Rachel is back and her new book is titled Hit 'Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game, and she's the co-host of This is America on The Cycle on Substack.

Topics: The 2026 midterms--where the focus needs to be, and will there even be elections? Musk’s possible third-party threat would hurt GOP if he actually goes through with it; Democrats are progressing in their fight against fascism, but the party as a whole is still not getting it; MAGA is currently unraveling over the Trump regime claim there is no list or that it’s a “Democrat hoax,” but will it last or does it eventually go away? If we want to win, it’s up to us to make sure the people in our lives who aren't paying attention understand what’s happening.

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Jess Craven is a political content creator—she’s @jesscraven101 on all platforms-- the author of "Chop Wood, Carry Water Daily Actions” on Substack, and the co-host of the Practivist Pod. She aims to help average Americans become more engaged in the political process and to help elect more progressive lawmakers everywhere.

Topics: Jess weighs in on the "Will there be midterms?" debate. SPOILER, she does think they'll happen and she's very optimistic. We briefly discuss the trump/Musk feud and what it could mean if Musk follows through with a third party; how MAGA is reacting to the news there are no Epstein files; Democrats need a more unified messge and they need to delay, obstruct and fight MAGA every step of the way. Last, we talk about how grassroots organizing has always been the way of change and how we all need to recognize our individual power in the face of fascist autocracy.

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Steph is back!

We had an in-depth chat about how the current fascist regime is affecting us-- us meaning all of us--and why it's so important to engage. Steph shared a story from grade school when she witnessed racism from a teacher, she told her father, and he confronted the principal--the outcome was positive. We discuss where Democrats need to step up their game, and it's up to voters to pressure those who need a push. We covered a lot, and we hope you'll come along for the ride.  

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Sarah Burris is a reporter at Raw Story, Alternet and Salon.

Topics: Supreme Court sides with South Carolina in ruling allowing states to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood and what that will mean; Trump's mental/physical health and corporate media's double-standard; the difference in what Raw Story reporters can cover compared to what's being reported on by the cable news shows; how the resistence is showing up and the Democratic Party is failing to meet this urgent, dangerous moment. All that and more.

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Cheri is back for another rousing conversation.

We start the show with our critiques of "And Just Like That," and then we dive into politics. Topics: what constitutes an effective political ad; Tucker Carlson went after Ted Cruz and Cheri emphasizes that no matter what things may look like, there's always something nefarious going on behind the scenes; podcasters and influencers who are vocal resisters don't always feel safe--Cheri talked about her experiences as a vocal critic of donald, including being hacked, targeted, and banned from media appearances. We covered all that and much more.

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Jared Yates Sexton: Political Analyst, The Midnight Kingdom: A History of Power, Paranoia, and the Coming Crisis, Co-Host Muckrake Podcast, newsletter Dispatches From A Collapsing State, Board: The Change Campaign.

Topics: the psychological and emotional toll of combating authoritarianism, the importance of self-care and maintaining a grounded perspective; our mixed feelings about Gavin Newsom, we acknowledgehis political skills while expressing skepticism about his trustworthiness due to past actions; Jared criticized politicians who switch sides without admitting to their past actions, particularly those responsible for creating Trumpism, and the importance of discomfort as a catalyst for change, both personally and on a national scale. Jared emphasized that Americans are now experiencing the same economic and political challenges that people worldwide have faced, urging voters to use this discomfort as a message to seek better solutions. All that and so much more. 

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Wajahat Ali is the editor of The Left Hook Substack & Co-host of The Democracy-Ish Podcast.

Topics: Wajahat talked about the challenges of maintaining hope and mental health while resisting a right-wing authoritarian regime; the normalization of extreme conspiracy theories and violence under Trump's presidency; concerns about the integrity of future elections; the dangers of underestimating Trump's willingness to stay in power, including the possibility of declaring martial law and suspending elections; the potential for abuse of personal data and the creation of a surveillance state, highlighting Palantir's past support for Israel, and where legacy and independent media are now as well as where they need to go. All that and more!

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David Pepper is a lawyer, writer, political activist, former elected official, and adjunct professor, and served as the Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party between 2015 and 2021. He's the author of Laboratories of Autocracy and Saving Democracy.

Topics: Courts say Trump tariffs are illegal--but will he obey the courts, and how would his defiance play to voters? Elon may be out of the White House, but is that good news? The "big beautiful" tax bill is devastating in many ways. David highlights some of the worst aspects of it and tells us where we should focus, specifically, cutting funding for public schools. We also discussed ways to get involved no matter your comfort level. So much packed into this conversation!

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Jennifer Taylor-Skinner is a writer, essayist, and creator & host of the award-winning podcast, The Electorette—one of the longest-running feminist podcasts, offering analyses and solutions to the world's biggest political and social challenges, all through the lens of women.

Topics: Both of us feel more hopeful about democracy than we did six months ago; Bernie Sanders' recent comment on identity politics and why many found it offensive, WTF is up with Gavin Newsom?; David Hogg and what he's saying about the party and then we end with why we feel hopeful.

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Kiersten is such a delight. No politics today. We chatted about her book, I wish I were an Ocelot: Adventures of an Essential Kitten; upcoming projects; the hate Pamela Anderson is getting for being and looking 57; the pressure women are under to look sexy (for others) their entire lives, and much, much more.

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