The Electorette Podcast

After users discovered they could use Grok, the AI tool embedded in X, to generate nonconsensual nude images of women and girls, the backlash was swift. And the story raised a deeper question: are these harms a failure of artificial intelligence itself, or a reflection of the people, power structures, and incentives behind it? In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Tazin Khan, CEO of Cyber Collective, for an important conversation about feminist AI, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and the limits of blaming “innovation” for harms that are deeply human. From deepfakes and data exploitation to capitalism, surveillance, and platform responsibility, this discussion challenges the idea that technology is neutral—and asks who is protected, who is exposed, and why accountability so often stops at the code. This is a conversation about AI, yes—but even more so about power, responsibility, and the systems we continue to build without reckoning with their consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As The Electorette returns with a new season, there was only one place to start: the front lines of civil liberties. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Deirdre Schifeling, Chief Political & Advocacy Officer at the American Civil Liberties Union, for a wide-ranging and urgent conversation about what Trump’s second term really represents—not chaos, but a calculated “shock and awe” strategy designed to overwhelm the law, the courts, and the public. They discuss the ACLU’s unprecedented legal response, the escalating attacks on immigrant communities, and why the Supreme Court’s upcoming birthright citizenship case could fundamentally redefine what it means to be American. Deirdre also explains how coordinated legal and civic pressure can slow executive overreach, why public engagement still matters in moments like this, and what people can do right now to meaningfully defend civil liberties and the rule of law. Mentioned in this episode: Firewall For Freedom: States Must Safeguard Our Rights Stop ICE's Attack On Our Communities Episode Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 — Season Return & Why the ACLU Now Jen kicks off the new season of The Electorette and explains why beginning with the ACLU is both urgent and necessary. 02:00 — “Shock and Awe” as a Governing Strategy Deirdre Schifeling explains why the current moment isn’t chaos, but a deliberate strategy designed to overwhelm the law and civil society. 06:30 — The Scale of the ACLU’s Legal Response How the ACLU mobilized immediately—and what it means to file hundreds of legal actions in a single year. 09:30 — Immigration Enforcement, Due Process, and Escalation A look at aggressive immigration tactics, racial profiling, and why conditions may intensify as new funding takes effect. 14:30 — Public Backlash and the Limits of Fear Politics Why demonizing immigrant communities has consequences—and where public resistance is already visible. 18:30 — Are the Courts Holding Up? An assessment of how the judicial system is responding, where it’s working, and where the risks remain. 22:30 — Birthright Citizenship and the Supreme Court Test Why the birthright citizenship case is so consequential—and what’s at stake for the Constitution if it fails. 28:30 — What Birthright Citizenship Really Means Historical context on why birthright citizenship exists and how it defines American equality. 33:30 — Executive Power and the Role of the Courts How recent court decisions have expanded executive authority—and where guardrails are most needed. 38:30 — What Comes Next for Civil Liberties Looking ahead: where pressure points are likely to emerge and how rights are most vulnerable. 42:30 — Civic Engagement Beyond the Courts How public participation, organizing, and legal advocacy intersect outside electoral politics. 46:30 — The ACLU’s “Firewall for Freedom” Strategy How state and local governments can act as safeguards—and what that looks like in practice. 51:30 — What Individuals Can Do Right Now Concrete ways people can support civil liberties, engage locally, and stay involved. 55:30 — Final Thoughts & The Work Ahead Closing reflections on this moment, the long view, and why sustained engagement matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Washington stalls, governors are governing. How Democratic governors became the nation’s problem-solvers—and why this year’s races could redefine Democratic momentum heading into 2026. In this episode, Ofirah Yheskel of the Democratic Governors Association joins Jen Taylor-Skinner to break down the critical gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey—where Democratic women candidates could flip key seats and make history. They discuss why governors have become the front line in protecting healthcare, reproductive rights, and democracy itself, and how this election could set the tone for Democrats heading into 2026. Episode Chapters (00:00) Democratic Governors and the 2021 Election Democratic governors are stepping up to protect reproductive rights, accessible healthcare, and counteract Trump's policies in critical races. (08:41) Democratic Governors Democratic governors' impact on key issues, contrast with Republican counterparts, upcoming elections, and call to action for involvement with Democratic Governors Association. #GovernorsRace #VirginiaElection #NewJerseyElection #AbortionAccess #EconomicJustice #LeadershipMatters #TheElectorette #ElectorettePodcast #WomenInPolitics #DemocraticGovernors #OfirahYheskel #DGA #JenTaylorSkinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 Test Run: Inside the state races that will signal where power—and reproductive rights—are headed next. The next election cycle is not business as usual. With reproductive rights hanging in the balance and pro-choice women candidates facing historic headwinds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Jessica Mackler, president of EMILYs List, about the crucial upcoming contests—from deeply vulnerable states in the South to a pivotal race in New Jersey. Together, they explore how these elections shape the future of power, policy, and progress for women, families, and democracy itself. Episode Chapters (00:00) The Electorate Virginia's upcoming elections hold critical stakes for reproductive rights, with a focus on the gubernatorial race and EMILY's List-endorsed candidates. (09:18) Women Candidates Addressing Economic Hardship Protecting rights in elections, women candidates' leadership, economic concerns for women voters, and Emily's List's support. (19:34) Reproductive Rights and Virginia Elections Reproductive rights, cost of living, and electing pro-choice women are crucial in upcoming elections for restoring power to the people. (25:34) Virginia Campaigning and Election Strategies Campaign contributions and voter participation are crucial in the Virginia state Senate race, supporting Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi. #AbigailSpanberger #MikieSherrill #WinsomeEarlSears #VirginiaElections #NewJerseyElections #VAElection2025 #NJElection2025 #VirginiaVotes #NewJerseyVotes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women have been shaping American politics since its beginning — organizing movements, expanding rights, and redefining leadership at every turn. But over the past decade, that long struggle has collided with a new wave of visibility and backlash. ⁠Emerge is now recruiting the class of 2026⁠ From the raw sexism of 2016, to the record-breaking “pink wave” of 2018, to the post-2024 debate over whether women are even electable, the story of women in politics reveals how deeply gender still defines power in America. In this episode, A’shanti Gholar, President and CEO of Emerge, traces that arc — and explains why women aren’t stepping back. She calls it the Kamala Effect: the surge of women still running, organizing, and leading despite unprecedented hostility. We talk about what that resilience looks like — from local campaigns and judicial races to the national fight for representation — and what it means to “lock in” as we head into the next wave of elections. Emerge came directly out of Kamala Harris' first run for office in the early 2000s. Watch ⁠here⁠. If you’ve ever wondered whether women can still change the direction of American democracy, this episode is both a roadmap and a signal to lock in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s really keeping Americans from the ballot box? In this urgent conversation, Rebekah Caruthers, President and CEO of the Fair Elections Center, breaks down the invisible “friction” that pushes voters out of the process—confusing and state-by-state registration rules, ID and signature hurdles (especially for Gen Z without DMV records), voter roll purges, and a rising climate of fear fed by mis- and disinformation. We go inside states like Georgia, Florida, Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Tennessee to see how policy choices—and lawsuits—shape who gets to participate. Caruthers reframes “voter apathy,” argues that democracy requires both contestation and participation, and offers clear, immediate steps: check your registration often, learn your state’s rules, and show up in every election—not just the big ones. If you’ve ever wondered whether we can still have free and fair elections, this episode is a master class in how to protect them. Conversation takeaways Why registration is harder than it looks (AVR/online systems still hinge on DMV signatures). How roll purges and mid-decade redistricting depress participation. The role of fear, misinformation, and new criminal penalties around helping voters. Why local races (school boards, utilities, county commissions) impact daily life the most. Practical steps to safeguard your vote—and your community’s. Chapters (00:00) Barriers to Voting Registration and Turnout Voter suppression, civic participation, and innovative approaches to voter registration discussed in relation to fair elections. (11:37) Defending and Facilitating Voting Rights Participating in every election strengthens democracy, but challenges like voter purges and misconceptions persist. (21:22) Importance of Voting in Local Elections Understanding voter apathy, the power of local elections, and the urgency of political engagement in shaping democracy. (27:45) Challenges in Voting Rights Legislation Voting rights in the US, civic education, state laws, barriers for returning citizens, and the need for action. (43:41) Importance of Physical Document Ownership Having a physical copy of the Constitution allows for direct engagement with primary sources and avoids potential misinformation from digital versions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sophia Lin Lakin on How the Supreme Court Could Dismantle the Law Protecting Voters The U.S. Supreme Court is once again preparing to rule on a case that could further dismantle the Voting Rights Act — Callais v. Landry. At the center of this case is Section 2, one of the last remaining protections against racial discrimination in voting. After Louisiana courts ruled that the state’s congressional map illegally diluted Black voting power, a new map was drawn to include a second majority-Black district. But now, a group of white voters — and the state of Louisiana itself — are asking the Court to go even further, claiming that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional. If the Court agrees, it could strip away the very protections that ensure voters of color can participate equally in our democracy. To unpack the case and its sweeping implications, Jen Taylor Skinner speaks with Sophia Lin Lakin, Director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, whose team represents Black voters in this landmark case. They discuss the history behind Section 2, the chilling parallels to Shelby County v. Holder, and what this moment could mean for the future of voting rights in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ballot measures have given voters the power to pass life-changing policies that lawmakers often won’t — from raising the minimum wage and expanding healthcare access, to protecting reproductive rights and curbing predatory payday lending. But now, the process itself is under threat. New Report: ATTACKS ON DIRECT DEMOCRACY DOUBLED IN 2025 Ballot Measure Rescue Campaign In this episode, I speak with Kelly Hall, Executive Director of The Fairness Project, about a new report showing how conservative lawmakers are working to undermine direct democracy. With nearly 150 bills introduced across the country, these efforts would make it harder for citizens to place initiatives on the ballot and harder to pass them once they’re there. We discuss what’s at stake, how these attacks are spreading, and why defending ballot measures is essential to protecting the will of the people. (00:01) Attacks on Direct Democracy Conservative lawmakers are attacking the ballot measure process, threatening direct democracy and silencing voters. (12:57) Undermining Direct Democracy Supermajority requirements, single-subject rules, and bureaucratic hurdles hinder direct democracy and civic engagement. (23:33) Arkansas Advocates Protecting Ballot Measures Missouri's political maneuvers target direct democracy and reproductive rights, including attempts to restrict abortion and gender-affirming care. (35:19) Protecting Direct Democracy Florida's restrictive ballot measures face challenges, but litigation and public support continue to protect direct democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 activists 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

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 speaks with Jessica Fulton, senior fellow with 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

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