The Round Table: A YVote Podcast

Welcome to another episode at The Round Table. This week, our hosts, Inyoo, Sauda, and Viola sat down with Devyn Inez Fusaro, the Digital & Communications Manager at New York Renews, a powerful coalition fighting for climate justice across New York.

Devyn’s journey with NY Renews began in 2019 creating impactful videos that helped shape the movement's messaging. By 2022, she officially joined the team as a coalition organizing fellow for the Climate, Jobs & Justice campaign, later leading the coalition's Video Working Group in 2023 and 2024. Now as a full-time staff member, she plays a key role in shaping NY Renews' digital strategy and outreach.

In this conversation, Devyn breaks down what NY Renews is currently organizing for, from advancing the rollout of the Cap-and-Invest program to securing funding for critical climate programs through the Fund Climate Campaign. She also highlights the coalition’s priorities around Indigenous solidarity and explains how climate justice is deeply connected to social and economic equity. But this episode isn’t just about policy it’s also about storytelling and activism. Devyn shares her personal journey, from her background as a narrative and documentary storyteller with experience producing for HBO and BRIC TV to the books and resources that have shaped her approach to advocacy.

For students and young changemakers, Devyn offers insights on getting involved in climate advocacy, sharing practical advice on how to effectively push for climate policies and make real impact.

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to another episode ofThe Round Table! This week, Daniella, Preena, Kassandra, Inyoo and Sauda discussed the power of story-telling, intersectional identities, the role of youth in bringing about societal change, and so much more. They spoke with Dr. Rob Carpenter, a UCLA Professor and author, who has worked in the White House, Hollywood, tech and transportation, and who is a self-described “firm believer in the power of creativity and storytelling.”

The hosts learned how Dr. Rob’s intersectional identity -- as a part Black, White, and Native man who grew up in a fully White household, in a predominantly Latinx neighborhood, with Jewish and Asian best-friends -- shapes his writing and allows him to empathize with many diverse groups of people. They question whether today’s world lives up to Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, share hope for the future through collective youth organizing, and even ponder how idealism grapples with reality in the possibility of creating a utopian world. 

Passionate for the virtue of stories over statistics in all levels of education, Dr. Rob shares how often, as early as 2nd Grade, students are “educated out of their creativity” -- teachers forced to teach to the test are unable to incorporate stories or the arts, contributing to the attendance crises across many schools. Yet the system is possible to reform if politicians are made to understand it needs changing, and on a smaller level, Dr.Rob describes how he, utilizing his curriculum freedom as a College Professor, makes sure every lesson includes reflection questions giving students the opportunity to relate their personal experiences to class-content.

Asked about his suggestions to fix the educational system, Dr. Rob mentions increasing inter-subject integration, role-playing in the classroom, and teaching “from the outside in.” The conversation wraps up with hosts sharing their “why” for participating in these late-night conversations and staying involved overall, and giving their advice for the generation coming up behind them. 

Thank you for listening!

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table! This week, Daniella, Preena, and Zarina are joined by Andrew Einhorn, the CEO and co-founder of LevelFields, an AI-powered app designed to simplify investment research for users. Andrew takes us on a fascinating journey through his career from studying psychology and cultural anthropology to leading groundbreaking public health initiatives, advising startups, and ultimately co-founding a company that merges AI and finance.

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of building financial trust in an era of misinformation, the transformative role of AI in finance, and how LevelFields is leveling the playing field for investors. Andrew shares how AI is revolutionizing the industry by analyzing massive data sets at lightning speed, predicting trends, and making complex investment strategies accessible to everyone. But with innovation comes complexity. 

Andrew offers a thoughtful perspective on the intersection of political and market instability, the ethics of AI, and the influence of big tech on government. He explores the delicate balance between fostering innovation and implementing effective regulation, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving landscape.  

Andrew’s insights leave us inspired by the potential of AI to empower individuals while reminding us of the importance of responsible innovation. As we navigate the intersection of technology, finance, and ethics, it’s clear that the decisions we make today will shape the future of these industries. This episode challenges us to think critically about the role of AI in our lives and how we can use it to drive positive change.

Thank you for listening!

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, Daniel, Preena, and Viola sit down with C. Evan Stewart, author of The Worst Supreme Court Decisions Ever! and a professor at Cornell University. Stewart delves into America’s legal history, examining cases like Dred Scott v. Sanford and the importance of addressing the uncomfortable truths of the legal system.

Stewart discusses the role of lawyers, explaining that their job is to represent clients rather than determine guilt or innocence, which is the responsibility of the jury and judge. He underscores how this distinction is vital to maintaining fairness and integrity in the legal system, even when cases involve contentious or morally complex issues. As a professor, Stewart highlights the need to teach history in its entirety, including its darker moments. He emphasizes that avoiding uncomfortable truths risks creating a distorted view of history, which hinders society’s ability to learn from past mistakes.

