Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Crooked Media

Let's face it, sometimes the world feels broken. We can see what needs fixing, yet more and more, it feels like the problems are too big and the bad guys are winning. But the truth is, they’re not. They’re just hoping we stop fighting. Welcome to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, a new podcast from Crooked Media and Democratic changemaker Stacey Abrams. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable, and are willing to pitch in and work towards the solution. Each week, Stacey will break down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduce us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategize, and share tangible ways to get involved. Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon. You can watch on Youtube or listen to new episodes every Tuesday.

  1. Orban Ousted in Hungary, and Trump Picks Fights Over Childcare (w/ Reshma Saujani)

    5 HR AGO

    Orban Ousted in Hungary, and Trump Picks Fights Over Childcare (w/ Reshma Saujani)

    This week Stacey opens the show with a response to Viktor Orban’s stunning loss in the Hungarian elections, and what we can learn from the defeat of an authoritarian in Europe. Then she speaks to Reshma Saujani, founder of Moms First, about childcare (or lack thereof) in the United States. Stacey and Reshma break down why affordability and childcare are intricately linked, the long term impacts on opportunities for women, and react to President Trump saying that the federal government “can’t do daycare” because they need to fund wars. Learn & Do More: For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Be Curious: To dive deeper into the systemic issues that are helping fuel the affordability crisis - and what we should be demanding from our leaders, check out Reshma’s 2022 book, Pay Up: The Future of Women and Work (and Why It's Different Than You Think).  Solve Problems: Visit Moms First at momsfirst.us to learn more about their work and get involved. If you are an expectant parent and not sure what your options are for paid leave, check out the Moms First paidleave.ai chatbot for helpful guidance. As the federal government remains stagnant on this issue,, you can also urge your state lawmakers to follow the lead of states like New Mexico and support paid leave and childcare access.  Do Good: Visit ReadThemHome.org and record yourself reading a children’s book to the kids being held in family detention centers. We’ve already exceeded more than 4M impressions, but we need your help to keep this 30 day activation going. You'll be joining voices like Glennon Doyle, Michael Reitz, and Miss Rachel as we remind Americans that children are ours to take care of, not incarcerate. So, please, take 5 minutes today to read a children’s story into your camera and post your video with the hashtag #readthemhome.

    1hr 6min
  2. How Trump Plans to Gut the Environment to Pay for Iran (w/Ayana Elizabeth Johnson)

    7 APR

    How Trump Plans to Gut the Environment to Pay for Iran (w/Ayana Elizabeth Johnson)

    While the war with Iran rages on, President Trump has asked Congress for a $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget, offset in part by further draconian cuts to environmental programs. This week, Stacey is joined by marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, to talk about what climate scientists and activists can still do in the face of an administration that pretends the climate crisis doesn’t exist. They talk about the environmental impacts of military conflict, how race plays into climate politics, and how  local action is a powerful frontier when fighting the crisis. With Earth Day and the paperback release of Johnson’s book, “What If We Get It Right?” coming up, they also focus on reframing the conversation around what is possible if we continue to fight for change. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.  Learn & Do More:  Be Curious: Pick up a copy of Dr. Johnson’s smart, action-oriented book “What If We Get It Right: Visions of Climate Futures”  Solve Problems: Join a local group like Sunrise Movement (for youth), Third Act (for seniors), and  Citizens Climate Lobby, 350.org, Surfrider, and the Sierra Club for everyone. And finally, visit the Environmental Voter Project at environmentalvoter.org to donate and get involved. Together, you can let your state and local electeds know it is time for city governments to take the lead when it comes to protecting our climate and environment, and demand that candidates for local office commit to supporting pro-environmental policies. The fossil fuel industry is often inadvertently financed by us through our investment portfolios. Make sure to take a closer look at where your money is and divest from fossil fuels.  Do Good: The 10 Steps Campaign in partnership with the National Domestic Workers Association, The National Educators Association, The American Federation of Teachers, SEIU, and others have launched the Read Them Home Initiative – a 12 hour vigil and month-long activation to call attention to the scourge of family detention centers. We are encouraging participants to pick your favorite children’s story, record yourself reading and post it to social media - every child deserves a story of hope.Visit readthemhome.org to learn more.

