The Ask

President Trump has officially reached 100 days in office and these first few months typically set the tone for the rest of the term. So let’s just run the numbers: 142 executive orders, 220 lawsuits, and 1 golf habit that can’t be shaken. On this episode, Jasmine Burton sits down with Elizabeth Booker Houston and A.B. to break down the legal chaos, the political spin, and what’s really at stake. 

The economy’s doing great—unless you enjoy affordable groceries, housing, or inner peace. On this week's episode, Jasmine Burton sits down with Congressman Glenn Ivey to unpack the troubling case of Mr. Abrego Garcia, shed light on the mounting attacks against federal workers, and discuss the current state of the American economy.

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.