Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig

David Van Reybrouck, author of Against Elections, discusses the origin and potential of citizen assemblies. They explore alternative models for representative democracy, the challenges and deterioration of politics and governance, and the diagnosis and solutions to democratic fatigue syndrome. They also discuss implementing remedies for improving democracy, including citizen assemblies, and express the need for change in governance.

Chloe Maxim and Canyon Woodward discuss their book, Dirt Road Revival, and their organization, DirtRoadOrganizing.org. They share their innovative approach to engaging with voters and the importance of grassroots movements. They also talk about the impact of local races, the role of money in politics, and the need for diverse perspectives in rural areas.

Eli Pariser, Executive Director of MoveOn and founder of UpWorthy, discusses creating healthy online spaces, AI algorithms addicting and engaging users, online activism and crowdsourcing political ads, the evolution of the filter bubble, bringing diverse people together through storytelling, exploring nonprofit business models and alternative algorithms for digital spaces, and the role of digital communication in building offline relationships.

Josh Greene, psychology professor, discusses moral decision-making and the psychology of moral intuitions. The podcast also explores the problem of polarization in politics and strategies to bridge political divides. A game is introduced as a tool to foster cooperation and build goodwill among Democrats and Republicans. The challenge of having a common understanding of reality is discussed, along with strategies to address this issue. The podcast concludes with a conversation about the impact of one person's work and a call for support and feedback.

Jennifer Pahlka, founder of the Code for America and former Deputy CTO, discusses improving digital governmental capacity and recoding America. They explore the problems with technology in government and the impact of power dynamics. The struggles of Natalie developing a platform for doctors are highlighted. The accountability trap and its impact on veterans benefits are discussed. The chapter also focuses on bending regulations, restoring faith in government, and addressing crucial problems.

Brink Lindsey, formerly of the Cato Institute, talks about governmental capacity and making it better. They discuss the negative effects of policies that redistribute wealth, occupational licensing, and intellectual property debate. They also explore the challenges of consolidating pension funds in Illinois and the consequences of ideologies on governing capacity.

We can make our unrepresentative representative democracy representative. But AI may mean that's not enough. This episode introduces the final section of this season — lifeboats: the changes we could make to make it so democracy can survive.

Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, discusses the harmful effects of AI in social media including the unraveling of shared reality, mental health crisis, polarization, and cyberbullying. He also explores the challenges of self-regulation within technology companies and the potential risks and dangers of AI. The chapter emphasizes the importance of moving at a pace that ensures safety and raises concerns about the current speed of deployment.

What happens when news must compete? How does that affect the news? In this episode, we talk to Ben Smith, a journalist and entrepreneur who played a central role in the transformation of media through social media. His book, Traffic, tells that story better than any other just now.

NYU Stern School of Business Professor Jonathan Haidt discusses the impact of social media on youth, regulation of social media platforms, feeling safe in academic environments, navigating sensitive discussions in academia, identitarianism and its impact on media, and the early days of the internet and the importance of regulation.