Parenting is Political

This episode is for the truth-tellers, the burned-out organizers, the benched leaders, and the ones who refuse to play a rigged game. Host Jasmine Banks is joined by Vanessa Daniel, longtime organizer and author of Unrig the Game, for a searing conversation that takes direct aim at the nonprofit industrial complex, influencer activists chasing clout, and the weaponization of identity inside our movements. They talk survival, silence, and betrayal—especially what happens when women of color rise to power and then get crushed by the very systems they were told to trust. No fluff, no performative solidarity—just an honest reckoning with the question: What would it actually take for our movements to win?

The two-party system isn’t just broken—it’s failing our families, our communities, and our planet. In this episode of Parenting is Political, Jasmine sits down with David Cobb—eco-socialist, activist, and host of Redneck Gone Green—to unpack why the U.S. political system is designed to maintain corporate power and suppress real change. We dive into the possibilities and limitations of third-party movements, including the Green Party, and what a true challenge to the status quo would require. Cobb breaks down how the Democratic and Republican parties fail working-class people, why electoral politics alone won’t save us, and what it means to build a movement that actually serves the people. If you’ve ever felt trapped in the two-party cycle, this conversation is for you.Follow David Cobb: @redneckgonegreenUS Solidarity Economy Network; @ussolidarityeconomynetwork

Jasmine and Mo discuss deconstructing evangelicalism and deprogramming from high control movements spaces.

What would our lives look like if everyone had guaranteed income, housing, health care, college fund, and family care?? That's exactly what host Jasmine Banks discusses with Natalie Foster. Natalie is a leading architect of the movement to build an inclusive and resilient economy that works for all, and the author of The Guarantee: Inside The Fight For America' Next Economy. “Every family, every person, every child deserves economic security.” Follow Natalie's Instagram and visit her Website.

Say what?? Jasmine and Mo react to The Atlantic article Polyamory, the Ruling Class’s Latest Fad by Tyler Austin Harper. They discuss how the claims that Harper makes uphold the nuclear family model, how they practice polyamory, and how non-monogamy certainly isn't just a fad for rich people. Stay up-to-date with all our new episodes by subscribing or "following" our podcast. And if you want to help keep the podcast going, become a paid subscriber!

Host Jasmine Banks speaks with Dana Fisher, a dynamic speaker and author who writes about activism, democracy and climate policy. They discuss her most recent book, Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action. What are some practical steps that parents/caregivers can take to engage in advocacy for climate? What does community and solidarity have to do with saving our climate?  How do we support each other when climate shocks hit?  “How much suffering will we need to endure before a critical mass of people rises up to push actively and aggressively for social change?  Jasmine and Dana both want you to PUT DOWN THE DEVICES AND GO OUTSIDE. Dana Fisher’s Instagram Dana Fisher’s Website Dana Fisher’s Book

Host Jasmine Banks speaks with Laura Packard, cancer survivor, health care advocate, and host of her own podcast Care Talk, about America's broken healthcare system and how we can fix it. “We don’t have to live like this. Other countries have figured it out. People who need care get care.” Learn more about Laura's work: Laura's Website Listen to her podcast: Care Talks Follow her on Instagram: @laurapackardactivist

In this episode of Parenting Is Political, host Jasmine Banks sits down with Saul Levin from the Green New Deal Network to discuss the urgency of the Every Day Counts Campaign. With only sixty days left before Donald Trump’s administration brings climate denial and xenophobia back to the forefront, Saul and Jasmine explore how Democrats can wield their remaining power to drive real change. Green New Deal Network (website) GNDN (Instagram)

Hear Jasmine and Mo's response to HB1570, a bill that was passed in 2021 that took health care away from trans youth in Arkansas. Also hear about our non-profit, Reconcile Arkansas!

Hosts Jasmine and Mo discuss what life has been like for them both during the pandemic. During this episode, we talk about mental health, relationships shifting, and parenting during a global pandemic.

Omar and Keith originally from California (now in Washington DC) married in June 2019, are 2 intended Black fathers. Samantha (she/they) has made DC home. She is originally from Pittsburgh. She is a Black Feminist, storyteller, organizer and egg donor committed to building Black power and cultivating Black Joy.

Our interview with Andrea Pressley, the founder of The SunShine Project--a kid's meditation and wellness app.

A quick chat about neoliberalism, the lifting of the ban on transgender folks serving in the military, and how we talk to our kids about developing a critical analysis.

Jasmine talks with author and activist George M. Johnson

Jasmine and Mo break down why having a vibrant sex life helps you be a more present parent.

Gabby Rivera is a Bronx-born, queer Puerto Rican author on a mission to create the wildest, most fun stories ever. She’s the first Latina to write for Marvel Comics, penning the solo series America about America Chavez, a portal-punching queer Latina powerhouse. She also wrote Juliet Takes a Breath, the 2017 Silver IPPY Award Winning novel for Best LGBTQ fiction.

Jasmine and Mo sit down with their kids to demonstrate how to have conversations with young people about the rebellion and uprising that is happening in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and many others.

Jasmine and Mo discuss what codependency is, how to recognize if you are in a codependent relationship, and how to break generational cycles of codependency.

Jasmine and Mo discuss how to practice community care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also discussed: how to talk to your kids about the pandemic.

Tasha Sowels, a single Black mom doing community organizing work in East Texas chats with me about what makes parenting political for her.