Episodes

  • Nominee Approvals & Honoring Our Checks & Balances

    Nominee Approvals & Honoring Our Checks & Balances
    Nov 20 2024
    Whether you voted for Donald Trump or not, all eyes are on the President-elect and what his agendas and process look like. We want to give an overview of what we see so far and potential signs of trying to bypass the normal checks and balances within our government, what that means, and what are some ways you can keep watch on that. Barry and Joshua talk about some of the prospective nominees and some thoughts about them and also the process by which they would be nominated. Post-election, Donald Trump is aggressively pushing forward with Cabinet nominations and administrative plans for his second term. His appointees largely consist of loyalists and individuals aligned with his policies, such as Stephen Miller and Thomas Homan in key roles. High-profile picks like Elise Stefanik for U.N. ambassador and Marco Rubio for Secretary of State reflect his intent to prioritize loyalty to his agendas. The Trump administration’s claim to act as disruptors by reshaping systems like immigration and healthcare does not inherently mean abandoning the Constitution or democracy. However, concerns arise if disruption undermines constitutional principles such as checks and balances, equal protection, or due process. The preservation of the U.S. checks and balances system relies on several mechanisms: Congressional Oversight, Judicial Review and Media and Public Accountability. Monitoring these actions and advocating for transparency for all of us, independent of who you voted for is critical to maintaining institutional checks. Here are tools and organizations to help in voicing concerns about government not adhering to checks and balances and our Constitution if this ever arises. 1.Indivisible: Provides scripts for contacting Congress and organizing grassroots advocacy. Indivisible.org 2.Common Cause: Advocates for democracy reforms and offers resources for civic engagement. CommonCause.org 3.OpenSecrets: Tracks political appointments and campaign funding. OpenSecrets.org 4.Call Your Representatives: Use tools like 5 Calls to connect with elected officials. 5.FreedomWorks: Focused on accountability and smaller government, offering templates for letters and outreach campaigns. SPONSOR : BetterHelp - Visit www.BetterHelp.com/matters to get 10% off your first month!
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    17 mins
  • Crisis Point: Anthony Coley on defending Democracy

    Crisis Point: Anthony Coley on defending Democracy
    Nov 6 2024
    In this conversation, Michael interviews Anthony Coley, a former DOJ and Treasury official,about the current political landscape and the importance of voting. They discuss Kamala Harris'srise in popularity, the strength of the Democratic bench, the threat of a second Trump term, andthe need for Democrats to engage with the Republican media ecosystem. They also touch onthe role of the DOJ and the importance of preserving voting rights. Overall, the conversationhighlights the significance of the upcoming election and the need for Democrats to mobilize andprotect democracy.TakeawaysKamala Harris has gained popularity through her hard work and connection with voters,particularly on issues like reproductive rights.The Democratic Party has a strong and diverse bench of talented individuals who are ready tolead.Voting rights are crucial, and efforts to restrict access to the ballot must be fought against.The threat of a second Trump term is concerning, as it could lead to the further weaponizationof the DOJ and erosion of democratic norms.Democrats need to engage with the Republican media ecosystem to reach a wider audience andmake their case.The Biden presidency represents a returnto decency and a fight for the soul of the country.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Kamala Harris09:33 Importance of Voting Rights12:24 Threat of a Second Trump Term and DOJ Weaponization16:05 Engaging with the Republican Media Ecosystem23:30 The Biden Presidency and Conclusion
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    31 mins
  • Roy Wood Jr.

    Roy Wood Jr.
    Oct 31 2024
    ROY WOOD JR. is a comedian, an Emmy-nominated documentary producer, a correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy-nominated The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and host of Comedy Central’s award-winning podcast, The Daily Show: Beyond the Scenes. Spring of 2023, Wood guest hosted The Daily Show and headlined the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Wood co-starred alongside Jon Hamm in Paramount Pictures' long-awaited Fletch remake, Confess, Fletch and has guest appearances in ‘Only Murders in the Building’, ‘Better Call Saul’, ‘The Last O.G.’ & ‘Space Force.’ He has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyer, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He also performed on numerous USO Tours for our Troops stationed everywhere from Guam to Iraq to the Philippines. At the height of the pandemic, Roy raised money for the displaced staff of comedy clubs through tipyourwaitstaff.com and Laugh Aid. On this episode of It Matters with Michael Starr Hopkins, Roy shares his unique perspective on politics and comedy, shaped by his upbringing in Alabama and his father's influence as a journalist. He discusses the impact of racism, inequality, and the fight for justice in Birmingham, as well as his transition into social commentary in comedy. The conversation delves into the role of race, politics, and the media in shaping public opinion and voter behavior. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including voter rationalization, media consumption, political awareness, the changing landscape of politics, and the dynamics of legacy media. Roy Wood Jr. shares insights on the role of young voters, and the challenges of disinformation. Takeaways Roy Wood Jr.'s upbringing in Alabama and his father's role as a journalist significantly influenced his perspective on politics and social issues. The impact of racism, inequality, and the fight for justice in Birmingham shaped Roy Wood Jr.'s sense of optimism and informed his social commentary in comedy. The role of race, politics, and the media in shaping public opinion and voter behavior is a complex and influential factor in contemporary society Understanding voter rationalization and the complexities of voting against self-interest. The impact of new media on political awareness and the challenges of disinformation. The role of young voters and the future of the country. SPONSORS: QUINCE- Go to www.Quince.com/ITMATTERS for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. HelloFresh - Go to www.HelloFresh.com/FREEITMATTERS. Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan.
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    57 mins
  • Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow

    Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow
    Oct 24 2024
    Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow discusses the political landscape in Michigan and the impact of the Biden-Harris campaign. She highlights the importance of Michigan in national politics and the fear of losing the state to Republicans. McMorrow also talks about the excitement and hope surrounding the Biden-Harris campaign and the need for a functional two-party system. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing and down-ballot races. McMorrow discusses the significance of reproductive rights, particularly in light of the Dobbs decision, and the need for access to safe and legal abortion. She reflects on the rise of Trumpism and the importance of standing up against hate and bullying. Takeaways Michigan is a crucial state in national politics, and the fear of losing it to Republicans has been a concern for many voters. The Biden-Harris campaign has brought excitement and hope to Michigan, with people feeling a sense of relief and a chance to move on from the past few years. Grassroots organizing and focusing on down-ballot races are key strategies for Democrats to maintain momentum and ensure long-term success. The Dobbs decision and the threat to reproductive rights have mobilized many people in Michigan, who are fighting to protect access to safe and legal abortion. The rise of Trumpism has highlighted the need for a functional two-party system and the importance of standing up against hate and bullying. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Pronunciation 00:39 The Importance of Michigan in National Politics 03:10 Excitement and Hope in the Biden-Harris Campaign 06:03 Grassroots Organizing and Down-Ballot Races 08:54 Protecting Reproductive Rights in Michigan 11:57 The Rise of Trumpism and the Need for a Functional Two-Party System 14:49 The Importance of Organizing and Not Taking Anything for Granted 18:25 The Focus on Abortion and Its Impact on Elections 22:12 Moving Beyond Trumpism and Fostering Unity 24:30 The Significance of Kamala Harris and the Potential for Change 26:24 Lessons from Trumpism and the Importance of Standing Up Against Hate SPONSOR: BetterHelp - Overcome your fears with BetterHelp. Visit www.BetterHelp.com/MATTERS today to get 10% off your first month.
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    38 mins
  • Election Exhaustion: Mental Health in these Political Times w Cate Costa

    Election Exhaustion: Mental Health in these Political Times w Cate Costa
    Oct 16 2024
    In this episode, guest host Cate Costa discusses the profound impact of the current political climate on mental health, particularly anxiety and depression. She shares alarming statistics about mental health issues in America and offers practical coping strategies based on expert recommendations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, mindful consumption of news, and the need for community support while also addressing the pro’s of seeking professional help. Takeaways The political climate is significantly affecting mental health. Many Americans report feeling exhausted and angry due to politics. Coping strategies include staying informed while setting limits on news consumption. Mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial but may not work for everyone. Physical activity is crucial for improving mood and reducing anxiety. Connecting with safe individuals can provide emotional support. Self-care should focus on preservation rather than indulgence. Social media can amplify stress; limiting usage is advisable. Community involvement can empower individuals but should not add to their burden. Professional help is vital, but access can be a challenge for many. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Mental Health and Politics 02:46The Impact of Political Climate on Mental Health 05:52Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression 08:50Engaging with Others and Self-Care 12:00Navigating Social Media and Community Involvement 14:49Seeking Professional Help and Conclusion You can find Cate on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dexy.gram/ SPONSOR: HelloFresh - Get 10 FREE meals at www.HelloFresh.com/freeitmatters. Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan.
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    24 mins
  • Kurt Bardella: From GOP to a Democrat & Be Loud vs. Trump

    Kurt Bardella: From GOP to a Democrat & Be Loud vs. Trump
    Oct 9 2024
    Summary: Kurt Bardella talks about his journey from a rising star in the GOP, to his moving to the Democratic party in 2016. He talks about his intro to politics, working on Capitol Hill, and his time with Darrell Issa. He reflects on the changing dynamics of Capitol Hill and the rise of Trump. Bardella and Michael discusses the 2016 election and the impact of Hillary Clinton's campaign. He shares his thoughts on the current state of politics and the importance of understanding the power dynamics at play. The conversation covers various topics including the potential outcomes if Al Gore had been president during 9/11 and the Iraq War, the role of the Clintons in the Democratic Party, the treatment of Monica Lewinsky, the media's bias and failure to hold Trump accountable, the erosion of truth and the rise of authoritarianism, the need for Democrats to build their own media infrastructure, and the importance of messaging and confronting Trump effectively. Takeaways Bardella discusses the impact of Hillary Clinton's campaign and the 2016 election He reflects on the changing dynamics of Capitol Hill and the rise of Trump. He emphasizes the importance of understanding power dynamics in politics. The outcome of 9/11 and the Iraq War may have been different if Al Gore had been president instead of George W. Bush. The Clintons' role in the Democratic Party is questioned, particularly in relation to issues of women's empowerment and MeToo. The media's failure to hold Trump accountable and its bias towards false equivalencies is a major concern. The erosion of truth and the rise of authoritarianism pose a threat to democracy. Democrats need to build their own media infrastructure to effectively communicate their message. SPONSOR: HelloFresh - Get 10 FREE meals at www.HelloFresh.com/freeitmatters. Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan.
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    33 mins
  • Rachel Bitecofer Shines Light on MAGA, Extremism & Authoritarianism

    Rachel Bitecofer Shines Light on MAGA, Extremism & Authoritarianism
    Oct 2 2024
    Rachel Bitecofer, author of Hit’Em Where It Hurts, discusses the urgency of the current political climate and the need for Democrats to strategically counter Republican tactics. She emphasizes the importance of understanding voter behavior, the impact of polarization, and the historical realignment of party coalitions. Rachel highlights the power of messaging, the influence of right-wing media, and the asymmetry between the Democratic and Republican parties. She stresses the need for a focused and strategic approach to win swing races and combat the threat of MAGA extremism. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including voter knowledge, the Muslim community's influence on the election, the potential impact of social media, and the looming threat of authoritarianism. Rachel discusses the need for strategic messaging and the urgency of addressing the rise of MAGA extremism. She emphasizes the importance of using social media to reach young voters and the need to counteract misinformation with compelling personal narratives. Takeaways Understanding voter behavior and the impact of polarization is crucial for effective political strategy. The historical realignment of party coalitions and the influence of right-wing media play a significant role in shaping the current political landscape. Democrats need to adopt a focused and strategic approach to win swing races and combat the threat of MAGA extremism. Voters' lack of knowledge is a significant challenge in political messaging and mobilization. The Muslim community's influence on the election, especially in states like Michigan, is a critical factor to consider. The power of social media, particularly TikTok, in shaping public opinion and radicalizing certain groups. The urgent need to address the rise of MAGA extremism and the potential threat of authoritarianism. The importance of using compelling personal narratives to counteract misinformation and reach young voters.
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    39 mins
  • Hope in the Halls: Shaping the Next Generation of Americans

    Hope in the Halls: Shaping the Next Generation of Americans
    Sep 25 2024
    The conversation between Michael and his former AP government teacher, Andrew Sonnabend, covers various topics including their experiences in D.C.’s Wilson High School, the changes in teaching over the years, the perception of teachers, and the impact of politics in the classroom. They discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching in diverse communities, the importance of exposure to different perspectives, and the need for vocational education. They also touch on the turnover of teachers in DC public schools and the disparities in resources between schools. The conversation includes their memories of 9/11 and its impact on their lives in D.C. and in general. The conversation covers other topics, including the DC sniper, the impact of Trump on teaching government, the importance of teaching critical thinking and values, the hopefulness for the younger generation, and the rewarding aspects of teaching. Takeaways Teaching in diverse communities provides opportunities to break down stereotypes and understand different perspectives. Exposure to people from different backgrounds can help overcome societal challenges and foster empathy. The turnover of teachers in some public school systems can hinder continuity and stability in education. The perception of teachers as evil or having an indoctrinating agenda is a misconception that undermines the importance of education. Vocational education and practical skills training should be integrated into school curricula to provide more career options for students. The events of 9/11 and the DC sniper had a significant impact on the lives of teachers and students in the DC area. Teaching government during the Trump era required careful navigation of political ideologies and teaching the values of democracy. Teaching critical thinking and the importance of accountability in education is crucial for the development of students. The younger generation is passionate and active, and there is hope for a bright future. The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing former students succeed and make a positive impact in the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:02 Teaching in Diverse Communities 08:24 The Challenges of Turnover in Public Schools 11:24 The Importance of Exposure to Different Perspectives 17:45 Dispelling Misconceptions about Teachers 20:07 The Need for Vocational Education in Schools 23:54 Memories of 9/11 and Its Impact 27:04 The Impact of 9/11 and the DC Sniper on Teaching 32:29 Teaching Government in the Trump Era 35:09 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Values in Education 42:03 Hope for the Younger Generation 46:21 The Rewarding Aspects of Teachin
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    1 hr