Notes from the Front

Michelle Tandler
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Politics
  • Updated Biweekly

Conversations with thinkers, leaders and practitioners on the front lines of change. www.notesfromthefront.com

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Batya Ungar-Sargon on Judaism, the Jews, and the Left

    Hello everybody, and welcome back to Notes from the Front — In this episode, we speak with Batya Ungar-Sargon, a journalist and author known for her work on the American working class, political realignment, and Jewish life. Her latest book is The Jews and the Left: A History of Antisemitism, Civil Rights, and the Unraveling of American Politics. We begin with Batya’s Orthodox upbringing and her reflections on Shabbat, femininity, and the role faith plays in her life. From there, we explore how American Jews became so deeply aligned with the political left, what Jews and the Democratic Party gained from that alliance, and why Batya believes it is now unraveling. We also discuss class and race, Trump and working-class politics, anti-Zionism after October 7, and Batya’s own political and religious evolution. I hope you find this conversation as meaningful and fascinating as I did! ~ Michelle 🔗 Listen: [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] 📺 Watch: [YouTube] 📍 Chapters: 01:31 — “L’maan Shmo”: Faith and staying grounded on-air 06:51 — Modern Orthodoxy, universal morality, and personal autonomy 13:06 — Women & femininity in Judaism 17:22 — Shabbat, and the unexpected appeal of religious separation 28:14 — The Yale study that began Batya’s break with the left 31:27 — Trump, populism, and Batya’s working-class politics 36:37 — How labor unions and FDR drew American Jews to the left 42:47 — Power, anti-Zionism, and the left after October 7 48:56 — Why Batya rejects Jewish victimhood in America 52:05 — The hidden argument connecting Batya’s three books 55:22 — Political homelessness and the future of American Judaism 59:58 — George Washington’s promise to American Jews 📚 Batya’s Work: * The Jews and the Left: A History of Antisemitism, Civil Rights, and the Unraveling of American Politics * Batya Ungar-Sargon at The Free Press * Batya on NewsNation 📧 Contact Michelle: michelle@notesfromthefront.com For new episode alerts, subscribe below. Have questions or feedback? Leave a comment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

  2. Jul 29

    David French on Faith, Pluralism & Civic Virtue

    Hello everybody & welcome back to Notes from the Front - In this episode, we speak with David French, a New York Times columnist, Iraq War veteran, and constitutional lawyer with nearly two decades of litigation experience. He is also the author of Divided We Fall. Our conversation focuses on how Americans with profound moral and political disagreements can continue to share a country. We discuss religious virtues, political polarization, the pro-life movement, free speech, same-sex marriage, the case for American pluralism, and more. I hope you find this conversation as meaningful and fascinating as I did! ~ Michelle 🔗 Listen: [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] 📺 Watch: [YouTube] 📍 Chapters: 02:25 — Growing up with church at the center of life 09:48 — The gifts (and dangers) of religious community 13:51 — “Love God, love your neighbor” - and what about the self? 24:49 — What Christians and secular liberals misunderstand about each other 29:37 — The “big sort,” group polarization, and social-media nutpicking 35:10 — Can social media and AI help depolarize us? 41:25 — David’s political homelessness and break with the Republican Party 47:10 — What it means to be socially conservative 50:32 — The pro-life case against abortion 56:07 — IVF, discarded embryos, and snowflake adoption 58:30 — A civil libertarian’s case for pluralism 1:01:01 — Same-sex marriage and religious liberty 1:04:38 — Trump, illiberalism, and threats to free speech 1:14:48 — When campus protest becomes harassment 1:20:23 — Can a secular society sustain civic virtue? 1:26:17 — Humility as an acknowledgment of reality 📚 David’s Work: Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation David French at The New York Times Advisory Opinions Podcast 📧 Contact Michelle: michelle@notesfromthefront.com For new episode alerts, subscribe below. Or, leave a comment! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

  3. Apr 5

    Why is Housing so Expensive?

    Welcome back to Notes from the Front - This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered why housing costs so much. I sat down with Judge Glock, Director of Research at the Manhattan Institute, to go through policies driving the crisis: zoning, rent control, ghost apartments, and what New York's new rent freeze is likely to do. It's one of the clearest conversations I've had. Hope you enjoy! ~ Michelle ------------- 🔗 Links: Spotify | Apple | YouTube 📍 Chapters: * 00:00 Introduction * 01:00 The #1 barrier to housing: zoning * 05:30 Why cities welcome data centers but fight housing * 08:00 Environmental regulations and the sprawl problem * 12:00 Rent control: what economists actually agree on * 18:00 The difference between rent control and rent stabilization * 24:00 The 1970s Bronx fires — what really happened * 32:00 New York’s new mayor and the rent freeze * 38:00 The case against public housing * 46:00 Ghost apartments and landlord bankruptcies * 56:00 Who gets hurt most by rent control * 1:06:00 The case for renting over owning * 1:10:00 Judge’s 3-point plan if he were Mayor of NYC * 1:17:00 Housing as a national political issue 📚 Books: * The Fires: How a Computer Formula, Big Ideas, and the Best of Intentions Burned Down New York City by Joe Flood – http://bit.ly/48wSHc7 * Public Housing That Worked by Nicholas Dagen Bloom — https://bit.ly/47FvWma 📰 Judge’s Articles: * “Two Cheers for Zoning” — https://bit.ly/4tnEVk6 * Is There a Dumber Housing Policy Than Rent Control? — https://bit.ly/4viNoXQ * Laws Protecting Renters Hurt Renters — https://bit.ly/4sTVJzh * The Asian-American Landlord Movement — https://bit.ly/3On2D12 📍 Find Judge Glock: https://manhattan.institute/person/judge-glock 📧 Contact Michelle: michelle@notesfromthefront.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

    Why is Housing so Expensive?

  4. 06/15/2025

    Whitney Tilson for NYC Mayor

    Hello everybody, I'm excited to share the latest episode of Notes from the Front, featuring Whitney Tilson, a centrist Democrat, philanthropist, and candidate for New York City mayor. Whitney's journey is fascinating—from his early years overseas in Tanzania and Nicaragua, to co-founding Teach For America and advocating for education reform in NYC. In our conversation, we covered critical issues facing New York City: * The education crisis and how to solve it * Housing affordability and the future of rent stabilization * Public safety, policing, and crime trends * Fighting antisemitism and political extremism Whitney doesn't shy away from bold policy solutions or candid critiques of his political rivals. This episode is a must-listen if you care about the future of New York City. Listen on Apple or Spotify, or watch on YouTube, and let me know your thoughts! ~ Michelle Podcast Chapters: 00:00 – Episode Introduction01:00 – Whitney’s Childhood & Background05:00 – Family Values & Service07:00 – Founding Teach For America12:00 – KIPP Schools & Education Philanthropy15:00 – Education Politics & Teachers' Unions16:20 – Fourth Grade Reading Crisis in NYC Schools22:00 – NYC Department of Education Budget & Bureaucracy24:00 – Why Are People Leaving NYC?27:00 – Solving NYC’s Housing Crisis33:00 – Rent Stabilization & Vacant Apartments44:00 – Crime Trends & Public Safety in NYC51:00 – Combating Anti-Semitism & Zoran Mamdani Critique54:00 – Why Whitney Tilson Chose to Run for Mayor 📺 Watch here on YouTube 🎧 Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

  5. 12/15/2024

    Chasing Hope: How Journalism can Shine a Light

    Welcome back to Notes from the Front — In this episode, Nicholas Kristof talks with us about the critical role of journalism in exposing and addressing global crises such as genocide, human trafficking, and inequality. He reflects on the moral dilemmas journalists face, balancing the pursuit of accurate reporting with a deep desire to inspire social change. Kristof also explores the challenges of today’s polarized political landscape, emphasizing the need to tackle working-class issues and foster bipartisan solutions on pressing topics like addiction, education, and housing. Amid the shifting dynamics of media and the rise of social platforms, he shares thoughtful insights on journalism’s evolving role in an ever-changing world. I hope you find this episode inspiring! ~ Michelle 📺 To watch on YouTube, click here. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction of Nicholas Kristof and Vision for Notes from the Front podcast 3:13 Reporting on global issues and the impact of personal experiences 5:41 The power of journalism and storytelling in coverage of Tiananmen Square 7:58 Acts of courage and the evolution of Kristof's mission 10:21 Selecting impactful topics and tackling taboo subjects 14:10 Challenging audiences and navigating conflicts in journalism 17:07 Safety concerns and working with local teams 19:12 The power of personal stories and confronting evil 24:31 Balancing activism and journalistic ethics 27:27 Critiques of activism in modern journalism 31:06 The importance of diverse viewpoints and social media's role 37:10 Social media's impact on news consumption and accountability 41:18 Misinformation and the realignment of political affiliations 45:21 Democratic party's challenges and conflicting views on immigration 55:29 Addressing the working-class crisis and political failures 58:43 The impact of methamphetamine and synthetic drugs 1:03:13 Challenges with drug treatment and Kristof's future focus areas 1:06:24 Gender disparities and maintaining optimism in crises 1:10:18 Inspirational resilience story and conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

