Future Hindsight
Future Hindsight takes big ideas about civic life and democracy and turns them into action items for you.
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Vigilante Democracy Returns: David Noll
11/26/2024
Vigilante Democracy Returns: David Noll
We discuss the long history of vigilante democracy in the US and its return in our current politics. The playing field is currently tilted in favor of these vigilante policies, but blue states can level the playing field by playing constitutional hardball. David Noll reminds us that the American people have beat back movements to use vigilante power to enforce a reactionary agenda time and again. David’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get involved in local politics Resistance works and there are a lot of opportunities to resist authoritarianism David Noll is the co-author of Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy. He’s also the Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Development and a professor of law at Rutgers Law School, as well as an academic fellow of the National Institute for Civil Justice. Let’s connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: Follow Mila on X: Follow David on X: Sponsor: Need a gift idea? Head over to for the current offer. Thanks to MasterClass for supporting Future Hindsight! Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: David Noll Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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The AAPI Movement: Varun Nikore
11/21/2024
The AAPI Movement: Varun Nikore
We discuss how the Democratic party continues to ignore AAPI voters in schools despite their increasing power at the ballot box and the necessity to build coalitions with them to win elections. Between 2016 and 2020, voter turnout in this community increased by 47%. The near doubling of AAPI voters in Georgia and Arizona effectively made the Biden victory in 2020 possible. Varun’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Show up to a school board meeting Gather insight from engaging in your local community Varun Nikore is Executive Director of the AAPI Victory Alliance, an organization that works to build Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) political power across the country by providing education on progressive issues; creating and advocating for policies that affect our communities; and building alliances with organizations to help AAPIs exert their power and be the margin of victory at the local, state, and national levels. Let’s connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: Follow Mila on X: Follow Varun on X: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Varun Nikore Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Feminism at the Heart of Democracy: Dr. C. Nicole Mason
11/14/2024
Feminism at the Heart of Democracy: Dr. C. Nicole Mason
We discuss the intersection of feminism and democracy and discover how the egalitarian underpinnings of feminism are fundamental to an equal society. Abortion bans illustrate this well. “Any time there's a conflict between the Constitution and someone's personal bodily autonomy and the subject of rights under the law, that is anti-democratic.” Nicole’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Start small, engaging directly in your community Maintain hope and optimism and believe that you’re going where you want to go Dr. C. Nicole Mason is the founder and president of Future Forward Women, a project at the New York Women’s Foundation. Let’s connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: Follow Mila on X: Follow Nicole on X: Sponsor: Thanks to SelectQuote! Go to Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Dr. C Nicole Mason Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Go Beyond Voting: Sharon McMahon
11/07/2024
Go Beyond Voting: Sharon McMahon
We discuss the importance of shifting our mindset to one that is infused with hope. Positive change comes when we choose hope. Though nobody can fix it all, we can all do something and make an impact. Sharon reminds us that if something is worth doing for everyone, it’s worth doing for one person. Sharon’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Choose hope. Get involved in an issue that is important to you because your actions do matter. Sharon McMahon is the creator of “Sharon Says So” and host of the “Here’s Where it Gets Interesting” podcast. She's also the author of The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement. Let’s connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: Follow Mila on X: Follow Sharon on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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The Future American Electorate: Maria Teresa Kumar
10/31/2024
The Future American Electorate: Maria Teresa Kumar
We discuss why American democracy should not treat the Latinx community as a monolith, what actually matters to this community, and how the strength of their engagement in U.S. democracy will play out in this year’s presidential election. Maria Teresa’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: VOTE! Share your excitement to vote with everyone you know, especially young people. Maria Teresa Kumar is the President and CEO of Voto Latino, a civic engagement organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Let’s connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: Follow Mila on X: Follow Maria Teresa on X: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Maria Teresa Kumar Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Abandon the False Narratives: Jason Stanley
10/24/2024
Abandon the False Narratives: Jason Stanley
We discuss the purpose of fascist education, the political nature of universities in defending democracy, and the dangers of America’s powerful exceptionalist narrative. Jason’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Stand up in solidarity with those who are political targets Understand other people’s perspectives because that gives them the voice in a democracy Jason Stanley is the Jacob Urowsky Professor of Philosophy at Yale University and the author of seven books. His most recent is Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future. Let’s connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: Follow Mila on X: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Jason Stanley Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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What is a Family Friendly Economy?: Sondra Goldschein
10/17/2024
What is a Family Friendly Economy?: Sondra Goldschein
We discuss the necessary policies that make a family friendly economy possible, such as investments in child care, elder care, and paid family leave. Such investments ought to be considered basic infrastructure, which contribute to the economy. Sondra’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Talk to your friends and family who are having challenges around caregiving. Vote for candidates who support child care and paid family leave, and hold them accountable after elections. Sondra Goldschein is the Executive Director of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, which focuses on building grassroots support for family-friendly policies. The organization also runs a political action committee that focuses on electing candidates who support paid family and medical leave and affordable elder and childcare. Follow Sondra on X: Follow Mila on X: Be the Spark!: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Want to support the show and get it early? Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Sondra Goldschein Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Take Action: Vote for Future Hindsight!
10/10/2024
Take Action: Vote for Future Hindsight!
Future Hindsight is a finalist in the 2024 Signal Awards and we need your help to win the gold! We’re being recognized in the Activism, Public Service, & Social Impact category for our episode on Policing Equity and Justice with Dr. Phillip Atiba Solomon. Public voting is open until Oct 17th, 2024 and every vote counts. Go to this link to vote for Future Hindsight now: You can also vote for us by following us on Instagram @FutureHindsightPod and clicking the link in our bio there!
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What is Project 2025?: Matt Cohen
10/10/2024
What is Project 2025?: Matt Cohen
We discuss the deep impact of Project 2025 policies on the American people, even if only 10-15% were implemented. Well beyond abortion bans and no-fault divorces, Project 2025 would adversely affect democracy. It would be easier for big money to influence election outcomes, for disinformation and misinformation to spread, and for foreign actors to meddle in elections. Matt’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Look at what’s going on around you and take action at the local level Join a mutual aid group in your community Matt Cohen is a senior staff writer covering elections, voting rights, and threats to democracy at Democracy Docket, the leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis, and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts. Follow Matt on X: Follow Mila on X: Be the Spark!: Listen to Skye Perryman’s Episode: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Want to support the show and get it early? Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Matt Cohen Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Your Political Rights: Attorney General Eric Holder & Michael Waldman
10/03/2024
Your Political Rights: Attorney General Eric Holder & Michael Waldman
This is a recording of a live event of the American Voter Project at the Eric H. Holder Jr. Initiative for Civil and Political Rights. We discuss the long history of voter suppression, voting rights, the electoral college, the Supreme Court, and democracy. General Holder’ and Michael’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Vote! Engage in a major social movement Eric H. Holder, Jr. serves as Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. He served in the Obama Administration as the 82nd Attorney General of the United States from February 2009 to April 2015, the third longest-serving Attorney General in U.S. history and the first African American to hold that office. Michael Waldman is president and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law. A nonpartisan law and policy institute that focuses on improving systems of democracy and justice, the Brennan Center is a leading national voice on voting rights, money in politics, criminal justice reform, and constitutional law. Follow General Holder on X: Follow Michael Waldman on X: Follow Mila on X: Be the Spark!: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Want to support the show and get it early? Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Attorney General Eric Holder & Michael Waldman Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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End Climate Silence: Genevieve Guenther
09/26/2024
End Climate Silence: Genevieve Guenther
We discuss deepening our understanding of the climate crisis, the urgent need for decarbonization, and our role in speaking truth about phasing out fossil fuels. Genevieve’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Call your elected representatives and demand policies to phase out fossil fuels. If extreme weather comes up in conversation, connect the dots to climate change and say: “We really need to phase out fossil fuels so we can halt global heating.” Genevieve Guenther is the founding director of End Climate Silence and affiliate faculty at The New School. Her most recent book is The Language of Climate Politics: Fossil-Fuel Propaganda and How to Fight It. Follow Genevieve on X: Read The Language of Climate Politics: Follow Mila on X: Be the Spark!: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Genevieve Guenther Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Everybody Benefits from Public Schools: Jennifer Berkshire & Jack Schneider
