Let Them Eat Toast

Jazz Hampton: A New Voice for Minneapolis

In this engaging conversation, Jazz Hampton, a mayoral candidate for Minneapolis, shares his journey from corporate law to public service, highlighting the creation of his app, TurnSignal, in response to the George Floyd tragedy. He discusses the concept of a lifestyle business, the dynamics of the Minneapolis city council, and the challenges of leadership in times of crisis. Jazz emphasizes the importance of community safety, housing issues, and the impact of remote work on city revenue, while reflecting on the lessons learned from significant events like the George Floyd incident and recent ICE raids. 

Interview w/ Deb from FairVote

In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of election reform with Deb Otis from FairVote. We explore the benefits and challenges of ranked choice voting and proportional representation, discussing how these systems can lead to better representation and more democratic elections. Deb shares insights from FairVote's research and highlights the importance of local activism in driving change. Tune in to learn how these voting reforms could reshape the political landscape and empower voters across the nation.

Chad McKenna: A New Voice for Minnesota

In this conversation, Chad McKenna discusses his candidacy for Congress in Minnesota's 8th district, sharing his extensive background in the labor movement and his commitment to representing the values of Northern Minnesota. He expresses disappointment with current Congressman Pete Stauber's actions, particularly regarding infrastructure and healthcare. McKenna advocates for student loan forgiveness and emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing in his campaign. He aims to connect with rural voters and address unique challenges faced by the district, including healthcare access and Medicaid concerns. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the need for transparency in government and a focus on community engagement.

Political Involvement Through Comedy w/CliffCashComedy

In this engaging conversation, comedian Cliff Cash shares his journey from various careers to becoming a stand-up comic and activist. He discusses the importance of persistence in activism, his political involvement, and the need for strong leadership in the current political climate. Cliff dives deep into his research on Donald Trump's connections, the impact of Trump's actions, and the struggles of the Democratic Party in messaging. He advocates for evolving protest strategies, a multi-part plan for activism, and the amplification of veteran voices. The conversation also touches on media accountability and the role of humor in politics. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various themes surrounding politics, wealth, cultural appropriation, and regional identity. They critique the behavior of billionaires in politics, discuss the absurdities of cultural appropriation, and reflect on their own Southern identities and family dynamics.

Behind the Curtain of Political Campaigns w/Myranda Kazos

In this engaging conversation, Miranda Kazos (@myrandapolisci) shares her unique journey from being a Republican political operative to embracing progressive values. She discusses her early political involvement, the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Republican campaigns, and the often staged nature of political events. Miranda highlights the financial mismanagement within Republican campaigns and the inappropriate behavior she encountered in political spaces. She also delves into the manipulation of women voters and the strategic legislative tactics employed by the right, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics for effective political engagement. 

Navigating Identity in Blue-Collar Spaces w/Peter Angelo

This week Off_Jawaggon & Taylor bring on comedian Peter Angelo, and he shares his journey from being a blue-collar worker to a successful comedian as well as navigating his identity as a gay man in a traditionally masculine environment. He discusses the cultural perceptions of Connecticut, the intersection of metal music and comedy, and the funny side of coming out to co-workers. Peter emphasizes the importance of authenticity in comedy and reflects on the dynamics of political views within the LGBTQ community. 

Chop Wood, Carry Water: The Activism Philosophy w/Jessica Craven

In this engaging conversation, Jessica Craven shares her journey into activism and content creation, emphasizing the importance of taking action in the face of political challenges. She discusses her newsletter, 'Chop Wood, Carry Water,' which encourages daily engagement in democracy. The conversation explores the philosophy behind her activism, the role of charisma in politics, and the challenges faced by the DNC in selecting effective leaders. Jessica's insights highlight the need for practical action and the complexities of political engagement in today's society.

The Future of Independent Voters: Lura Forcum

Off_JaWaggon and Taylor bring on an interesting guest this week who believes in the impact of the Independent voter. We generally don't consider independents to be a massive force for change but Lura makes the case. In this conversation, Laura Forcum discusses the role of independent voters in the political landscape, emphasizing the importance of engaging those who feel politically homeless. She shares insights from her research on political values, the impact of social media on polarization, and the emotional dynamics of outrage. The discussion also touches on the need for belonging in political ideologies and the future of independent voters in shaping democracy.

Interview w/fmr. Republican Candidate John Paul Moran Pt.2

Off_JaWaggon and Taylor bring on a former Republican congressional candidate and creator of the OppScore. In this engaging conversation, John Paul Moran discusses his background as a Republican and his experiences running for Congress in Massachusetts. He emphasizes the need for common sense in politics, the corruption he perceives in the political system, and introduces his concept of the Opportunity Score, a metric designed to measure politicians' alignment with the will of the people.

Interview w/fmr. Republican Candidate John Paul Moran Pt.1

Off_JaWaggon and Taylor bring on a former Republican congressional candidate and creator of the OppScore. In this engaging conversation, John Paul Moran discusses his background as a Republican and his experiences running for Congress in Massachusetts. He emphasizes the need for common sense in politics, the corruption he perceives in the political system, and introduces his concept of the Opportunity Score, a metric designed to measure politicians' alignment with the will of the people.