Primaries are often called “the election before the election” for a reason. In this episode of Organizing Chaos, we break down how primaries became such a powerful part of American politics, why turnout is usually so low, and why skipping them can shape the outcome of elections long before November. From the history of the primary system to the real-world impact on candidates and policy, we unpack why showing up early in the process matters more than most people realize.

Breaking news or breaking democracy?

You’ve seen them flash across your phone as a breaking news alert. You’ve seen them across your social media feeds, but what is ACTUALLY the point of some of the most salacious and scary headlines?  You mean, other than to drive eyeballs and increase profits?  Sometimes, sadly, it is to further an agenda as opposed to report the news accurately. During this episode we will take a look at a few recent headlines and talk about what is really behind the story.  There will probably be musical theater references. Sarah has been warned.

This episode is a little different.

Instead of our usual banter, we’re having a deeper conversation about what’s happening right now and what it means for our communities. We’re joined by our very first guest, Ana Paola Pazmiño, of Resistencia en Acción, a grassroots migrant justice organization working to educate, empower, and organize migrant communities to defend their human and civil rights.

As national attention turns to recent events in Minnesota, this conversation looks beyond headlines to examine what is often missing from mainstream coverage, how systems of enforcement impact communities on the ground, and why solidarity begins at the local level. Together, we talk about community safety, organizing in moments of crisis, and what meaningful support looks like for people who want to show up for their neighbors.

This conversation goes beyond our usual episode length. The full interview is available on our YouTube channel. To learn more about Resistencia en Acción or to support their work, visit https://resistenciaenaccionnj.org/

A love letter to real organizing; the kind that involves clipboards, phone calls, and community trust, not just hashtags and photo ops. We’ll explore how to tell the difference between authentic grassroots work and performative political theater.

Grab your crystals (or your spreadsheets) — we’re manifesting. Instead of looking back, we’re starting this season by naming what we want from 2026. In this episode, we talk about what we’re hoping to see from our candidates, our political parties, and our friends and neighbors as we head into yet another year of organizing and pushing back against fascism. We’re manifesting clarity, courage, and communities that choose each other over cynicism — because hope isn’t naïve, it’s strategic.

2025 has been a s#itshow, and we’re done. Before we look ahead to 2026, we want to give a final “don’t let the door hit you on the way out” to the things we’re leaving behind in 2025. Welcome to the "GTFO Awards"!

Elections aren’t just about the White House. They start in your backyard. We’ll talk about why local politics matter, who’s actually running your town, and how potholes might be the most underrated political issue of our time.

Stuffing, sides, and unsolicited political opinions. This episode breaks down how to survive Thanksgiving debates — from “pass the potatoes” to “please stop quoting Facebook.” Already grabbed our Thanksgiving Rebuttal Guide? Pair it with this episode and consider yourself fully armed for the dinner table. #OrganizingChaosPod #RootsToResults

The shutdown is (mostly) over, but at what cost?

We’re talking fallout, funding, and the fine print behind America’s favorite political dysfunction.

CONTENT WARNING: This video contains discussions of sexual violence and violence against children.