This is the inaugural book club meeting of Books That Build which was livestreamed. Michelle is joined by Sami Sage who discusses her journey as a co-founder of Betches Media, co-author of Democracy In Retrograde and the importance of making news accessible to younger audiences. Sami emphasizes the connection between politics and culture, and how civic engagement can serve as a form of self-care. The discussion also covers the significance of local involvement in politics, navigating conversations across political divides, and the role of community in enhancing personal well-being. Michelle and Sami also talk about the challenges of teaching children about complex social issues, the collaborative process of writing Sami's book, and share insights on the cultural phenomenon of the show White Lotus. 

What We're Talking About

• Sami Sage is a co-founder of Betches Media, focusing on millennial and Gen Z audiences.
• Betches News aims to make news consumption accessible and relatable.
• Politics and culture are intertwined, influencing public perception and engagement.
• Civic engagement is a form of self-care, fostering community connections.
• Local involvement in politics can have a significant impact on daily lives.
• Resistance can take many forms, and small actions can lead to meaningful change.
• The old political systems are being rejected, necessitating new approaches.
• Conversations across political divides require patience and understanding.
• Building community connections enhances personal well-being and social fabric.
• Living in accordance with one's values leads to a richer life. Racism and other biases are learned behaviors from parents.
• It's crucial to teach kids about complex issues at an age-appropriate level.
• Encouraging kids to ask questions helps them form their own opinions.
• Parents should instill values that counteract negative societal messages.
• The experiences of millennials and Gen Z shape their perspectives in unique ways.
• Not all children raised in a certain environment are hopeless causes.
• It's beneficial for children to know more about the world around them.
• Collaboration in writing can be challenging but rewarding.
• Pop culture can reflect and influence societal values and behaviors.
• Engaging with media critically can enhance understanding of social dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Sami Sage 06:05 Democracy in Retrograde: A Self-Help Approach 12:03 The Importance of Local Involvement 17:57 Self-Care Through Community Engagement 26:25 Teaching Kids About Complex Issues 34:06 The Collaborative Writing Process 41:16 Pop Culture Reflections: White Lotus Discussion

Links Mentioned

Betches

American Fever Dream Podcast

Morning Announcements Podcast

Sami Sage on Instagram

Democracy In Retrograde by Sami Sage and Emily Amick

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