Let Them Eat Toast

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. 

Interview w/ Austin Archer (YourPal_Austin)

In this conversation, Off JaWaggon and Austin Archer discuss the intersection of comedy and sociopolitical commentary, exploring the challenges of engaging audiences on social media platforms like TikTok. They delve into the misconceptions surrounding arguments in political discourse, the overwhelming nature of current events, and the expectations placed on content creators. The discussion highlights the importance of specialization in activism and the need for creators to set boundaries with their audiences. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of political ideologies, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the left in maintaining unity and effectiveness in a two-party system. They discuss the ideological diversity within the left compared to the homogeneity of the right, the critical consumption of media, and the self-policing tendencies that can hinder progress. 

Interview w/Ken Casey (Dropkick Murphys)

Off_JaWaggon and Taylor have Ken Casey, lead singer of the Dropkick Murphys on the podcast, and he shares the band's journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a prominent name in Celtic punk music. He discusses the band's origins, musical influences, and the importance of maintaining energy and passion over three decades in the music industry. The conversation highlights the blend of Irish music and punk rock, the band's work ethic, and the evolving nature of their fanbase. Ken talks about the band's long-standing engagement with political themes in their music, emphasizing their commitment to representing the working class and the underdog. He reflects on the challenges of navigating political discourse with fans, particularly those who identify with MAGA, and the complexities of confronting extremism in society. Ken also addresses the relationship between law enforcement and the community, highlighting the need for accountability and the courage required to speak out against systemic issues. In this conversation, Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys discusses the intersection of class struggle and political issues, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among the working class and the role of punk music in advocating for social justice. He critiques the divisive tactics used by the wealthy to distract the public from significant issues, such as immigration and economic inequality. 

Interview w/Chris freakin Kluwe and Trevor BWG

In this engaging conversation, Off_Jawaggon and Taylor have on Chris Kluwe, former punter for the Minnesota Vikings, as he shares his journey from the NFL to becoming a prominent activist for LGBTQ rights and social justice. He discusses his experiences in the league, his passion for music, and the importance of standing up against injustice. The conversation also delves into the political landscape, exploring the responsibilities of individuals in the face of societal issues and the need for collective action against oppression. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of American politics, discussing the consequences of gerrymandering, the historical context of political parties, and the impact of inequality and racism on society. They reflect on the legacy of past leaders, particularly Reagan, and the current state of activism and civil disobedience.
In this conversation, the speakers discuss the alarming rise of authoritarianism and extremism in contemporary politics, emphasizing the importance of recognizing warning signs from those who have experienced fascist regimes. They explore the complexities of political discourse, the challenges of meeting bullies where they are, and the implications of white privilege in activism. The conversation also touches on the existential threat of climate change and the responsibility of white voters in addressing systemic issues. Ultimately, the speakers call for a collective effort to create a better future through informed activism and engagement.