Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson

Wajahat Ali is the editor of The Left Hook Substack [https://thelefthook.substack.com/] & Co-host of The Democracy-Ish Podcast. [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/democracy-ish/id1473376303] Topics: Wajahat talked about the challenges of maintaining hope and mental health while resisting a right-wing authoritarian regime; the normalization of extreme conspiracy theories and violence under Trump's presidency; concerns about the integrity of future elections; the dangers of underestimating Trump's willingness to stay in power, including the possibility of declaring martial law and suspending elections; the potential for abuse of personal data and the creation of a surveillance state, highlighting Palantir's past support for Israel, and where legacy and independent media are now as well as where they need to go. All that and more! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

David Pepper is a lawyer, writer, political activist, former elected official, and adjunct professor, and served as the Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party between 2015 and 2021. He's the author of Laboratories of Autocracy [https://www.amazon.com/Laboratories-Autocracy-Wake-Up-Behind-Lines/dp/1662919573/ref=sxts_entity_rec_bsx_s_def_r00_t_aufl?content-id=amzn1.sym.a36c3969-f821-4d5b-a8e8-be129cf4aa4a%3Aamzn1.sym.a36c3969-f821-4d5b-a8e8-be129cf4aa4a&crid=34R8VFVFG8H74&cv_ct_cx=david+pepper&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KaDuAKNmATSNwdt18s0SpjNiQ09MfL1BaJImliEsVK2ngSPUxx1v8794tF7Ultz4T0ZlZJl4X2j4848vaCx1GA.NPWV_rTOtuyfs9uW9c9rsR1RzU3dSYh7hncElReKvN4&dib_tag=se&keywords=david+pepper&pd_rd_i=1662919573&pd_rd_r=6dd851af-08c8-47e9-9619-2ff7717eda46&pd_rd_w=Eh0iz&pd_rd_wg=uhgev&pf_rd_p=a36c3969-f821-4d5b-a8e8-be129cf4aa4a&pf_rd_r=49F6CJDH8FNE7BY7NCW1&qid=1709842221&s=digital-text&sprefix=david+pepper%2Cdigital-text%2C184&sr=1-2-ef9bfdb7-b507-43a0-b887-27e2a8414df0] and Saving Democracy [https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Democracy-Users-Manual-American-ebook/dp/B0C5TYL7BG?ref_=ast_author_mpb]. Topics: Courts say Trump tariffs are illegal--but will he obey the courts, and how would his defiance play to voters? Elon may be out of the White House, but is that good news? The "big beautiful" tax bill is devastating in many ways. David highlights some of the worst aspects of it and tells us where we should focus, specifically, cutting funding for public schools. We also discussed ways to get involved no matter your comfort level. So much packed into this conversation! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Jennifer Taylor-Skinner is a writer, essayist, and creator & host of the award-winning podcast, The Electorette—one of the longest-running feminist podcasts, offering analyses and solutions to the world's biggest political and social challenges, all through the lens of women. Topics: Both of us feel more hopeful about democracy than we did six months ago; Bernie Sanders' recent comment on identity politics and why many found it offensive, WTF is up with Gavin Newsom?; David Hogg and what he's saying about the party and then we end with why we feel hopeful. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Kiersten is such a delight. No politics today. We chatted about her book, I wish I were an Ocelot: Adventures of an Essential Kitten [https://www.amazon.com/wish-were-Ocelot-Adventures-Essential/dp/1956867457]; upcoming projects; the hate Pamela Anderson is getting for being and looking 57; the pressure women are under to look sexy (for others) their entire lives, and much, much more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Stephanie is back!!!! No prep...just two best friends talking about what's happening out there. Steph talked up Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and shared what happened when she met him; Stephanie passionately discusses the importance of providing healthcare to all, regardless of immigration status or other factors, emphasizing it as a human right; we talked about the protests and backlash against the t regime, what we have to be hopeful about and much more! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]