The Ask

The arts serve as both an escape from and a reflection of our reality. And since its inception in 2001, the Houses on The Moon Theater company has focused on creating productions that shed light on and elevate the stories of these harsh realities of marginalized communities. In this powerful episode of The Ask, Jasmine Burton sits down with Jeffrey Solomon and Kim Baker Medina to discuss their most recent production De Novo, which tells the true story of a 14-year-old boy fleeing gang violence in Guatemala, and his fight to stay in the U.S. Tune in to hear us delve into the importance of telling stories that challenge the status quo, and how plays and podcasts can amplify voices of those whose experiences might otherwise go unheard.

A new administration is set to begin in January, and many Americans are grappling with uncertainty about the potential implications this may have on their healthcare, gender-affirming care, and reproductive rights. On this episode, Jasmine Burton sit downs with Kellan Baker, Executive Director of the Whitman-Walker Institute, to explore the critical role of healthcare research in shaping the future of modern medicine, how medical advancements have evolved to better serve underserved communities, the importance of continually fighting for medical freedom, and what steps we, as Americans, can take to ensure that healthcare remains accessible, inclusive, and just for all.

In this special day-after-the-election episode, Jasmine Burton and Robert Raben dive into the historic results of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Join us as we break down what Trump's victory means for our country, the political landscape, and the immediate impact of this new leadership on domestic and global affairs.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in this episode, we're shining a light on the critical importance of protecting survivors. Tune in to hear Jasmine Burton and Patty First sit down with Mara Elliot, the first woman and first Latina elected as San Diego City Attorney, about safeguarding protections for survivors of domestic violence, how recent changes in the law have provided greater support for survivors, and the gaps that still exist.

You asked the questions and we answered! On this special "Ask Me Anything" episode, Jasmine Burton, Elliot Williams, and Jeremy Paris sit down to tackle the most pressing questions on everyone's minds. Whether you're curious about the upcoming election, the state of democracy, or critical policy issues that affect our lives, this is your chance to get answers!

Since 1979, Prosperity Now has been a persistent voice championing economic opportunity, innovating outside and beyond existing systems to build power for all communities. In this episode, Jasmine Burton had the pleasure of sitting down with Marisa Calderon, president, and CEO of Prosperity Now, to discuss how they advance economic equity, the importance of investing in bold new ideas, and the impact that work on the local and grassroots level can have on the entire financial ecosystem.

Food isn't just about flavor; it's a universal language that bridges cultures and acts as medicine. From your grandma's chicken soup that cures the common cold to the spices that warm your soul, we can all attest that food heals. On this episode, Jasmine Burton sits down with Chef Tanya Holland — celebrity chef, restaurateur, podcast host, writer, and cookbook author — to discuss the delicious ways food connects us all and nurtures our well-being. So grab a seat at our virtual table and tune in because you're in for a treat!

Kamala Harris debated Donald Trump and we're here to give you the debrief you didn't know you needed! In this episode, Jasmine Burton and Elliot Williams sit down with Garrison Hayes, 2024 Webby Award-Winner for Best Creator, to discuss key moments, unexpected mic-drops, and the impact this election will have on voters. Don't worry if you didn't get a chance to watch because if you missed the fireworks, we've got the spark notes.

How can a joke spark a movement? How can the punchy power of comedy be used as a tool for activism? In this episode, Jasmine Burton and Elliot Williams sit down with Lizz Winstead, former Daily Show creator and founder of Abortion Access Front to discuss her pivot from writing satire to championing abortion rights and the unique power of humor in breaking down barriers, challenging the status quo, and driving meaningful social change.

This 2024 election season has been very exciting and in this episode, we're spotlighting the powerhouses of the ballot box—Black women. They've been called the backbone of elections, but let's be real: they're not just holding it up, they're running the show. Tune in to hear Jasmine Burton sit down with Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation - an organization that seeks to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public - to discuss how Black women aren't just participating in democracy; they're redefining it.