Reset Critical

In this episode of Reset Critical, Niaz sits down with Marcie Gilbert and Marcos L. Vann of Calibrate, a Los Angeles nonprofit that helps young people and communities heal through a powerful practice called Connections. They explain how creating safe, structured spaces for people to speak from the heart and listen without interruption can build resilience, strengthen communication, and foster genuine human connection across differences. The conversation explores trauma, shared humanity, emotional safety, and why so many people live in a constant state of vigilance, with far too few spaces where they can truly exhale. Marcie and Vann also reflect on the long-term impact of this work, from students who carry these skills into adulthood, college, marriage, and leadership, to communities learning to move beyond tribalism and toward deeper empathy. They discuss the challenges of doing healing work amid political attacks on mental health, equity, and community support, and explain why demand for this work continues to grow. Along the way, Niaz shares her own experience participating in a Connections circle and why it felt so unexpectedly powerful. This is a moving conversation about healing, listening, community, and what it means to become human again in a world that often pulls us apart.

In this episode of Reset Critical, Niaz sits down with scholar and filmmaker Rudy Mondragón to explore boxing as far more than sport. They discuss how boxing has long been a site of political struggle, self-expression, and resistance — especially for people from marginalized communities. Rudy explains how ring entrances can function as powerful acts of identity, solidarity, and advocacy, from Indigenous representation to statements on Palestine and immigration. The conversation also traces the racial history of boxing, including Jack Johnson, the “Great White Hope,” and the ways whiteness still shapes the sport today. Beyond symbolism, they examine the brutal economics of boxing and why so many fighters are treated as exploited laborers with few protections. Rudy breaks down how matchmaking, pay structures, and the independent contractor model keep most boxers underpaid and vulnerable, even while the sport generates major profit. At the same time, he makes the case that boxing is also a deeply human community, full of stories of dignity, agency, and survival. This is a rich conversation about sports, race, labor, power, and why athletes should never be told to “shut up and dribble”.

Can policy wins and “reforms” actually make us safer, or do they just shrink our demands until nothing meaningful changes? In this episode of Reset Critical with Niaz Kasravi, featuring guest Lex Steppling, a seasoned organizer with the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN) and a founding member of the All People's Health Collective, Lex and Niaz discuss how today’s political climate feels unprecedented in its brazen cruelty, while the underlying tactics of state violence are not new. They explore why justice advocacy often gets trapped in corporate-style metrics, how “wins” can be toothless, and why both major parties have supported policies like the 1994 Crime Bill, welfare reform, and the 1996 immigration bill. Lex breaks down what organizing is (and isn’t), why electoral and policy victories should be byproducts rather than destinations, and how representative democracy can function as a filter that chips away at transformative demands. The conversation connects ICE practices to policing, critiques common reform approaches like training and body cams as funding expansions, and outlines an abolitionist framework rooted in impact and safety, not moral superiority. Lex also describes the threat of California’s CARE Court as a pathway to mass confinement through mental health/conservatorship systems, and shares the All People's Health Collective’s focus on getting resources to people, including an economic justice model that includes UBI. 🎙️ Full Podcast: Reset Critical with Niaz Kasravi 👤 Guest: Lex Steppling 📍 Topics include organizing vs lobbying, abolition, state violence, Skid Row, Care Court, and UBI

What happens to truth, solidarity, and our humanity when war, trauma, and ideology collide? In this episode of Reset Critical, Niaz is joined by Dr. Annahita Mahdavi West and Dr. Cornel West to discuss the war in Iran, the intense trauma of living under bombardment and repression, and how diaspora PTSD and divisions fuel anger, infighting, and political labels. They explore the idea of a just war, criticize Trump’s initiation of war as illegal and immoral, and affirm people’s right to resist oppression. They also critique the tendency on both the right and the left to justify violence for strategic goals. The conversation broadens to racial justice in America, themes from Cornell West’s books Race Matters, Democracy Matters, and Truth Matters, the need for moral truth-telling across disagreements, and building cross-racial solidarity based on love, hope, and dignity.

In this episode of Reset Critical, host Niaz sits down with U.S. House Representative Yassamin Ansari to discuss some of the most urgent political and moral issues facing the country. They talk about the current state of ICE, immigration raids, detention conditions, and the growing public backlash against aggressive enforcement policies. Congresswoman Ansari also shares her views on the fight for transparency regarding the Epstein files and the dangers of selective accountability. The conversation then shifts to polarization in American politics, what both parties need to do to reconnect with working people, and why authenticity in leadership is more important than ever. They also examine the escalating conflict with Iran, the responsibilities of Congress under the Constitution, and the risks of war without public support or a clear democratic strategy. Finally, Ansari reflects on her family and political influences that shaped her career in public service, as well as the one conversation she believes we urgently need to reset: how we engage with each other on social media. This is a candid, thoughtful discussion about power, principle, and staying grounded in democracy during turbulent times.

In this compelling episode of Reset Critical, host Niaz Kasravi takes a deep dive into the harrowing world of wrongful convictions. Joining her is Walter Katz, the Director of Policy at the Innocence Project, for a conversation that deconstructs the flaws inherent in the U.S. criminal justice system. Katz shares vital insights into the history of the Innocence Project and their landmark work exonerating the wrongly convicted through DNA evidence. The discussion moves beyond the courtroom to explore the "perfect storm" of systemic issues: police misconduct, coerced confessions, and the deep-seated racial disparities that plague our legal landscape. Together, Kasravi and Katz underscore the urgent need for transformative, humane policies and community-led public safety. Tune in for a critical look at the challenges, successes, and the ongoing fight to reset the scales of justice in America.

Iran, the Diaspora's Responsibility, and Reclaiming Civil Discourse  What happens when conversations about a country you love become polarized, weaponized, and destructive? In this solo episode of Reset Critical, host Niaz Kasravi steps away from debate and returns to key principles: compassion, dignity, responsibility, and democracy. This is not commentary theater. This is a reset.  Topics covered: The current crisis inside Iran Government violence and suppressed protests The largest state violence against Iranians since 1979 The emotional cost of diaspora infighting Why always labeling others “regime apologists” harms the movement Democracy as a practice, not just a demand Respect, disagreement, and shared humanity  Core question: What is the role of the diaspora during moments of national crisis? Instead of outrage cycles and purity tests, this episode argues for:  nuance  evidence  dignity  unity without conformity Because freedom requires more than opposition — it requires us to treat each other with love and respect.  “There is no future for people who do not love one another.” If you care about Iran, civil rights, democracy, or restoring sanity to public discourse, this conversation is for you.  Subscribe for thoughtful, critical, compassion-driven dialogue.  Follow Reset Critical on social platforms for updates.

In this thought-provoking episode of Reset Critical, host Niaz Kasravi is joined by Dr. Melina Abdullah, professor and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles and Black Lives Matter Grassroots, and Ise Lyfe, a social enterprise executive, professor, artist, and activist. The discussion delves deep into the state of racial justice advocacy, the impact of recent socio-political developments, and the ongoing challenges posed by systemic racism and white supremacy. As they reflect on the backlash following significant strides in racial justice, they explore the intersection of capitalism, policing, and community safety. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, the conversation emphasizes the importance of community, the role of education, and the necessity of a continued fight for a more equitable society. Join us for a compelling discussion that aims to reset critical conversations around race, justice, and societal change.

Join Niaz Kasravi on Reset Critical as she explores the complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) with Nadia Davari, an accomplished attorney specializing in the intersection of entertainment, media, and technology. They discuss the benefits and risks of AI, from its role in daily tasks to its potential to replace jobs and pose ethical challenges. The conversation covers legal concerns such as copyright issues, the use of personal data, and individuals' responsibility to stay informed and engaged. The episode also highlights the importance of human skills, bipartisan legislation, and the need for hope and active participation to shape AI's future. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the realities and implications of living in an AI-driven world.

In this episode of Reset Critical, host Niaz Kasravi is joined by Patrice Sulton, a criminal defense and civil rights lawyer, to discuss urgent issues in criminal justice and racial equity. With extensive experience in criminal justice advocacy and research, Niaz leads an in-depth exploration of reforms, setbacks, and the future of these critical areas. Patrice, founder of DC Justice Lab and the new Executive Director of the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law, shares her experiences and insights on creating meaningful change in the criminal justice system. Tune in as they explore the impact of legislative actions, shifts in narrative, and community engagement in fostering a more equitable society. Don't miss this engaging conversation that aims to reshape public discussion on criminal justice and racial justice advocacy.

Immigration judge and former DHS chief counsel Ashley Tabaddor joins Reset Critical for a candid, deeply informed look at immigration in America—what’s actually legal, what’s political theater, and what’s being done in our name. She explains how asylum truly functions, why “undocumented” is not a crime at the border, and how COVID-era policies like Title 42 skewed the numbers we think we understand. Drawing on history—from the Chinese Exclusion era to today—she shows how language, law, and executive power can dehumanize entire communities and create a “frictionless deportation machine.” We explore myths about crime, the economic realities of labor markets, and the costs of confusing civil immigration enforcement with criminal policing. Ashley also clarifies the Supreme Court’s shadow-docket posture and explains why litigation can act as a barrier, but civil society must push for change. Beyond policy, we discuss human connection, bias, and the importance of rebuilding civic literacy—checks and balances, federalism, and due process—in everyday conversations. It’s a tough but hopeful discussion about defending dignity and strengthening democracy, one informed listener at a time.

In the premiere of Reset Critical, we sit down with artist and activist Azam Ali to explore issues of courage, conscience, and the cost of silence. Azam shares how a lifetime of global advocacy informs her insistence on upholding principles rather than performative “bridge-building” when fundamental rights are at stake. We delve into free speech, dissent, and the uneasy double standards that emerge when censorship targets our “opponents”. Azam reflects on art as a vehicle for truth, explaining how music can unify people across ethnic and religious divides and galvanize real action. She opens up about the experiences that shaped her voice and why she refuses to delegate her moral compass to any party or algorithm. Together, we examine social media’s pull toward extremes, the absence of credible leadership, and what it means to meet in the middle without sacrificing core values. The conversation is frank, empathetic, and rooted in shared humanity. We close with practical encouragement to have braver, more meaningful conversations wherever we live and work.