09/19/2024
Everybody Benefits from Public Schools: Jennifer Berkshire & Jack Schneider
We discuss the power and the promise of public schools, the universal rejection of book bans by parents across the country, and an inclusive vision for democracy. Their civic action toolkit recommendations are: Have a conversation with people with whom you disagree Remain open-minded. Jennifer Berkshire and Jack Schneider are co-hosts of the education podcast Have You Heard. Their new book is The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual. Follow Jennifer on X: Follow Jack on X: Read The Education Wars: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Jennifer Berkshire & Jack Schneider Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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People Power on the Ballot: Chris Melody Fields Figueredo
09/12/2024
People Power on the Ballot: Chris Melody Fields Figueredo
We discuss how ballot measures give voters the opportunity to take power and agency. It is about citizens putting issues that are important to their communities, gathering signatures, and then putting them on the ballot directly to effect policy change. Her civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1. Voting is the starting line, not the finish line. 2. Hold your elected officials accountable after elections by reaching out to them about the issues that matter to you, and making sure they are keeping their promises. Chris Melody Fields Figueredo is the Executive Director of The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, which works to strengthen American democracy using ballot initiatives. Follow Chris on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Chris Melody Fields Figueredo Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Break Up the Two-Party System: Lee Drutman
09/05/2024
Break Up the Two-Party System: Lee Drutman
We discuss how two parties alone cannot represent the diversity of views in American society, how fusion voting could solve for better representation, and who exactly should get engaged in our civic lives. His civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1. Support political parties and reforms that create more choices. 2. Be a good neighbor and participate in a local meeting. Lee Drutman is Senior Fellow in the Political Reform program at New America, co-host of the Politics in Question podcast (a fellow Democracy Group podcast!), and author of Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America. Follow Lee on X: Read Lee’s Paper: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Lee Drutman Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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What Is It Like to Run for Office?: Wendy Davis
08/29/2024
What Is It Like to Run for Office?: Wendy Davis
We discuss what it takes for citizens to take action and run for elected office. Wendy ran as a Democrat in Utah because she wanted to give voters a viable, different choice. She knew it was going to be difficult to win as a first time candidate, but she ran so hard that she left a body mark in the wall. She lost by a mere 78 votes. Her civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1. Vote and encourage other people to vote 2. Work or volunteer for a candidate during an election year Wendy Davis is a former candidate for Utah House of Representatives and the author of The Fight You Don’t See – an honest memoir about her campaign. Follow Wendy on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Wendy Davis Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Protect Whistleblowers: Joe Spielberger
08/22/2024
Protect Whistleblowers: Joe Spielberger
Joe Spielberger is the policy counsel for the Effective and Accountable Government team at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO), where he advocates in Congress and the executive branch to strengthen whistleblower rights, protect a merit based civil service, and promote government ethics and transparency. We discuss how government can be transparent and accountable to us, the People. All Americans need to be confident that federal employees are hired based on their qualifications and not because of their partisan political ideology. In retaliation to the whistleblower on Trump’s phone call with Ukrainian president Zelensky, Trump signed Schedule F, an executive order that could have allowed a complete purge of the civil service of nonpartisan career civil servants. Because whistleblower retaliation is rampant, protecting whistleblowers and civil servants is one of the best ways to protect the public from harm. The Supreme Court does not have a binding code of ethics because the Supreme Court refuses to adopt one. However, Congress has clear and direct mechanisms to hold the Supreme Court accountable and can pass legislation that would implement a binding code of ethics. Follow Joe on X: Follow Project on Government Oversight on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guest: Joe Spielberger Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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U.S. Influence in Central America: Daniel Alvarenga
08/15/2024
U.S. Influence in Central America: Daniel Alvarenga
Daniel Alvarenga is a journalist who covers issues pertaining to immigration, racial equity, and Latinx cultures – with a special emphasis on Central America and its diasporas. He’s also the English language podcast host of Humo: Murder and Silence in El Salvador. We discuss the intersection of foreign policy, immigration policy, and democracy. US foreign interference in Central America has had a huge impact on destabilizing the region. During the civil war in El Salvador between 1980 and 1992, the US contributed $1 billion in military aid. This destabilization is one reason Central Americans migrate to the United States, which in turn creates problems in the US. For example, MS-13 was started by Salvadoran children who moved to Los Angeles. In response, the US government has deported many of them back to El Salvador where the cycle of violence continues. El Salvador has the largest number of murders and disappearances in the world. Listen to Humo: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Daniel Alvarenga Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Disinformation is Sabotaging America: Barbara McQuade
08/08/2024
Disinformation is Sabotaging America: Barbara McQuade
Barbara McQuade is a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, co-host of the podcast #SistersinLaw, and a professor at the University of Michigan Law School. Her first book is Attack From Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America. We discuss the dangers of disinformation and how we can defeat it. Democracy depends on truth, and as Americans we should prize truth over tribe. A lot of disinformation is hiding behind the First Amendment – telling lies as a right to free speech. We are overrun with disinformation. One of the strategies is to exhaust us by constantly pumping false claims into the media ecosphere, so that we become cynical or disengage. That is fertile ground for would-be authoritarian regimes. For example, in response to the big lie that the 2020 election was stolen, a number of states have passed laws making it more difficult to vote. Defending truth is vitally important when it is under attack. Follow Barbara on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Barbara McQuade Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Protecting Democracy: Daria Dawson
08/01/2024
Protecting Democracy: Daria Dawson
Daria Dawson is the Executive Director of America Votes, which coordinates more than 400 partners to engage and mobilize voters for elections up and down the ballot across the country. We discuss why 2024 is - yet again - the most important election of our lifetimes. The biggest threat to American democracy is fascism and thus the most important issue in this election is preserving our democracy. Of course, democracy and protecting democracy is a process and never just one election. The top priority for America Votes this year is electing leaders who are committed to protecting the foundations of our democratic system, so that our voices can continue to be heard and counted. Every vote matters. Elections have been won or lost on the margins, so it’s imperative that everyone turns out to vote. Follow Daria on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow America Votes on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Daria Dawson Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Give Up the Bootstrapping Myth!: Alissa Quart
07/25/2024
Give Up the Bootstrapping Myth!: Alissa Quart
Alissa Quart is the executive director of the Economic Hardship Reporting Project and the author of Bootstrapped: Liberating Ourselves from the American Dream. We discuss what it really means to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps in America, “the land of the self-made.” Humans are biologically wired to be interdependent. In fact, achievement is often accompanied with isolation and loneliness. Alissa reminds us that “People who are fighting for democracy shouldn't be leaning into their own self made myth, but instead they should be trying to dispel the myth entirely.” The counter narrative to the self-made myth is that being in community and mutual solidarity feels better than being an individualist. Follow Alissa on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Alissa Quart Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Living Constitutionally: A.J. Jacobs
07/18/2024
Living Constitutionally: A.J. Jacobs
A.J. Jacobs is a journalist and author. His most recent book is The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning. We discuss how the Founding Fathers prized humility, experimentation, and a willingness to change their own minds. The heart of our democracy is for the community to come together and cooperate. One example is to advocate for democratic reforms, which are nonpartisan. Being apathetic or cynical helps the slide into autocracy. Resisting the allure of quick, hot takes and practicing slower thinking are also crucial to democracy. The founding fathers were deeply invested in balance, especially when it comes to the power of a president being balanced by Congress. A.J. reminds us that everyday citizens can control whether the sun is rising or setting on democracy. Follow A.J. on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: A.J. Jacobs Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Nationly: A Brutal Choice
07/10/2024
Nationly: A Brutal Choice
Nationly is a limited election series podcast by Immigrantly Media. Join hosts Sara Sadhwani and Juan Diego Ramirez as they offer their unique perspectives on swing states pivotal in determining the 2024 election outcomes. Focusing on minority communities—specifically, immigrants and communities of color—'Nationly' uncovers the issues that truly matter to these voters, ranging from global events like the situation in Gaza to local races such as the showdown between Kari Lake v. Ruben Gallego. The podcast asks: Who's spearheading the uncommitted movement in Michigan? What key issues are driving Latino support in Arizona? Why is Gen Z stepping up to run for office in Georgia? Delving into the "why" behind political issues, each episode explores vital defining moments in the lives of these voters, providing a comprehensive view of America's political spectrum and the diverse voices shaping it. Follow Immigrantly Media on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Immigrantly Media on Instagram: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Thanks AURA. Go to for a 14-day trial plus a check of your data to see if your personal information has been leaked online, all for FREE. Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website!
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Healthcare for All: Melanie D’Arrigo
07/04/2024
Healthcare for All: Melanie D’Arrigo
Melanie D’Arrigo is the Executive Director of the Campaign for New York Health, which aims to win universal single-payer healthcare for all New Yorkers. We discuss the intersection of democracy and healthcare and what is necessary to create better health outcomes. The New York Health Act is a current bill in the New York State Legislature that would implement a single payer healthcare system in New York, similar to Medicare for All. Instead of accessing health insurance, this bill would provide access to health care without the middleman, which is the insurance industry. The United States is the only industrialized country in the world that does not have universal health care. We spend the most amount of money with worse health outcomes. In addition, we allow millions of Americans to go into medical debt. More information on the Campaign for NY Health is here: Follow Melanie on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Thanks AURA. Go to for a 14-day trial plus a check of your data to see if your personal information has been leaked online, all for FREE. Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Melanie D’Arrigo Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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How It Feels to Love America: Wajahat Ali
06/27/2024
How It Feels to Love America: Wajahat Ali
Wajahat Ali is a Daily Beast columnist and the co-host of Democracy-ish. He's also the author of Go Back to Where You Came From: And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become American. Together, Mila and Waj discuss what it means to be American and to love a country that often doesn’t love them back. Defense of democracy continues to resonate as a kitchen table issue for all Americans. Mainstream media is not properly serving the public, whether that’s about fully informing the public on the Trump indictments, truthfully reporting the reality in Gaza, or neglecting to report on the dangers of Project 2025. Project 2025 is a white Christian nationalist document that openly pushes for ideas such as the weaponization of the DOJ, eliminating the Department of Education, and the continued efforts to ban abortion. Democrats must also remind and inform voters on these issues instead of shaming the public into voting for them. Follow Waj on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks AURA. Go to for a 14-day trial plus a check of your data to see if your personal information has been leaked online, all for FREE. Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Wajahat Ali Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Pursuing Equal Justice: Robert Tsai
06/20/2024
Pursuing Equal Justice: Robert Tsai
Robert L. Tsai is the author of Demand the Impossible: One Lawyer’s Pursuit of Equal Justice for All and Professor of Law and Harry Elwood Warren Memorial Scholar at Boston University School of Law. We discuss the death penalty, legal representation for the indigent, and equality under law. People do see the flaws in the criminal justice system. They are often aware that aside from major metropolitan areas, public defenders are not well funded. Elsewhere, there is a patchwork of sub-par solutions. All of the discretion lies with the prosecutor, which renders the system unequal. Tsai argues that a public defender movement ought to be revived; racial justice acts need public support; and a lot of work can be done to end the death penalty. Follow Robert on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Thanks AURA. Go to for a 14-day trial plus a check of your data to see if your personal information has been leaked online, all for FREE. Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Robert Tsai Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Relational Organizing: Rachel Vindman
06/13/2024
Relational Organizing: Rachel Vindman
Rachel Vindman is the co-host of the Suburban Women Problem podcast and she has her finger on the pulse on all things politics for American women. We discuss abortion, Trump's conviction, Ukraine, and relational organizing. The goal in this year’s election is maintaining American democracy. Relational organizing is about talking to people about what's going on, making sure they know and understand. Being a reliable source of good information and then sharing it is very powerful — and should not be underestimated. We also need to remind people constantly that the ex-president is a convicted felon. Follow Rachel on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks AURA. Go to for a 14-day trial plus a check of your data to see if your personal information has been leaked online, all for FREE. Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Rachel Vindman Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Take the Constitution Back from Originalism: Madiba Dennie
06/06/2024
Take the Constitution Back from Originalism: Madiba Dennie
Madiba Dennie is Deputy Editor and Senior Contributor at the critical legal commentary outlet Balls and Strikes. Her debut book is The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We The People Can Take it Back. We discuss a fresh way to interpret the Constitution. Inclusive Constitutionalism interprets the Constitution in a way that makes inclusive democracy real. By contrast, originalism interprets the meaning of the Constitution as fixed in time in the 1800s. However, the Reconstruction Amendments that were enacted in the wake of the Civil War tried to address the status of newly freed, formerly enslaved people. The Amendments were designed to foster a multiracial democracy for the first time. In addition, the public has a role in articulating what it believes the Constitution means. Follow Madiba on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Madiba Dennie Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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Voters Are the Boss: Jessica González-Rojas
05/30/2024
Voters Are the Boss: Jessica González-Rojas
Jessica González-Rojas is the New York State Assembly Member representing the 34th District in New York City. We discuss the New York State budget and how she represents her constituents on housing, food insecurity, and healthcare. The number one issue for constituents is housing, ranging from vermin problems and bad landlords to high rents. Food insecurity became more apparent during the pandemic and continues to be rampant. Access to healthcare is still uneven and passing the New York Health Act is critical. The Assembly Member listens to and acts upon the needs of her constituents in the State Legislature. Follow Jessica on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Jessica González-Rojas Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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When Government Works: Debbie Cox Bultan
05/23/2024
When Government Works: Debbie Cox Bultan
Debbie Cox Bultan is the CEO of the NewDEAL, a network of 150 rising state and local officials, and the NewDEAL Forum, which identifies and promotes innovative state and local pro-growth progressive policies. We discuss what it means to deliver good governance at the state and local level. We have a big problem with our democracy right now, and it stems from people believing that the government is to blame for all of our problems. In 24-hour media cycles that fill airtime with the loudest voices instead of the voices with the most common sense, it’s easy to see why. But our government can do good things, and it works best when public officials can find compromise and come together to find common ground. Follow Debbie on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Sponsor: Thanks to Shopify for supporting Future Hindsight! Sign up for a $1/month trial at . Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Debbie Cox Bultan Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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The Path to Decarbonization: Bill Weir
05/16/2024
The Path to Decarbonization: Bill Weir
Bill Weir is CNN’s Chief Climate Correspondent and the author of Life As We Know It (Can Be). We discuss Carbon Godzilla, decarbonization, and the many existing and accessible technologies to mitigate climate change. Decarbonization must start with big industry, but there are many ways for individuals to make a difference, too. Clean energy can be had with tax incentives, reducing costs for consumers. Energy efficient homes – passive houses and innovations in heating and cooling – reduce or even eliminate monthly energy bills. At the same time, utility and power companies in the US function as legal monopolies whose primary incentive is to build more infrastructure and raise rates. Fossil fuel companies – despite being the most profitable companies in human history – are still getting billions in direct and indirect subsidies. Follow Bill on X: Follow Mila on X: Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! Take the Democracy Group’s Listener Survey! Want to support the show and get it early? Check out the Future Hindsight website! Read the transcript here: Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Bill Weir Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
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