The Practivist Pod - podcast cover

The Practivist Pod

MSW Mediaredcircle.com

Democracy is hanging by a thread, but our work as citizens is about being resilient and persistent so that together, we can build the future we want to see. That’s why we’re launching The Practivist Pod the practice of activism made practical.

If you’re looking for ways to get engaged, or just looking for ways to stay sane… we want to help you navigate what comes next. It’s an exciting collaboration with political dynamo Jess Craven, author of the Chop Wood Carry Water newsletter, and grassroots organizer Steve Pierson, host of the How We Win podcast. Each week on The Practivist Pod, we’ll share important conversations with changemakers, give you practical ways to make an impact, have some fun, and inspire hope.

This is more than a podcast — it's a place for our community to grow our practice of advocacy for justice, equity, and progress. Action is the best antidote for anxiety, and joy is a revolutionary act, so subscribe to The Practivist Pod today.

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Episodes

The Sum of Us with Heather McGhee

Today we are watching as Congress is on the verge of passing historic investments in our country all while trying to avoid a government shutdown. Joining us for our interview is progressive advocate and Color of Change Chair of the Board, Heather McGhee. We talk about her amazing book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together and she talks about why some people in this country insist on voting against their best interests. And then JoAnne Smith from Women’s March...

Sep 29, 20211 hr 13 minSeason 2Ep. 103

Saving America with Jon Favreau

On today’s show, Democrats begin work on legislation to curb Presidential power abuses, the first lawsuit emerges over the Texas abortion ban, and the FDA is on track to approve vaccinations for ages 5 and up by October. Then, joining us for our interview is Crooked Media Founder and Pod Save America host Jon Favreau! We talk about the state of alternative media, the filibuster conundrum, and our Swing Left and Crooked Media, “No Off Years” fund to defend our trifecta in Virginia! All of that pl...

Sep 22, 202154 minSeason 2Ep. 102

Building Community with David Berrios

A busy month on the Hill kicks off and today, we break down the senate’s new Freedom to Vote Act. We also keep our eyes peeled on the “pro-insurrectionist” rally at the Capitol on Saturday, and get you into action in Virginia. Joining us for our interview is the man who is leading the Organizing charge, Swing Left’s Head of Community David Berrios. All that, plus our reasons for hope! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Sep 15, 202138 minSeason 2Ep. 101

100 Reasons for Hope with VA State Senator Jennifer McClellan

It’s our 100th episode! Mariah and Steve talk about what they've learned from 100 interviews and 100 reasons for hope. We also talk Statehouses, with Virginia State Senator Jennifer McClellan. She talks about what it was like (trying to) legislate under republican control, what it’s been like since we gained the Democratic trifecta, and why it is so important to hold on to the majority there this November. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcirc...

Sep 08, 202142 minSeason 2Ep. 100

World Letter Writing Day with Keiko Agena and Scott Forman

Today our show is graced by the lovely and talented actor Keiko Agena! You probably know her work on Gilmore Girls, Prodigal Son (and lots more) but you may not know that she is a super-volunteer and activist who can’t stop, won’t stop using her voice to help us protect our democracy! And we are also graced by the equally lovely Scott Forman, the founder and force behind Vote Forward! Scott checks in with us to let us know why we all need to write letters to Virginia voters on World Letter Writi...

Sep 01, 202147 minSeason 2Ep. 99

Making Sense of the Census with Ryan Quinn

Today we are bringing back “The Ryan Report” with Swing Left’s campaign director, Ryan Quinn! We talk about the recent Census data, and what it all means for the rising American electorate, redistricting, and our work in the Midterms. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 25, 202135 minSeason 2Ep. 98

Spilling the Beans with Dr. Allison Gill

Joining us today is the force behind the “Mueller She Wrote” and the “Daily Beans” podcasts, Dr. Allison Gill. AG is a veteran and a former employee at the Department of Veterans Affairs. We talk about what it was like launching her pod under the shadow of the Trump administration, get her thoughts on Afghanistan, and talk about staying engaged to win in 2022, 2024 and beyond. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Aug 18, 202143 minSeason 2Ep. 97

Countering Misinformation with Mentalist Ken Salaz

Today’s guest is an expert in misinformation who knows how to manipulate people to believe and act on suggestions that he places in their minds. He’s not a republican operative, but he is a world renown mentalist, magician, pickpocket, and mind reader… so he acts like a republican operative, but strictly for entertainment purposes. It’s mentalist and magician, Ken Salaz! Ken joins us to talk about misinformation and mind control and what we can do to recognize and counter the GOP’s messaging. Ad...

