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Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Let's face it, sometimes the world feels broken. We can see what needs fixing, yet more and more, it feels like the problems are too big and the bad guys are winning. But the truth is, they’re not. They’re just hoping we stop fighting. Welcome to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, a new podcast from Crooked Media and Democratic changemaker Stacey Abrams. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable, and are willing to pitch in and work towards the solution. Each week, Stacey will break down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduce us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategize, and share tangible ways to get involved. Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon.

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52 min•
22 May

How Project 2025 Is Rewriting America - Phase II

Project 2025 is no longer just a blueprint—it is rapidly in motion. Over the past four months, the Republicans have begun implementing its sweeping, 900+ page plan to transform America into a Christian nationalist state. We are  seeing it unfold in real time: attacks on bodily autonomy, the dehumanization and targeting of immigrants, the erasure of history and DEI initiatives, and deep cuts to essential government programs. In this episode, Stacey sits down with Atlantic staff writer and author of “The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America”, David A. Graham, for an in-depth conversation about the ideology behind Project 2025 and how we can prepare for what’s coming next.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.Learn & Do More: Project 2025 is a roadmap that lets us prepare ourselves for what’s to come. By understanding the goals laid out in Project 2025, we can leverage our local governments, our civic organizations and ourselves to push back. And remember to share your knowledge with your resistance community. 

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1 hr, 6 min•
15 May

The Real Power of Protest: How We Fight Back and Win

There is nothing more toxic to tyranny than those willing to fight back. Across the country, every day Americans are exercising their First Amendment rights and raising their voice in protest against this dangerous administration and the right-wing autocrats who lead it. Emerging leaders are standing up for their values and running for office in their local communities. In this episode, Stacey talks about real pathways to meet the moment with action with two leaders who walk the walk: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, whose grassroots training, The Resistance Lab, teaches proven strategic tools, used by civil rights leaders of the past, to mount effective resistance; and Amanda Litman, Co-Founder of Run for Something, which helps recruit and support young progressives running for elected office. Learn & Do More:Be Curious: Think about ways you can step up and be a leader even outside the scope of electoral politics. Check out Amanda Litman’s new book, When We’re In Charge. It’s full of practical tips on how to lead with principle and get stuff done, without burning out.Solve problems: Join in-person or virtual efforts like The Resistance Lab or Run For Something that give you practical, actionable tools for activism and running for office. You can also keep an eye on upcoming protests in your city by going to Mobilize.us or googling “State of the People Tour.”Do good: You can’t do this alone, so make sure you’re building your resistance community. You already have people in your circle who want to stand alongside you against the destruction of our national values. As you build out your toolbox, find ways to pass on your knowledge, bring people together, and encourage them to get involved so the movement spreads. And as Congresswoman Jayapal said, make sure to call your representatives, and call your friends (especially those living in Republican districts) and ask them to do the same.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast. 

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58 min•
8 May

Rachel Maddow on Winning America’s Fight Against Fascism

In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, we’ve watched Republicans erode American democracy with alarming speed. While this political moment may feel unprecedented, it isn’t new. America has dealt its share of far-right movements, fascist provocateurs, and anti-democratic threats. But time and again, heroes have risen to meet those moments. In this episode, Stacey unpacks how we’ve fought fascism before - and won. She’s joined by the host of MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.Learn & Do More: Be Curious: History can be an extremely useful tool to help us navigate the present. Pick up Rachel Maddow’s book Prequel — now available in paperback anywhere books are sold. Also pick up the Assembly Required Recommended Read: The Dictator’s Learning Curve by William Dobson.Solve problems: The best thing we can do right now is show up and use our voices. There are two key ways to do this. First: call your representatives! Democrat, Republican, Independent — it doesn’t matter. Tell them where you stand and why it matters. Second: get involved locally. Join a protest, volunteer to support a community that is particularly vulnerable right now, donate to a grassroots group in your area. Change starts with showing up, so let’s get to work.Do Good: Not only has Trump waged a war on books, he’s waged a war on independent businesses. So if you’re interested in reading any of the books I mentioned today, or want to pick up our weekly recommended reading, purchase them at a local bookstore. If there isn’t a local option near you, or you just prefer the convenience of online shopping, check out small businesses that operate online — like Octavia’s Bookshelf.

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1 hr, 4 min•
1 May

100 Days That Shook the World: How Trump and the GOP Broke America’s Role in Global Leadership

In just 100 days, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have upended the post WWII international order. From pulling out of the WHO to undermining international courts, backing away from NATO to slashing foreign aid, this generation’s GOP is rapidly dismantling America's role as a global leader. In this episode, Stacey looks beyond U.S. borders and sits down with Ben Rhodes—former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama and co-host of Pod Save the World—to unpack this seismic shift in world affairs… and whether there’s still time to stop it from becoming permanent. Learn & Do More: BE CURIOUS: Stay informed about global events and how to make sense of them by tuning in to Ben and Tommy’s weekly analysis on Pod Save the World. And read Ben’s opinion piece in the NYT. SOLVE PROBLEMS: As Ben said, we can’t give in—we have to imagine more. Our government doesn't define who we are as a country. Take action where you can: volunteer to help refugees, support foreign students in your community, and show them they are welcome. Be part of the effort to re-engage with the world.DO GOOD: With the decline of U.S. AID, many NGOs have stepped in to fill the gap. One of them is CARE.ORG, which provides essential healthcare, nutritious food, clean water, and protection from violence for women and girls around the globe. Consider supporting their mission.

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55 min•
24 Apr

How the Right’s War on Academic Freedom Hides a Darker Mission

One of the Republican Party’s most dangerous campaigns is their continued assault on academic freedom. Under the pretense of fighting antisemitism and dismantling “discriminatory” DEI policies, universities across the country are under threat of losing critical funding, and students are being targeted by immigration authorities. From Trump to state governors, attacks are coming from every level of government. In this episode, Stacey is joined by Wesleyan University President Michael Roth and Barnard College Professor Nara Milanich to discuss how our institutions of higher education are pivotal to shaping an informed, innovative, and engaged society, what’s at stake, and what academics and their allies can do to push back. Then, she hears from student journalist and Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Michigan Daily, Zhane Yamin, on how students are weathering this storm. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.Learn & Do More: BE CURIOUS: Read student newspapers in your community or from your alma mater to stay connected to what is happening on the ground.SOLVE PROBLEMS: If you are part of a college’s community, whether you’re a student, faculty member, staff, or a nearby resident, coming together to raise your voice about your concerns can make a world of difference.DO GOOD: Student journalists need your support weathering these tumultuous times, and hearing from their readers helps tremendously. If you are enjoying their reporting, reach out and let them know!

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1 hr, 9 min•
17 Apr

Breaking America's Economy: Unpacking Trump's Tariff War

Trump’s unhinged, unpredictable global trade war is causing chaos and confusion. In just one week, the President announced tariffs on the entire world, then paused some, upped others, and announced exemptions for certain goods. This capriciousness  has sparked fears that another economic recession may be looming. In this episode, Stacey is joined by Dean Baker, economist and cofounder of the Center for Economic Policy and Research to break down how tariffs affect the broader economy. Then, she hears from Beth Benike, founder of Busy Baby, and Richard R. Oswald, Vice President of the Missouri Farmers Union, about how these tariffs and the environment of uncertainty are already impacting their livelihoods. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.Learn & Do More: Be curious: Visit your local library, get a library card if you don’t have one, and check out a book from the banned books list. Fight back with curiosity. Want to do more? Check out Book Riot or PEN America’s guides on how to help fight book bans.Solve Problems: call your representatives and senators, no matter their party. But don’t stop there. Local elected officials have power too—sometimes more than we realize. Visit USA.gov/elected-officials to find your federal, state, and local reps. Let them know how you feel about the rise in book bans, tariffs, and how these issues are affecting your community.Do Good: If you have the means, support small businesses in your area—and encourage friends and family to do the same. Shop local, spend local. We're good with the clips.

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