The Home Front

Today, host Reed Galen speaks with Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos, founder of American Opposition, about the rise of protest movements in response to Donald Trump's presidency. They discuss the importance of strategic communication, the role of veterans in activism, and the need for a unified vision to combat fascism and promote equity in America. Alvarez-Aranyos emphasizes the flaws in Democratic messaging and the necessity for a grassroots movement that empowers individuals to participate in democracy. Their conversation ends with a call to action for upcoming protests and the importance of holding politicians accountable. Find and Follow Reed at Linktree. Follow Carlos' work at American Opposition Help build the America of tomorrow at JoinTheUnion.us Be part of a new social media network that YOU control. Go to Sez.us now! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos and American Opposition 02:30 The Rise of Protest Movements Post-Trump 06:00 Organizers and Participants in the Movement 10:04 Vision for America: Equity and Inclusion 14:00 Building a Sustainable Movement Beyond Protests 19:59 The Flaws in Democratic Messaging and Leadership 27:54 Upcoming Events and the Future of the Movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Yevgeny Simkin discuss the current political climate, emphasizing the importance of unity against authoritarianism. Simkin shares his insights on the dangers of bureaucracy, the need for a clear opposition, and the role of crises in catalyzing change. They explore the identity crisis within the Democratic Party and the challenges of defining a unified mission statement for the opposition. They discuss the complexities of the voting system, the challenges posed by political parties, and the pervasive issue of voter apathy. They explore the potential for reform in the electoral process, the state of elections in the current political climate, and the impact of social media on public discourse. Simkin introduces his new platform, Sez.Us, which aims to foster civil engagement and improve the quality of online interactions. Go to JoinTheUnion.us and build the America of tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by Dave Troy, tech entrepreneur, historian, and investigative journalist. They discuss how decades-old grievances around money, power, and identity have fused with new technology to threaten democracy, the rise of authoritarian networks fueled by crypto and tech billionaires, and why defending the status quo isn't enough to save free societies. Plus, the urgent need to rebuild human connections in an era of tribalism and online radicalization. For more from Dave Troy, subscribe to America 2.0, read his column “The Wide Angle” in the Washington Spectator, and listen to his podcast Dave Troy Presents. 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 Grace Blakeley, author and staff writer at Tribune Magazine. They delve into the intricacies of capitalism, the collaboration between corporations and government, the role of neoliberalism in shaping economic policies, and the power inequalities that exist between those who own production and those who work for a living. Plus, the need for a countervailing force to challenge the status quo and the impact of globalization on labor and the importance of community and collective action in overcoming these challenges. For more from Grace Blakeley be sure to pick up her latest book, Vulture Capitalism: Corporate Crimes, Backdoor Bailouts, and the Death of Freedom, subscribe to “What Can We Do?” her Substack newsletter, and keep up with her writings at Tribune Magazine. 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 authors Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater to discuss their new book, “Mad House: How Donald Trump, MAGA Mean Girls, a Former Used Car Salesman, a Florida Nepo Baby, and a Man with Rats in His Walls Broke Congress”...which is available wherever fine books are sold. They get into the current state of Congress, particularly focusing on the rise of figures like Matt Gaetz and the dysfunction of the 118th Congress. Plus, the unseriousness of Congress, the impact of factionalism, and the interpersonal relationships among lawmakers, and highlighting the contrasting personalities of figures like Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene. For more from Annie Karni follow her reporting for The New York Times as a Congressional Correspondent. For more from Luke Broadwater follow his reporting for the New York Times as a White House Correspondent.  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

Today, host Reed Galen is joined by Wonderstate Coffee co-founder TJ Semanchin. They discuss how small-batch, fair trade coffee is grown, harvested and produced, and the challenges of small businesses in today's uncertain economic conditions. They also talk about the impact of tariffs, market volatility, and supporting sustainable practices in the coffee industry. Buy Wonderstate Coffee! Sign up for The Home Front on Substack.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wonderstate Coffee and TJ Semanchin02:25 The Journey into Coffee and Sustainable Practices06:11 Understanding Fair Trade and Its Impact08:36 Market Volatility and Its Effects on Coffee Prices10:51 The Challenges of Tariffs on Small Businesses15:20 The Financial Burden of Tariffs on Small Businesses18:15 The Ripple Effects of Tariffs on Supply Chains22:38 Consumer Behavior and the Retail Coffee Market25:39 Investing in Growth Amid Economic Uncertainty28:48 The Role of Small Businesses in the Economy30:57 The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses33:54 The Global Impact of Local Coffee Farming38:48 Exploring Viroqua and the Community Behind Wonderstate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen is joined by presidential historian and New York Times best-selling author Alexis Coe for a discussion about George Washington, where are our Constitutional Republic is now, why American democracy is struggling, and whether Trump's 'third term' is a real idea. Follow Alexis on SubstackRead Alexis' biography of George WashingtonSubscribe to Reed's Substack, The Home Front Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by longtime national and Florida political strategist Steve Schale. They discuss the overwhelming power and influence of Democratic super PACs, how states like Florida and Ohio went so red so fast, and why the 2030 census presents an existential challenge to both the Democratic Party and the Republic.Please listen, follow, and rate 5 stars!Subscribe to The Home Front on Substack!Subscribe to Steve Schale's Substack! Join Sez.us today and help us build the social media network for the pro-democracy movement.JoinTheUnion.us needs YOUR help! We are hosting meet and greets and town hall meetings all across the country. Find out how you can get involved today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by legendary Democratic strategist Joe Trippi. They discuss the breakdown of transactional politics and the emergence of new leadership, the need for a transformational movement to rebuild faith in democracy, and how the word “democracy” has inadvertently become a synonym for “establishment”. Plus, the importance of local engagement and building a grassroots movement for change, the impact of Trump’s tariffs on American workers, and how Joe founded Sez Us, a brand new social platform aimed at fostering civil discourse and pro-democracy engagement.For more from Joe Trippi, listen to That Trippi Show, and subscribe to Joe Trippi’s Substack. 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 once again joined by journalist Abigail Tracy. Today, they discuss the Wisconsin Supreme Court race and why money doesn't always buy victory in politics. Then they talk about Senator Cory Booker's 25 hour filibuster and whether it means anything. Lastly, the outlet Puck reported that the Democratic consultant class is circling around potential 2028 candidates. Now? Really? Listen, follow, and rate 5 stars today.Follow Abby on Instagram and TwitterFollow Reed on SubstackJoinTheUnion.usSign up for Sez.us today and be part of the social media network that YOU control. No bots here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices