How to Fix It with John Avlon

4.9 (72)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

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

You SHOULD Give A Damn About The NATIONAL DEBT (w/ Maya MacGuineas) | How To Fix It

John Avlon sits down with fiscal policy expert Maya MacGuineas to dissect the growing national debt, deficit, and the political dysfunction surrounding fiscal responsibility in Washington. They explore why skyrocketing debt should concern every American—not just economists and policymakers—and discuss practical, bipartisan solutions to restore fiscal balance.

33 min
FEB 23

Rethinking the Environmental Movement (with Rachel Pritzker)

Climate activists have long advocated for consuming less energy and shrinking our carbon footprint. But a growing ecomodernist movement argues we need more energy for prosperity, security—and to help combat climate change as well.

34 min
FEB 16

End the Tech Overlords' Self-Protection Racket (with Chris Hughes)

Tech companies have been virtually immune from lawsuits over what’s posted on their platforms. Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes tells John that the public would never agree to a blanket liability shield for industries like banking, airlines, and pharmaceuticals—and it's high time that Section 230 gets scrapped.

35 min
FEB 9

The AI War on Normal People (with Andrew Yang)

With AI driving ever greater income inequality while it eats through jobs—blue-collar, white-collar, and the kind of work in professional services firms college grads have trained for— our country’s leaders should be responding to the reality that is already upon us.

34 min
FEB 2

Make Congress Work (with Yuval Levin)

In other democracies, when a party wins an election it wins all the power. But American democracy is different, and under the Constitution, Congress is supposed to engage in cross-partisan bargaining—yet it's failing at this very basic job.

35 min
JAN 26

DOGE Is Doing it Wrong (with Philip K. Howard)

Elon wants to cut government programs, but that won’t make government more efficient. But changing how the government does things—by streamlining the permitting and purchasing processes, for example—will make government more effective, efficient, and responsive to the public. Plus, instilling fear among federal employees and helping fulfill Trump’s urge to say “you’re fired.” show notes Philip's group, Common Good Philip's books, "Everyday Freedom" and "Try Common Sense" Will Marshall's piece arguing for Democrats to have their own kind of DOGE

32 min
JAN 19

Keeping the Faith in the Fight to Defend Democracy (with Anne Applebaum)

As Trump retakes the Oval Office, John speaks with Anne Applebaum about how to stay in the fight of our times.

30 min
JAN 12

Avoiding Partisan Gridlock

Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi argues that the real election mandate was for border security, reducing the cost of living, and turning down the volume on the culture wars—not one-party rule.

39 min

See All (14)

4.9

out of 5

72 Ratings

The podcast I have been looking for!

Feb 9

Kkfried

It feels like everyone in the news is covering the chaos, but no one is providing a roadmap for how to fit it. THANK YOU.
In-depth interviews with smart people

Feb 9

SagebrushOcean

Long form interviews with thought leaders are among the most informative media available to us. John Avlon asks tough questions and follow-ups, but by being respectful and by inviting brilliant guests he packs a lot of information into a half hour.
Thank you

Jan 20

watr1870

You are using your voice to elevate conversation that must be had and is worthy of careful consideration. Thanks for the inspiration for us middle of the road independent voters.
Civic education

Jan 5

THF Seattle

As a naturalized citizen, I am saddened that native born Americans do not learn basic facts of the founding of our country. We must teach history, based on documented facts, whether they are good or bad.

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.