Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

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.

Join investigative reporter Zeke Faux, who specializes in cryptocurrency, and Annie Lowrey from The Atlantic as they dissect Trump's affinity for digital currency. They explore how cryptocurrency intertwines with profit-driven politics and its implications for the economy. The duo raises ethical concerns surrounding unregulated markets and discuss the potential volatility of crypto assets. They also highlight the political ramifications of digital currencies on congressional funding and urge civic engagement for informed discussions on crypto policies.

Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO and a champion for workers' rights, joins the discussion on the government’s troubling cuts targeting essential workers like mail carriers and food inspectors. She emphasizes how these layoffs could backfire, destabilizing crucial services. Stacey and Liz highlight the vital role of unions in protecting labor rights, especially in a shaky job market. They encourage activism and solidarity to defend workers, reminding us that collective power is essential in fighting against harmful policies.

Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at Wired, and Kate Shaw, Professor of Law at UPenn, join the discussion. They reveal how Elon Musk's influence has seeped into the Treasury, raising serious concerns about security and privacy. Feiger provides insight into the unintended consequences of the DOGE task force, while Shaw analyzes the legal gray areas of Musk’s team operating within government. The conversation also highlights the critical need for transparent journalism to navigate the chaos of misinformation and the push for accountability in governance.

Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, sheds light on the moral imperative of America’s approach to asylum and refugees. He dismantles viral misinformation about federal aid and underlines the significance of preserving USAID and refugee programs. Konyndyk highlights how polling shows a welcoming attitude toward immigrants among Americans. Alongside Nayna Gupta from the American Immigration Council, they advocate for humane immigration reforms and emphasize empowering communities to take action and support vulnerable populations.

In this engaging talk, Senator Cory Booker, a prominent voice for social justice, discusses the urgent need for Democrats to connect with more Americans while countering divisive politics. He and Stacey Abrams share actionable strategies for civic engagement, emphasizing radical empathy in political discourse. The duo dives into the power of storytelling and humor in shaping narratives, stressing that effective communication and grassroots movements are essential for preserving democracy. They also explore practical ways to amplify important voices, urging listeners to engage actively in their communities.

Melissa Murray, a constitutional law professor at NYU and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, joins to discuss the implications of Trump’s second term. They dive into the ramifications of unilateral actions, like the TikTok order, that threaten the balance of power. The conversation highlights the misuse of civil rights language and the dangers surrounding the 14th Amendment. Topics include the significance of judicial scrutiny over executive orders, and the importance of civic engagement in countering political chaos and misinformation.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Kenji Yoshino, a constitutional law professor and director at NYU's Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, tackles the controversy surrounding DEI initiatives. He explains how DEI, integral since America's inception, is being misrepresented as a threat by right-wing activists. The conversation covers the historical importance of DEI, recent legal challenges, and offers insights into how collective advocacy can counter misinformation. Yoshino emphasizes DEI's potential to shape a more inclusive future.