The Round Table: A Next Generation Politics Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, Daniella, Hannah, Heba, Inyoo and Preena come together for an all-host discussion on the role of the media in political campaigning. With the 2024 Presidential Election fast approaching and weighing heavily on everyone’s minds, understanding how media shapes voting behavior, staying informed, and remaining civically engaged has never been more crucial.

In this episode, the hosts explore how misinformation and disinformation impact candidates' campaigns and influence voting outcomes, diving into the ways media shapes political conversations, especially in such a polarized climate. They also discuss the role of peer influence on voting decisions and the effect of our inherent biases on the news we choose to consume.

The conversation extends to the pros and cons of America’s two-party system, Gen Z’s perspectives on critical issues, and the tough question of how much one vote really matters—especially when faced with candidates who both may support causes you find deeply troubling.

The hosts share practical strategies to strengthen your media literacy and tips on effectively cross-checking information. 

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, our hosts Heba, Kassandra, and Daniella welcome Taina B. Wagnac, Senior Manager of State and Local Policy at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). Taina shares her inspiring journey from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to becoming a powerful advocate for immigrant rights in New York State. With her extensive experience in legislative strategy and policy analysis, Taina has been at the forefront of initiatives that enhance language access, expand civic participation, and ensure equitable protections for immigrant communities.

During our conversation, we dive deep into critical topics such as the influence of pop culture on political views, the importance of youth voter mobilization, and the role of immigrant voices in politics. Taina provides insightful perspectives on the Trump-Haiti dynamic and discusses the significance of breaking down language barriers in elections, particularly for Black immigrants.

We also explore the vibrant intersection of Caribbean culture and New York identity, highlighting what it truly means to be a "true New Yorker." Tune in as we unpack the complexities of politics through the lens of current TV shows and movies, and discuss how they shape the beliefs and activism of younger generations.

Thank you for listening!

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, our hosts Daniel, Daniella, Kassandra and Preena engage in a thoughtful conversation with Shadae McDaniel, Senior Vice President of the Program of Strategic Initiatives at the All Stars Project, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering youth through the arts. Shadae shares how her experiences growing up—whether in dance classes or influenced by her mother’s work as a nurse shaped her belief in the importance of performing, building connections, and supporting underserved communities. Inspired by these values, Shadae has dedicated over 20 years to working in the nonprofit sector, channeling her passion for helping others rather than pursuing a career in the for-profit world.

In this episode, Shadae discusses her work with the All Stars Project, an organization founded in 1981 in New York City to give young people the opportunity to explore their talents and passions. The program has since expanded to six other cities across the U.S. Shadae shares insights into her dedication to empowering others and offers valuable advice, such as the importance of channeling effort into work that makes a meaningful difference in the community.

As a vocal advocate for after-school programs, Shadae emphasizes their significance, stating that they provide crucial opportunities for students to explore their interests, often offering more value than classroom learning alone. She also underscores the need for government funding and nonprofit support to sustain these vital programs. Throughout the episode, Shadae offers inspiring advice for young people passionate about advocacy, community empowerment, and pursuing careers in service.

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, Heba, Inyoo, and Kassandra engage in a compelling conversation with Johanna Garcia, Chief of Staff to State Senator Robert Jackson. Johanna's journey into public service began with her unwavering commitment to justice and equality in her community. With a strong foundation in grassroots organizing, she was inspired to step into the political arena after witnessing the transformative power of local activism during a pivotal community movement. This experience ignited her passion for amplifying the voices of those often unheard and set her on a path toward government and leadership.

In this episode, Johanna offers incredible insights on navigating the complexities of government work while remaining true to your values. We discuss the significance of representation, the potential for creating real change from within the system, and the critical role of teamwork in making a lasting impact. Johanna even shares a glimpse into her daily routine and how she maintains motivation in the face of challenges, all while keeping a sense of humor and optimism!

Currently, Johanna is focused on several exciting initiatives, including advocating for a new policy to address educational inequities and tenant protections in New York. She’s also leading efforts for an upcoming community forum designed to strengthen civic engagement across the district. There’s so much on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see the incredible work she continues to accomplish!

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table! This week, Daniel, Hannah, and Kassandra welcomed Lindsey Grossman, a distinguished expert in technology and public policy with a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades. Lindsey has left an indelible mark across the globe through her leadership roles at major companies including Intuit, Stripe, Netflix, Wise, and Block. Her career has been driven by a commitment to improving access to financial tools for small businesses and families, showcasing her talent for developing innovative products and forging strong partnerships.

Lindsey's journey began with a solid foundation in public policy and government affairs, which has profoundly influenced her approach to technology and product development throughout her career. During our conversation, Lindsey explores the crucial intersection of technology and public policy, discussing the importance of collaboration between companies and governments and sharing examples of successful and challenging outcomes in these partnerships. She delves into how her global and local experiences have shaped her perspective, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in addressing both international and community-level issues.

Recently, Lindsey has taken a sabbatical, engaging in volunteer work with local Democratic initiatives in upstate New York and consulting with a startup company. This period of reflection and community involvement has reignited her passion for public service, particularly in enhancing women's reproductive care. Lindsey also reflects on her personal and professional experiences as a woman in international policy and tech circles, including her efforts to support women's leadership and navigate various challenges.

Additionally, Lindsey shares how her time studying and working in India and London has been pivotal in shaping her career and worldview, and how her early experiences in Washington, DC laid the groundwork for her subsequent achievements. Join us for a compelling discussion with Lindsey Grossman as she offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of technology and public policy, and how her diverse experiences continue to inspire and influence her work. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, Emmanuel, Hannah, Daniel, and Inyoo converse with Matt Krayton, the visionary Founder of Publitics, to delve into the dynamic intersection of politics, strategy, and branding. Matt brings a wealth of experience to our discussion, having played a pivotal role in shaping political communications at multiple levels. His recent notable contribution was his work on special projects during the 2020 presidential campaign, where he helped design the iconic “We Just Did” hat for President Joe Biden, a symbol that captured the spirit of the moment.

Beyond his impactful work with Publitics, where he offers expert counsel to campaigns and clients across various sectors, Matt is also a dedicated educator. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Centenary University’s Business Department, teaching in their innovative social media program. This role complements his previous experience at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he worked with the PublicMind Poll and taught political science and law seminars.

In this episode, Matt shares insights into the evolving landscape of political strategy and branding, exploring how communications are crafted to resonate with diverse audiences. We discuss the interplay between politics and business, and how effective strategy can drive success in both arenas. Whether you're interested in the nuances of political campaigns or the broader implications of strategic communication, this conversation with Matt Krayton offers valuable perspectives on navigating these complex fields.

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table! This week, Hannah, Kassandra, and Emily were thrilled to welcome two exceptional guests whose dedication to social justice and civic engagement is truly inspiring. Naya Houchen, the Call For Kindness Program Coordinator at Riley's Way Foundation, and Ranen, a current C4K Fellow and the co-founder of OutVote, join us to discuss their impactful work and the broader issues of community-building and advocacy.

Naya Houchen is a dynamic force in promoting kindness and empathy through her role at Riley's Way. As the Call For Kindness Program Coordinator, Naya plays a pivotal role in mentoring young people across the nation, encouraging them to foster positive change within their communities. Her work emphasizes the importance of inclusive, youth-centric leadership and addresses the diverse needs of the younger generation. In our conversation, Naya shares her insights on the intersection of social justice and kind leadership, and the essential role of creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued.

Joining Naya is Ranen Miao, a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and the co-founder of OutVote, an organization dedicated to mobilizing the LGBTQ+ vote across the country. With a background that includes a degree in Political Science, Sociology, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, Ranen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. His work with OutVote focuses on building a youth-led culture of civic engagement, aiming to enhance electoral power and advocate for leaders who reflect the rich diversity of our nation. During our discussion, Ranen delves into the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights in the United States, the challenges young people face in engaging with the voting process, and the historical context of LGBTQIA+ activism. He also highlights the exciting initiatives of OutVote and how it collaborates with the Call For Kindness program.

