The Cost of Living Crisis with Frank Spring

In this episode of What Do We Do Next?, I sat down with Frank A. Spring, founding partner at Altum Insight and co-founder of Undaunted Ventures, for one of the most grounded and eye-opening conversations I’ve had in a while. Frank’s been advising progressive campaigns in both the US and UK for years, but what really struck me is how clearly he breaks down the stories, the ones we’re told, the ones we believe, and the ones we carry, that shape how we see politics, identity, and each other.We talk about where political disillusionment really comes from, why it feels like everything’s burning, and how the constant pressure of bad news, rising costs, and fear has reshaped our public mood. But Frank doesn’t leave it there, he offers a new way to think about fascism (and why it’s not as permanent as it seems), repositions the conversation around immigration, and most importantly, reminds us that hope isn’t naïve. It’s necessary.If you’ve been feeling grief, burnout, or like your voice doesn’t matter, this episode is for you. We talk about how to stay engaged without falling apart, how to show up with your time, your money, or your energy in a way that’s sustainable and actually moves the needle.This is a conversation filled with honesty, practical insights, and a quiet kind of encouragement I think we all need right now. Listen in, I think you’ll feel a little less alone by the end.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:22 - "Stories: Patterns in Human History"05:35 - Exploring Montanans' Views on Democracy11:47 - Fascism: Aesthetic, Exclusion, Supremacy16:59 - "Tucker Carlson Criticized Amid Challenges"23:28 - Courts and Resistance in American Fascism31:08 - Rising Costs vs. Quality of Life31:49 - Middle-Class Costs Double in 20 Years38:09 - Democratic Party's Relevance Crisis46:52 - Shrinkflation: Profit Over Consumer Value49:12 - Immigration Insights and Social Media Chaos54:02 - "Anger and Distrust in U.S. Politics"01:01:05 - Rethinking Civility in American Politics01:07:05 - Finding Common Ground Beyond Politics01:09:35 - "Misguided Immigration Policies Critiqued"01:13:07 - OutroQuotes:“America is imperfect but striving toward its potential. Stay present, grateful, and persistent. Together, we will overcome.”- Frank Spring“Things may not be as bad as they seem. Together, we can move forward. Every action matters. We all have something to give.”- Molly RulandKey Takeaways:The Power of Storytelling in PoliticsFascism: A Minority That Always LosesResistance Looks Different For EveryoneThe Root Issue: The Cost of Living CrisisOur Government Can—and Should—Do MoreImmigration: It’s Not About Hate—It’s About ChaosStop Bringing Facts to a Feelings FightMourning Is Not The End—It’s Part of the ProcessStay Present, Stay Grateful, Keep Doing Hard ThingsConnect with Frank SpringWebsite: Altum Insight & Undaunted VenturesCall To ActionPlease consider joining our Substack to help us get this message to as many people as possible.Podcast on News and Politics – What We Do We Do NextProduced by Heartcast Media Get full access to What do we do next? at whatdowedonext.substack.com/subscribe