Stewart also stresses the significance of civic engagement, encouraging people to get involved in local elections and explore a variety of sources to understand history and legal cases. Informed voting and critical thinking, he argues, are crucial for shaping a more equitable and effective legal system. Despite its flaws, there's optimism about America’s legal system and its potential for positive change. The system’s resilience, he believes, comes from its ability to evolve through democratic processes and active participation from citizens.

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table! This week, Daniella, Kassandra and Kassandra sit down with Kelly Davis, the Vice President of Peer and Youth Advocacy at Mental Health America. In her role, Kelly focuses on expanding peer support mental health programs and championing policies driven by lived experiences.

In our conversation, Kelly sheds light on how peer support functions and emphasizes the critical need to break down barriers that limit access to mental health assistance. While acknowledging the challenges that remain in addressing youth mental health, we also highlight the range of treatment options available through schools and how they can serve as a foundation for progress.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the multifaceted nature of mental health. We explore generational stigmas, the influence of social media and online mental health spaces, and the persistent disparities in mental health support for men and women. Additionally, we examine the unique challenges faced by immigrants and first-generation children, offering insight into how cultural backgrounds shape their relationship with mental health.

Kelly shares practical ways for youth to engage in mental health advocacy through local and national organizations, highlighting how passionate young people are driving much of today’s progress. We close by reflecting on our hopes for the future: greater accessibility to support, more open conversations breaking mental health taboos, and leaders prioritizing this critical issue.

Thank you for listening!

At this week’s Round Table, Inyoo and Kassandra engage in a captivating conversation with Dr. William T. Armaline, a Professor in the Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at San José State University. Dr. Armaline is the founder of the Human Rights Minor at SJSU, a dedicated educator, and the author of several influential works on human rights and politics. Drawing from his working-class roots and extensive experience in academia and activism, Dr. Armaline offers a unique and insightful perspective on the evolving political landscape.

The discussion explores the potential for a Great Realignment in the U.S. party system, the critical role of organized labor, and the impact of state-level violence on society. Together, they examine the United States' historical engagement with violence, particularly state-sanctioned violence, and how various demographics perceive and experience these issues today.

Dr. Armaline also highlights how both major political parties have often fallen short in addressing the concerns of the American people, missing crucial opportunities to connect with voters on a deeper level.

Throughout the episode, he shares heartfelt advice for young activists, expressing his unwavering belief in their ability to drive meaningful change. He underscores the importance of self-education, staying informed, and organizing to create social and political transformation. Dr. Armaline’s message is clear: the future belongs to those who are committed to shaping it through action and education.

Thank you for listening!

At this week’s Round Table, Heba, Inyoo, Kassandra, and Preena unpack the results of the 2024 elections. They analyze the surprising performance of Donald Trump and the strong showing of down-ballot Republicans, exploring the factors that contributed to these outcomes. The hosts also dissect the strategies employed by various campaigns, with a particular focus on where Kamala Harris may have fallen short in reaching key voter groups.

The conversation shifts to the ongoing impact of race and gender in American politics, examining how these issues continue to shape election outcomes and influence public perception. The hosts then explore the economic concerns that dominated the election, such as inflation, the rising cost of living, and immigration. They evaluate how candidates communicated their positions on these issues and consider the effects of these messages on voter behavior. The hosts also discuss how voters’ economic struggles may have influenced their choices at the polls.

They go on to reflect on the media’s role in shaping public opinion during the election cycle. The hosts assess how misinformation and a lack of media literacy may have impacted voters’ decisions, highlighting the need for a more informed electorate that can navigate political narratives with greater discernment. 

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of media literacy, civic engagement, and cross-partisan dialogue. They encourage listeners to focus on understanding diverse viewpoints instead of dismissing those who disagree. 

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At this week’s Round Table, Inyoo, Kassandra, and Preena were joined by Ken W. Good, a legal expert and member of the Board of Directors for the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, to explore the complex and often contentious world of bail reform. With a law degree from Texas Tech and years of experience arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ken brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion.

Throughout the episode, we delve into the critical role the bail industry plays within the criminal justice system, discussing the real-world implications of zero-bail policies and their impact on public safety and recidivism. Ken offers a balanced perspective on the conflicting studies surrounding bail reform—some of which show alarming re-offense rates among those released on zero-bail, while others, such as those from New Jersey, suggest that eliminating cash bail does not necessarily lead to an increase in violent crime.

We also explore the methodology behind these studies, questioning the validity of their conclusions and what they mean for future policymaking. With the continued rise of bail reform across the U.S., understanding the full scope of its impact has become crucial for lawmakers, law enforcement, and the public alike. Ken provides important insights into how these studies shape the conversation, and what is at stake for communities across the nation.

As bail reform continues to be a hotly debated topic, Ken offers valuable insights into potential alternatives and compromises that might bridge the divide between differing viewpoints. His thoughts on how to ensure both public safety and fairness within the justice system provide a fresh perspective on how these issues could be addressed in the future. Tune in for an engaging conversation with Ken W. Good as we tackle the complexities of bail reform and its impact on our society. Thanks for listening!

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!