We’re living in the first generation of a digital era that’s designed to divide us, and most of us don’t even realize it. In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with peacebuilder and diplomat Danielle M. Reiff, author and editor of Overcoming Information Chaos, to explore how our digital world is fueling division and how we can reclaim peace, connection, truth, and democracy.Drawing from her decades of work in global conflict zones and national democracy movements, Danielle shares deeply personal stories—from her childhood longing for peace to her frontline experience supporting a national dialogue between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army. She applies her wisdom to the United States and explains how information disorder is accelerating polarization and destabilizing our democracy. Danielle shares her vision for a national consultation and a National Citizen’s Assembly to imagine a renewal of American democracy in 2026. She offers practical tips for how each of us can restore information integrity in our lives and nation.Get your copy of Overcoming Information Chaos: https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Information-Chaos-Cultivating-Communities-ebook/dp/B0DYNKVNX1 Learn more about Danielle and connect with her on socials: https://peacebuildersunite.com/. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with Professor James S. Fishkin of Stanford University—the mind behind Deliberative Polling®—to explore whether informed dialogue can heal democracy’s divisions. Fishkin shares how a single “eureka” moment in 1988 led to a global movement transforming how citizens think, talk, and decide together. From Texas to Mongolia, and now through AI-assisted platforms, deliberative polling is proving that when people have space to learn and listen, polarization can melt away.In this episode, you’ll learn:How deliberative polling bridges divides and builds mutual respectWhy “America in One Room” changed what’s possible for civic engagementHow AI is helping scale democratic participation to millions worldwideWhat a truly deliberative society could look like in the U.S.Get James’ new book, Can Deliberation Cure the Ills of Democracy?, here: https://www.amazon.com/Can-Deliberation-Cure-Ills-Democracy/dp/0198944411 Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
What can the first woman ever elected to Congress teach us about courage, peace, and the fight for democracy? In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz talks with historian and author Lorissa Rinehart about her book, Winning the Earthquake: How Jeannette Rankin Defied All Odds to Become America’s First Congresswoman. Together, they explore how Rankin’s radical vision—for women’s suffrage, peace over war, and a truly representative democracy—remains just as urgent today. Hear how Rankin’s legacy can guide us through our own “earthquake moment,” and what it really means to prepare for peace instead of war.Get your copy of Winning the Earthquake here. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Venture capitalist, political strategist, and philanthropist Bradley Tusk believes our democracy is running out of time—and that the solution fits in your pocket. In this episode, Bradley shares the story behind his new book, Vote With Your Phone, and how mobile voting could be the “final shot” at saving American democracy. From his early work in politics and Uber’s fight for legitimacy, to his philanthropic push for hunger relief and secure mobile voting technology, Bradley breaks down how ordinary citizens can reclaim power in a system dominated by special interests and low-turnout primaries.Can technology revive civic participation before it’s too late? Bradley says yes, and he’s betting millions on it.Learn more at www.mobilevoting.org. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
What does it take to confront racism without falling into despair and instead transform our institutions for equity and justice? In this episode, Dr. Zeitz speaks with Professor Susan Sturm of Columbia Law School, a leading scholar and changemaker whose work bridges law, education, and community action. Drawing from her new book, What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions, Sturm unpacks the paradoxes at the heart of American democracy, the persistence of racial caste, and the urgent need for participatory democracy. Together, they explore:How personal history and contradictions can fuel a lifelong commitment to justiceThe Constitution’s paradox of freedom and slavery and why it still matters todayWhy movements, not laws, are the true drivers of changeHow “linked fate” reveals our interdependence across race, class, and identityThe potential of citizens’ assemblies and local democracy to reimagine our futureAt a time when progress is under attack, Sturm offers a hopeful call to action: despair is not a strategy. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Trust in our democracy is collapsing, but history shows that when ordinary people rise up, real change becomes inevitable. In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz issues a bold call to action: join a nationwide movement to refresh and renew American democracy before it’s too late. From the Freedom Charter to the vision of a National Citizens Assembly, Dr. Zeitz lays out a concrete plan for how everyday Americans—not politicians or lobbyists—can lead the charge. Tune in to learn how you can take part in this urgent mobilization for democratic renewal and help shape the future of our nation.Sign #unifyUSA's Freedom Charter here: www.unify-usa.org/freedom_charter Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Journalist and author Osita Nwanevu joins Dr. Paul Zeitz to unpack a hard truth: the United States was never designed to be an authentic democracy. Drawing from his book The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding, Osita explains why our system fails the tests of equality, responsiveness, and majority rule—and how we might reinvent it for the 21st century. The conversation dives deep into the history of America’s anti-democratic foundations, the promise of citizens’ assemblies, the role of economic democracy, and the collective wisdom of ordinary people.Get Osita's book here: penguinrandomhouse.com/the-right-of-the-people-by-osita-nwanevu/Sign #unifyUSA's Freedom Charter here: www.unify-usa.org/freedom_charter Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
