Welcome to 2026: Time to build a cultural firewall

This episode of Twigg & Jenkins takes on the state of American democracy in 2026 (and it’s only been a week and a half), zooming out from any one scandal to the broader ecosystem that keeps Trumpism alive. Carri and Brad talk about a political class that feels both exhausted and reckless at the same time—Democrats who won’t fully use their power, and MAGA Republicans who are already laying the groundwork to call the next elections illegitimate. They explore how narrative, culture, and time are being weaponized: from Trump floating canceling elections to his allies seeding doubt about voting machines and mail‑in ballots long before anyone casts a vote.​ Instead of just recapping outrages, they ask what it would mean to actually match that level of planning and urgency—calling out not only Trump but the entire circle of enablers around him, while also building a “cultural firewall” strong enough to withstand a year of disinformation and bad‑faith myth‑making. From Minneapolis to Elizabeth Warren to the Golden Globes and the Las Culturistas drama, the time is now to use culture to show and tell a narrative of life beyond Trumpism. It’s a conversation about courage, consequences, and whether our institutions and storytellers can catch up to the moment before it’s too late. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at [email protected], DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.