Season 2, Ep. 10: Changing the Culture with Nsé Ufot
What do outsiders get wrong about Georgia? How does the evangelical left influence the state? Where is Big Boi really from? Atlantan Nsé Ufot, who heads the New Georgia Project, is here to answer these questions and many more, as people around the country focus on the Senate runoff election. She also explains the importance of building political infrastructure that goes beyond a single election cycle, and why it’s not enough to get out the vote—equality means changing the entire culture of electoral politics. Plus: Using data analysis to combat today’s increasingly sophisticated voter suppression tactics.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 2, Ep. 9: Expanding What’s Possible with Rep. Nikema Williams
Just as she prepares to take the oath of office as U.S. Congresswoman for Georgia’s 5th district, Rep. Nikema Williams reflects on her journey from rural Alabama to Washington DC, and the responsibility that comes with holding the late Rep. John Lewis’s seat. As Nikema explains, it’s not just about continuing his civil rights legacy—it’s about moving forward, building on the past, and creating a more expansive vision of what’s possible. She also shares her personal story of Covid-19, which she survived in the early days of the pandemic, and how that experience has fueled her calls for stronger government response and economic relief. Plus: How becoming a mom inspired her first run for office, and the many challenges of Zoom kindergarten.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 2, Ep. 8: Where We Go from Here with Ai-jen and Alicia
For our season finale, Alicia and Ai-jen take stock of this moment in the eye of the storm: We’re one week from the biggest election of our lives, and there’s a lot of work left to do. Alicia has a bold prediction about voter turnout, and Ai-jen explains why some voter groups get overlooked by polls and pundits. Then, the ladies get real about avoiding burnout, the importance of finding balance, and reconnecting with your purpose. They also share their expert perspectives on how we can keep our momentum going post-election by getting involved at the local level. We leave you with a major dose of inspiration: wisdom from inspiring folks like James Baldwin, Dorothy Day, and Alicia’s mom. Remember—November 3rd isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 2, Ep. 7: It’s a Very Auspicious Time with Cecile Richards
There’s so much change that needs to happen—and so little time in between all the other things we do. Our friend and activist hero Cecile Richards is here with an essential reminder: If you feel overwhelmed, “It’s not you. It’s the system.” She shares her own experiences under pressure (including being mansplained to by members of Congress) and how she faces work that seems impossible. She also gives an update on Supermajority, the women’s action group she co-founded with Alicia and Ai-jen, and its efforts to build community and get out the vote. Plus: The importance of setting policy agendas post-election, and how women’s organizations can become more inclusive of diverse gender identities.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 2, Ep. 6: Breaking Through Bubbles with Marisa Franco
Marisa Franco helps Latinx/Chicanx people build political power through Mijente, the national action hub she founded in 2015. Drawing on her work in many diverse communities, she’s here to demystify organizing with simple steps anyone can take. (Hint: Start by pretending you’re throwing a party.) She also explains why everyone should be concerned about tech companies’ increasingly terrifying role in public life—and why regulation is needed to hold them accountable. Plus: The latest election intel from Arizona, finding inspiration in the desert, and joining the “secret club” of parents who’ve unlocked a new level of fearlessness.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 2, Ep. 5: Fighting for Justice with Bryan Stevenson
Is justice really possible? How can we reckon with truth when people disagree about what’s true? We can’t think of a better person to answer these big questions than attorney, author, and Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson. He shares more of his background—as depicted in the recent film adaptation of his book, Just Mercy—and describes how he’s reframing the fight for civil rights as an ongoing story, not a closed chapter. Part of this work is The Legacy Museum and National Memorial in Montgomery, reflecting America’s history of slavery, lynching, and segregation. As Bryan says, we need more places that tell the truth, because that’s the only way to overcome the narratives that have defined inequality. Plus: How he’s staying energized during the pandemic, why you WILL be voting this November, and how his great-grandfather passed down a love of learning.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 2, Ep. 4: Represent Responsibly with Raquel Willis
Raquel Willis has found her lane as an advocate for Black trans people's lives. And it's not just about visibility or getting a seat at the table—it's about changing systems that do harm, regardless of who's in the White House. As Raquel explains, there's a whole menu of options beyond the electoral system, from direct action to workplace organizing, and it's time to get creative! Speaking of which, she updates us on her forthcoming book, a collection of personal essays about her experiences in activism. Plus: Breaking down misconceptions about the South, and the one thing Raquel wishes she could bring from Georgia to New York City.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 2, Ep. 3: Check In + Lane Check With Ai-jen And Alicia
As you’ve probably noticed, this is a time of overwhelming crisis. With so many urgent issues, where do we begin? How can one person hope to make an impact? Ai-jen and Alicia are here to get you started! They explain the importance of finding your lane, discovering the activist and organizer inside all of us, and shaking up the system. Plus: what it means to plant seeds of change over decades.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 2, Ep. 2: On Stage With Jenny Yang
Jenny Yang’s lane is making people laugh. A writer and comedian, Jenny explains why she left labor organizing to become a performer—and how she’s still doing the work by telling stories, organizing through shows, and turning despair into creativity. Ai-jen and Alicia also discuss the importance of changing narratives, from what we tell ourselves to what we tell each other. Plus: Jenny’s latest viral video, the power of Gen Z, and why it’s OK to get uncomfortable.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 2, Ep. 1: Leaving It All On The Field with Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe decided to expand her lane beyond the soccer field that made her famous — and a world champion. Now, inspired by activists like Colin Kaepernick and the Ferguson protesters, she’s using her platform to champion causes like equal pay for women, racial justice, and civic engagement. Megan opens up about difficult conversations with relatives whose political beliefs discount her own humanity, and explains how anyone—yes, anyone!—can participate in activism. Plus: Why it’s so important to celebrate the journey as we fight for big wins.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 12 : BONUS: How We Care About Care
Over 100 million Americans are in a caregiving crisis, trying to juggle the emotional, financial, and logistical demands of caring for loved ones across generations. Alicia and Ai-jen know exactly what that’s like—they’ve both found themselves caring for elders who used to care for them, in a system that’s confusing and wildly expensive. Where did this crisis come from, and what’s the solution? How can we shine a light on the invisible caregiving millions of women do? And how can we build a sustainable “care and repair” economy that prioritizes this important work for everyone? So many questions! We don’t have all the answers, but we can tell you what you can do right now to get involved and help build momentum for serious policy change.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 11: Hope, Resilience and Tequila with Alicia and Ai-jen
For our season finale, Alicia and Ai-jen are answering your questions: How can we stay human in the midst of a global pandemic? What’s the secret to building a sustainable grassroots movement? And what should you be doing right now (from home, of course) to push for a progressive policy response to the coronavirus crisis? Plus, the ladies share their isolation faves (fancy tequila and reality TV are involved), and reflect on the most important lessons they’ve learned in their decades of activism.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 10: Governing in a Crisis with Rep. Ayanna Pressley
A new episode recorded on a phone call this week! Social distancing in full effect! Ai-jen, Alicia, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley connected from their homes to discuss hope in a time of crisis, movement building, mutual support, and comfort food. Rep. Pressley also explains how a casual photo op brought the Congressional Squad together, sparking friendship and a sense of progressive power that goes way beyond these four women. (She wouldn’t show us the Squad group chat, though.) Plus: The importance of birthday cake when it’s not your birthday, and Rep. Pressley’s top five tips for living well in “the time of the rona.”
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 9: Are We OK with Kamau Bell
It’s our first dude on the show! Comedian, author, and United Shades of America host W. Kamau Bell explains how feeling like an outsider shaped his worldview, and gives props to his mom, who smashed barriers of all kinds while raising him alone. Plus: Why it’s OK to laugh at things you don’t agree with, learning the value of listening, and what we really mean when we say there are “two Americas.” Kamau and Alicia also bond over their shared passion for pimple-popping videos. Ai-jen is mildly horrified.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 8: Being 100% Yourself with Dawn-Lyen Gardner
According to “Queen Sugar” star Dawn-Lyen Gardner, she’d be Alicia and Ai-jen’s baby, if Alicia and Ai-jen had a baby. Dawn explains the complexity that drew her to playing Charley West—and how the role has helped her learn about herself. The ladies also discuss what it’s like to be “100% a lot of things” as members of many different communities, and get very, very real about Hollywood’s complicated relationship with activism. Recorded live at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 7: Making Friends with Aminatou Sow
“I don’t shine if you don’t shine”. Writer, podcast host, and all-around badass Aminatou Sow tells Alicia and Ai-jen why she believes that everything worth doing takes time—and why it’s so important to fight for ourselves and for those who come after us. The ladies also smash misconceptions about self-care (spoiler alert: it’s not just mani-pedis, it’s political) and discuss Shine Theory, a concept Aminatou developed with her BFF and “Call Your Girlfriend” co-host Ann Friedman. How are women building a new political culture based on the premise that “I don’t shine if you don’t shine”? How can we gain power by replacing competition with collaboration? And what does it take to truly invest in each other as friends?
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep: 6: Getting Into Good Trouble
All you have to do is show up. How can we stay present, focused, and engaged in these chaotic times? Alicia and Ai-jen share their personal chill-out tips, then discuss why protesting is a powerful action—and a great way to get inspired and connect with your community. The ladies reflect on their first protest experiences (and arrests!), and offer practical advice for protesting, including what to bring, what to wear, and the ideal speaker-to-song ratio. You’ll also hear voices from Jane Fonda’s Fire Drill Friday climate protests in Washington D.C., as women from across the country explain their motivations for putting their bodies where their values are.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 5: Listening to our inner voices with Sarah Jones
Twerking for the revolution! Make it clap so we can heal! In this ep, we cry laughing with Tony Award-winning writer/performer Sarah Jones as she embodies the voices of many different characters to help us all get to the root of what we're fighting for. She tells Alicia and Ai-jen how her family inspired the varied voices that brought her from downtown cafes to Broadway, and why making people laugh is such an essential part of her work.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 4: Advice from Women Changing the World
We all need help and we all need each other. For this inspiring episode, Alicia and Ai-jen gathered five of their best friends and fellow women changing the world for an evening of tequila, face masks, and serious wisdom. Listen in as Tarana Burke, Fatima Goss Graves, Mónica Ramírez, Teresa C Younger, and Sarita Gupta open up about their hopes for 2020, the need for quiet time, helping women see their own power, and connecting across generations.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 3: Get To Know Ai-jen & Alicia
How do you become a leading activist in America? In this deeply personal episode Ai-jen and Alicia open up about their families, their intros to social justice, and how their friendship and activism became intertwined. Ai-jen and Alicia are BFFs, badass activists, and your guides to finding light in the storm, but it was a journey to get there! There’s plenty of laughter as the ladies share previously untold stories about their childhoods (can you guess who threw food, and who was “the baby from heaven”?). Plus: Alicia’s child modeling career, Ai-jen’s “Miami Vice” obsession, and Shannen Doherty as fashion inspo.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 2: Heather McGhee On Making Empathy Go Viral
When Heather McGhee isn’t fighting for justice, writing, teaching, and raising her son, she’s daydreaming about biscuits (butter only, please). She tells Alicia and Ai-jen how she got involved with economic policy advocacy, what she learned about the intersection of racism and inequality after the 2008 financial crisis, and how becoming a parent made her work even more urgent. Plus: What really happened after Heather’s viral TV moment with Gary in North Carolina.
Learn More
Aprende Más
Season 1, Ep. 1: Chani Nicholas Reminds Us We Were Born For This
Astrologer Chani Nicholas joins Alicia and Ai-jen to discuss the intersection of social justice and the stars. They discuss her New York Times-bestselling book, “You Were Born For This,” and what the planets say about this year. She also clarifies the aspects of astrology that people often misunderstand (hint: the stars and planets can guide you, but they can’t do the work for you). Plus: Overcoming self-doubt, finding your true purpose, guilty fashion pleasures, and Chani’s passion for pie.
Learn More
Aprende Más
