Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Stacey speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson to see what history can teach us about moving forward after Trump’s reelection. They discuss strategies for countering disinformation, how Democratic leaders are preparing to use states’ rights to their advantage to challenge Trump’s federal overreach, and how the era following William McKinley’s presidency can be a guide for progressives. Then, Stacey answers questions from the audience on how to get involved in politics, and how to respond to community in this post-election environment. 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 & Do More: Read Heather Cox Richardson’s nightly newsletter, “Letters from an American”, or her book, “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America”.Build community and find ways to help locally at Unitedway.org

In this engaging discussion, Rhiannon Giddens, a Grammy and Pulitzer-winning musician, explores the powerful bond between music and social change. She tackles the industry's tendency to categorize genres, revealing the rich, multicultural history of the banjo. Giddens highlights the role of music as both a tool for protest and a means of storytelling. She reflects on personal experiences within the industry, and emphasizes the importance of women of color in influencing cultural narratives. Get ready to be inspired by the transformative power of art!

Stacey talks with meteorologist and veteran hurricane expert, John Morales, who describes how growing up in Puerto Rico led him to his career and how important it is to talk about extreme weather effects. He explains the science of why storms are getting stronger, heatwaves are getting hotter, and droughts are becoming more frequent. Plus they discuss how your vote can help push policy makers to mitigate climate change and the most impactful actions we need to take to help our communities. 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 & Do More: Visit the Center for Climate and Energy SolutionsParticipate in the support group Extreme Weather SurvivorsLocate your mutual aid organization at Mutual Aid HubBe vigilant about disinformation and listen to our episode “Deepfakes, Lies, and How to Fight Disinformation”

Giving birth in the United States can be dangerous – but it doesn’t have to be. Stacey talks to Representative Jennifer McClellan of Virginia about the disparities in maternal health outcomes in the U.S. and policies to expand access to reproductive healthcare and affordable childcare. Then, Stacey welcomes ProPublica reporter Kavitha Surana to discuss her story on the deadly impact new state abortion bans are already having on pregnant people – and the importance of sharing these stories. 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.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 More: Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say This Mother’s Death Was Preventable (ProPublica)The19thNews.OrgThe Only Doctor (PBS)Black Maternal Health CaucusThe Momnibus

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.