The Ask

There’s a saying: journalism is the first rough draft of history. But in today’s climate, it’s also the last line of defense. On this week's episode of "The Ask," Jasmine Burton sits down with April Ryan - an American reporter, author, and White House Correspondent for Black Press USA - to discuss the role of the press and how journalism can meet the moment and not be drowned out by disinformation, division, and distrust. 

On March 31st, Cory Booker didn’t just speak, he spoke for over 25 hours. Yes, you read that right. 25 hours. While most of us were sleeping through the night, making breakfast, brushing our teeth, and probably needing to use the restroom more than a few times, Booker was on the Senate floor, delivering a marathon speech that would make even the most seasoned public speakers collapse. In this episode, Jasmine Burton sits down with two Raben Principals - Eduardo Soto and Sarah Bolton - to discuss what this unprecedented political speech means for the state of American democracy and political demonstrations moving forward.

Trump may not have been in office long, but with the number of protections he's stripped from the LGBTQ community, veterans, and everyday Americans, it feels like he's been at it for a lifetime. And the consequences of these policies? Potentially catastrophic. On this week's episode, Jasmine Burton and Shawn Gaylord sit down with Rep. Mark Takano to discuss what’s at stake for our rights and freedoms moving forward and what his office is doing to fight back.

In these times when civil rights organizations are under pressure, coalition-building isn't just important—it's essential. But let's be real: organizing and mobilizing sounds much easier in theory than it is in practice. This week, Jasmine Burton chats with Stacy Burdett, a public policy strategist, about the power of unity, the art of collaboration, and why giving up is not an option.

Jeremy Paris and Candyce Phoenix, both Raben Principals and oversight experts, dive into the essential need for accountability in today's political climate. They discuss how storytelling can empower citizens and enhance transparency, particularly during complex governance. The conversation covers practical strategies for individuals to navigate fears around oversight and the importance of reclaiming personal narratives. Emphasizing community advocacy, they illuminate how personal experiences can influence policy and combat misinformation in society.

Bitcoin is the digital currency many use across the globe, allowing anyone with internet access to make financial transactions without banks, financial firms or the government. But despite its rapid growth, Bitcoin adoption is still far from universal, especially in marginalized communities that could benefit the most from financial autonomy and inclusion. But what’s standing in the way? Is it a lack of education, infrastructure, or trust? On this episode, Jasmine Burton sits down with Dawdu Amantanah, Founder and Host of "The Bitcoin Source," to dissect these challenges and share actionable strategies to bridge the gap.

Donald Trump was sworn into office for a second term, marking the beginning of a new, or seemingly familiar chapter in American politics. Raben’s own Jasmine Burton sits down with political strategists Whitney Tome and Karen Driscoll to delve into two key perspectives: the "dream" that could have been—an alternative vision for the future that never fully materialized after Kamala lost—and the "reality" we now face with Trump back at the helm.

On November 5, Americans elected Donald Trump for a second term, setting the stage for a highly contentious and uncertain political landscape. As Trump prepares for inauguration on January 20, 2025, Americans are grappling with questions about what a second Trump administration will look like. Will the president-elect follow through on his most controversial promises? And how will the nation, from lawmakers to ordinary citizens, react as the country braces for another chapter in Trump's legacy? Tune in to hear Jasmine Burton speak with Raben’s very own Sarah Bolton and Eduardo Soto as they discuss the promises of sweeping Day 1 actions, the legal challenges surrounding his plans, and the strategic responses Americans are considering. 

The arts serve as both an escape from and a reflection of our reality. And since its inception in 2001, the Houses on The Moon Theater company has focused on creating productions that shed light on and elevate the stories of these harsh realities of marginalized communities. In this powerful episode of The Ask, Jasmine Burton sits down with Jeffrey Solomon and Kim Baker Medina to discuss their most recent production De Novo, which tells the true story of a 14-year-old boy fleeing gang violence in Guatemala, and his fight to stay in the U.S. Tune in to hear us delve into the importance of telling stories that challenge the status quo, and how plays and podcasts can amplify voices of those whose experiences might otherwise go unheard. 

A new administration is set to begin in January, and many Americans are grappling with uncertainty about the potential implications this may have on their healthcare, gender-affirming care, and reproductive rights. On this episode, Jasmine Burton sit downs with Kellan Baker, Executive Director of the Whitman-Walker Institute, to explore the critical role of healthcare research in shaping the future of modern medicine, how medical advancements have evolved to better serve underserved communities, the importance of continually fighting for medical freedom, and what steps we, as Americans, can take to ensure that healthcare remains accessible, inclusive, and just for all.