Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Lindsay Toczylowski, co-founder of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, and Insha Rahman, VP at the Vera Institute of Justice, reveal alarming trends of state violence in America. They discuss the militarization of law enforcement and its impact on communities, highlighting the dangerous tactics employed by ICE. The guests expose how peaceful protests are being criminalized and warn against the broader implications for society. They emphasize the importance of civic engagement and local leadership in fighting back against these authoritarian measures.

Fashion isn’t just functional — it’s transformative. It can be a form of political speech, like when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made headlines in a white gown emblazoned with “Tax the Rich.” It can also be a statement of resistance, as when the Black Panthers adopted black berets, a uniform that came to symbolize unity and power. Understanding the language of fashion is key to understanding the times we live in. It’s a translator for anyone trying to navigate this moment and one of the ten steps to reclaiming freedom and power as we challenge norms and assert our identity. Those of us who are pro-democracy may one day need to show who we are just as clearly. What we wear might matter more than we think. This week on Assembly Required, Stacey is joined by fashion editor and Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Robin Givhan. She breaks down how fashion reflects our culture back to us and what that reflection reveals about the political moment we’re in.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: If you enjoyed my conversation with Robin, pick up her latest book, Make It Ours: Crashing the Gates of Culture with Virgil Abloh.Solve Problems: Of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills — the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes every single second. To help reduce waste, be mindful of your clothing consumption and shopping habits. Before clicking “buy” on that fast fashion site for the latest trend at the cheapest price, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Can I buy it from a sustainable source? Can I thrift something similar instead?Do Good:If you have old clothes or have been meaning to clean out your closet, don’t throw them away. Instead, consider donating them to those in need. Goodwill, your place of worship, or local homeless shelters are great places to start. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stacey Abrams chats with Adam Serwer, a senior writer at The Atlantic and author of The Cruelty Is the Point, to explore the ongoing attack on knowledge in America. They discuss how the Republican Party manipulates facts, distorts historical narratives, and undermines scientific inquiry. Adam highlights the serious implications of these actions for democracy and civil rights, emphasizing the importance of historical literacy and public vigilance. They also provide actionable steps for individuals to combat misinformation and protect knowledge in their communities.

In this engaging discussion, political journalist Jane Coaston and Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party, tackle the challenges posed by America's entrenched two-party system. Coaston shares insights from her libertarian past, while Mitchell underscores the importance of grassroots organizing. They explore the barriers third-party candidates face and the need for collective power to counter autocracy. Listeners will learn actionable steps to support alternative political movements and the significance of inclusive strategies in democracy.

Emma Goldberg, a journalist from The New York Times, and wellness content creator Kate Glavan dive deep into the Make America Healthy Again movement. They explore how wellness influencers have co-opted political rhetoric, blurring the lines between health and right-wing propaganda. The discussion highlights how algorithms exacerbate radicalization, especially among young women, and the growing impact of misinformation on public health. They advocate for accountability journalism and informed activism to combat these trends.

Stacey Abrams chats with Ari Berman, a national voting rights correspondent at Mother Jones and author of Project 2026. They delve into the alarming Ten Steps to Autocracy, revealing how current political maneuvers echo this framework for authoritarianism. Ari discusses the threats to voting rights posed by a conservative judiciary and the rollbacks affecting mail voting, particularly for vulnerable populations. The conversation highlights the urgent need for action as they explore strategies to protect election integrity and resist state-level suppression.

Stacey Abrams hosts Christina Rojas, a dedicated speech-language pathologist, Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, and Sheria Smith, an attorney and education advocate. They discuss the alarming impact of political actions on public education, highlighting funding cuts, increased class sizes, and the risks posed to special education. The guests emphasize the crucial link between a strong public education system and a healthy democracy, calling for community involvement to safeguard educational equity and support vulnerable students.

In this lively discussion, Gretchen Rubin, a happiness expert and host of the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast, and Lori Gottlieb, a bestselling author and psychotherapist, delve into the role of romance in fiction and real life. Stacey Abrams shares how she weaves authentic connections into her suspense novels. The trio explores the intricacies of modern relationships, the impact of technology on dating, and highlights the importance of small, meaningful gestures. They celebrate the joy of love stories, emphasizing personal growth and emotional connections.

Jessica Valenti, a New York Times best-selling author and expert on the anti-abortion landscape, and Monica Simpson, Executive Director of Sister Song, delve into the fallout from Roe v. Wade’s reversal. They discuss personal stories and the urgent need for gender equality, highlighting how anti-abortion laws disproportionately affect marginalized women, particularly in the South. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of activism in defending reproductive rights as a fundamental aspect of social justice and bodily autonomy.

Ezra Klein, a New York Times columnist and host of The Ezra Klein Show, discusses the 'Abundance Agenda' he co-authored, which aims to reframe liberalism around a vision of plenty rather than scarcity. He argues that a hopeful, goal-oriented democracy is crucial to counter populist narratives. The conversation touches on the evolving nature of political ideologies and the need to uplift marginalized communities while advocating for systemic change. Klein emphasizes that Democrats must present aspirational narratives to effectively serve the people and reclaim the promise of democracy.