Firewall with Bradley Tusk

What does Zohran Mamdani’s upset victory look like now that the memes have faded? Drawing on the months of reporting he did for The New Yorker, Staff Writer Eric Lach walks through how Mamdani’s campaign rewrote the playbook on field organizing, social media, and “politics you can see” in the streets — rather than the "politics you can't see" in back rooms. He and Bradley pull apart why the city’s political and business class so badly misread the race and what that portends for upcoming fights involving Kathy Hochul, congressional primaries, and Chuck Schumer’s future. They also game out the big unknown: how Mamdani can govern through steep budget cuts, policing dilemmas and an impatient electorate without losing the authenticity that got him elected.This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Be sure to watch Bradley’s new TED Talk on Mobile Voting at https://go.ted.com/bradleytusk.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

Get ready for a wild ride through tech and politics! Bold predictions include state legislatures leading the charge on AI regulations and skyrocketing electricity prices causing chaos. Mental-health chatbots could face misguided bans while biometric screenings gain traction. Watch out for a blooper reel from politicians mimicking short-form videos, and cities may employ drones for efficient building inspections. Plus, the future of education looks bright with AI and vocational growth.

Ravi Gupta, a former school principal turned podcaster, shares his transformative journey of pursuing immersive skillbaticals, including cooking in Italy, to reclaim focus in a tech-saturated world. He discusses how communal cooking ties into personal growth and offers practical tips for anyone looking to dedicate a year to mastering a skill. Additionally, Gupta delves into his five-part series on New Orleans' school reform post-Katrina, pinpointing what other cities can learn from its charter school successes and challenges.

Explore the shifting landscape of venture capital, where only small or massive funds thrive. Discover the innovative equity-for-services model and why it might be the future of funding. Tune into a lively debate about AOC's potential presidential run. Hear fascinating insights on AI revolutionizing education and personalized learning experiences. Plus, delve into the allure of TV villains and what makes them so captivating. This discussion blends finance, politics, and pop culture for an engaging experience.

Raj Goyle, a former Kansas state legislator and civil rights lawyer, discusses his innovative approach to running for New York State Comptroller. He shares insights on his recent campaign to ban smartphones in schools and the power of the comptroller's role in tackling affordability issues. Goyle emphasizes the urgent need for childcare reforms and housing affordability solutions while critiquing the complacency of fund managers. His journey highlights the importance of diverse representation and effective governance in restoring public trust.

Hugo Lindgren, a talented producer and on-air contributor, joins the conversation to discuss Governor Kathy Hochul’s pragmatic approach to politics. They highlight Hochul's 'regular' superpower—advocating for policies like universal school meals and subway security to address everyday concerns. The duo also analyzes the political theater of Trump's interactions, puzzling over Marjorie Taylor Greene’s surprising resignation, and critiques the complexities of AI regulation in government. It’s a witty and insightful take on how common-sense policies resonate with the public.

Oliver Libby, a venture investor and civic reform advocate, discusses his book, Strong Floor, No Ceiling. He proposes a 'radical moderation' framework aimed at rebuilding the American dream through a solid foundation of opportunity and upward mobility. Libby emphasizes the necessity of blending public, private, and nonprofit sectors to create effective policies. Topics include the importance of national service to foster civic bonds and innovative solutions for drug pricing and immigration. He warns of AI's potential to concentrate wealth and advocates for a safety net that promotes innovation.

A front-page New York Times story highlights Anchorage's upcoming trial of mobile voting, built on a newly open-sourced project. The discussion dives into how the voting system works, from biometric verification to encrypted ballots. Bradley also proposes using AI to streamline NYC's middle management, potentially saving billions. A gym encounter sparks a deeper conversation about zero-sum versus abundance mindsets and their impact on daily life. The conversation rounds out with reflections on meaningful topics, including a striking obituary and an intriguing art exhibit.

In this engaging discussion, Erika Augustine leads The David Prize, which awards $200K grants to inspire innovation in NYC. She emphasizes relationship-driven philanthropy that fosters long-term change. Joining her is Erika Sasson, a former prosecutor turned restorative justice advocate, who shares transformative ideas about addressing harm through community and apologies instead of lengthy prison sentences. They explore the implications of AI in sentencing, or lack thereof, prioritizing human connection in justice processes and detailing grassroots efforts to revitalize NYC's communal spaces.

We've grown numb to politicians gaming out everything. But when Senate Democrats chose to end the shutdown, says Bradley, they chose the concerns of real people over political opportunism, and Chuck Schumer deserves credit. Plus, Bradley rhapsodizes about what the declining impact of TV ads will do for politics and credits Peter Thiel for properly diagnosing the disconnect between young people and capitalism.Bradley's Substack:I Have Never Liked Chuck Schumer More Than I Do Right NowCan Technology Reduce the Influence of Money in Politics?This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Be sure to watch Bradley’s new TED Talk on Mobile Voting at https://go.ted.com/bradleytusk.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.