Historian and scholar, Dr. Keisha Blain joins The Electorette to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights. This vital chronicle reframes the history of Black women’s activism—not only as a fight for civil rights in the U.S., but as a global human rights struggle that continues to shape our world today. From Ida B. Wells’s anti-lynching crusade that called out America on the world stage, to Madam C.J. Walker’s international diplomacy, to Black women radicals who linked civil rights to anti-apartheid and Palestinian liberation, Dr. Blain uncovers how Black women’s vision of justice has always been expansive, international, and transformative. We also explore what their legacy teaches us about today’s political moment, and why documenting these stories is essential as forces attempt to erase them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the past three months, more than 300,000 Black women have left the labor force. Economist and author Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman calls this the double tax—the compounded burden of being both a woman and a person of color in an economy designed to take more and give less. From higher prices for haircare and beauty products, to childcare that consumes a larger share of income, to systemic barriers in jobs, salaries, housing, and wealth—these hidden costs fall on women of color across the board. But for Black women, they are especially stark, leaving them with fewer opportunities, lower pay, higher living costs, and far less generational wealth than their white counterparts. Her groundbreaking book, The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid, shows how these inequities aren’t incidental—they’re structural. And unless they’re confronted, everyone pays the price. (00:01) The Double Tax on Black Women Black women's "double tax" in labor force discussed with author Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, emphasizing solutions and self-advocacy. (07:06) Cost of Hair Emotional and Financial Perceived progress in racial equality, false sense of progress, hair burdens for Black women, generational trauma and societal expectations. (13:58) Navigating Beauty Standards as Black Women Growing up in predominantly Black and white educational environments, facing anti-Blackness and challenges in PWIs, finding representation and redefining beauty standards. (22:01) The Double Tax on Beauty Standards Representation and accessibility in the beauty industry for Black and Asian American women, highlighting the "double tax" and need for inclusive representation. (34:03) The Double Tax in the Workplace Legislation is needed to combat hair discrimination in the workplace, along with addressing white beauty standards and the "double tax" faced by Black professionals. (41:41) Power Dynamics and Motherhood Impact Proximity to power is unequal among races and genders, with white men dominating top professions and Black women facing the most barriers. (47:11) The Burden of Motherhood Motherhood's financial burden, childcare costs, Black women as breadwinners, and the impact of technology on education and employment. (01:01:19) The Cost of Womanhood Empowering women at all stages, advocating for oneself, and the cost of womanhood are discussed in a heartfelt chapter. #DoubleTax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a time when U.S. politics feels gridlocked and bleak, ballot initiatives are offering a surprising source of hope. In some of the reddest states—places that handed Trump overwhelming victories—voters are quietly embracing progressive policies like paid sick leave, higher minimum wages, and Medicaid expansion. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, about why ballot measures succeed where candidates fail. Together, they explore how citizen-led initiatives cut through partisan noise, mobilize communities, and create lasting change—even in places dominated by gerrymandering and voter suppression. From Nebraska to Missouri, Chris explains how grassroots coalitions and early funding strategies build momentum and protect hard-won victories. The conversation also looks ahead to upcoming ballot fights over reproductive freedom, LGBTQ rights, and voting access—and why this tool may be one of the most powerful defenses against authoritarianism at home and abroad. If you’ve ever wondered how ordinary citizens can reclaim democracy, this episode will inspire you with real stories of progress where you might least expect it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Decades of failed immigration reform and political half-measures have left millions of immigrants in the U.S. without a path to legal status. Instead, families are being torn apart by harsh deportation policies, asylum seekers are forced into the shadows, and U.S. citizen children live in daily fear of losing their parents. In this episode, I speak with Jessica Orozco Guttlein, Senior Vice President for Policy and Communications at the Hispanic Federation, about how we got here—and what it will take to repair the damage. We examine the legacy of the 1986 immigration reform, the repeated failure to pass the DREAM Act, and how policies like the Laken Riley Act deepen racial profiling and destabilize communities. Jessica also sheds light on the resilience of mixed-status families, the role of industries that quietly depend on immigrant labor, and why restoring due process must be central to any meaningful reform. Together, we consider how piecemeal solutions—like securing citizenship pathways for Dreamers—can begin to rebuild trust, reunite families, and prevent history from repeating itself. (00:00) Broken Immigration System and Political Stalemate Inadequate immigration policies and deportation destabilize families and communities, highlighting the need for comprehensive reform and recognition of immigrant contributions. (13:29) Challenges in US Asylum Policy The U.S. asylum system faces challenges due to policy changes, lack of resources, and removal of protections for immigrants. (24:31) Impact of Immigration Policies on Communities Immigrants in the US face fear and uncertainty due to increased enforcement policies, affecting sectors like hospitality and healthcare. (32:01) Restoring Due Process in Immigration The Laken Riley Act grants local police immigration authority, impacting mixed-status families and emphasizing the need for legislative action and due process restoration. (36:08) Immigration Backlog and Justice System The recent tax and spending bill highlights concerns about immigration enforcement priorities and the need for fair reforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs joins The Electorette to discuss her powerful new book, Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us—a sweeping, incisive examination of how American patriarchy was built to exclude, erase, and control. In this conversation, Anna unpacks the nation’s gendered social order, from its origins in the Constitution to its modern-day consequences in law, politics, motherhood, and racial injustice. Drawing on personal experience, global perspective, and deep historical research, Anna explains how stories like that of Sacagawea—an Indigenous girl forced to guide the Lewis and Clark expedition—have been co-opted to prop up a false narrative of inclusion. She also traces how the legacy of patriarchal power lives on in institutions like the Supreme Court, and how it has shaped political identities and movements across generations. Anna Malaika Tubbs is a Cambridge Ph.D. candidate in Sociology and a Bill and Melinda Gates Cambridge Scholar. Erased is the follow-up to her debut The Three Mothers, and was an instant New York Times bestseller, a USA Today national bestseller, and named an Amazon Best Book of the Year (So Far) for 2025. This conversation explores what it means to be seen, to be heard, and to reclaim stories that were never told truthfully to begin with. Episode Chapters (00:00) American Patriarchy With Anna Malaika Tubbs American patriarchy, its impact on society, and reimagining narratives through personal and historical lenses. (12:31) Deconstructing American Patriarchy Through History Sacagawea's story is used to serve agendas, revealing erasure of matriarchal and non-binary identities and shared struggles of marginalized groups. (22:13) American Patriarchy and Women's Resistance Black women challenge American patriarchy, influenced by Supreme Court decisions, advocating for inclusive reproductive justice. (37:09) Black Feminist Motherhood and Reproductive Justice Black feminism, motherhood, and American patriarchy are discussed, with emphasis on accessible reproductive choices and dismantling societal norms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Electorette, I’m joined by Ofirah Yheskel, Director of External Affairs for the Democratic Governors Association, to unpack the growing national influence of Democratic governors—especially in the face of Republican extremism and Trump-aligned policymaking. We discuss two high-stakes gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, where Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill are stepping up to defend reproductive rights, protect access to healthcare, and push back against anti-democratic efforts like gerrymandering and Medicaid cuts. Their races aren't just local—they're national bellwethers for what’s ahead in the 2026 midterms. From canceled medical debt in Michigan to creative policy leadership in states like Arizona and Illinois, this conversation spotlights how Democratic governors are becoming the last line of defense—and the first line of progress. Whether you live in a battleground state or not, now is the time to pay attention. (00:00) The Role of Democratic Governors Democratic governors protect civil rights, reproductive rights, and healthcare against federal challenges, emphasizing the importance of electing Democratic governors in upcoming races. (08:11) Governor's Races Virginia and New Jersey's pivotal elections feature bipartisan candidates Spanberger and Sherrill, challenging extreme Republican policies on healthcare and reproductive rights. (16:28) Preparing for Critical Governor's Races Democratic governors shape national politics, DGA involvement, battleground states, open seats, supporting candidates, and staying informed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does a truly progressive foreign policy look like—and what happens when we abandon it? Foreign policy often feels like a conversation for elites. But in this episode, Sara Haghdoosti, Executive Director of Win Without War, argues otherwise. She joins Jen Taylor-Skinner to unpack how the collapse of diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran—and Israel’s recent strikes—have pushed the world dangerously close to a wider war. Together, they explore the long-term consequences of abandoning the Iran nuclear deal, the myth that Americans don’t care about foreign policy, and how militarism abroad fuels violence and repression at home. Most importantly, Sara explains why people-led movements—not politicians—are our best hope for peace. They also discuss the critical role of women at the negotiating table, the urgent need to demystify foreign policy, and how today’s most pressing threats—like climate change and displacement—can only be solved through diplomacy. (00:01) US Foreign Policy in the Middle East Israel-Iran tensions, human impact, historical context of Iran nuclear deal, role of sanctions, and importance of people-led movements for peace. (11:19) Progressive Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Solutions Foreign policy, racism, and domestic impact are explored, emphasizing the need for progressive diplomacy and civil society's power in shaping political discourse. (20:00) Reimagining US Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Feminist activism, female leadership, grassroots organizing, and broadening perspectives in U.S. foreign policy. (33:13) Challenging Islamophobia and Building Progress Society's progress in combating Islamophobia, resistance to divisive rhetoric, and interconnectedness for a safer world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Kelly Hall, Executive Director of The Fairness Project, to discuss how ballot measures are transforming the political landscape. As congressional dysfunction deepens and the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" threatens vital programs like Medicaid, direct democracy offers a bold and effective workaround. Kelly breaks down the Fairness Project’s 2024 wins—where voters in red states overturned abortion bans, raised the minimum wage, and expanded healthcare access. These aren’t just policy victories; they’re blueprints for bypassing broken institutions and reclaiming power from unresponsive lawmakers. Ballot initiatives not only protect rights under attack—they can reshape public consensus and influence national debates. From lawsuits to signature drives, and from grassroots momentum to constitutional amendments, this conversation is both a reality check and a call to action. Whether you live in a red state, blue state, or somewhere in between, ballot initiatives may be the most underused—and urgently needed—tool we have to defend democracy. Episode Chapters (00:00) Empowering Voters Through Ballot Initiatives Ballot initiatives empower citizens to enact change on critical issues in conservative states, influencing the national narrative. (12:25) The Power of Direct Democracy Citizen-initiated ballot measures serve as a tool for marginalized groups in red states, while corporations use them in blue states. (24:14) Expanding Impact of Ballot Initiatives Citizen-initiated ballot measures challenge conservative agendas and shape national discourse on reproductive rights, healthcare, and minimum wage. (37:36) Mobilizing for Direct Democracy Ballot measures are a democratic tool for change, but face challenges such as signature collection and threats from lawmakers. (45:07) Getting Involved With Fairness Project Nature's timeline and stages of ballot measures, engaging with the Fairness Project, personal reflections, and a call to action. #BallotMeasures #FairnessProject #ReproductiveRights #DirectDemocracy #Medicaid #MinimumWage #TheElectorette #AbortionRights #PoliticalPodcast #CivicPower #FightBack #BigBeautifulBill #KellyHall #RedStateResistance #DemocracyInAction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Kelly Hall, Executive Director of The Fairness Project, to discuss how ballot measures are transforming the political landscape. As congressional dysfunction deepens and the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" threatens vital programs like Medicaid, direct democracy offers a bold and effective workaround. Kelly breaks down the Fairness Project’s 2024 wins—where voters in red states overturned abortion bans, raised the minimum wage, and expanded healthcare access. These aren’t just policy victories; they’re blueprints for bypassing broken institutions and reclaiming power from unresponsive lawmakers. Ballot initiatives not only protect rights under attack—they can reshape public consensus and influence national debates. From lawsuits to signature drives, and from grassroots momentum to constitutional amendments, this conversation is both a reality check and a call to action. Whether you live in a red state, blue state, or somewhere in between, ballot initiatives may be the most underused—and urgently needed—tool we have to defend democracy. Episode Chapters (00:00) Empowering Voters Through Ballot Initiatives Ballot initiatives empower citizens to enact change on critical