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The Ask

Latest episodes

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Jan 7, 2025 • 30min

Deeply Unserious and Highly Problematic

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. 
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Dec 17, 2024 • 29min

The Ask x Houses On The Moon

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 Jeffery 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. 
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Dec 3, 2024 • 26min

Extending Grace

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. 
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Nov 6, 2024 • 22min

The Day After: Meet the 47th President of the United States

In this special day-after-the-election episode, Jasmine Burton and Robert Raben dive into the historic results of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Join us as we break down what Trump's victory means for our country, the political landscape, and the immediate impact of this new leadership on domestic and global affairs. 
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Oct 22, 2024 • 28min

Breaking the Silence: Supporting Survivors

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in this episode, we’re shining a light on the critical importance of protecting survivors. Tune in to hear Jasmine Burton and Patty First sit down with Mara Elliot, the first woman and first Latina elected as San Diego City Attorney, about safeguarding protections for survivors of domestic violence, how recent changes in the law have provided greater support for survivors, and the gaps that still exist. 
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Oct 17, 2024 • 41min

Your Questions, Our Thoughts: An "Ask Me Anything" Episode

You asked the questions and we answered! On this special "Ask Me Anything" episode, Jasmine Burton, Elliot Williams, and Jeremy Paris sit down to tackle the most pressing questions on everyone’s minds. Whether you’re curious about the upcoming election, the state of democracy, or critical policy issues that affect our lives, this is your chance to get answers!
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Sep 16, 2024 • 17min

Prosperity and Progress

Since 1979, Prosperity Now has been a persistent voice championing economic opportunity, innovating outside and beyond existing systems to build power for all communities. In this episode, Jasmine Burton had the pleasure of sitting down with Marisa Calderon, president, and CEO of Prosperity Now, to discuss how they advance economic equity, the importance of investing in bold new ideas, and the impact that work on the local and grassroots level can have on the entire financial ecosystem.
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Sep 13, 2024 • 18min

The Medicinal Menu: The Intersection of Food, Health, and Culture

Food isn't just about flavor; it's a universal language that bridges cultures and acts as medicine.  From your grandma’s chicken soup that cures the common cold to the spices that warm your soul, we can all attest that food heals. On this episode, Jasmine Burton sits down with Chef Tanya Holland — celebrity chef, restaurateur, podcast host, writer, and cookbook author — to discuss the delicious ways food connects us all and nurtures our well-being. So grab a seat at our virtual table and tune in because you're in for a treat!
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Sep 12, 2024 • 41min

Debate Duel: Kamala vs. Trump

Kamala Harris debated Donald Trump and we're here to give you the debrief you didn't know you needed! In this episode, Jasmine Burton and Elliot Williams sit down with Garrison Hayes, 2024 Webby Award-Winner for Best Creator, to discuss key moments, unexpected mic-drops, and the impact this election will have on voters. Don't worry if you didn't get a chance to watch because if you missed the fireworks, we’ve got the spark notes.
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Sep 11, 2024 • 35min

Punchlines and Policy: How Comedy Can Tackle the Tough Topics

How can a joke spark a movement? How can the punchy power of comedy be used as a tool for activism? In this episode, Jasmine Burton and Elliot Williams sit down with Lizz Winstead, former Daily Show creator and founder of Abortion Access Front to discuss her pivot from writing satire to championing abortion rights and the unique power of humor in breaking down barriers, challenging the status quo, and driving meaningful social change.

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