The Apocalyptic Optimist Podcast is BACK!
Over the years, my research has explored many aspects of how we can build lasting and effective political power and civic capacity. In fact, I’ve written three books specifically about this subject:
- Activism, Inc – focused on youth political participation, why the Left keeps losing, and how to fix it (Stanford University Press, 2006),
- American Resistance – tracking the resistance to the first Trump Administration and its policies, and how resisters channeled their outrage from resistance in the streets into electoral power in 2018 (Columbia University Press, 2019), and
- Saving Ourselves – exploring why we have not stopped climate change and how we build political power to get to the systemic changes that are needed to limit the climate crisis (Columbia University Press, 2024).
In all of these books, along with much of my empirical research, the value of building lasting civic connections and relational ties is clear.
This week, the Apocalyptic Optimist Podcast relaunched in its new format thanks to a partnership with the amazing folks at Pique Action. The season kicks off with an interview with comedian, writer, and activist, Adam Conover. Adam reflects on his experiences during the WGA strike and as a board member for the writers’ union. He talks about how building real political power starts with face-to-face interactions in our communities and why we must resist the siren’s song of doom scrolling and online influence peddling.
It’s refreshing to hear Adam talk about the same issues coming from such a different perspective. His message about how to situate and reclaim our power is so important in the current moment when so many of us are feeling powerless to fight back to the spread of autocracy.
If you’re looking for some motivation to make a difference and want to understand how to build real political power and political influence, give this episode a listen!
You can watch through YouTube, at Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Dana R Fisher 