issues in conservative states, influencing the national narrative. (12:25) The Power of Direct Democracy Citizen-initiated ballot measures serve as a tool for marginalized groups in red states, while corporations use them in blue states. (24:14) Expanding Impact of Ballot Initiatives Citizen-initiated ballot measures challenge conservative agendas and shape national discourse on reproductive rights, healthcare, and minimum wage. (37:36) Mobilizing for Direct Democracy Ballot measures are a democratic tool for change, but face challenges such as signature collection and threats from lawmakers. (45:07) Getting Involved With Fairness Project Nature's timeline and stages of ballot measures, engaging with the Fairness Project, personal reflections, and a call to action. #BallotMeasures #FairnessProject #ReproductiveRights #DirectDemocracy #Medicaid #MinimumWage #TheElectorette #AbortionRights #PoliticalPodcast #CivicPower #FightBack #BigBeautifulBill #KellyHall #RedStateResistance #DemocracyInAction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Jessica Fulton, interim president and VP of Policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, about the 2025 budget bill—rebranded by conservatives as the "Big Beautiful Bill"—and the devastating consequences it could have for Black households. Rooted in the Joint Center’s policy brief, Centering Black Households in the 2025 Tax Debate, the conversation exposes how proposals like extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would continue to funnel wealth to high-income, disproportionately white households—while offering temporary, shallow benefits to working-class families. Jessica explains how policies that sound equitable on the surface—like tax deductions for tipped workers, child tax credits, and overtime exemptions—actually reinforce economic exclusion. Together, they explore how tax policy has long been used as a tool of racialized wealth-building and why understanding these “wonky” details is essential to building a more equitable economy. They also touch on the dangers of cutting Pell Grants, dismantling agencies that support Black-owned businesses, and using budget reconciliation to pass policies that will have generational consequences. This episode is a powerful call for greater transparency, stronger advocacy, and inclusive policymaking that truly supports all families—not just the wealthiest. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Tax Code, Wealth, and Racial Inequality The Federal Tax Code perpetuates racial inequality, with implications for Black households, through policies like the 2025 Budget Bill. (12:23) Tax Policy and Racial Disparities Changes to child tax credit privilege higher-income households, exclude poorest families, and perpetuate systemic inequities. (23:56) Tax Policy and Worker Income Nature's financial burdens on low-income workers, tax treatment of tips and overtime pay, and erosion of worker protections. (27:28) Tax Policies and Working Class Disadvantages Tax policies can privilege certain workers, have political motivations, and create disparities between demographic groups. (39:47) Tax Code and Racial Disparities Examining how race affects taxation and economic disparities, and the importance of understanding and challenging these systems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs joins The Electorette to discuss her powerful new book, Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us—a sweeping, incisive examination of how American patriarchy was built to exclude, erase, and control. In this conversation, Anna unpacks the nation’s gendered social order, from its origins in the Constitution to its modern-day consequences in law, politics, motherhood, and racial injustice. Drawing on personal experience, global perspective, and deep historical research, Anna explains how stories like that of Sacagawea—an Indigenous girl forced to guide the Lewis and Clark expedition—have been co-opted to prop up a false narrative of inclusion. She also traces how the legacy of patriarchal power lives on in institutions like the Supreme Court, and how it has shaped political identities and movements across generations. Anna Malaika Tubbs is a Cambridge Ph.D. candidate in Sociology and a Bill and Melinda Gates Cambridge Scholar. Erased is the follow-up to her debut The Three Mothers, and was an instant New York Times bestseller, a USA Today national bestseller, and named an Amazon Best Book of the Year (So Far) for 2025. This conversation explores what it means to be seen, to be heard, and to reclaim stories that were never told truthfully to begin with. Episode Chapters (00:00) American Patriarchy With Anna Malaika Tubbs American patriarchy, its impact on society, and reimagining narratives through personal and historical lenses. (12:31) Deconstructing American Patriarchy Through History Sacagawea's story is used to serve agendas, revealing erasure of matriarchal and non-binary identities and shared struggles of marginalized groups. (22:13) American Patriarchy and Women's Resistance Black women challenge American patriarchy, influenced by Supreme Court decisions, advocating for inclusive reproductive justice. (37:09) Black Feminist Motherhood and Reproductive Justice Black feminism, motherhood, and American patriarchy are discussed, with emphasis on accessible reproductive choices and dismantling societal norms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Electorette, Amanda Edwards, candidate for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, joins host Jennifer Taylor-Skinner for a powerful conversation about legacy, leadership, and what it means to truly serve. A native of Houston’s 18th District, Edwards shares her deep personal ties to the community and reflects on the seat’s profound history—once held by trailblazers like Barbara Jordan and Sheila Jackson Lee. Edwards discusses the impact of Governor Greg Abbott’s delay in calling a special election, which has left nearly 800,000 residents without representation during a time of crisis. From federal budget cuts to hurricane preparedness, she outlines why this moment demands urgent, community-centered leadership. The conversation also delves into the disconnect between elected officials and constituents, with Edwards highlighting her commitment to restoring trust and accountability. She shares personal stories—like her father’s battle with cancer and her post-Harvey recovery work—and lays out her vision for building policies that support education, economic opportunity, and reproductive justice. Edwards makes a compelling case for re-engaging disillusioned voters and ensuring that representation is not just symbolic, but truly transformative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with bestselling author Lynne Olson about her powerful new book, The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück. The conversation unearths the little-known history of French women—many from the resistance—who were captured and sent to Ravensbrück, the Nazis’ only all-female concentration camp. Though they faced starvation, disease, forced labor, and the constant threat of execution, these women refused to surrender their dignity—or their purpose. They built a covert network inside the camp, shared banned news, sabotaged Nazi efforts, and supported one another through quiet but unwavering acts of resistance. Olson’s research and storytelling illuminate the strength of ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances—and how their defiance, though often silent, continues to echo today. This episode is a tribute to their memory, their courage, and a timely reminder that resistance takes many forms—and every act counts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis joins The Electorette to talk about how we push forward in a moment of backlash. From corporate rollbacks on DEI to the rise of hate-fueled content online, we explore the forces working to dismantle progress—and how collective power, storytelling, and unapologetic joy can be our sharpest tools for resistance. Sarah Kate shares her “slingshot theory” of progress, and offers a rallying cry to prepare for the next election—and the long game ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In light of this week's Supreme Court hearing that could redefine birthright citizenship in the United States, we’re revisiting one of our most insightful episodes from 2019. Historian and legal scholar Martha S. Jones joins The Electorette to discuss her groundbreaking book, Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America. In this conversation, Professor Jones traces the legal and political battles waged by free Black Americans in the decades before the Civil War—activists who challenged the idea that citizenship was the exclusive domain of white Americans. Their efforts laid the groundwork for the 14th Amendment and reshaped the meaning of belonging in a multiracial democracy. This episode explores the deep historical roots of birthright citizenship, its radical origins in Black freedom struggles, and the enduring threats it faces today. Whether you’re new to the topic or returning to it with fresh urgency, this conversation offers critical context for understanding the legal, moral, and democratic stakes. (00:00) The History of Birthright Citizenship Professor Jones and I revisit the critical history of birthright citizenship in America, exploring the struggles of formerly enslaved Black Americans. (06:57) Interpreting the Constitution for Citizenship Free African Americans used military service and economic contributions to advocate for citizenship and equality, utilizing their legal literacy and the omission of race in early constitutional texts. (16:43) Debating Citizenship and Colonization William Yates, a white abolitionist, authored "The Rights of Colored Men" to align abolitionism with the founding ideals of the US. (28:44) Threats to Citizenship and Forced Removal Former slaves pursued citizenship in the US to avoid colonization, but faced fears and pressures, leading to self-deportation and parallels with modern immigration policies. (43:41) Global Implications of Citizenship Debate Political and humanitarian debates have global implications and contribute to ongoing crises, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Sophia Lin Lakin, Director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, to discuss the organization’s leading legal challenge against a dangerous new executive order from Donald Trump. While the SAVE Act has stalled in the Senate, this executive order picks up where it left off—imposing a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration and threatening to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. Lakin breaks down the overlapping threats, including mass voter roll purges and the decertification of voting machines that could throw election systems into chaos. This conversation is a critical look at how the ACLU is working to defend voting rights and prevent the erosion of our democratic institutions. Episode Chapters (00:00) Disenfranchisement Through Voting Restrictions Discussion of ACLU lawsuit against Trump's executive order on voter registration, potential disenfranchisement, and impact on voting machines. (12:36) Challenging Voter Registration Provisions A court has issued an injunction against an executive order changing voter registration, impacting organizations and upcoming elections. (25:49) Protecting Voter Rights and Elections Establishing safeguards and rules to protect voters and democracy in the face of polarization and erosion of norms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when states gain the power to decide which healthcare providers Medicaid recipients can access? In this episode, host Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Elizabeth Taylor, Executive Director of the National Health Law Program, to break down the high-stakes Supreme Court case Medina v. South Atlantic. At its core, the case challenges whether individuals have the right to choose their own healthcare provider under Medicaid—a right that could be stripped away, with profound implications for reproductive health, gender-affirming care, and essential services for low-income, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Together, they explore how this case—and others like Health and Hospital Corp. v. Talevski—could reshape the legal tools individuals have to protect their healthcare rights, especially as conservative state leaders target clinics like Planned Parenthood. Elizabeth Taylor offers critical insight into the legal landscape, the political motivations behind these efforts, and why protecting Medicaid access is more urgent than ever. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about reproductive justice, healthcare equity, and the future of Medicaid. Episode Chapters (00:00) Medicaid Recipients' Right to Choose Providers Medicaid recipients' right to choose health care providers, implications for access to care, and private enforcement of Medicaid rights. (10:56) Enforcing Medicaid Rights and Protections Supreme Court case impacts Medicaid rights enforcement, Section 1983 crucial for individual enforcement, potential threats to access to healthcare. (21:03) The Future of Medicaid and Healthcare Medicaid's critical role in providing sexual and reproductive health services, potential consequences of cutting funding, and the importance of treating healthcare as a public good. (27:53) Potential Impact of State Prevailing State's victory in legal case could lead to loss of healthcare rights for low-income individuals. Stay informed on timeline and thank Elizabeth Taylor for coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tariffs, Tax Cuts & the Corporate Scam Economy In this episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner sits down with Lindsay Owens, Executive Director of Groundwork Collaborative, to dissect the chaos of Trump’s economic policies—and the hidden logic behind them. From erratic tariff announcements to the looming extension of the 2017 tax cuts for the wealthy, Lindsay reveals how economic “whiplash” is not just confusing—it’s calculated. We explore how these policies are fueling inequality, harming working families, and creating fertile ground for corporate profiteering. Lindsay also explains how recession fears—some legitimate, others manufactured—are being used as cover for price gouging, layoffs, and cuts to essential services like Medicaid and food assistance. This episode also revisits the devastating legacy of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, its role in pandemic-era profiteering, and why the American public never saw the promised benefits. With recession risks rising and the corporate safety net growing stronger while ours is being shredded, this is a must-listen for anyone trying to make sense of the headlines—and the high prices. (00:00) Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty Trump's tariffs create economic uncertainty, disproportionately affecting working and middle-class Americans while benefiting the wealthy and potentially causing a recession. (08:52) Effects of Economic Policies on Americans Trump's economic policies create uncertainty, risking recession and exploitation, with potential foreign policy motivations behind the trade war with China. (21:44) The Impact of Economic Policies Nature's impact on inflation in America and other countries, Biden's successful management, corporate price gouging, concerns about budget resolution's consequences. (30:49) Republican Tax Cuts Under Trump Presidency Republican trifecta focuses on tax breaks for the wealthy, with potential economic impacts and political motivations discussed by Lindsay Owens. #Tariffs #Shrinkflation #TaxCuts #TrumpEconomy #RecessionWatch #LindsayOwens #EconomicJustice #Electorette #GroundworkCollaborative #PriceGouging #BidenEconomy #ConsumerConfidence #PoliticalPodcast #FeministMedia #Medicaid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when disinformation meets cutting-edge AI—and Black communities are caught in the crosshairs? In this powerful episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Esosa Osa, Founder and CEO of Onyx Impact, about the alarming rise in AI-generated political disinformation targeting Black voters. Together, they unpack how misinformation campaigns are designed to exploit emotions like anger and disappointment—sowing distrust and disengagement, especially during election cycles. Esosa introduces the Digital Green Book, a modern tool inspired by its historic namesake, built to help Black communities navigate digital spaces safely and find truth in an era of algorithmic manipulation. Backed by Black news and cultural sources, this AI-powered guide offers fact-checking, media literacy tools, and data privacy resources designed specifically for Black users. We explore the staggering reality that 42% of online content is generated by malicious bots, why tech billionaires profit from unsafe platforms, and how we can protect our kids, our communities, and our votes in this digital information war. ? Learn more and explore the Digital Green Book: digitalgreenbook.org Episode Chapters (00:00) Disinformation's Impact on Black Communities Disinformation, fueled by AI, targets Black voters and influences broader culture; Digital Green Book helps navigate online harms. (06:16) Combatting Disinformation With Digital Green Book Digital Green Book combats misinformation with AI, emphasizing education and skepticism in online information for Black communities. (15:17) Navigating Disinformation in the Digital Age Digital privacy, disinformation, AI, and state-level privacy acts are discussed in the context of voter suppression and Black communities. (22:38) Navigating Misinformation With Empathy Empathy and understanding are needed to address misinformation and conspiracy beliefs within families, perpetuated by social media's profit-driven engagement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the clean energy revolution isn’t coming—it’s already here, quietly reshaping global power, American manufacturing, and the way we heat our homes? In this episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner sits down with energy policy expert Kate Gordon to unpack the largest climate investment in U.S. history—and why most Americans barely noticed it. Together, they explore the ambitious trio of laws passed under the Biden administration—the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act—which together form a bold, strategic roadmap for decarbonization, domestic manufacturing, and energy independence. Kate walks us through the rarely-discussed connections between AI, electrification, and rising energy demand, the geopolitical aftershocks of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and why our energy future hinges on the power grid, community investment, and supply chain resilience. We also confront the dangers ahead: environmental protections being rolled back, mass layoffs at the Department of Energy, and a growing political movement determined to unravel decades of climate progress. This is a conversation about what’s working, what’s under threat, and why the clean energy transition isn’t just about science—it’s about power, politics, and the future of democracy itself. Kate Gordon is an energy policy expert, and the CEO of California Forward, a statewide organization dedicated to a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economy across every region of the state. Episode Chapters/Timestamps (00:00) Investments in Climate Change Mitigation The Biden administration's IRA includes transformative bills for clean energy, grid resilience, EV infrastructure, and semiconductor technology. (07:17) Energy Dominance Fracking's impact on U.S. energy dominance, European demand for American gas, and balancing fossil fuels and renewables for future energy needs. (12:47) Climate Investment Rollbacks and Tax Cuts Rollback of environmental protections, tension in clean energy projects, contradictions in domestic manufacturing policies, and lack of coherence in climate action. (24:20) Strategic Manufacturing and Resource Economics Domestic manufacturing's complexities, strategic necessity of producing goods, geopolitical implications of resource economics, and challenges faced by Department of Energy. (29:24) Impact of Federal Job Cuts Recent staffing changes at DOE have led to loss of skilled professionals and highlight inefficiencies in federal hiring processes. (33:47) Energy Security and Strategic Relationships The Department of Energy's role in managing nuclear infrastructure, risks of operational missteps, cybersecurity for the power grid, energy independence, and challenges in communicating these concerns to the public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices