It Matters

In this enlightening episode of "Political Roots," Michael Starr Hopkins sits down with Scott Bolden, a seasoned expert in law and politics, to dissect the complex landscape of the 2024 election, focusing on the impact of Trump's legal challenges and the role of Black voters. Bolden, with his rich background in civil rights advocacy, brings a unique perspective to the table, discussing the significant implications of Trump's potential indictments and the current state of American politics. The conversation pivots to the crucial role Black voters play in shaping the outcome of elections, especially in the context of Trump's divisive rhetoric and policies. Bolden articulates the need for the Democratic Party to effectively engage and mobilize the Black electorate, critiquing their current strategies and emphasizing the power of this voting bloc. This episode offers a nuanced exploration of the intersection between racial justice, political strategy, and the ongoing legal drama surrounding one of the most polarizing figures in American politics.

In this enlightening episode of "Political Roots," Michael Starr Hopkins sits down with Scott Bolden, a seasoned expert in law and politics, to dissect the complex landscape of the 2024 election, focusing on the impact of Trump's legal challenges and the role of Black voters. Bolden, with his rich background in civil rights advocacy, brings a unique perspective to the table, discussing the significant implications of Trump's potential indictments and the current state of American politics. The conversation pivots to the crucial role Black voters play in shaping the outcome of elections, especially in the context of Trump's divisive rhetoric and policies. Bolden articulates the need for the Democratic Party to effectively engage and mobilize the Black electorate, critiquing their current strategies and emphasizing the power of this voting bloc. This episode offers a nuanced exploration of the intersection between racial justice, political strategy, and the ongoing legal drama surrounding one of the most polarizing figures in American politics.

In this compelling episode of Political Roots, host Michael Starr Hopkins sits down with Bakari Sellers, a renowned CNN contributor and one of the youngest political figures in America. The discussion kicks off with a look into Sellers' upcoming book, "The Moment," which reflects on the racial reckoning that followed George Floyd's death, the role of media, and the unfulfilled promises of equity and progress.

Sellers shares his personal and poignant insights on the slow pace of racial progress, the high cost for the black community, and the widespread resistance against diversity, equity, and inclusion. The conversation then pivots to a broader political context, critiquing the Democratic Party's outreach strategies to African American and Latino communities, emphasizing the need for genuine and effective engagement rather than superficial or misguided attempts.

The episode also delves into the importance of representation in all sectors, highlighting how diversity in senior positions can prevent cultural insensitivities and lead to more inclusive decision-making. Sellers and Hopkins discuss the upcoming 2024 election, the potential dynamics at play, and the critical role of young voters and communities of color in shaping the future political landscape.

Throughout the conversation, Sellers and Hopkins navigate through various topics including the importance of messaging in political campaigns, the nuances within minority communities, and the personal and societal impacts of current and historical political strategies. They conclude on a note of hope and determination, emphasizing the need for continued effort and the importance of each generation in pushing for progress and change.

Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of racial politics in America, the challenges ahead, and the potential pathways to a more inclusive and equitable society.

In this compelling episode of Political Roots, Michael Starr Hopkins sits down with Ryan Grim, the Washington D.C. bureau chief for The Intercept. The discussion revolves around Grim's latest book, "The Squad," a deep dive into the emergence and impact of this influential group of progressive politicians. They also delve into the current political landscape, examining the role of media in shaping discourse, the persistent struggles with corporate influence in politics, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Grim shares his insights on the evolving dynamics of the Democratic Party, the fight for a more equitable society, and the importance of grassroots activism. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of media, politics, and the ongoing quest for social justice.

By Ryan Grim

(Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Squad-AOC-Hope-Political-Revolution/dp/1250869072)

In this podcast, we're diving deep into the personal political journeys of some of the most influential figures in news and pop culture. We'll explore how their experiences have shaped their views and how, in turn, they shape the world we live in. But this isn't just about the stories of others; it's also about our own. It's about understanding the roots of our beliefs and how they grow and change over time.

I come to you with my own set of beliefs and biases, as we all do. I'm not here to pretend those don't exist. Instead, I'm here to be open and honest about where I stand while committing myself to understand and learn from perspectives different from my own. I believe that it's through listening to opposing views, challenging our assumptions, and engaging in thoughtful discussion that we grow and our society moves forward.

This show isn't just about dissecting current events; it's about peeling back the layers of history, culture, and personal experience that lead us to where we are today. It's about looking critically at the path we're on and considering where we want to go. Whether it's a deep dive into a political figure's earliest memories or a look at how a pop culture phenomenon reflects our political climate, we're here to connect the dots in a complex and ever-changing world.

Some of you might know me from my work as a writer for outlets like The Daily Beast, The Huffington Post, and The Hill. I've worked on campaigns at all levels and appeared on all of your favorite news networks, sharing insights and analysis on the political issues of the day. But what you might not know is that my journey began in the gritty corridors of the New York legal system as a public defender. This wasn't just any job; it was a role that put me face to face with the most pressing, raw, and real human stories every day. This experience didn't just teach me the law; it taught me about life, about struggle, and about the resilience of the human spirit.

As a public defender, I learned to ask tough questions, to never take a narrative at face value, and to dig deep for the truth. This experience has been instrumental in shaping how I approach conversations, especially those that are difficult or complex. I've honed the skills of listening, of probing beyond the surface, and of understanding the multifaceted nature of every story. It's these skills that I bring to each episode of Political Roots as we navigate the diverse perspectives and challenging topics that shape our political landscape.

So, whether you're deeply entrenched in the political world or someone who dips in and out when you can, I invite you to join me. Let's embrace the discomfort that sometimes comes with challenging conversations. Let's celebrate the growth that comes from changing our minds or affirming our beliefs. Together, let's explore the roots of our political landscape and how we all contribute to its shape.

But here's the twist: I don't want this journey to be an echo chamber of agreement. It's easy to talk with people who nod along, who reaffirm what we already believe. But where's the growth in that? Instead, my aim is to delve into the complex, sometimes challenging, yet always engaging discussions with those whose viewpoints diverge from my own. I'll be sitting down with individuals across the entire political spectrum, not to provoke or preach, but to understand.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Political Roots, and I'm Michael Starr Hopkins, ready to get to the heart of politics and culture with you. Together, let's embark on this journey of understanding, challenge, and growth. Let's dig deep into the narratives that weave through our society, uncovering the roots and seeing where they lead. Welcome aboard.

Gov Patrick’s biography is a classic rags-to-riches story that makes for a compelling stump speech. Raised by a single mother on Chicago’s South Side, he frequently slept on the floor because there were not enough beds. With some lucky breaks — including a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school — he eventually graduated from Harvard Law School. Gov Patrick served as the 71st governor of Massachusetts, from 2007 to 2015. He was the first African American Governor of Massachusetts. A Democrat, Patrick served from 1994 to 1997 as the United States Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division under President Bill Clinton. He was a candidate for President of the United States in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Dr. El-Sayed was executive director of the Detroit Health Department and Health Officer for the City of Detroit from 2015 to 2017. He was also formerly an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University. He is a political contributor at CNN, the author of Healing Politics: A Doctor's Journey into the Heart of Our Political Epidemic. He is also the host of American Dissected with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a podcast about politics and public health.

Lori is Co-President of Alliance Partners and is President of BancAlliance. Prior to joining Alliance Partners, Lori served as the Director of the TARP Capital Purchase Program at the Department of the Treasury, focusing on the implementation, investing, and restructuring cycles of the $205 billion portfolio. From 2004-2008, she was a financial economist with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Trading and Markets. Lori received her M.A. from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and her B.A. from Yale University.

In his historic 2018 campaign for Attorney General, Sean fought fearlessly for bold policies that put regular Floridians first. Now, as an attorney and civic leader, he’s continuing to stand up for working people.

Sean Shaw made history in 2018 as the Florida Democratic Party’s first African-American nominee for Attorney General. Sean’s progressive platform sought to expand rights for consumers and hold fraudsters, corrupt politicians, and special interests accountable. The election results proved the momentum for his candidacy: over 3,000,000 Floridians voted for his bold agenda, more than any other candidate for attorney general in state history.

Earlier in his career, Sean was an independent watchdog for the public as the state’s Insurance Consumer Advocate — working to protect consumers from price gouging and insurance fraud. Every decision Sean made was centered on what was best for consumers, not wealthy special interests.

Elected to the State Legislature in 2016, Sean continued to fight for consumers, and championed equal rights and equal opportunity for all.  As an attorney in private practice, Sean fought for victims of the BP Oil Spill, ensuring families and businesses — whose only fault was having an unlucky address — get what they are owed.

Today, Sean continues advocating for working people and is respected nationwide as a leader in the fight for economic and social justice. In 2019, he founded People Over Profits, a non-profit organization dedicated to standing against corporate influence and fighting for the rights of everyday people.

Sean is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Florida’s law school. An attorney at the law firm Vangard Law, Sean lives in Tampa.