Our America with Julián Castro

What the heck is happening in America? Secretary Julián Castro, as you’ve never heard him before, helps listeners understand how to make sense of a non-stop stream of headlines affecting our daily lives. Joined each week by his long-time communications strategist, the unfiltered Sawyer Hackett, plus a collection of political leaders, journalists, and operatives from across the country, Julián reveals insider perspectives and witty hot takes on the issues troubling Our America. New episodes every Wednesday. Our America is funded in part by The Marguerite Casey Foundation.

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Episodes

Policing the Police (with Sam Sinyangwe)

After George Floyd’s death, Americans grappled with 8 minutes and 46 seconds of police brutality caught on tape. Protests erupted across the country as Americans took to the streets to declare “Black Lives Matter.” As a country, we had to reckon, again, with the idea that not all law enforcement believes this slogan to be true. Policy analyst and Campaign Zero co-founder Sam Sinyangwe talks to us about the microaggressions of his childhood that inspired his data collection on policing in America...

Oct 15, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Not-So-Affordable Housing

This episode brings us to a mobile home park in Waukee, Iowa, where we meet 93-year-old Arletta Swain and her neighbor Matt Chapman. These manufactured housing communities were one of the last remaining affordable housing options in the US - at least they were , until private equity firms came into the picture. Today, we talk to the two neighbors about what grassroots activism looks like when you’re up against a 70% rent hike and, in Arletta’s words, “money-crazy” folks. Learn more about the aff...

Oct 08, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Nevertheless, She Persisted (with Elizabeth Warren)

Julián and Elizabeth Warren developed a close friendship this past year - from sharing a debate stage to campaigning alongside each other across the country. This week, we’re joined by the Massachusetts senator , who shares her perspective on humble beginnings and making sacrifices for what you believe in. The Oklahoma native talks hope and persistence in the midst of a year that has dealt severe blows to both. Keep up with Julián on twitter @JulianCastro and Instagram @JulianCastroTX Support th...

Oct 01, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4

The United States of Hunger (with José Andrés and Eric Cooper)

Back in April, a viral image captured the toll of the coronavirus pandemic on Americans trying to put food on the table. In this episode, we get the story behind that photo from Eric Cooper , president and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank. He tells us what it’s like running a food bank in the midst of a national crisis, and what’s changed for essential workers on the frontlines of food distribution. Next, we talk to renowned chef and food advocate, José Andrés . In 2010, José and his wife, Patri...

Sep 24, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Return To Flint (with Catrina and Ezra Tillman)

It’s hard to look at the current administration’s decision to downplay the severity of the Coronavirus without thinking about the Flint water crisis. Both stories reflect the devastating impact of misinformation and government inaction. This week, we return to Flint and talk to a dynamic duo: Pastor Ezra Tillman and First Lady Catrina Tillman. We hear about the incredible work they’re doing to support their community and the progress still left to be done. Join Julián for a wide-ranging conversa...

Sep 17, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 2

My America

In 2012, on the stage of the Democratic National Convention, Julián Castro described the American Dream as a relay. In the first episode of Our America , we dig into the Castro family’s backstory. We follow the baton passing from one generation to the next, starting with Julián’s grandmother immigrating to the US nearly 100 years ago. Julián and his twin brother, Congressman Joaquin Castro , talk about their journey from the segregated West Side of San Antonio to the national stage. We also meet...

Sep 10, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Introducing Our America with Julián Castro

Launching Thursday, September 10th, this series takes an honest and hopeful look at how drastically the American experience shifts from one person to the next. Join us as we explore why the odds seem stacked against so many, and what we can do to change it. What does your America look like? To share your story, email [email protected] . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 03, 2020•3 min

Teaser: Our America

Coming September 2020, Our America with Julián Castro features voices that are often unheard in spaces that are often unseen. From mobile home parks in small-town America to underground drainage tunnels beneath the towering casinos of Las Vegas, Julián is on a mission to understand how we got here and, more importantly, how we can do better. What does your America look like? To share your story, email [email protected] . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystu...

Jul 15, 2020•2 min

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