

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

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
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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
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Nov 4, 2025 • 58min
Dissecting the Master Plan with David Sirota
In this discussion, Reed and David Sirota discuss his book 'Master Plan' and the systemic issues surrounding campaign finance in American politics. He delves into the historical context of the Powell memo, the evolution of campaign finance laws, and the role of the judiciary in shaping political engagement.
Sirota emphasizes the need for public financing as a solution to combat corruption and highlights the importance of grassroots movements in driving political change. The discussion also touches on the influence of the conservative movement on the Republican Party and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in addressing corruption. Ultimately, Sirota calls for a long-term commitment to reforming the political system and acknowledges the urgency of the current situation.
Read David's book: https://www.levernews.com/master-plan-the-hidden-plot-to-legalize-corruption-in-america/
Learn more about The Lever: https://www.levernews.com/
Follow Reed on Substack: https://reedgalen.substack.com/
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Oct 31, 2025 • 41min
Left? Right? Yugo? with Evelyn Quartz and Tyler Emerson (BONUS)
Originally Recorded on Substack Live.
In this conversation, host Reed Galen, Tyler Emerson, and Evelyn Quartz discuss the recent reports on the Democratic Party's strategies and the challenges it faces in reconnecting with voters. They critique the party's reliance on outdated strategies and the disconnect between the political elite and the electorate. The discussion highlights the need for authentic leadership, grassroots movements, and accountability within the party to regain trust and relevance. The speakers emphasize the importance of addressing cultural issues and the necessity for a new political identity that resonates with younger voters.
Follow Reed on Substack: https://reedgalen.substack.com/
Follow Evelyn: https://quartzevelyn.substack.com/
Follow Tyler: https://tyleremerson.substack.com/
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Oct 29, 2025 • 32min
Taking Texas Back with Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Gina Hinojosa
Today, host Reed Galen interviews Gina Hinojosa, a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives who has just announced her run for governor.
Hinojosa shares her journey from a civil rights lawyer to running for office after her son's school faced closure. She discusses the challenges of public education funding in Texas, the impact of school vouchers, and the corruption within the state government under Governor Greg Abbott. Hinojosa emphasizes the need for change and her motivation to run for governor, highlighting the importance of addressing the needs of Texans and the stakes of the upcoming elections.
Find out more about Gina's campaign: https://ginafortexas.com/
Follow Reed on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/reedgalen
Chapters:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gina Hinojosa
02:44 The Fight for Public Education in Texas
05:34 Challenges of School Vouchers and Funding
08:31 Corruption and Political Dynamics in Texas
11:15 The Need for Change in Texas Politics
14:18 Addressing Healthcare and Economic Issues
16:57 The Importance of Localized Campaigning
19:56 Gina's Decision to Run for Governor
22:46 The Stakes of the Upcoming Election
25:24 Personal Reflections and Community Commitment
28:09 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Oct 28, 2025 • 40min
A Populist's Journey with Former FTC Commission Alvaro Bedoya
Today, host Reed Galen speaks with Alvaro Bedoya, a former FTC commissioner, about his experiences in office, the challenges faced by everyday Americans due to monopolistic practices, and the need for political alliances that transcend traditional divides.
They discuss the influence of corporate power on government, the importance of community engagement, and the potential for grassroots movements to create meaningful change.
Bedoya emphasizes the necessity of building coalitions among diverse groups to address pressing social issues and advocate for a government that prioritizes the needs of its citizens.
Read Alvaro's essay in The New Republic
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Have a question or comment? Email us! thehomefrontmedia@gmail.com
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