In this episode, Dr. Zeitz is joined by Vinay Orekondy, an Australian-born attorney, mediator, and democracy innovator now working at the heart of America’s civic renewal movement. Vinay wears multiple hats as he serves as the Partnerships Director, Better Together America; Co-Chair, Braver Network (Braver Angels); and the Director of Programs and Engagement, Grand Bargain Project. Vinay takes us on a journey from his early political work in Australia, through his disillusionment with the U.S. electoral system, to his leading-edge efforts to create an inter-partisan citizen-driven democracy rooted in community, deliberation, and shared power.Together, they unpack the failures of winner-takes-all politics, the transformational potential of ranked choice voting and proportional representation, and the rising movement of civic hubs that are stitching together a new fabric of democracy—one that isn't driven by dark money or partisan games, but by everyday people. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Can we rescue American democracy before it’s too late? In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with renowned legal scholar and democracy innovation entrepreneur and leader, Professor Lawrence Lessig of Constitutional Law at Harvard University, to explore a bold path forward. From unraveling the corrupting influence of Super PACs and dark money to defending the Constitution against authoritarian overreach, Lessig offers clarity, urgency, and an inspiring vision for revolutionary reform of the Constitution.Together, they dig into:Why Lessig believes the Constitution is in collapse—and what we must do nowA groundbreaking legal strategy to dismantle SpeechNOW and weaken Citizens UnitedHow Citizens’ Assemblies could revolutionize democratic participation and safeguard reformThe dangers and potential of an Article V Convention in the hands of the peopleWhy Lessig says, “Donald Trump is the bus” hitting our already ailing democracy—and what comes next.This is a masterclass in democracy renewal. Tune in, get informed, and join the movement for a citizen-driven future. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Is America at a breaking point—or at the cusp of a breakthrough? In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice. A lifelong theologian and anti-poverty organizer, Rev. Dr. Liz shares why we are living in a Kairos moment—a time of both crisis and profound possibility.Together, they unpack the growing attacks on democracy, the war on the poor, and the billionaire class’s grip on our government. And they also lift up the fierce grassroots resistance blooming across the country: movements led by those most impacted, from diaper banks to climate justice fights in Cancer Alley. Liz shares the power of moral fusion organizing, the heart behind her new book “You Only Get What You’re Organized to Take,” and how survival itself is sparking a revival.If you're feeling despair, this conversation offers a bold, grounded, and faith-infused path toward action, justice, and transformation.Learn more about the Kairos Center: https://kairoscenter.org/Learn more about the Poor People's Campaign: https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/ Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Welcome to season three of Revolutionary Optimism! In this episode, producer Cee Cee Huffman talks with Dr. Paul Zeitz and social impact filmmaker Leigh Blake to discuss the launch of #unifyUSA, a groundbreaking movement dedicated to refreshing the U.S. Constitution through citizen-led action. With a shared history of tackling the global HIV/AIDS crisis and driving social change, Paul and Leigh explain why now is the time for Americans to reclaim their power and rebuild a citizen-driven democracy through Citizens’ Assemblies.Discover how #unifyUSA aims to transcend political divides, foster unity, and create a government that truly serves the people. Whether you're frustrated with the current system or seeking hope for a better future, this conversation will inspire you to join the movement for transformative change. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Dr. Paul Zeitz is talking with philosopher and legal scholar Alex Guerrero, author of Lottocracy: Why Lottery Should Replace Elections. Alex delves into the bold concept of lottocracy, a reimagined form of democracy by lottocracy where randomly selected citizens replace traditional elections to create more equitable and accountable leadership.Drawing on over 15 years of research, Alex shares the flaws of electoral democracy in the U.S. and the transformative potential of citizen assemblies. From the practicalities of implementing lottocracy to its ability to foster diverse perspectives, Alex paints a vision for our broken U.S. democratic system rooted in fairness and inclusivity. Together, they explore the growing global movement for lottocracy, its implications for tackling urgent crises like climate change and economic inequality, and how it can unlock our collective imagination for a better future.Alex’s call to action? Envision and experiment with new democratic models that transcend polarization and build hope. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Dr. Paul Zeitz invites you to join a transformative movement to rebuild democracy with permanent Citizens’ Assemblies so that we can create a just, sustainable future. Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of our time, Dr. Paul outlines a visionary path forward: mobilizing citizens' assemblies across the nation, culminating in a historic National People's Convention by July 4, 2026. This is your chance to rise above polarization, confront systemic inequities, and reconstruct our Constitution for a future that reflects our shared values of freedom, equity, and interdependence. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
In this episode of Revolutionary Optimism, host Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with renowned activist and strategist Srđa Popović, co-founder of Center for Applied Non-Violent Actions and Strategies: CANVAS, and leader of the Otpor! movement that ousted Serbian dictator Slobodan Milošević. Srđa shares gripping stories from his activism journey, including the innovative use of humor and nonviolent tactics that mobilized millions and baffled authoritarian forces.From facing intense personal risks to building a movement that empowered ordinary people to resist oppression, Srđa's insights illuminate the power of collective action. Together, they discuss the parallels between global struggles for democracy and the current state of American politics, offering practical advice for fostering social movements, countering authoritarianism, and using technology as a tool for change. Srđa offers heartfelt advice for loving democracy each day, which is the key to its success. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with political thought leader Nick Coccoma to explore bold visions for transforming democracy in the United States. From his deep-rooted experiences in a tight-knit community to his journey through theology, philosophy, and democratic innovation, Nick shares his perspective on how citizens' assemblies and sortition-based democracy could rejuvenate self-governance, mitigate corruption, and safeguard against authoritarianism. Dive into a discussion on why our current political framework is faltering, the potential of lottery-based democratic systems, and the idea of a national people's convention to create a new constitutional framework. With pragmatic steps for change and a call to action for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 2026, this conversation unlocks the political imagination and inspires revolutionary optimism.Tune in and join the movement for a reimagined democracy. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Dr. Paul Zeitz is joined by Ann Pettifor, a trailblazing economist and author known for her pivotal work on sovereign debt and the Green New Deal. Ann shares her journey from apartheid South Africa to becoming a leading advocate for reconstructing the “global casino” into a new financial system that serves people and the planet. Together, they explore the unruly Wall Street controlled financial system that drives inequality, the climate emergency, and democratic erosion, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity and systemic change. Discover how Ann's faith in humanity fuels her Revolutionary Optimism and learn how we can challenge extractive capitalism and build a just, sustainable future. Note: This episode was recorded before the results of the 2024 Election were known. Check out Ann's System Change blog. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
In this episode, Terry Bouricius, prominent political theorist and former Vermont legislator, highlights the shortcomings of traditional electoral systems in achieving true demographic representation and effective decision-making. Drawing from his experiences in legislative bodies, Bouricius emphasizes the disconnect between lawmakers and the populations they serve, particularly evident in his work on a landlord-tenant bill. Inspired by his participation in a Citizens Assembly in British Columbia, Bouricius advocates for sortition-based democracy as a more democratic alternative to elections. He points to successful implementations of sortition in countries like Ireland, where citizens' assemblies have led to significant reforms, showcasing the potential for ordinary citizens to reach consensus on complex issues. Bouricius's push for sortition aims to reduce political polarization by gradually transferring policy decisions from elected officials to randomly selected juries, promoting a more inclusive and representative form of governance. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Sam Daley-Harris, a renowned author, activist, and founder of Results, an organization focused on ending poverty and promoting social justice. Sam shares the journey that led him from the world of music to advocating for global change, and why he updated his groundbreaking book, Reclaiming Our Democracy, for today's political climate. Together, they explore how ordinary citizens can drive transformational change through grassroots advocacy, and how embracing a love-centered approach to activism is key to overcoming cynicism and despair. Sam reveals his insights on "transformational advocacy" and the missing piece in our democracy: us. Tune in to hear how you can reclaim your power, get in touch with your “why,” and be part of the movement for a just, peaceful, and thriving future.Stay in touch with Sam here, or get his book here. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
In this special episode of the Emergency Opportunity Podcast (EOP), Dr. Zeitz unveils the call for a US Declaration of Interdependence and calls for an open National People's Convention to find new leaders and heal the nation's divides. As the country faces unprecedented challenges—from political instability to social injustice—he calls for a collective commitment to constitutional renewal and transformative action, emphasizing the importance of rising in peaceful resistance and building a movement grounded in love and unity. Learn about the urgent need for constitutional renewal to place love at the center of our American society. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.
Dr. Zeitz and Reverend Redeem Robinson are shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of grassroots advocacy in the modern era. After delving into their shared experiences of activism, including their arrest for demanding climate action at the White House, they address the pressing issues of voter apathy, the complexities of the 2024 election landscape and the need for reparations for African Americans. With candor and urgency, they examine the need for transformative change in American politics and offer practical strategies for mobilizing communities toward a more just and equitable future. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz.