Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

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.

Sharing another podcast we can’t get enough of: Your Mama’s Kitchen. It’s a show about cuisine and culture, ingredients and identities, and the meals and memories that make us who we are. Host Michele Norris talks to Michelle Obama, Glennon Doyle, Gayle King and so many other guests about the complexities of family life and how their earliest culinary experiences helped shape their personal and professional lives. And of course, each guest shares a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. In this episode, singer John Legend takes us back to his roots in Springfield, Ohio, where he was an academic overachiever and a musical prodigy. John opens up about his early rocky relationship with his mother and how, over time, they came together to nurture one beautiful family. Plus, we learn how to make his mama's special mac & cheese. Listen to Your Mama’s Kitchen wherever you get your podcasts. 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.

Our nation’s veterans are being disproportionately impacted by the Trump administration’s assault on government agencies, from cuts to the VA, to job and funding reductions across the board. Not only have Republicans turned their backs on those who  have dedicated themselves to serving our country, they are  also doing damage to a constituency that was already underserved. Stacey is joined by Jason Kander, an Afghanistan Veteran and former Secretary of State of Missouri to talk through the needs of veterans on everything from healthcare to housing. Then Stacey speaks to Laila Ireland, a transgender Army veteran and member of SPARTA Pride, about how Trump’s dehumanizing attacks on LGBTQIA+ service members degrade the effectiveness of our military and erode our core values. 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: Check out or support organizations like Veterans Community Project, which builds tiny houses for veterans in need, and visit SPARTA pride which provides essential resources for transgender people who currently serve or have previously served in the military.If you’re a veteran or know a veteran who has recently been fired due to mass layoffs, check out The Public Service Alliance for support in fighting back or finding new employment.Keep up to date by reading trusted sources like the Associated Press, the New York Times, and visiting CNN’s handy resource to track cuts to the federal workforce.

Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary and current host of MSNBC’s "Inside with Jen Psaki," joins Stacey Abrams to dissect Trump’s lengthy address to Congress. They highlight his use of fear-driven rhetoric on immigration and human rights issues, stressing the need for robust civic engagement. The duo encourages awareness regarding misinformation and local advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community action in addressing rising costs due to current policies. They also delve into Trump’s messaging and its implications for marginalized groups.