Mitten Politics
By Mitten Politics
A podcast covering federal, state, and local politics from a Michigan perspective. We'll interview elected officials, candidates for office, and discuss current events in politics. New episodes every other Monday.
*Logo created by Taylor Moberg
*Logo created by Taylor Moberg
Mitten PoliticsNov 16, 2020
00:00
59:50
A Vision for Democratic Socialism with Detroit DSA's Black and Brown Alliance Co-Chair, Landis Spencer
Join me for a conversation with Landis Spencer, a Co-Chair of the Black and Brown Alliance for Detroit DSA. Landis is also a candidate for the Board of Police Commissioners for Detroit's 6th District. In this episode, we discuss the ways Socialism is actually more compatible with Democracy than Capitalism and dissect the "American Left." We also talk about the importance of the Labor movement as a catalyst for real change.
Check out Landis's campaign website: https://www.landis4bopc.com/
Learn more about Detroit DSA: https://www.metrodetroitdsa.com/
Website for the national DSA: https://www.dsausa.org/
Jul 19, 202144:39
Activism: Where & Why to Start Getting Involved, with Activist Paula Martinos-Mantay
If you've been looking for ways to get involved in politics and social issues, this episode is for you! Being an activist is not an all-or-nothing activity and it takes shape in many ways. Learn from one of my local inspirations for activism, Paula Martinos-Mantay from Indivisible Fighting 9.
Link to State Wide Indivisible Michigan: https://www.beinvinciblemi.com/
Link to Indivisible Fighting 9: https://www.indivisiblefighting9.com/
Link to national Indivisible: https://indivisible.org/
Jun 28, 202158:21
Sex, Gender, and Identity (Part II) with Shawn Lundy
In this episode, Shawn and I share our coming out stories, discuss the horror of gender reveal parties, and unpack pronouns, prefixes, and chosen names. We discuss whether drag is problematic and analyze what it means to be cisgender and heterosexual in Queer spaces.
Apr 19, 202148:21
Sex, Gender, and Identity (Part I) with Shawn Lundy
In this episode, Shawn and I will discuss the differences between sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and more. This is part I of II.
Apr 05, 202140:49
Vote 16 Michigan: Lowering the Voting Age, with Cofounders Sky Ueki and Krisha Ramani
Why do we consider 18 to be the age when people are the most competent and informed to vote? Think about it. Especially with local elections, are there alternative perspectives we should be considering?
www.vote16mi.com/
Instagram: @vote16mi
www.vote16mi.com/
Instagram: @vote16mi
Mar 22, 202149:18
Labor Unions: Workers in Solidarity, with AFSCME Local 1809 President Tim Ciechorski
Labor unions have had a powerful impact on modern working standards and workplace conditions. Unions enable members to exercise their power in solidarity as they advocate for workers' rights. Learn more by checking out the AFL-CIO or researching unions in your area.
Mar 08, 202147:52
Privilege and Equity: A Responsibility to Do Better, with Activist Lakeesha Morrison
In this episode, I speak with activist Lakeesha Morrison to break down the concept of privilege and some of the forms in which it manifests. We discuss some of the potential remedies, one of which is a responsibility for each of us to educate ourselves, reflect on our own biases and privilege, and strive to do better.
Feb 22, 202101:11:55
The Student Debt Crisis: Education is a Human Right with Analyst Glen Haslerud
In this episode, we cover some student debt statistics, why higher education is so expensive, and the effects this has on dragging down the economy.
Feb 08, 202101:07:36
Gerrymandering: Do Our Votes Matter, with Attorney Dan Ferency
Gerrymandering is both a simple and complicated concept. The impacts of gerrymandering ripple into multiple aspects of our voting system. We'll outline some of those impacts and the potential changes that can be made to fix the system.
Jan 25, 202101:00:00
Ranked Choice Voting: No More Spoiler Candidates w/ Political Science Professor Kevin Deegan-Krause
Our system of voting for a single candidate has resulted in frustration, disenfranchisement, and diminished enthusiasm for many of our elections. When we find ourselves forced to vote for the "lesser of two evils," the candidates that are elected tend to represent less of the values of the people in our country. In this episode, we'll discuss the benefits, process, and methods to enact ranked choice voting in Michigan (and beyond)!
Learn more at: RankMIvote.org
www.facebook.com/RankMIVote
Learn more at: RankMIvote.org
www.facebook.com/RankMIVote
Jan 11, 202101:06:07
U.S. Immigration: The Inhumanity of Our Laws w/ Attorney Kanika Ferency
In this episode, we dive into the inhumanity of current U.S. immigration laws, which haven't been changed in decades. We discuss the difference between immigration, asylum, refugee status, and why America should strive to be a stew instead of a melting pot.
Dec 14, 202056:13
The Electoral College: Its Racist Roots and How We Can Change It w/ Law Student Ben Schroff
We'll talk about the racist origins of the Electoral College system and what could be done to change it. We'll also compare the popular vote to the Electoral College and the effect it has for voters in different states.
To learn more about the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, visit:
www.nationalpopularvote.com/
To support Democrats Rev. Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the GA Senate runoff elections, visit:
secure.actblue.com/donate/2020gasenaterunoff
To learn more about the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, visit:
www.nationalpopularvote.com/
To support Democrats Rev. Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the GA Senate runoff elections, visit:
secure.actblue.com/donate/2020gasenaterunoff
Nov 30, 202057:08
2020 General Election Results - A Debrief w/ GRODC Vice Chair Lauren Jasinski
In this episode, I discuss the results and implications of the 2020 general election with Lauren Jasinski, the Vice Chair of the Greater Royal Oak Democratic Club. We will talk about local, state, and federal results and what we can expect from here.
To help with the Georgia Senate special elections, visit: fairfight.com/
To help with the Georgia Senate special elections, visit: fairfight.com/
Nov 16, 202059:50
Community Organizing and Local Politics with GRODC Chair Tom Regan
In this episode we discuss what community organizing is, how it relates to police brutality, and why local politics matter. We'll provide insight into how to get involved locally and what local elected officials to pay attention to.
Nov 02, 202043:50
"Might've taken a wrong turn there, Ted!" (pre-election commentary with Seth Proffitt)
In this episode, we'll hear a message from State Senator Mallory McMorrow. Then, Seth and I will discuss the upcoming election, what the polls say and how they compare to 2016, and the future of the Republican party.
Oct 26, 202035:26
Absentee Process & Election Security w/ City Clerk Melanie Halas
In this episode, we cover absentee voting, election security, and what to do if you make a mistake on your ballot. I am joined by Royal Oak City Clerk Melanie Halas to answer questions voters have had and provide information about how to make sure your vote is counted! For more information, check out the Michigan Voter Information Center at: mvic.sos.state.mi.us/.
Oct 19, 202023:55
Welcome to Mitten Politics!
This is our first episode! Welcome and we look forward to producing future episodes for your information and enjoyment.
Oct 03, 202002:27