Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

The U.S. birth rate is falling, and the Trump administration has a solution: Make. More. Babies. But instead of expanding support for families—through childcare, reproductive healthcare access, or paid leave—they’re turning to policies touted by a set of right-wing members of a movement called pronatalism, which includes Christian nationalists and tech-industry eugenicists who see increasing the birth rate as an existential mission, for a select few. Today’s pronatalists include figures like Elon Musk – a father of at least 14 children himself – who only want to encourage white, conservative Americans to have larger families; an idea that has terrifying implications for their vision of America. Stacey sits down with Dr. Karen Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center and professor of sociology at UNC Chapel Hill, and senior writer from New York Magazine Sarah Jones, to unpack the history of pronatalism, how the Trump administration is quietly aligning with it with a hollow policy agenda, and the kinds of proposals that can actually support American families.Learn & Do More: The draconian Republican so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” better named the “Terrible Tyrannical Bill,” just passed the House and is headed to the Senate. It would add $3 trillion to the national debt while handing $1.5 trillion in tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy—paid for by slashing food, job, and healthcare access for millions of working- and middle-class Americans. Most alarmingly, it targets Medicaid, requiring recipients to work 80 hours a month to keep coverage, a move the nonpartisan CBO warns could push 10.3 million people off the program by 2034. So, this week, we’re urging you to take action.Call your members of  Congress, state legislators, city council members, and county commissioners. All of these local elected officials have more power than you can imagine, and they are all going to be impacted by the decisions made at the federal level. Head to commoncause.org  to find your federal, state and local representatives and let them know exactly how you feel about the bill and its attack on Medicaid. You can also support organizations that are in the crosshairs of these proposed cuts and provide vital healthcare to millions of Americans. Planned Parenthood is one of them. Go to planned parenthood.org/getinvolved to donate and take a stand. As SNAP benefits are cut, more families and their children are going to struggle to access food. Consider getting involved with your local food bank or a mutual aid organization that provides food assistance. 

David A. Graham, Atlantic staff writer and author of "The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America," dives deep into the controversial Project 2025. He discusses its rapid implementation and alarming goals, including attacks on bodily autonomy and civil rights. The conversation highlights the ideological shift towards a Christian nationalist agenda and its potential impact on democracy. Graham emphasizes the importance of community engagement in resisting these changes and advocating for essential services, making this a critical listen for anyone concerned about America's future.

In this engaging discussion, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who leads the Resistance Lab to educate activists, and Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, share their insights on effective protest and grassroots movements. They explore the power of civic engagement in fighting tyranny and highlight strategies for empowering young leaders to run for office. Their practical advice, rooted in historical civil rights precedents, inspires listeners to take action and build resistance communities.

Rachel Maddow, host of MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show and bestselling author, dives into America's ongoing battle against fascism. She discusses how historical lessons can empower today's civic engagement, highlighting past heroes who resisted authoritarianism. Maddow critiques the Republican Party’s drift towards power consolidation and emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism. Listeners gain insights into transforming curiosity into community action, advocating for democracy, and combating anti-democratic threats.

Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama and co-host of Pod Save the World, discusses the rapid dismantling of America's role in global leadership under Trump and the GOP. He explores the implications of pulling out of the WHO, weakening NATO, and cutting foreign aid. Rhodes emphasizes the need for civic engagement and problem-solving to reverse these trends. Listeners gain insight into the challenges of isolationism and the importance of maintaining strong international alliances while reimagining U.S. foreign policy for a collaborative future.

One of the Republican Party’s most dangerous campaigns is their continued assault on academic freedom. Under the pretense of fighting antisemitism and dismantling “discriminatory” DEI policies, universities across the country are under threat of losing critical funding, and students are being targeted by immigration authorities. From Trump to state governors, attacks are coming from every level of government. In this episode, Stacey is joined by Wesleyan University President Michael Roth and Barnard College Professor Nara Milanich to discuss how our institutions of higher education are pivotal to shaping an informed, innovative, and engaged society, what’s at stake, and what academics and their allies can do to push back. Then, she hears from student journalist and Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Michigan Daily, Zhane Yamin, on how students are weathering this storm. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Learn & Do More: BE CURIOUS: Read student newspapers in your community or from your alma mater to stay connected to what is happening on the ground.SOLVE PROBLEMS: If you are part of a college’s community, whether you’re a student, faculty member, staff, or a nearby resident, coming together to raise your voice about your concerns can make a world of difference.DO GOOD: Student journalists need your support weathering these tumultuous times, and hearing from their readers helps tremendously. If you are enjoying their reporting, reach out and let them know!

In this discussion, economist Dean Baker breaks down how Trump's unpredictable tariffs disrupt the economy and contribute to fears of a recession. Entrepreneur Beth Benike shares her journey as a mompreneur and how tariffs affect her innovative baby products. Richard Oswald gives insight into the struggles farmers face due to economic uncertainty. Together, they highlight the real-world implications of trade policies on small businesses and agriculture, emphasizing resilience and adaptation in challenging times.

Ryan Holiday, author and host of The Daily Stoic, joins to dive into the power of stoicism during turbulent times. They discuss resilience, drawing inspiration from historical freedom fighters. Ryan shares insights on media consumption, emphasizing the importance of staying informed without succumbing to anxiety. The duo highlights the balance between accepting what we can't control and taking small, impactful actions in our communities. From historical lessons to civic engagement, they explore how to navigate chaos while fostering personal growth.

Laurel Bristow, an infectious disease researcher and science communicator, teams up with Ghady Haidar, an associate professor specializing in infectious diseases, to tackle the urgent health issues facing the U.S. They discuss the alarming resurgence of measles and other infectious diseases due to misinformation and funding cuts. The duo emphasizes the critical importance of trust in medical authorities, the dangers of vaccine skepticism, and practical strategies to combat misinformation. Their expert insights urge listeners to advocate for truth and prioritize vaccination.

Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, and Mandela Barnes, former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, dive into the Trump administration's blatant disregard for court rulings and the implications for democracy. They discuss over 100 federal lawsuits, highlighting key legal battles and the erosion of civil rights. Barnes sheds light on the critical upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race, tying it to voter mobilization and the fight for representation. The conversation urges community engagement to combat tyranny and protect democratic ideals.