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
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 3min
Decoding Trump’s Address to Congress w/ Jen Psaki
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.
32 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h
Trump’s Crypto Presidency: What It Means For You
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.
32 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 53min
Don’t Let Trump’s Cuts Destroy the Government That Works For You
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.
12 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 56min
How Trump Is Selling Out America to Elon Musk
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.
16 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h
How To Fight Trump’s Anti-American Agenda on Immigration and Refugees
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.
18 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 55min
Cory Booker On Winning the Messaging War Against Trump with Radical Empathy
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.
20 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
Defeating Trump’s Chaos Playbook with Our New Age of Insistence
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.
62 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 56min
Why DEI Scares Trump and Project 2025 and Why It Should
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.
Jan 9, 2025 • 49min
How to Save the Environment from Trump and Project 2025
Joining Stacey Abrams is Tik Root, a Senior Staff Writer at Grist and expert on climate change policy. They discuss the dangers posed by Trump’s potential second term, including threats to the Inflation Reduction Act and environmental regulations. Tik emphasizes the important role of citizens in monitoring local environmental safety. They also highlight how to engage in climate activism and take individual actions to combat the fossil fuel agenda, offering a roadmap for community involvement in these critical issues.
8 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 46min
Do You See What I See? Building AI for All of Us
Joy Buolamwini, an AI researcher and artist known for her impactful work on algorithmic bias and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, joins the conversation. They dive deep into the dangers of bias in artificial intelligence, especially in facial recognition technologies. Joy highlights the need for equitable data to combat existing inequalities and discusses actionable steps individuals can take to engage with AI responsibly. They also explore global regulatory approaches and the crucial balance between innovation and privacy.
