Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams
Crooked Media
Let's face it, sometimes the world feels broken. We can see what needs fixing, yet more and more, it feels like the problems are too big and the bad guys are winning. But the truth is, they’re not. They’re just hoping we stop fighting.
Welcome to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, a new podcast from Crooked Media and Democratic changemaker Stacey Abrams. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable, and are willing to pitch in and work towards the solution.
Each week, Stacey will break down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduce us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategize, and share tangible ways to get involved. Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon.
Welcome to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, a new podcast from Crooked Media and Democratic changemaker Stacey Abrams. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable, and are willing to pitch in and work towards the solution.
Each week, Stacey will break down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduce us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategize, and share tangible ways to get involved. Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 11min
The Republican Dismantling of Public Education
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.
11 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 39min
More Happier: Talking Romance Writing with Stacey Abrams and Lori Gottlieb
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.
49 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 14min
How to Fight Back Against the Republicans’ Anti-Abortion Authoritarianism
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.
21 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ezra Klein on Abundance and Reclaiming the Democratic Vision
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.
53 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 5min
How Christian Nationalism Threatens Democracy
Join Bishop William Barber, an advocate for social justice, and Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, as they confront the dangerous rise of Christian nationalism and its implications for democracy. They emphasize the importance of compassion and inclusivity within Christianity, challenging extremist ideologies that distort its core teachings. Listeners will be inspired by discussions on moral fusion politics, the transformative power of community action, and the urgent call for justice in the face of societal oppression.
40 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
How Trump’s War on Journalism Can End America
Joining Stacey Abrams is Oliver Darcy, a journalist and founder of the new media venture STATUS, dedicated to exploring the power dynamics within journalism. They dive into the alarming state of media independence amid escalating attacks, discussing Trump's strategies to undermine journalistic integrity through lawsuits, intimidation, and regulatory weaponization. The conversation highlights the risks of unchecked power, the implications of media consolidation, and the need for support of independent journalism in today’s polarized landscape.
10 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 8min
How the Republican Megabill Hurts Everyone
Natasha Sarin, a Yale professor and founder of the Yale Budget Lab, and Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, a Harvard Kennedy School doctoral candidate, tackle the fallout of the recent Republican Megabill. They discuss how the bill threatens crucial social support programs like Medicaid and SNAP, leaving the most vulnerable at risk. The conversation highlights the exacerbated struggles of marginalized communities, especially women of color and young generations, against tax system injustices and the escalating impact of student debt.
11 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
Buffy, Bad Bills, and Burning Questions with Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams dives into a listener mailbag, tackling everything from MAGA controversies to Trump's policies. She embraces her nerdy side with passionate discussions on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Star Trek. The conversation shifts to the importance of civic responsibilities and community empowerment in politics. Nostalgic reflections on favorite books and shows add a fun twist, while heartfelt talks about education and youth advocacy stir up a call to action for future leaders. Join this blend of pop culture and critical civic dialogues!
15 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 46min
How to Find the Funny in Times of Crisis (with Amber Ruffin)
Amber Ruffin, comedian and writer on Late Night with Seth Meyers, brings her sharp wit and political insight to the discussion. She explores the essential role of humor during crises, revealing how laughter can transform fear into resilience. Amber reflects on serious societal issues, emphasizing the importance of integrity and community healing through comedy. She shares personal anecdotes about finding joy despite adversity, urging listeners to seek out moments that make them laugh in these challenging times.
10 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 4min
How We Can Save Our National Story - One Park at a Time
Deb Haaland, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and current governor of New Mexico, and Rue Mapp, conservation activist and founder of Outdoor Afro, discuss the critical importance of national parks in shaping cultural identity. They emphasize the threats posed by recent legislation aiming to dismantle public lands, particularly for marginalized communities. The conversation includes the economic benefits of preserving these spaces and advocates for inclusivity in outdoor access, stressing the role of public lands in fostering community and resilience.
