• Summary

  • Dive into the rich soil of politics and pop culture with "It Matters" a podcast where the past and present intertwine to shape our understanding of the political landscape. Each episode, join us as we invite prominent politicians, cultural icons, and influential activists to share information, their concerns, personal journeys and the moments that have shaped their political ideologies. It’s election year and we are here to help you sort through the truth and the lies, misinformation and disinformation. From the earliest memories that sparked their political consciousness to the current issues that drive their advocacy, our guests unravel the threads of their political evolution against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. Alongside these intimate conversations, we'll delve into how pop culture mirrors and influences political discourse, bringing a fresh, relatable perspective to the pressing issues of our time. "It Matters" isn't just a podcast; it's a platform for deep, engaging dialogue. It's about understanding how individual experiences contribute to the collective political narrative, exploring the intersections of identity, culture, and politics. Tune in to "It Matters" for insightful, thought-provoking discussions that go beyond the headlines, offering a unique blend of personal storytelling and in-depth political analysis. Let's get to what matters in politics together!
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Episodes
  • Nominee Approvals & Honoring Our Checks & Balances
    Nov 20 2024
    Whether you voted for Donald Trump or not, all eyes are on the President-elect and what his agendas and process look like. We want to give an overview of what we see so far and potential signs of trying to bypass the normal checks and balances within our government, what that means, and what are some ways you can keep watch on that. Barry and Joshua talk about some of the prospective nominees and some thoughts about them and also the process by which they would be nominated. Post-election, Donald Trump is aggressively pushing forward with Cabinet nominations and administrative plans for his second term. His appointees largely consist of loyalists and individuals aligned with his policies, such as Stephen Miller and Thomas Homan in key roles. High-profile picks like Elise Stefanik for U.N. ambassador and Marco Rubio for Secretary of State reflect his intent to prioritize loyalty to his agendas. The Trump administration’s claim to act as disruptors by reshaping systems like immigration and healthcare does not inherently mean abandoning the Constitution or democracy. However, concerns arise if disruption undermines constitutional principles such as checks and balances, equal protection, or due process. The preservation of the U.S. checks and balances system relies on several mechanisms: Congressional Oversight, Judicial Review and Media and Public Accountability. Monitoring these actions and advocating for transparency for all of us, independent of who you voted for is critical to maintaining institutional checks. Here are tools and organizations to help in voicing concerns about government not adhering to checks and balances and our Constitution if this ever arises. 1.Indivisible: Provides scripts for contacting Congress and organizing grassroots advocacy. Indivisible.org 2.Common Cause: Advocates for democracy reforms and offers resources for civic engagement. CommonCause.org 3.OpenSecrets: Tracks political appointments and campaign funding. OpenSecrets.org 4.Call Your Representatives: Use tools like 5 Calls to connect with elected officials. 5.FreedomWorks: Focused on accountability and smaller government, offering templates for letters and outreach campaigns. SPONSOR : BetterHelp - Visit www.BetterHelp.com/matters to get 10% off your first month!
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    17 mins
  • Crisis Point: Anthony Coley on defending Democracy
    Nov 6 2024
    In this conversation, Michael interviews Anthony Coley, a former DOJ and Treasury official,about the current political landscape and the importance of voting. They discuss Kamala Harris'srise in popularity, the strength of the Democratic bench, the threat of a second Trump term, andthe need for Democrats to engage with the Republican media ecosystem. They also touch onthe role of the DOJ and the importance of preserving voting rights. Overall, the conversationhighlights the significance of the upcoming election and the need for Democrats to mobilize andprotect democracy.TakeawaysKamala Harris has gained popularity through her hard work and connection with voters,particularly on issues like reproductive rights.The Democratic Party has a strong and diverse bench of talented individuals who are ready tolead.Voting rights are crucial, and efforts to restrict access to the ballot must be fought against.The threat of a second Trump term is concerning, as it could lead to the further weaponizationof the DOJ and erosion of democratic norms.Democrats need to engage with the Republican media ecosystem to reach a wider audience andmake their case.The Biden presidency represents a returnto decency and a fight for the soul of the country.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Kamala Harris09:33 Importance of Voting Rights12:24 Threat of a Second Trump Term and DOJ Weaponization16:05 Engaging with the Republican Media Ecosystem23:30 The Biden Presidency and Conclusion
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    31 mins
  • Roy Wood Jr.
    Oct 31 2024
    ROY WOOD JR. is a comedian, an Emmy-nominated documentary producer, a correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy-nominated The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and host of Comedy Central’s award-winning podcast, The Daily Show: Beyond the Scenes. Spring of 2023, Wood guest hosted The Daily Show and headlined the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Wood co-starred alongside Jon Hamm in Paramount Pictures' long-awaited Fletch remake, Confess, Fletch and has guest appearances in ‘Only Murders in the Building’, ‘Better Call Saul’, ‘The Last O.G.’ & ‘Space Force.’ He has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyer, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He also performed on numerous USO Tours for our Troops stationed everywhere from Guam to Iraq to the Philippines. At the height of the pandemic, Roy raised money for the displaced staff of comedy clubs through tipyourwaitstaff.com and Laugh Aid. On this episode of It Matters with Michael Starr Hopkins, Roy shares his unique perspective on politics and comedy, shaped by his upbringing in Alabama and his father's influence as a journalist. He discusses the impact of racism, inequality, and the fight for justice in Birmingham, as well as his transition into social commentary in comedy. The conversation delves into the role of race, politics, and the media in shaping public opinion and voter behavior. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including voter rationalization, media consumption, political awareness, the changing landscape of politics, and the dynamics of legacy media. Roy Wood Jr. shares insights on the role of young voters, and the challenges of disinformation. Takeaways Roy Wood Jr.'s upbringing in Alabama and his father's role as a journalist significantly influenced his perspective on politics and social issues. The impact of racism, inequality, and the fight for justice in Birmingham shaped Roy Wood Jr.'s sense of optimism and informed his social commentary in comedy. The role of race, politics, and the media in shaping public opinion and voter behavior is a complex and influential factor in contemporary society Understanding voter rationalization and the complexities of voting against self-interest. The impact of new media on political awareness and the challenges of disinformation. The role of young voters and the future of the country. SPONSORS: QUINCE- Go to www.Quince.com/ITMATTERS for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. HelloFresh - Go to www.HelloFresh.com/FREEITMATTERS. Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan.
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    57 mins

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