Aug 11, 202153 minSeason 2Ep. 96

The Delta Conversation with Dr. Rhea Boyd

As we are all grappling with another spike in COVID cases due to a very contagious Delta variant and a very large number of unvaccinated Americans, we have a conversation with public health advocate, Dr. Rhea Boyd. We talk about her work to bring credible information about COVID vaccines to Black, and Latinx communities, and what we should expect as our kids head back to school this fall. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Aug 04, 202151 minSeason 2Ep. 95

Statehouse Futures with Pete Davis

Today we are joined by the co-founder of the Democracy Policy Network and author of "Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in An Age of Infinite Browsing", Pete Davis. We talk about how committing to civic advocacy, year round and especially in State houses, will build our power and just might save our Democracy. But first, Mariah and Steve talk about the surge in COVID cases, the Olympics, and the start of the Jan. 6th Commission. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & O...

Jul 28, 202157 minSeason 2Ep. 94

On The Front Lines with Texas Rep. Erin Zwiener

For weeks we’ve been talking about how democratic Texas state legislators are making good and necessary trouble to protect voting rights, and today we’re going to hear from one! State Representative Erin Zwiener joins us from Washington DC, where she and other Democrats are staying to prevent quorum in the Texas state house. She talks to us about what’s next and what they hope to accomplish. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Jul 21, 202139 minSeason 2Ep. 93

Virginia Avenger with Delegate Joshua Cole

Let’s call him the Avenger of Virginia! Joining us today is Delegate Joshua Cole. After losing a race by just 73 votes in 2017, he organized and made a big comeback in 2019, helping turn Virginia Blue! As one of the youngest members of the Assembly, he’s making a heroic impact on his community, the Commonwealth of VA, and beyond. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Jul 14, 202137 minSeason 2Ep. 92

Defending Democracy with Marc Elias

Today we are talking to the man who is on the front lines of election and voting rights litigation, fighting against the GOP’s efforts to suppress our votes, and fighting for our democracy. He is the founder of Democracy Docket, and is truly THE expert on election law. Of course, we are talking about Marc Elias. We talk about the work he’s doing on redistricting, the Supreme Court's anti-democracy decision on voting rights, and how we can all support his important work. Advertising Inquiries: ht...

Jul 07, 202150 minSeason 2Ep. 91

Delivering Democracy with Jaime Harrison

Joining us today is DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison! Many of us supported Jaime in his historic attempt to unseat Lindsay Graham and serve as US Senator from South Carolina. Now, he’s helming the DNC and working to build a new generation of Democratic electeds and activists. He shares his strategy to build our bench, win up and down the ballot, and deliver democracy for the people! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Jun 30, 202149 minSeason 2Ep. 90

Resistance to Persistence with Ethan Todras-Whitehill and Tori Taylor

You’ve been asking about the plan... Today we’ll spill the beans on our strategy for the next 10 years! We’re joined by Swing Left Executive Director Tori Taylor and Founder Ethan Todras-Whitehill. They’re talking to us about our move from Resistance to Persistence, and most importantly, how you can jump in! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Jun 25, 202152 minSeason 2Ep. 89

Holding Virginia with Diedrich Bader and Delegate Nancy Guy

Joining us today to help get us fired up about this fall's election is Virginia Delegate Nancy Guy. She’s got an incredible story about running for office in the town she grew up in and how she made it through a squeaker of a race. But first we are joined by actor, history buff, and Virginia native son, Diedrich Bader. With an incredible story of his own about growing up in a political family, Diedrich helps us break down the week, and shares what gives him hope. Advertising Inquiries: https://r...

Jun 16, 20211 hr 14 minSeason 2Ep. 88

How We Protect Our Voting Rights Pt. 2 with Ari Berman

Our voting rights are under attack. The For The People Act is in the Senate, but the filibuster stands in the way of it passing. How do we fight back against the biggest voter suppression campaign since the reconstruction? Mother Jones reporter and voting rights expert Ari Berman returns to our show to give us some historical context and help us figure out what we can do about it. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Jun 09, 202149 minSeason 2Ep. 87

Staying Fired Up with Congressman Ted Lieu

"How We Win" is back! Joining us to kick off our new season is Congressman, veteran, impeachment manager, and everyone’s favorite Twitter truth teller, Ted Lieu! We talk about the GOP’s attack on voting rights, the GOP’s attack on the January 6th commission, and what it’s really like to go to work with these radicalized republicans. And as always, we talk about actions you can take right now, and what gives us hope. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https...

Jun 02, 202144 minSeason 2Ep. 86

How We Won! with Ezra Levin

It's our season one finale and thanks to YOU we have the trifecta in our government! Joining us to help us celebrate the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, is the Co-Founder of Indivisible, Ezra Levin. We talk about how important it is that we all stay engaged and involved, and make sure we take advantage of this opportunity to make real lasting change for our Democracy. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Jan 21, 202138 minEp. 84

Countering Terrorism with Dr. Erroll Southers

There is one week until the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The countdown to Jan. 20th includes Impeachment 2.0, securing the very safety of our Congress, and holding everyone involved in the seditious acts last week, fully accountable. Today we are joined by counterterrorism expert and the author of "Homegrown Violent Extremism", Dr. Erroll Southers. We talk about last week’s attack on the Capitol, how these groups have grown in America, and what community based practices work to r...

Jan 13, 202142 minEp. 83

Welcome to 2021 with Tori Taylor

Despite the worst efforts of Trump and the GOP, there are 11 days until Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be inaugurated, completing the trifecta with Democrats controlling the White House and both houses of Congress! The seditious events at the Capitol only serve to reinforce how important our work has been. Joining us today to talk about this Historic moment, and the work we have ahead of us, is Swing Left’s Executive Director, Tori Taylor. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Pr...

Jan 08, 202144 minEp. 82

Buh Bye 2020 with Amy Siskind

There are 20 days till Joe Biden is inaugurated, 6 days until the Georgia special election, and 2 days until we slam the door on 2020. Joining us to discuss all of that is the President and Co-Founder of “The New Agenda” and creator of “The Weekly List”, Amy Siskind. She’s been calling out the erosion of norms and the rise of authoritarianism since Trump took office, so we talk about what he broke, what we can fix, and what our priorities need to be in 2021. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcir...

Dec 30, 202036 minEp. 81

How We Warnock our Ossoff! with Jon Ossoff

There are 27 days till Joe Biden is inaugurated and Trump is dragged kicking and screaming out of the White House! Today we catch up with Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Jon Ossoff. We hear how he first got involved with politics, and most importantly how you can get involved to help us gain control of the Senate Majority! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Dec 23, 202024 minEp. 80

How We Stay Engaged with Torie Osborn

Today’s guest is powerhouse activist who has been working for social justice and LGBTQ rights for the past 5 decades, Torie Osborn. She talks about how she’s organized her groups over the years and how we stay engaged as we transition from fighting trump to building our collective power. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Dec 16, 202041 minEp. 79

Tag You're It with Amanda Litman

Joining us today is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Run For Something, Amanda Litman. If you haven’t heard yet, "We are the change we seek", and "Down ballot races are where it’s at!" We talk about how Run for Something is recruiting and training our next generations of leaders. Spoiler alert… that’s YOU! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Dec 09, 202041 minEp. 78

Sorry Not Sorry with Alyssa Milano

You know today's guest from the big screen, the small screen, your favorite podcast platform, Supreme Court confirmation hearings, the stage of the Women’s March... She’s basically everywhere speaking up and speaking out. Alyssa Milano joins us to talk about her work as an activist and how everyone has a platform they can use for social change. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Dec 02, 202045 minEp. 77

Words To Win By with Anat Shenker-Osorio

Joining us for our Thanksgiving episode is messaging expert, host of the "Words to Win By" Podcast, and our very first repeat guest, Anat Shenker-Osorio. We had an amazing conversation with her back in January and today's is even more impactful. We talk about what messages worked over the last year, and how we should talk about the results of the election. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

Nov 25, 202050 minEp. 76

Flipping Georgia with Regina Lewis-Ward

Today we have a conversation with member-elect of the Georgia House of Representatives, Regina Lewis-Ward. She just flipped that seat from red to blue and we talk about how we can keep building democratic power in Georgia, to flip two vital Senate seats on Jan. 5th. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 18, 202030 minEp. 75

How We Won! with Secretary of State Alex Padilla

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are going to the White House! We’ve won some battles but we still have more to do. If this election has shown us anything, it’s that the work of being a citizen doesn’t stop. Joining us to talk about why he’s confident in our election results, even as Trump pulls out all the tricks to try to hold on to power, is California Secretary of State, Alex Padilla. He talks facts, truth and real voting numbers -- how’s that for a change?! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcirc...

Nov 11, 202038 minEp. 74

Count Every Vote with Baratunde Thurston

We knew that we weren’t likely to get results on election night, and despite that, it’s really hard to be patient and to watch another election that is much closer than we would like. To help us process what we know about the results and what that means for our Country moving forward, we are joined by activist, comedian, writer of “How to be Black” and host of “How to Citizen” podcast, Baratunde Thurston. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircl...

Nov 05, 202038 minEp. 73
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