than disempower individuals. Clara emphasizes the importance of community building and solidarity in addressing economic issues and imagines a future where people can reclaim their humanity through collective action. Learn more about FREE Follow Reed Online Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grace Blakely, an economist and author of "Vulture Capitalism," dives deep into the troubling state of the U.S. economy. She discusses the shocking wealth concentration among the top 10%, the ramifications of the AI bubble, and stagnant wages despite rising productivity. Grace highlights how AI's growth might resemble past tech bubbles and warns of potential job losses amidst a global economic slowdown. The conversation also emphasizes the need for grassroots organizing to address economic disparities and the importance of labor movements in driving political change.

Today, Reed and Katie Phang discuss various political themes, including the grotesque nature of recent memorials, the case of Tom Homan and the implications of Project 2025. They explore the hesitations of the Biden administration's Justice Department, the apathy surrounding democracy, and the need for determination in the face of despair. The discussion also touches on shifts in political sentiment and strategies for engaging voters in upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and grassroots efforts. Subscribe to Reed on Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices