Firewall

Micah Lasher, a newly elected member of the New York State Assembly with a rich background in politics, discusses his fresh experiences in Albany. He highlights the challenge of balancing public safety with civil liberties and the status quo bias impacting governance. Lasher sheds light on the housing crisis, legislative dynamics, and the complexities of navigating a diverse caucus. He also touches on the evolution of mental health laws and the tensions between charter schools and unions in education, aiming for a thoughtful approach to reform.

Explore Trump's whirlwind of executive orders, particularly his controversial immigration policies like Title 42 and birthright citizenship. Delve into the implications of gerrymandering and sanctuary cities, as well as the critique of Biden's border strategies. Discover insights on Trump's energy and trade policies, discussing tariffs and their global impact. The episode also highlights the need for government transparency and examines the challenges of tackling drug addiction. Political ramifications and social justice issues add further depth to the conversation.

Hugo Lindgren, a friend of Bradley Tusk and political commentator, dives into the pros and cons of Joe Biden's presidency. They dissect Biden's key legislative wins like the Infrastructure Bill, while questioning public perception and political trust. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they discuss the challenges Canada faces in dealing with Trump. Lindgren further critiques Biden's regulatory approach, particularly with crypto, and delves into the complexities of U.S.-China relations. It’s a sharp and witty look at the current political landscape.

Lee Drutman, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, is a leading voice on political reform. He argues that expanding the number of political parties can revitalize healthy conflict in governance. Drutman critiques the two-party system, highlighting how it skews representation and fosters extreme views. He also discusses the complexities of voter behavior versus stated concerns and emphasizes the importance of individual connections in politics. With anecdotes and insights, Drutman envisions a more inclusive political landscape for all Americans.

Hugo Lindgren, a producer and friend of Bradley Tusk, and Bob Greenlee, who provides insights into Meta’s evolving policies, engage in a riveting discussion about the political fallout from recent wildfires in Los Angeles. They explore how systemic challenges and leadership perceptions may reshape the political landscape. The conversation shifts to TikTok's precarious future amidst congressional pressures, contemplating its role in U.S.-China negotiations and the broader implications for tech in America.

In this discussion, Joe Connor, the founder and CEO of Odyssey, shares insights into the evolving landscape of school choice. With extensive experience in education, he highlights the shortcomings of the traditional public school system, advocating for Education Savings Accounts to empower parents. Joe explains how the Odyssey platform simplifies navigating school choice options. The conversation also touches upon the growth of homeschooling post-COVID, the competition in education, and the need for decentralized reform to enhance access and quality.

Does American life feel like it's spiraling out of control to you? Bradley identifies the four main agents of chaos and anxiety, as well as potential remedies for each one. Plus, he talks about why interaction with strangers is good for us, which activities deserve nonprofit status and which don't, and the new TV show he binged on the flight home from LA.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.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter, follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube, be sure to order his new book, Vote With Your Phone. 

Can social media be reformed in time to spare the next generation? Bradley sits down with Steven Rosenbaum of the Sustainable Media Center and Emma Lembke of LOG OFF to discuss intergenerational collaboration, grassroots advocacy, and the need for systemic change to create a healthier digital future.

On vacation in Los Angeles, Bradley raves about the city - from the cultural diversity and the food to the fabulous signage, the state-of-the-art sports facilities and the dorms at UCLA. He even digs the shopping there. Plus, he describes "a sorta near death experience" in a driverless Waymo, but says it doesn't dampen his enthusiasm for the technology in the least.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter, follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube, be sure to order his new book, Vote With Your Phone. 

At every step of her life, Leslie Feinzaig got ahead by never fitting in. The founder and managing director of Seattle-based Graham & Walker talks to Bradley about her unique family history and upbringing, her circuitous route to Harvard Business School and how working at a huge company inspired her to be an entrepreneur, launch the Female Founders Alliance and — ultimately — start her own venture fund. Then came VCs for Kamala, which taught her a new set of skills.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.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter, follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube, be sure to order his new book, Vote With Your Phone.