Let Them Eat Toast

In this conversation, Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch, discusses the intersection of human rights and environmental issues within the coffee industry. She highlights the urgent need for ethical practices, the impact of climate change on migration, and the role of consumers in driving change. The discussion also covers the challenges of modern slavery in coffee production, the importance of living wage certifications, and the need for legislative action to combat deforestation and exploitation. Higonnet emphasizes the power of collective action and consumer choices in creating a more sustainable and just coffee industry.

In this conversation, Monte Mader shares her journey from a conservative upbringing in a deeply evangelical environment to her current role as a content creator and advocate for deconstructing harmful ideologies. She discusses the impact of her upbringing on her beliefs, the importance of education and exposure to diverse perspectives, and the role of personal trauma in shaping her views. The conversation also touches on the intersection of politics and religion, the influence of Christian nationalism, and the power of compassion and forgiveness in familial relationships.

In this conversation, Lindsey Ferreira discusses her candidacy for Congress in Ohio's first district, her background as a disabled Navy veteran, and her grassroots campaign focused on progressive policies. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement, her opposition to the genocide in Gaza, and her plans for housing reform and veterans' rights. Lindsay shares her motivations for running against the incumbent, the challenges she faces, and how listeners can support her campaign.

In this engaging conversation, Peggy Flanagan, the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, discusses her political journey, the importance of representation, and her commitment to progressive values. She emphasizes the need for community engagement, the impact of money in politics, and the critical issues surrounding healthcare. Flanagan shares personal stories that shape her political passion and highlights the significance of understanding indigenous identity in the political landscape. The discussion also touches on the DFL process and how to engage voters effectively.

In this conversation, Paul Musson, a former professional investor and author of 'Capital Offence', discusses the complexities of capitalism, the role of central banks in asset inflation, and the impact of these factors on the housing market. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication in finance and critiques the misrepresentation of capitalism. The discussion also touches on corporate culture, the need for regulation, and potential solutions for creating a more equitable economic system that benefits all stakeholders.

In this conversation, immigration attorney Kate Wegener discusses the complexities and challenges of immigration law, particularly focusing on unaccompanied minors. She highlights the role of nonprofits in providing legal representation, the difficulties of legal immigration pathways, and the impact of current immigration policies on families and children. The discussion also touches on the human cost of these policies, the role of the judiciary, and the urgent need for advocacy and action to protect vulnerable populations.

In this episode, the hosts engage in a conversation with Travis Misurell, the founder of the Future is Now Coalition (FINC). Travis shares his journey from a background in psychology and systems thinking to founding an organization aimed at rethinking democracy from the ground up. The discussion delves into the coalition's mission to create a citizen-owned alternative political ecosystem that bypasses establishment influence. Travis explains the concepts of digital politics and digital democracy, emphasizing a shift from left-right politics to a focus on people versus power.

In this engaging conversation, Jazz Hampton, a mayoral candidate for Minneapolis, shares his journey from corporate law to public service, highlighting the creation of his app, TurnSignal, in response to the George Floyd tragedy. He discusses the concept of a lifestyle business, the dynamics of the Minneapolis city council, and the challenges of leadership in times of crisis. Jazz emphasizes the importance of community safety, housing issues, and the impact of remote work on city revenue, while reflecting on the lessons learned from significant events like the George Floyd incident and recent ICE raids. 

In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of election reform with Deb Otis from FairVote. We explore the benefits and challenges of ranked choice voting and proportional representation, discussing how these systems can lead to better representation and more democratic elections. Deb shares insights from FairVote's research and highlights the importance of local activism in driving change. Tune in to learn how these voting reforms could reshape the political landscape and empower voters across the nation.

In this conversation, Chad McKenna discusses his candidacy for Congress in Minnesota's 8th district, sharing his extensive background in the labor movement and his commitment to representing the values of Northern Minnesota. He expresses disappointment with current Congressman Pete Stauber's actions, particularly regarding infrastructure and healthcare. McKenna advocates for student loan forgiveness and emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing in his campaign. He aims to connect with rural voters and address unique challenges faced by the district, including healthcare access and Medicaid concerns. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the need for transparency in government and a focus on community engagement.