    1hr 12min
  3. Real Non-Violence, Feminism, and Fighting Authoritarianism (w/ Roxane Gay)

    31 MAR

    Real Non-Violence, Feminism, and Fighting Authoritarianism (w/ Roxane Gay)

    This week Stacey is joined for a wide-ranging interview with best-selling author and professor, Roxane Gay. They discuss the difference between non-violence and civility in fighting against ICE, the hypocrisy exposed by the Epstein Files, and what sets today’s student activism apart from previous generations. Stick around to learn the importance of attending a local city council meeting, and much more.  Learn & Do More:  Be Curious: Check out the Substack “How to Resist” for real life examples on how to take action based on nonviolence, mutual aid, and community building. Do Good: Reach out to your local foodbanks and homeless shelters and offer support. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

    1hr 4min
  4. Iran, Immigration, and Elections (w/ Chris Hayes)

    24 MAR

    Iran, Immigration, and Elections (w/ Chris Hayes)

    While the Trump administration’s war of choice with Iran continues to spread violence, confusion, and shocks for global markets, ICE’s relentless campaign is extending to immigrants who were previously considered safe, like DACA recipients. This week, Stacey talks about all of the above with author, MS Now host, and host of the “Why Is This Happening” podcast, Chris Hayes. They also delve into the attention economy and how Trump capitalizes on it, the importance of local races, and ask if Democrats are truly ready to bring fresh ideas to elections. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More:  Be Curious: Check out Chris Hayes’ excellent show All In With Chris Hayes on MS Now, and his thought-provoking podcast, Why Is This Happening. And pick up a copy of his most recent book, The Siren’s Call. Solve Problems: Consider donating and subscribing to Democracy Docket and to the Brennan Center to support their excellent coverage of the fight for voting rights as Trump and his Republican allies make it more difficult to vote ahead of the midterm elections.  Do Good: Join the upcoming No Kings March on Saturday, March 28th with events in all 50 states. Visit NoKings.org to find an event near you.

    1hr 9min
  5. Why Are We at War with Iran? (w/ Mehdi Hasan)

    10 MAR

    Why Are We at War with Iran? (w/ Mehdi Hasan)

    More than a week into the war with Iran, the fallout continues.. The Trump administration’s strikes  have caused the deaths of  more than a thousand civilians, thrown the Middle East into chaos, and led to  oil and gas prices  spiking globally. This week, Stacey speaks to Mehdi Hasan, founder and Editor-in-chief of Zeteo, about the motivations behind the war, the importance of independent media in covering the conflict, and what history can teach us about foreign policy consequences that play out over decades. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More:  Be Curious: To hear more from Mehdi Hasan and support independent media, subscribe to Zeteo. Solve Problems: Call your member of Congress and urge them to oppose funding this war. Do Good: Contribute to organizations helping those impacted by war. Donate to World Central Kitchen at wck.org, which is serving communities in Lebanon as the conflict escalates. The Palestinian relief fund at pcrf-rescue.org is providing emergency medical care and other essential aid to children.

    58 min
  6. War with Iran, and Award Shows in This Political Moment

    3 MAR

    War with Iran, and Award Shows in This Political Moment

    This week, Stacey opens the show with the war the Trump administration launched against Iran, a deadly and expensive undertaking pursued by the president without seeking congressional approval. Then, she turns her attention to the upcoming Academy Awards and examines the role the film and entertainment industry plays in America’s current political and cultural moment. Stacey is joined by Sam Sanders, host of The Sam Sanders Show on KCRW, and Hunter Harris, host of the Lemme Say This podcast and author of the Hung Up column on Substack. They discuss the movies and moments with political messages this year, the way media consolidation will impact studio decisions in the future, and the art and performances that will stick with us for years to come. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More:  Be Curious: Check out The Sam Sanders Show on KCRW, Hunter Harris’ Substack, Hung Up, and her podcast Lemme Say This. Solve Problems: Support organizations that uplift independent filmmakers and diverse voices in the industry. Check out Chickeneggfilms.org, the NAACP’s entertainment initiatives, and GLAAD’s efforts to bring inclusivity to film and gaming.   Do Good: There have already been many civilian casualties because of the war against Iran. Donate to doctorswithoutborders.org and unicef.org to support families in the region.