    Chasing Hope: How Journalism can Shine a Light

  6. 03/11/2024

    Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Addicted

    Hi everybody & welcome (back) to Notes from the Front — In this episode, we talk with Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio, a neurosurgeon at Zuckerberg San Francisco General - the leading trauma center & public hospital in the city of San Francisco. This discussion focuses on the challenges of treating brain & spinal injuries in patients who are marginally housed, homeless, and/or struggling with addiction to substances like methamphetamine and fentanyl. We discuss the legal and ethical aspects of neurosurgery and trauma care, including patient capacity and conservatorship. Dr. DiGiorgio also offers insights into how policy and culture shape healthcare, drawing critical distinctions between the healthcare systems in Louisiana and California. I found this conversation fascinating, and I hope you will too. ~ Michelle Chapters 02:17 A Day in the Life of a Neurosurgeon 04:01 Elective and Emergency Injuries 05:46 The Reality of Uninsured and Homeless Patients 07:36 The Cost and Challenges of Long-Term Care 09:51 The Impact of Policy and Culture on Healthcare 17:47 The Struggle with Patient Capacity and Conservatorship 23:24 The Role of Drugs in Traumatic Brain Injuries 29:15 The Legal and Ethical Aspects of Patient Care 33:56 Comparing Healthcare Systems in Different States 38:13 Understanding the California MCO Structure 38:48 The Impact of MCOs on Long-Term Care 40:29 Comparing MCO Systems: California vs. Louisiana 41:02 The Complexity of MCO Systems 41:22 The Role of Politics in Healthcare 41:37 The Challenges of MCOs and ER Care 42:26 Advocating for Change in the Healthcare System 42:48 The Importance of Patient Autonomy and Choice 45:28 Addressing Substance Abuse and Mental Health 47:22 The Ethics of Capacity and Decision Making 47:47 The Impact of Drug Addiction on Health 49:31 The Struggle with Patient Autonomy and Treatment 52:04 The Consequences of Uncontrolled Drug Use 57:11 The Ethics of Using the Term 'Zombies' 01:06:56 The Role of Work Requirements in Healthcare 01:17:16 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Further Study & Resources Books: * Poverty & The Myth of Healthcare Reform by Richard (Buz) Cooper  * The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth by Sam Quinones Charities & Causes:  * Saul’s Light More about Dr. DiGiorgio:  * UCSF Profile P.S. If you have read this far… A special request. I am seeking all the feedback I can get! Please feel free to leave any thoughts or ideas by clicking the button below. Alternatively, you can email me directly. Thank you in advance! ~ MT This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

    Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Addicted

  7. 03/03/2024

    On a Mission to Fix San Francisco - Steven Buss & Sachin Agarwal, Founders of GrowSF

    “We will not fix San Francisco one project at a time. We must fight for structural change, which includes electing better officials and passing legislation.” - GrowSF Mission Hello everybody - Welcome to Notes from the Front.  This episode features Steven Buss & Sachin Agarwal, two former tech executives now dedicating their time to building GrowSF, a nonprofit focused on advocating for common sense policy in San Francisco. From writing voter guides to running political education events, Steven & Sachin are working tirelessly to turn around the city they love. Their vision is for a growing, safe, vibrant, family-oriented future.   I found this conversation fascinating, and I hope you will too.  ~ Michelle  📺 To Watch on YouTube 🎧 Other audio versions: Spotify, Apple, Overcast 📖 Learn More: * GrowSF voter guide * GrowSF Feb Poll  * Lanier Coles for DCCC (Notes from the Front episode) * On defunding SFPD: “Did S.F. deliver on promise to redirect $120 million from law enforcement to Black community? (SF Chronicle) * On SF Board of Supervisors part time vs full time: “S.F. supervisor moonlighting ban a burden” (SF Gate) * Are There More Dogs Than Children in S.F.? (KQED) * San Francisco has more drug users than public high school students (KTVU) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

    On a Mission to Fix San Francisco - Steven Buss & Sachin Agarwal, Founders of GrowSF

  8. 02/18/2024

    Lanier Coles for DCCC

    Hello everybody - Welcome to Notes from the Front! This episode features Lanier Coles, a San Francisco resident running for the Democratic County Central Committee (aka DCCC). It will be a tight race, and she will need all the support she can get. Our conversation about her run for office (and views on San Francisco politics) is attached. Have a great week! ~ Michelle Links for viewing & sharing: * YouTube (video version) * Spotify * Apple Podcasts * Overcast * Lanier’s Campaign Website * SF Register to Vote (Deadline is Feb 20) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

    Lanier Coles for DCCC

  9. 01/16/2024

    Sam Lessin for Harvard Board of Overseers

    Hello everybody, In this episode, we're speaking with Sam Lessin, a prominent figure in tech and venture capital. Sam has held several exciting roles in his career. He was VP of Product at Facebook and subsequently founded two companies - drop.io and Fin. Most recently, he co-founded and is a General Partner at Slow Ventures, a VC firm that has raised over $750 million. He’s invested in dozens of innovative startups like Venmo, Solana, and Teamshares. Sam also writes prolifically, both on X/Twitter and The Information.  In this conversation, we'll explore Sam's latest endeavor: an against-all-odds run for the Harvard Board of Overseers. Sam, a Harvard alum, has grown increasingly alarmed by changes on the Harvard campus in recent years. He believes that the school requires serious reform - and must focus on academic excellence above all else while embracing free speech in the classroom & beyond. To reach the ballot, he must receive 3,300 write-in nominations. We'll delve into what this role entails, the significance of the Harvard example in higher education, and the challenges of running as a write-in candidate. I found the conversation fascinating, and I hope you will, too. ~ Michelle 🎥 P.S. If you prefer to watch the video, you can find it below or on YouTube. Resources/links: * Sam for Overseer Website (includes instructions for nomination) * Sample email template Chapters: * Introduction and Background: 00:00 * The Harvard Overseer Board: 03:20 * Confusion between Harvard Corporation and Harvard Overseers: 05:20 * Election and Term of the Overseers: 07:40 * Running as a Write-In Candidate: 09:10 * Challenges and Requirements for Nomination: 10:00 * Multiple Candidates and Bill Ackman's Slate: 13:50 * Power Dynamics and Administrative Reform: 17:00 * The Importance of Harvard's Example: 18:40 * Consistency in Political Statements: 22:10 * Advocating for Change as an Insider-Outsider: 25:40 * How to Support Sam's Campaign: 28:30 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

    Sam Lessin for Harvard Board of Overseers

  10. 04/15/2023

    The New Meth & Fentanyl Crisis

    Hello everybody — Please find attached a draft of The New Meth & Fentanyl Crisis. It features Sam Quinones, author of Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic & The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth. The episode covers a wide range of topics. From the Sacklers & role that McKinsey played in the Opioid crisis, to the dangers associated with the new synthetic versions of meth & fentanyl, and the new supply chain from China to Mexico. We wrap with a discussion of what could be done to reduce overdose deaths & turn things around. If you have any feedback or ideas for how this could be better, please leave a comment or email me. Notes & timestamps will be posted soon. Hope you find this thought-provoking, Michelle This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

    The New Meth & Fentanyl Crisis

  11. 03/29/2023

    How to Fight the Overdose Crisis in San Francisco

    Hi everybody - This is a working draft of our launch episode, How to Fight the Overdose Crisis in San Francisco. If you have any feedback or ideas about how it could be better, please email us or leave a comment below. Also, if you would like to watch the episode on YouTube, click here. Thank you for listening/watching! ~ Michelle *Notes coming soon.* This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.notesfromthefront.com

    How to Fight the Overdose Crisis in San Francisco
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Conversations with thinkers, leaders and practitioners on the front lines of change. www.notesfromthefront.com

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Tandler
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michelle Tandler
  • Show Website
    Notes from the Front

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