Giving the Right Fucks with Josh Burstein

Emmy-winning producer and former Obama administration strategist Josh Burstein joins Denise Love Hewett for an unfiltered conversation about American politics, democratic reform, and the path forward. From his role as creative director for the 2024 DNC convention to his recent campaign for DNC Vice Chair, Josh breaks down what's broken in our political system and what needs to change. What You'll Learn: Citizens United's impact on democracy and campaign finance Why the Democratic Party needs modernization and new messaging tactics The "broligarchy's" control over information flow and social media Local organizing vs. federal politics: where real change happens Building coalitions beyond traditional red-blue divides Practical activism: from divestment strategies to community organizing The role of comedy and creativity in political resistance Josh shares insights from working on March for Our Lives, Michelle Obama's "When We All Vote," and major Democratic campaigns, while discussing the challenges of reforming political institutions from within. The conversation covers everything from the misinformation war to grassroots organizing strategies that actually work. Josh is an Emmy-winning producer, storyteller, and activist who served as a senior digital strategist in the Obama Administration, and Obama/Biden presidential campaigns. Josh was Creative Director for the 2024 DNC Convention in Chicago, directing original content for official channels and helping manage the first “Creator Cohort” of Influencers, credentialed like press, netting an estimated $800M worth of earned media. Josh previously directed digital communications for March For Our Lives, led the creative launch of Michelle Obama's initiative: When We All Vote, and was Senior Creative Advisor to the Democratic Party. Josh made waves running a dynamic campaign for DNC Vice Chair this year, speaking truth to power and pressing the urgency for modernization and meaningful infrastructure. A working standup comedian, Josh knows how to speak to broad coalitions with positivity and empowerment. Josh is a Truman National Security Fellow, Webbys Executive Judge, an initial member of the “Climate Comedy Cohort,” and an advisory board member for the climate change organization, Dayenu.    You can follow him @joshburstofa   You can follow this podcast @toomuchwithdlh and Denise @deniselovehewett   Email [email protected] for any suggestions or advice.