In this episode, we sit down with Chris Strickland, a doctor of social work, for a deep dive into what socialism actually looks like in the U.S. today, far beyond the stereotypes and political buzzwords.Together, we unpack Democratic Socialists of America (DSA): what the organization stands for, who it’s built to support, and why it matters in a moment defined by inequality. We talk about bootstraps culture, how it shapes our expectations of one another, and the real-world examples of socialism we interact with every day without even naming them.Chris also breaks down the often-overlooked intersection of race, class, and power within the socialist movement itself, and how oppression can show up even in spaces meant to challenge the status quo. In that context, we talk about the role of AfroSoc, DSA’s caucus for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, which works to build a truly multiracial working-class base and elevate non-white leadership and community voices within the movement. We explore the differences between capitalism and socialism, unpack the “us vs. them” narratives that keep people divided, and discuss what all of this means for our role as organizers, neighbors, and activists working toward a more just future.If you’ve ever wondered what socialism in America truly looks like and what it means for our political future, this conversation is for you.