How to Fix It with John Avlon

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Politicians, pundits, and the media spend a lot of time talking about the problems our country faces but not enough time on how to solve them. Each week, John Avlon and his guests hash out sensible and attainable solutions for some of the most vexing issues confronting our democracy—solutions that will likely emerge from the political center.

2 DAYS AGO

Wes Moore: “I Will Bow Down to No One!”

Maryland Governor Wes Moore joins John Avlon to talk about leadership, service, and solutions. From cutting Baltimore’s homicide rate by 40%, to pioneering a statewide service year for young people, to rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in record time, Moore lays out how states can lead where Washington fails. He also opens up about clashes with Donald Trump, the challenges of navigating federal politics, and what Democrats must do to deliver real results for working people.

29 min
24 AUG

Citizens United Almost Broke Democracy. Here’s the Fix.

Jeff Clements joins John Avlon to talk about the For Our Freedom Amendment aims to put power back in the hands of people, not money, by allowing Congress and states to set limits on political spending. History shows that even in America’s most divided times, from the Civil War to the 1960s, bold constitutional amendments have passed, proof that big changes are possible in moments of crisis. American Promise https://americanpromise.net

42 min
17 AUG

National Service Could Reunite America (w/ Stanley McChrystal)

In this episode of How to Fix It, General Stanley McChrystal joins John Avlon to reflect on the themes of his latest book on character and how personal integrity shapes public leadership. McChrystal argues that character isn’t just about ideals—it’s the product of values and the discipline to live them out. He believes America is suffering a national character erosion, and that rebuilding democratic norms must start from the ground up—through civic education, grassroots engagement, and personal accountability. Looking back at U.S. military engagements, McChrystal shares candid reflections. He defends the initial intervention in Afghanistan post-9/11 but says its long-term failure was heartbreaking and due to missed opportunities and poor leadership—both by Afghans and Americans. On Iraq, he calls the 2003 invasion a mistake: unnecessary and poorly thought through, arguing Saddam would’ve collapsed on his own. Regarding Iran, he sees the current regime as extreme and ineffective but believes a more democratic future is possible if the West remains engaged. On Ukraine, McChrystal says the U.S. should have backed Kyiv more forcefully and early, suggesting that a “blank check” approach could have weakened Putin faster and potentially led to regime change in Russia.

40 min
10 AUG

America’s Losing the AI Race to China (with Matt Pottinger)

John Avlon and long time friend Matt Pottinger reconnect to talk global security, U.S.–China relations, artificial intelligence, and the health of democracy. They reflect on their shared history, Pottinger’s career as a journalist and Marine, and his service in the Trump administration. The discussion explores China’s rising influence, the AI race between nations, how authoritarian regimes exploit democratic weaknesses, and what the U.S. must do to stay competitive while protecting its values. Personal stories and strategic insights blend with the easy rapport of two old friends.

44 min
7 AUG

How to Fight Back Against Gerrymandering (with James Talarico)

John Avlon and Texas state legislator James Talarico focus on solutions for defending democracy against partisan power grabs. Talarico outlines the Texas Democrats’ bold strategy of breaking quorum to block a mid-decade gerrymander, framing it as a model of using every available tool to protect free and fair elections. He stresses that reform must start with banning gerrymandering altogether—whether in red or blue states—to ensure voters choose their leaders, not the other way around. Beyond redistricting, Avlon and Talarico argue Democrats should reclaim the language of faith as part of a broader effort to connect with more voters. By grounding politics in service and moral responsibility, leaders can bridge divides and counter extremist narratives. He also calls for strengthening the separation of church and state to protect both democracy and religious freedom. Finally, he believes Democrats must adopt a more aggressive, grassroots-driven approach, running for local office, contesting every seat, and showing voters they’re willing to act boldly to fix the system and make it work for everyone.

20 min
3 AUG

Fight Everywhere or Lose Everything! (w/ David Pepper)

John Avlon talks with David Pepper about how gerrymandering is undermining democracy, Trump’s push for new congressional maps in Texas, and how everyday citizens can fight back by running for local office, registering voters, and holding corrupt officials accountable.

38 min
27 JUL

How to Lower Temperatures in Cities for Next to Nothing

John Avlon is joined by Greg Kats where they focus on the growing threat of urban heat waves, and how “smart surfaces” offer an affordable, effective solution. Greg Kats explains that cities are getting hotter due to heat-absorbing infrastructure like dark roofs, asphalt, and concrete. These surfaces trap heat, especially in low-income neighborhoods, leading to higher energy bills, health risks, and even deaths.These fixes don’t require massive new spending. Simple upgrades like reflective roofing, porous pavement, green spaces, and solar panels—can dramatically cool cities, reduce flooding, and cut emissions. These smart surface strategies are already being tested in cities like Atlanta and Baltimore, showing real success. The episode highlights how a mix of data, common-sense planning, and political will could scale these solutions nationally making communities healthier, safer, and more climate-resilient for a relatively low cost. Smart Surfaces Coalition: https://smartsurfacescoalition.org

25 min
20 JUL

How the New GOP Tax Law Screws the Middle Class

John Avlon speaks with NYU law professor and former Obama/Biden advisor David Kamin about the dangers of Trump’s economic agenda and the newly passed Republican tax law. They warn that Trump’s renewed threats to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell could undermine global trust in U.S. financial stability by politicizing the central bank, potentially worsening inflation and damaging markets. They break down the tax law’s deep unfairness, massive cuts for the ultra-wealthy, growing income inequality, and a ballooning deficit. Kamin explains how the law rewards certain professions arbitrarily, penalizes employees, and opens new loopholes while slashing Medicaid and food assistance. They discuss alternative reforms, including closing corporate tax loopholes, enforcing a global minimum tax, and simplifying the system to support fairness, growth, and middle-class opportunity.

38 min

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Politicians, pundits, and the media spend a lot of time talking about the problems our country faces but not enough time on how to solve them. Each week, John Avlon and his guests hash out sensible and attainable solutions for some of the most vexing issues confronting our democracy—solutions that will likely emerge from the political center.