    1hr 7min

  7. 24 FEB

    Here’s How Democrats Can Win Back Latino Voters

    Latinos are a growing and increasingly powerful part of America’s electorate, with both parties fighting for their favor. While 48% of Latino voters chose Trump in 2024, recent polls show that many are having second thoughts. This week, Stacey is joined by Chuck Rocha, founder and president of Solidarity Strategies, and Clarissa Martinez de Castro, Vice President of the Latino Vote Initiative at Unidos US. They discuss common assumptions and misconceptions about the issues animating these voters, , how ICE and Trump’s deportation policies are backfiring, and what it means for Democrats to authentically engage with diverse Latino communities on a wide variety of issues to win them back in 2026 and beyond.  For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More:  Be Curious: If you want to learn more about latino voters and stay up to date on polling trends, visit Unidosus.org and check out their Hispanic electoral data hub. And pick up a copy of Chuck’s book, Tío Bernie: The Inside Story of How Bernie Sanders Brought Latinos Into the Political Revolution. Solve Problems: If an ICE detention facility is being built in your town, consider organizing a protest. Call your Mayor and City Councilors to register your opposition, and ask them to put pressure on warehouse owners not to sell. Do Good: The Dilley Immigration Processing Center has made headlines for its inhumane, untenable conditions, particularly for children. Call Dilley and demand they release families as their cases are pending. You can call Dilley at (830) 378-6500 or CoreCivic at 877-834-1550.

    1hr 6min

  8. 17 FEB

    America’s Affordability Crisis and How MAGA is Making it Worse

    America is in an affordability crisis. Basic needs like groceries, rent, childcare, and healthcare keep getting more expensive, while wages struggle to keep up. Seventy-four percent of Americans say the economy is in poor shape, and for many Millennials and Gen Zers, the idea of owning a home is becoming laughable. Yet Donald Trump and his MAGA allies insist the economy has never been better. This week, Stacey sits down with U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal and New York Times Business Reporter Talmon Smith to break down the growing disconnect between what Americans are feeling in their wallets and what the White House is selling from the podium. They dig into the real state of the economy, the latest jobs numbers, and whether Democrats have found a message on affordability that actually meets the moment. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn & Do More: Be Curious: If you enjoyed my conversation with Talmon Smith, check out his work at The New York Times and keep an eye out for his upcoming book, Clout and Capital, published by Simon & Schuster, when it’s released later this year. Solve Problems: Seventy percent of Americans say raising children is too expensive. Many Democrats in Congress have joined forces in support of the Child Care for Every Community Act, which would lower childcare costs. Call your members of Congress and urge them to support this legislation. Call your governor and state representatives to ask them to back state legislation that would secure universal childcare in your state, like they have done in New Mexico. Do Good: This year marks the 50th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit with roots in Georgia that builds safe, affordable housing around the world. Consider volunteering or donating to help families in your community who lack affordable housing. And it’s the most wonderful time of year—Girl Scout cookie season. Girl Scouts of Greater New York Troop 6000 is a first-of-its-kind program serving families in temporary housing in the New York City shelter system, helping them transition to permanent housing. Visit https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/troop6000 to purchase cookies from their digital store.

    1hr 26min
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Let's face it, sometimes the world feels broken. We can see what needs fixing, yet more and more, it feels like the problems are too big and the bad guys are winning. But the truth is, they’re not. They’re just hoping we stop fighting. Welcome to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, a new podcast from Crooked Media and Democratic changemaker Stacey Abrams. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable, and are willing to pitch in and work towards the solution. Each week, Stacey will break down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduce us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategize, and share tangible ways to get involved. Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon. You can watch on Youtube or listen to new episodes every Tuesday.

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