From the impact of kind leadership to the mobilization of youth voices in the electoral process, Naya and Ranen offer valuable perspectives on building a more equitable and inclusive society. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Heba were excited to speak with Christine Woods, Co-Director of the Declaration for American Democracy. Christine brings a wealth of experience in issue-based advocacy and electoral campaigns, and we’re thrilled to dive into her impactful work and vision for democracy reform.

In this episode, Christine shares her journey from grassroots organizer to a leading figure in democracy advocacy. As Co-Director of the Declaration for American Democracy, Christine plays a pivotal role in driving sweeping reforms to strengthen and protect our democratic processes. Prior to this role, she was the Field Director for the coalition, where she led innovative grassroots efforts to mobilize communities and advance democratic values.

Christine’s career began with a focus on climate advocacy, where she led the Climate Reality Project’s 100% Renewable campaigns on college campuses. Her early work laid the foundation for her commitment to empowering everyday people to take meaningful action. We’ll hear about her transition from environmental advocacy to electoral campaigns, including her role as Field Director for a competitive Congressional campaign and her contributions during the 2016 electoral cycle.

Christine also discusses her impactful work with Public Citizen’s Democracy Is For People Campaign, where she collaborated with coalitions in New York State to expand voting rights and ensure fair elections. Her insights into these campaigns provide a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the fight for democratic reform.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the importance of grassroots organizing, the challenges of electoral reform, and the ongoing efforts to secure a fair and representative democracy. Christine Woods’ dedication and passion for democratic integrity shine through in this engaging discussion.

You won’t want to miss it!

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Round Table!

In this episode, Emily, Inyoo, Preena, and Heba were thrilled to be joined by Amanda Geduld, an insightful journalist from The 74 Media, a leading news organization dedicated to covering education.

In this engaging conversation, Amanda takes us through her unique career trajectory—from her beginnings in the classroom to her current role in education journalism. She shares her personal journey, offering invaluable advice on how aspiring journalists can break into the field, secure internships, and carve out a path in this dynamic industry. Amanda’s expertise extends to investigative journalism within the education sector, where she has tackled pressing issues such as classroom inequity and the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning. We dive deep into how coverage of the pandemic has evolved, what we’ve learned, and where we might be missing the mark.

Our discussion also explores the contentious topics of book bans and the broader culture wars affecting education today. Amanda provides a thoughtful analysis of these debates and their implications for students and educators alike. Additionally, we tackle the complexities of grading practices, including the debate over grade inflation and standards-based grading. Amanda’s insights shed light on how these issues affect educational outcomes and the broader conversation on academic assessment. Join us for a compelling episode that offers a window into the world of education journalism and a nuanced discussion on the critical issues shaping our classrooms and beyond.

Thanks for listening!

At this week’s Round Table, Emily and Emmanuel spoke with special guest, Ruby Belle Booth, Election Coordinator for CIRCLE and a passionate advocate for youth civic engagement. Ruby’s dedication to amplifying young voices and fostering democratic participation is both inspiring and crucial in today’s political landscape.

Ruby’s journey began as a Diverse Democracy Fellow at CIRCLE in the summer of 2020, and since then, she has made significant strides in her role as Election Coordinator. A graduate of Tufts University with a BA in History and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Ruby’s academic background and professional experience converge in her commitment to social, racial, and economic justice through enhanced youth involvement in civic processes.

In this episode, Ruby shares her insights and experiences working on pivotal projects like the CIRCLE Growing Voters report. We delve into her role in coordinating CIRCLE’s 2022 election work and explore her current research as a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, focusing on civic learning and engagement. Ruby’s work is a testament to the power of youth participation in shaping our political and educational systems.

Ruby’s passion for empowering the next generation and her deep understanding of the intersection between youth activism and policy make this conversation both timely and impactful. So, join us as we discuss the vital role of young people in democracy, the challenges and opportunities in increasing youth engagement, and the innovative approaches Ruby and her team are employing to drive meaningful change.

Thanks for listening!