Stacey sits down with artist KNA to discuss how artists are impacted by AI and other evolving technologies, how they can use them to fuel their creativity, as well as what next steps need to be taken to secure resources and protection for the arts in an increasingly digital world. 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.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Do More:- Read the terms and conditions of social media and streaming platforms- Support artists directly by buying their art and merchandise

Stacey sits down with award-winning actor, producer and activist Bryan Cranston to talk about how the entertainment industry is evolving one year on since the writers’ and actors’ strikes, how Hollywood can sustain our thirst for content, as well as the livelihoods of the artists who make it.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.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn More: Pencils Down! The 100 Days of The Writers Guild StrikeEntertainment Community Fund

Stacey welcomes Ari Berman, a national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones and author, known for his insights on voting legislation. They dive into the urgent challenges of voter suppression, highlighting recent restrictive laws like Senate Bill 202 in Georgia. Ari debunks myths surrounding voter fraud and emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements. The conversation also explores how emotional honesty can foster civic engagement and discusses practical steps for listeners to actively protect their voting rights and democracy.

LeVar Burton, a celebrated actor and literacy advocate, joins Reverend Carolyn Abrams, a passionate former librarian, to tackle the pressing issue of book bans. They discuss the historical roots of censorship and its impact on marginalized communities. The duo emphasizes the transformative power of literature and the critical need for accessible reading materials. They advocate for community support of libraries and engage listeners with personal stories, highlighting the importance of fighting for the right to read and the role of storytelling in shaping understanding.

Tara Raghuveer, the founding director of the KC Tenants Union, advocates passionately for the political power of American tenants. In their conversation, they explore the alarming housing crisis in Missouri and the empowering role of tenant activism in fighting for rights. Tara shares stories of eviction trauma and community resilience, emphasizing the need for collective action against profit-driven landlords. They highlight the importance of youth organizing and community involvement in challenging systemic injustices and fostering change in housing equity.

Paola Ramos, a renowned journalist and author, teams up with Joseph Ferguson, a TikTok host and producer at the Washington Post, to dive into the landscape of modern journalism. They discuss the crucial role of media in shaping public perception, especially among youth navigating political identities. The conversation highlights the importance of local news in countering misinformation and how journalists can adapt in this digital age. Listeners are encouraged to explore their passions in media while tackling the ongoing battle against misinformation.

In this engaging conversation, WNBA forward Brianna Turner and former NFL defensive back Domonique Foxworth take center stage. They tackle the pressing issue of athlete compensation in college sports and the burgeoning movement for unionization. The duo emphasizes the need for equitable treatment, especially in women's sports, and the implications of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. With personal insights and advocacy for student-athlete rights, they explore the evolving landscape of fairness and the future of the NCAA.

In this engaging discussion, Esosa Osa, founder of Onyx Impact, dives into the pervasive issue of disinformation, especially as the 2024 election looms. She highlights the unique challenges faced by Black communities and the role of social media in spreading falsehoods. Esosa shares her journey from finance to grassroots activism, emphasizing the urgency of combating misleading narratives. They also discuss how AI both aids and fights disinformation, stressing the need for diverse media sources to enhance news literacy and community trust.

In this insightful discussion, Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress, and Haley Lickstein, a prominent advocate for young civic engagement, dive into the critical role of Generation Z in shaping the future. They explore the motivations behind youth voting, addressing pressing issues like gun violence and climate change. The duo shares their experiences in activism, emphasizing grassroots efforts and the power of social media. Listeners are encouraged to get involved and reclaim their power in democracy, making their voices heard at the polls.

Cynthia Richie Terrell, Executive Director of RepresentWomen and co-founder of FairVote, joins the conversation to tackle the Electoral College's inequities. She discusses how ranked choice voting could transform voter engagement and empowerment. The duo highlights the historical context of voting rights while analyzing how reforms in other countries can serve as models. They also explore how these changes may uplift marginalized voices and cater to the growing number of independent voters, making the democratic process more inclusive.