
The Ask
How do we keep conservatives from taking away core freedoms like reproductive rights and LGBTQ equality? How should gear up for one of the most important elections in American history? Why do we need to keep changing our passwords? Which city has the best pizza?
There are a lot of hard questions out there, and not nearly enough good answers. We’re trying to change that. Welcome to The Ask, a new podcast dedicated to finding solutions to the biggest and most important challenges facing our country.
Hosts Elliot Williams and Jasmine Burton dig deeper into the news to focus on the story behind the story – and to find ways of winning the fights that matter most.
New episodes of The Ask, powered by the Raben Group, post every other Tuesday. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Latest episodes

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Sep 9, 2024 • 23min
From Marches to Majorities: Black Women and Electoral Power
This 2024 election season has been very exciting and in this episode, we're spotlighting the powerhouses of the ballot box—Black women. They've been called the backbone of elections, but let's be real: they’re not just holding it up, they’re running the show. Tune in to hear Jasmine Burton sit down with Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation - an organization that seeks to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public - to discuss how Black women aren't just participating in democracy; they're redefining it.

6 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 24min
Bridging the Gap: Where Policy Meets Possibility
Michael McAfee and Ashleigh Gardere, leaders at PolicyLink, discuss the transformative power of policy in shaping a more equitable future. They emphasize that equity is crucial for a just society and spotlight the challenges in advocating for it. The duo argues for systemic change driven by compassionate action and community engagement. They also highlight the importance of measurable outcomes in housing policy to combat poverty. Their conversation underscores the need for collective action and activism to create meaningful change in today's socio-political landscape.

Sep 3, 2024 • 20min
Injustice Interrupted
Jasmine Burton, an advocate against systemic inequality, joins Rashad Robinson, President of Color of Change, to tackle how to combat injustice sustainably. They discuss strategies for holding companies accountable and the importance of strategic actions, like the 'No Blood Money' campaign, against white nationalism. The conversation highlights the impact of social media on activism and emphasizes the significance of language in framing racial justice discussions. Together, they inspire collective action towards meaningful systemic change.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.