Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Stacey welcomes Kate Nazemi, a dynamic parent and co-founder of Advocates for Inclusive Education, and Jon Valant, a K-12 education policy expert from the Brookings Institution. They dive into the risks posed by Project 2025 on public education, discussing potential changes to student rights and funding. The conversation highlights the importance of local engagement, from school board meetings to grassroots activism, as a means to protect education in light of political shifts. Listeners are encouraged to take action and stay informed.

In this engaging discussion, Rachel Sweet, a seasoned campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, shares her expertise in advocating for ballot initiatives, particularly for abortion rights in Missouri. She highlights how grassroots efforts can empower voters in challenging political environments. Topics include building coalitions, effective messaging, and the importance of compassion in activism. Sweet emphasizes that even in conservative states, ballot initiatives can drive significant change and protect civil rights.

In this engaging discussion, renowned chef and activist Tom Colicchio tackles the alarming food insecurity crisis in the U.S. He shares innovative solutions for addressing food deserts and improving school nutrition policies. Colicchio also reflects on his advocacy journey, emphasizing the need for systemic change and bipartisan support in food legislation. Listeners will gain insight into the cultural significance of food and the importance of community involvement in combating hunger, all while navigating the complexities of public health under shifting political tides.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.