Future Hindsight

We discuss the main goals of copaganda: narrowing our conception of safety and threat, constantly warning us that those harms are increasing, and telling us that the solution to our fears is more investment in the punishment bureaucracy. Alec's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Educate yourself on how copaganda works Read the Copaganda book in a group! Alec Karakatsanis is the founder and executive director of Civil Rights Corps and author of Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Alec on X: https://x.com/equalityalec/ Read Copaganda: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guest: Alec Karakatsanis Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the building blocks of the authoritarian playbook, the strategy behind intersectional solidarity, and the power of knowing your neighbor. Yelena & Tatyana's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Go local! 2) Get to know your neighbors Yelena and Tatyana are co-founders of Stroika — an organization connecting and resourcing frontline anti-authoritarian movements worldwide. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Yelena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvl/ Follow Tatyana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmargolin/ Check out Stroika: https://www.stroikainc.com/ Sponsors: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Yelena V. Litvinov & Tatyana Margolin Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the strategy for electing from-the-gut economic populists who exude outsider vibes and who acknowledge that our system is broken. They are often outsiders who believe in issues such as protecting social security and taxing billionaires, which are super majoritarian issues. Outsiders can win in blue, purple, and red states. Adam's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Join effective groups like boldprogressives.org 2) Support a bold progressive candidate running for office Adam Green is Co-Founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC). Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Adam Green on X: https://x.com/AdamGreen Check out the PCCC: https://x.com/BoldProgressive Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Adam Green Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the influence of the U.S.-China relationship on American democracy, on issues ranging from "garbage time" to soft power to geopolitical dominance of the South China Sea. Jane's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Visit China! 2) Read To Change China by Jonathan Spence and/or Daughters of the Bamboo Grove by Barbara Demick Jane Perlez is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, former New York Times Beijing bureau chief, and fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. She's also the podcast host of Face-Off: The U.S. vs. China. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Jane Perlez on X: https://x.com/JanePerlez Listen to Face-Off: https://www.belfercenter.org/face-us-vs-china Sponsor: Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guest: Jane Perlez Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the corrupting effect of the Citizens United decision on policymaking and elections. Tiffany's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Go to town halls and hold your elected officials accountable Participate in phone banking or write postcards to get out the vote Tiffany Muller is the President of End Citizens United, Let America Vote, and the End Citizens United/Let America Vote Action Fund. The organization's mission is to fix our democracy by getting big money out of politics and protecting the right to vote. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Tiffany on X: https://x.com/Tiffany_Muller Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Tiffany Muller Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the power of showing up for local politics and the benefits of running an in-person campaign without relying on social media. Carleigh's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Take an hour to attend a local government meeting Make a comment at that meeting! Carleigh Beriont is a union organizer, vice chair of the Hampton Select Board, and is running for Congress in New Hampshire's First District. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Check out Carleigh's campaign: https://www.carleighberiont.com/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Carleigh Beriont Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the work of governors across several states to defend the rights of their residents. GovAct serves as an innovation hub for policies on democracy, public health, and reproductive rights. Julia's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get involved in state races Bearing witness to Minneapolis and the brave people standing up for their neighbors Julia Spiegel is the President and CEO of GovAct. She helped create the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, which united 23 governors in protecting reproductive rights post-Roe. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow GovAct: https://www.instagram.com/govactalliance/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Julia Spiegel Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the investments to foster civic participation on college campuses, voter behavior among young people, and getting ready for the midterms. Raj's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Develop your civic action muscle every week Role model what it looks like to work across difference Raj Vinnakota is President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, whose mission is to cultivate talent, ideas, and networks that develop young people as effective, lifelong citizens. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow the Institute for Citizens & Scholars on X: https://x.com/ctzns_schlrs Sponsor: Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Raj Vinnakota Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the concept of deliberative representative democracy by ordinary citizens, which means representing and being represented in turn. Hélène's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Listen and bring out the shy Share power Hélène Landemore is a political theorist and professor of political science at Yale University. Her latest book is Politics Without Politicians: The Case for Citizen Rule, a manifesto for what's possible. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Hélène on X: https://x.com/landemore Read Politics Without Politicians: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Hélène Landemore Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss grassroots organizing, voting rights for U.S. territories and First Nations, and the state of elections in Georgia. Anjali's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Organize at the local level Pick up your neighbor on your way to vote Anjali Enjeti is a poll worker, electoral organizer, activist, and novelist whose latest book is Ballot, a timely narrative about the fragile state of our most fundamental right. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Anjali on IG: https://www.instagram.com/anjalienjeti Read Ballot: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Anjali Enjeti Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss how our everyday choices to resist, organize, and act collectively can stop authoritarian takeovers. Feeling powerless does not mean that we're actually powerless! Daniel's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get non-cooperation training at https://freedomtrainers.net/ Be connected to other humans in a group Daniel Hunter is a seasoned organizer and the founder of Choose Democracy. He's also the author of books including What If Trump Wins?, Climate Resistance Handbook, and Building a Movement to End the New Jim Crow. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Daniel on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/daniel-hunter.bsky.social Read What If Trump Wins?: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Daniel Hunter Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the role of schools to form effective citizens in our democracy. It's necessary to prioritize the teaching of our history and our government. James's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Push back against corrosive technology, especially in schools Read books! James Traub is a journalist, historian, and author of The Cradle of Citizenship: How Schools Can Help Save Our Democracy. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Read The Cradle of Citizenship: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: James Traub Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the dangers of book bans and censorship, the power of civic action on the local level, and the intersection of libraries and human rights. Amanda's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Use the library! Follow Kelly Jensen at Book Riot on social media Amanda Jones is a middle school librarian, an activist, and the author of That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America. She previously served as President of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians and has won numerous awards for her work in school libraries, including School Library Journal Librarian of the Year. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Amanda on X: https://x.com/abmack33 Follow Kelly Jensen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heykellyjensen/ Read That Librarian: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Amanda Jones Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss orienting our personal choices toward the collective in order to make the changes in the systems that organize our world. Michael's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Orient your personal choices towards the collective Do something, and do it with others Michael Brownstein is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at John Jay College, and Professor of Philosophy at The Graduate Center, CUNY. He's also the co-author of Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Michael on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelbrownstein.bsky.social Read Somebody Should Do Something: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Michael Brownstein Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss how being pro-democracy is a big tent coalition. In fact, it is our national identity. Rick's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Meet your your neighbors, friends, and family in person 2) Be a persuasive voice in your immediate network and build a network of networks Rick Wilson is co-founder of the Lincoln Project, as well as the host of the Lincoln Project and The Enemies List podcasts. He is a 30 year veteran of national Republican politics, starting with the 1988 presidential campaign of George Herbert Walker Bush, and is now a registered Independent. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Rick on X: https://x.com/TheRickWilson Check out the Lincoln Project: https://lincolnproject.us/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guest: Rick Wilson Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the promise of radical liberalism to deliver equal freedom for all. Alex's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Join the fight for democracy 2) Put pressure on a leader who has the power to resist Alex Zakaras is professor of political science at the University of Vermont and the author of Freedom for All: What a Liberal Society Could Be. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Read Freedom for All: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Alex Zakaras Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

In this episode of Shifting Terrain, Colin Davis and Reece Peck discuss why liberal messaging continues to fail, where to find the Joe Rogan of the left, and how to actually reach working class men. Plus we'll hear from author Joan Williams about how class cluelessness led to the downfall of the left's power. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Listen to Shifting Terrain: https://pod.link/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yNTQ3MzI3LnJzcw Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

We discuss the building blocks of narrative power and the strategies to succeed in changing hearts and minds. Shanelle's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Share your stories of your experiences in your community 2) Get involved in local government Shanelle Matthews is a leading voice in narrative power and social movement communications and the co-author of Liberation Stories: Building Narrative Power for 21st Century Social Movements. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Read Liberation Stories: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Shanelle Matthews Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the complexity of gun violence in the United States and the reality that strong gun laws save lives. Emma's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Contact your senator to vote NO on concealed carry reciprocity Go to giffords.org and get involved Emma Brown is the executive director of GIFFORDS, an organization whose mission is to save lives from gun violence in America. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Emma on X: https://x.com/Emma_S_Brown Follow Giffords on IG: https://www.instagram.com/giffords_org/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Emma Brown Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss how we can tell the truth, how we can speak the truth, and how we can avoid misinformation and disinformation. Pauline's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Maintain a degree of curiosity! Care before you share. Pauline Hoffman, also known as the Data Doyenne, is an esteemed infodemiologist and the author of Fake News, Witch Hunts, and Conspiracy Theories: An Infodemiologist's Guide to the Truth. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Pauline on X: https://x.com/pwhoffmann Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Pauline Hoffmann Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss how AI can both serve the public interest and advance the goals of our democracy, despite the misgivings about the current state of AI. Bruce's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Use the tools of AI! 2) Use assistive tech to write to your elected representatives Bruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologist, chief of security architecture at Inrupt Inc, a lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School, and the co-author of Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Bruce on X: https://x.com/schneierblog Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Bruce Schneier Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World—a guide for a new generation of activists seeking not just to understand power, but to build it. Stephanie's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Learn a new skill, like non cooperation or mutual aid 2) Find organizations that align with your values and check if they offer trainings Stephanie Luce is Professor of Labor Studies at the School of Labor and Urban Studies and Professor of Sociology at the Graduate Center, City University of New York. She's also the co-author of Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Stephanie on X: https://x.com/stephanie_luce_ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Stephanie Luce Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

A fair, humane, and orderly immigration system should think of the US as the top destination for top talent from around the world, as well as a beacon of hope. Changing the law to give permanent legal status and a pathway to citizenship would fix the current failed immigration system. Todd's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Post know-your-rights material at your place of worship or local grocery store Ask your HR to have legal resources for immigrant employees Todd Schulte is the President of FWD.us, where he has directed successful efforts to make the case that immigrants and immigration power the US economy, help us win the global race for talent, and strengthen the American workforce. Woohoo! We took home the Silver Medal in the Signal Awards: https://www.signalaward.com/winners/details/#future-hindsight/future-hindsight-maurice-mitchell-working-families-party/0/613058 Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Todd on X: https://x.com/TheToddSchulte Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Todd Schulte Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss how the everyday voter can make strategic political campaign donations just like a billionaire. Brian's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Find an election you've never participated in before and get involved 2) Check out the Supreme Court races in Pennsylvania, governor's races in NJ and VA, and the California redistricting ballot measure Brian Derrick is the co-founder of Oath, a donor advising platform whose mission is to empower donors to participate in our democracy by offering civic education and helping users manage their political giving to maximize impact. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Brian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianderrick_/ VOTE FOR FUTURE HINDSIGHT! https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting?utm_campaign=signal4_finalists_finalistnotification_092325&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio#/2025/individual-episodes/genre/news-politics Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Brian Derrick Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the unavoidable intersection between our capitalist economy and democratic governance, and how their relationship plays out through campaign finance and other political transactions. Hilary's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get the data of your state, locality, and elected officials at opensecrets.org Piece together what is happening your state Hilary Braseth is the executive director of OpenSecrets, the nation's premier research and government transparency group tracking money in politics and its effect on elections and policy. VOTE FOR FUTURE HINDSIGHT! https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting?utm_campaign=signal4_finalists_finalistnotification_092325&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio#/2025/individual-episodes/genre/news-politics Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow OpenSecrets on X: https://x.com/OpenSecretsDC Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Hilary Braseth Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss how the struggle for transparency is really a struggle for the soul of American democracy. Miranda's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Look up the agendas of your local school board and city council, and attend the public meetings Learn how your local and state governments make decisions Miranda S. Spivack is a veteran reporter and editor who specialized in government accountability, as well as the author of Backroom Deals in Our Backyard: How Government Secrecy Harms Our Communities and the Local Heroes Fighting Back. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Miranda on X: https://x.com/mirandareporter Read Backroom Deals in our Backyards: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Miranda Spivack Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the basics of organizing and the fruits of that work. Michael reminds us that "organizers organize organizations." Michael's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Gather 4-5 friends to talk about what's happening 2) Share ideas on what you can do to resist Michael Ansara is a seasoned community organizer and the author of The Hard Work of Hope: A Memoir. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Michael on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelansara.bsky.social Read The Hard Work of Hope: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Michael Ansara Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the enduring power of protesting and the significance of the Ferguson uprising in the long arc of the Black liberation movement. Jonathan's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Speak with a young person in your life about what they're wrestling with 2) Emphasize community engagement Jonathan Pulphus is an organizer from St. Louis, Missouri, Co-founder of the community organization Tribe X, and the author of With My People: Life, Justice, and Activism Beyond the University. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Jonathan on X: https://x.com/pulphusj Read With My People: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Jonathan Pulphus Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the importance of shifting our mindset to one that is infused with hope. Positive change comes when we choose hope. Though nobody can fix it all, we can all do something and make an impact. Sharon reminds us that if something is worth doing for everyone, it's worth doing for one person. Sharon's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Choose hope. 2) Get involved in an issue that is important to you because your actions do matter. Sharon McMahon is the creator of "Sharon Says So" and host of the "Here's Where it Gets Interesting" podcast. She's also the author of The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Sharon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso/ Read The Small and the Mighty: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the role of collective memory in the myth-making of American exceptionalism. Hajar's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Advocate 2) Relate 3) Create Hajar Yazdiha is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences and the author of The Struggle for the People's King: How Politics Transforms the Memory of the Civil Rights Movement. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Hajar on X: https://x.com/HajYazdiha Read The Struggle for the People's King: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Hajar Yazdiha Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis