The Home Front

Summary Today, host Reed Galen speaks with misinformation expert Nina Jankowicz about the current political landscape in the U.S., focusing on the rise of managed autocracy, the role of controlled opposition, and the challenges facing democracy. They explore the impact of online harassment, particularly on women, and draw parallels with global autocracies. Nina emphasizes the importance of active information consumption and finding joy amidst the chaos of the political climate. Follow Nina: https://bsky.app/profile/ninajankowicz.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninajankowicz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@wiczipedia https://www.threads.com/@wiczipedia https://wiczipedia.substack.com/ https://americansunlight.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wiczipedia/ Follow Reed on Substack: https://reedgalen.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen speaks with Clara Mattei, a professor of economics at the University of Tulsa and President of The Forum for Real Economic Emancipation, about her work on economic emancipation and the historical context of capitalism and fascism. They discuss the unique economic landscape of Tulsa, the interconnection between economic and political emancipation, and the need for a new understanding of economic models that empower rather than disempower individuals. Clara emphasizes the importance of community building and solidarity in addressing economic issues and imagines a future where people can reclaim their humanity through collective action. Learn more about FREE Follow Reed Online Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary Today, Reed and Grace Blakely discuss the current state of the U.S. economy, highlighting the unsustainable concentration of wealth and consumer spending among the top income earners. They explore the implications of the AI bubble, the stagnation of wages despite rising productivity, and the role of the dollar in global economics. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology on employment, the government's response to crises, and the importance of grassroots organizing and political movements in driving change. Follow Reed: https://reedgalen.substack.com/ Follow Grace: https://substack.com/@graceblakeleyhttps://substack.com/@graceblakeley Originally recorded on Substack Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Reed and Katie Phang discuss various political themes, including the grotesque nature of recent memorials, the case of Tom Homan and the implications of Project 2025. They explore the hesitations of the Biden administration's Justice Department, the apathy surrounding democracy, and the need for determination in the face of despair. The discussion also touches on shifts in political sentiment and strategies for engaging voters in upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and grassroots efforts. Subscribe to Reed on Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Reed and Denver Riggleman discuss the current political landscape in America, focusing on the influence of the Trump administration, media manipulation, and the rise of authoritarianism. They explore how money plays a crucial role in politics, the impact of disinformation, and the challenges of navigating political apathy. The discussion also touches on the consequences of political violence and the future of American democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I take a few minutes to pay tribute to Robert Redford, explain why Congress hasn't passed an on-time budget in 30 years why incompetence is key to surviving inside Trumplandia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Reed Galen and activist Corbin Trent as they discuss why the current political system is broken, why too much money chases too few results, and why the political parties and players we have now aren't going to lead us out of the darkness. Recorded previously on Substack Live! Subscribe to my substack HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Presidential Historian Alexis Coe delve into the unsettling rise of political violence in America, tracing its roots from historical events to contemporary incidents. They explore the societal factors contributing to this trend, including the isolation of young men and the role of media figures like Charlie Kirk. Through a historical lens, they discuss the implications of political violence, drawing parallels from the American Revolution to modern-day challenges. Join the conversation as they examine the complexities of civic engagement and the urgent need for community action in the face of growing polarization. #PoliticalViolence #CivicEngagement #HistoricalContext Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Reed Galen reflects on the recent surge of political violence in America, particularly in light of the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk. He discusses the implications of such violence on society, especially concerning the safety of children and the normalization of political assassinations. Galen emphasizes the need for grace, patience, and resilience in facing these challenges, urging listeners to look towards the future with hope and determination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by ⁠David Jolly⁠ (Former Republican Congressman and 2026 Democratic Candidate for Governor of Florida) for a conversation about his political evolution and what it means for the future of the Sunshine State. They discuss Jolly’s journey from Republican to Independent to Democrat, why he believes Florida is at an inflection point, and how affordability, insurance, education, and corruption are shaping the lives of everyday Floridians. Jolly also shares his vision for building a winning coalition, what it will take for Democrats to compete in a state long dominated by the GOP, and why leadership must be about values, not ideology. Plus, the dangers of political apathy, Ron DeSantis’ myth of the “Free State of Florida,” and why he believes this election cycle could change the state’s direction for good. For more from David Jolly, visit ⁠DavidJolly.com⁠ and follow his campaign on social media, @DavidJollyFL. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit ⁠⁠JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enjoy this bonus episode of The Home Front featuring Katie Phang. Originally recorded on Substack Live. Follow Katie on Substack! Follow Reed on Substack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by Gary Gerstle, renowned historian, author, and Paul Mellon Professor of American History Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, for the second half of their conversation to explore the deeper cultural, psychological, and institutional forces shaping America’s political transformation. They discuss why both the right and left seem increasingly disillusioned with democracy, how China’s model of state capitalism is influencing leaders across the spectrum, and why exhaustion (not outrage) may be the biggest threat to democratic life. From the normalization of authoritarian tactics to the eerie quiet of a sidelined U.S. Senate, Gerstle offers a historian’s long view on what happens when civic imagination disappears. For more from Gary Gerstle, pick up “The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order: America and the World in the Free Market Era” wherever fine books are sold. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit ⁠⁠JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by Gary Gerstle, renowned historian, author, and Paul Mellon Professor of American History Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, for a sweeping conversation about the past, present, and future of American politics. They explore how the old political orders…from FDR’s New Deal to Reagan’s neoliberal revolution…shaped the last century, and whether Donald Trump is on the verge of establishing a new political order of his own. Gerstle traces the intellectual roots of Trumpism, including figures like Pat Buchanan and Viktor Orbán, and explains how the theory of the “unitary executive” is reshaping America’s institutions. Plus, the Democratic Party’s response (or lack thereof), and what it would take to rebuild confidence in democracy for the next generation. For more from Gary Gerstle, pick up “The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order: America and the World in the Free Market Era” wherever fine books are sold. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit ⁠⁠JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, host Reed Galen and former tech-executive Mike Brock discusses the concept of revanchism in liberalism, emphasizing the need to reclaim lost values in the face of rising neo-fascism. He reflects on historical lessons, the importance of understanding power dynamics, and the challenges posed by the attention economy. The discussion highlights the necessity for personal integrity, community engagement, and a positive vision for the future of the Democratic Party, urging a shift away from fear-based politics towards a more inclusive and proactive approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded from Substack Live. I'm joined by News Not Noise founder Jessica Yellin as I turn the tables and ask her questions about the issues of the day. We talk troops in Washington, Hollywood's silence, and how the redistricting wars play out. Find out more about News Not Noise. Subscribe to me on Substack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host  ⁠Reed Galen⁠⁠ is joined by Tom Nichols (Author and Staff Writer at The Atlantic) for a conversation about what happens to expertise in an age of misinformation, mistrust, and political division. They discuss how experts lost credibility, why institutions failed to defend truth, and what it means when knowledge no longer commands respect in public life. Plus, the cost of treating opinions as equal to evidence and what the next generation of leaders and citizens can do to rebuild trust and defend fact-based decision making in a time of deep cynicism. For more from Tom Nichols, read his work at The Atlantic, follow him on Twitter and Bluesky, and check out his books like “The Death of Expertise” and “Our Own Worst Enemy” wherever fine books are sold. For more from Reed Galen subscribe to⁠⁠ The Home Front⁠⁠, check out⁠⁠ Sez Us⁠⁠ for a new social media platform for sane people, and if you want to personally join the fight to save our nation’s democracy, visit ⁠⁠JoinTheUnion.us⁠⁠ and sign up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded on Substack Live. Reed Galen and former national security official Miles Taylor discuss Donald Trump's deployment of federal troops on the streets of Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Axios Finance Reporter Madison Mills discuss the current state of financial news, inflation, and the impact of tariffs on consumers. They explore the role of the bond market in maintaining economic stability and the implications of a K-shaped recovery on different socioeconomic groups. Madison shares her approach to making financial news accessible to younger generations through social media and audience engagement, highlighting the importance of understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior. Read more of Madison's work here. Subscribe to Reed's Substack here. Get involved in the work of building the America of tomorrow, TODAY! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Tina Nguyen of The Verge discuss the evolution of the MAGA movement, its intersection with technology, and the role of crypto in politics. They explore the changing dynamics between big tech and the Republican party, the implications of populism, and the future of the MAGA movement in a post-Trump world. Tina also introduces her new newsletter, 'Regulator,' which focuses on the clash between big tech and government. Further Reading: Tina's Newsletter, Regulator Reed's Substack, The Home Front SUBSCRIBE TO BOTH! Quick Takeaways: MAGA's roots extend back before Trump's presidency. The right has effectively used technology to gain political power. Republicans learn from their past mistakes and adapt. Big Tech's relationship with MAGA has shifted significantly. Populism often appeals to the masses by addressing their grievances. Trump's disregard for traditional political norms has reshaped the GOP. The future of MAGA may depend on its ability to find a successor. The political landscape is increasingly influenced by wealthy tech figures. Tina's newsletter 'Regulator' highlights the tension between tech and government. The Democrats have underestimated the rise of the right in tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Utah-based political reporter Bryan Schott delve into the intricacies of Utah politics, focusing on the control of information within the legislature, the influence of developers, and the implications of recent scandals involving key political figures like Stuart Adams. They discuss the challenges faced by journalists in accessing information, the impact of gerrymandering, and the struggle for citizen initiatives against legislative overreach. The conversation highlights the tension between the political class and the citizenry, revealing a landscape where power dynamics significantly affect governance and representation. Subscribe to Bryan's work here. Reed's Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices