This is the first episode of our new weekly show where we share practical ways to make an impact, and help you navigate whatever comes next.

This week we are talking about the republican house budget bill, the effort to gut USAID, and is it safe to fly in trump’s America? And of course, we talk about what you can do about all of it.

We couldn’t ask for better guests to help kick off our show… joining us for our interview are the founders and Co-Executive Directors of Indivisible, Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin!

Call in line: ‪(818) 824-4286‬

www.practivistpod.com

Jess Craven Linktree

Steve Pierson Linktree

Funding bill call script

Unrig the rules

USAID resource doc

https://www.patreon.com/PractivistPod

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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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After a break last week, Steve and Jess are back and we are still celebrating our win in Ohio’s special election but are also mourning the terrible tragedy in Maui. And, of course, Trump has been handed indictment number four, this time bringing 18 of his friends with him in a historic RICO case! Maui Strong Fund, Aloha United Way, Maui foodbank, Maui Humane Society (for the animals), World Central Kitchen, River of Life Mission, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, Mercy Chefs, The Maui Community Power Recovery Fund. Find us on social: @HowWeWinPod @BluesBoySteve @jenancona @jesscraven101 www.howwewinpod.com Chop Wood Carry Water

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It’s been a week for Democrats… We have results from the Virginia election and are processing what it means for Democrats moving forward. We are also seeing light at the end of the infrastructure tunnel, Voting Rights legislation is on the senate’s agenda, and Biden is back from a groundbreaking trip to Europe. Joining us to help break all of it down is Senior politics reporter for the Huffington Post, Jennifer Bendery.

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Today we talk about the Jan. 6 insurrection co-conspirators, the Facebook papers, and election week! (Virginia of course but also all over the country). And we go deep into digital organizing with activist, writer and Executive Director of DemCast, Nick Knudsen. All that plus our reasons for hope.

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Today we talk about Bannon, Buttigieg, the supply chain, Ahmed Aubry, and how you can help Democrats win in Virginia. Then Jessie Daniels joins us for our interview. She’s an expert on Internet manifestations of racism and the author of the new book, “Nice White Ladies - The Truth about White Supremacy, Our Role in It, and How We Can Help Dismantle It”. All of that, plus our Reasons for Hope. TW: SI

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Helping us break down the week and share our reasons for hope is comedian, regular panel member on NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me, and host of the Who’s Paying Attention? podcast, Alonzo Bodden! And because we are still just weeks away from the Virginia election, we’ve got Virginia Delegate Wendy Gooditis joining us to share her inspiring story and get you fired up to help her hold the trifecta! TW: SI

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Today we talk, Build Back Better, unions, whistleblowers and Virginia! And joining us to help us talk about Virginia is Air Force veteran and candidate for Virginia House of Delegates, Katie Sponsler. All of that plus our Reasons for Hope.

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Today we have a special mini-pod to share some exciting news about letter writing! Scott Forman and Emily Wasserman from Vote Forward join us to share their findings from the 2020 election. Spoiler alert… the results are good!

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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 Action joins us for our reasons for hope.

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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 plus stay tuned till the end for our reasons for hope.

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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!

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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.

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Today Trump is indicted...again! We talk about effective messaging around his now three criminal indictments. And joining us for our very timely interview is former Impeachment manager and Representative for California’s 14th congressional district, Eric Swalwell! Volunteer for Ohio Special Election Find us on social: @HowWeWinPod @BluesBoySteve @jenancona @jesscraven101 www.howwewinpod.com Chop Wood Carry Water

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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 Writing day!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Today, Jenifer and Jess are joined by Billy Wimsatt. He's the Director of Movement Voter Project to emphasize the need for collaboration between voter outreach organizations. Minnesota took 10 years and a lot of groundwork to get to where it is, today. Steve is on a quick vacation https://movement.vote/ www.howwewinpod.com Chop Wood Carry Water Find us on social: @HowWeWinPod @BluesBoySteve @jenancona @jesscraven101

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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!

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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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 reduce the risk of domestic terrorism.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Today we are back after taking a week off so there are a lot of threads to unwind! We catch up about the horrific SCOTUS decisions, and bloated military spending. Then, joining us for our interview is Ben Sheehan, civics education expert and author of “OMG WTF Does The Constitution Actually Say”. Send a Resistbot about military spending: Text "Sign PJBMBW" To: 50409 www.howwewinpod.com Chop Wood Carry Water Find us on social: @HowWeWinPod @BluesBoySteve @jenancona @jesscraven101

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?!

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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.

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This special Mini-Pod features a conversation with the 3rd in line for the Presidency, and everyone’s favorite thorn in Trump’s side, Speaker of The House, Nancy Pelosi. She doesn’t mince words when it comes to what it’s like to walk the halls of congress with these republicans, and offers encouragement and perspective as we head into the final days of the election.

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Today, in our last episode before the most important election of our lives, we are keeping it in the family with Neisha Blandin, Swing Left’s Head of Political Strategy. We talk about the state of the race, what we can (and should) still do to win, and how we can support efforts to protect the integrity of the election.

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Today's show features documentary filmmaker, and author, Michael Moore. We talk about how he got his start as an activist, and what is different about how people are engaging in this election. We are also joined by Tony award winning director and the creator of Broadway’s “American Idiot”, Michael Mayer. Both Michaels joined Swing Left earlier this week for an American Idiot Letter Writing event, and this full conversation is not to be missed!

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Bonus Episode: Steve, Jenifer, and Jessica are joined by Dr. Allison Gill from "Mueller She Wrote", "The Daily Beans" and "Jack", and Brian Tyler Cohen from "No Lie with BTC" to talk about the importance of State Houses and answer questions live, in support of Steve Pierson for CA Assembly! Find out more at: www.piersonforca.com

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Joining us for our interview is the Co-Founder of “Run For Something”, Ross Morales Rocketto. He talks about going from working on one campaign at a time, to helping over 60,000 new candidates stepping up to run for office in their communities. And of course we are going to get you busy reaching out to voters because time is running out and fence sitting is NOT an option!

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Today’s special mini-pod is a conversation with the Executive Director and Founder of “Vote Tripling”, Robert Reynolds. Robert tells us how his start as a behavioral scientist looking for answers after 2016, led him to create a new voter engagement tactic that starts with you, reminding three friends to vote!

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Joining us for a really timely interview today, is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Indivisible Project, Leah Greenberg. We cover a lot of important ground including actions around the Supreme Court, what Trump’s coronavirus infection means for the election, and of course, the importance of voting early.

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Today we are talking about talking on the phone with voters in our key states! Phone banking is now the only safe way we have to connect one on one with voters. We’re going to give you the tips and tricks to have effective, meaningful conversations. We also hear from diversity, inclusion, and equity expert, Jordyne Blaise. She talks about how to have culturally competent conversations with voters in communities outside of our own, and how to go deeper with our conversations around race and equity.

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