Unpolitics

In this episode of Unpolitics, Ben Kaplan sits down with Wendy Nguyen, founder of Asian Americans Rise and Chief Marketing Officer of Hello Heart. Wendy shares her remarkable journey from the private sector to becoming a powerful voice for Asian American advocacy. She opens up about how the tragic events of the Atlanta shootings ignited her mission to combat anti-Asian hate and galvanize her community into political action.From her work increasing voter registration to founding a 501(c)(4) organization focused on amplifying Asian American voices, Wendy provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of grassroots advocacy. Together, they discuss the evolving role of Asian Americans in U.S. politics, the intersection of federal and local policy, and why creating a sustained voting bloc is key to driving long-term change.If you’ve ever wondered how one person can make a difference or want to learn how to turn outrage into impactful action, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the future of civic engagement and the fight for equity in America.

What does it take to disrupt an entire industry? In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Mosheh Oinounou, founder of Mo News and former CBS News executive producer, to explore his incredible journey from the polished newsrooms of mainstream media to creating a grassroots news empire from his living room. Mosheh shares how he leveraged social media to connect with millions, the challenges of building trust in the age of misinformation, and what the future holds for journalism in a rapidly changing world. Whether you're a media enthusiast, a news junkie, or just curious about how authenticity and adaptability can reshape an industry, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

In this compelling episode of UNPOLITICS, host Ben Kaplan dives deep into the world of violence prevention and public safety with Thomas Abt, the founding director of the Violence Reduction Center at the University of Maryland, home to the nation's leading criminology department. With a rich background that spans roles as a New York prosecutor, Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Justice under the Obama administration, and Deputy Secretary for Public Safety for Governor Andrew Cuomo, Thomas Abt shares invaluable insights from his extensive career.Discover how violent crime has a "stickiness" factor—clustering around small groups and locations—and learn why targeted strategies and community engagement are pivotal in addressing these critical issues. Abt explains the importance of focusing on "hot spots" and "hot people" in urban areas, balancing law enforcement with evidence-based, community-informed solutions. Whether you're interested in how data-driven policies can transform public safety or how mayors can prioritize impactful initiatives, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Unpolitics, Ben Kaplan talks with Ken Banks, founder of Frontline SMS, about harnessing simple technology to create massive social impact. From connecting rural health workers in Africa to supporting conservation efforts, Ken has proven that even basic tools like SMS can revolutionize lives across 190 countries. They explore how local innovators are now leading the charge in solving global challenges and discuss the critical role of technology—both high-tech and low-tech—in shaping the future of social change.

In this powerful episode of Unpolitics, Ben Kaplan speaks with Russell Jeung, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and professor at San Francisco State University. They dive deep into the persistent racism faced by Asian Americans, how global tensions like US-China relations affect local communities, and the evolution of the Stop AAPI Hate movement. Jeung shares insights on the power of collective action, the importance of family-oriented mobilization, and the need for long-term policy changes to combat racial violence. This conversation sheds light on how communities can turn trauma into meaningful, lasting change.

In this episode of Unpolitics, Ben Kaplan sits down with Chuck Rocha, a seasoned Democratic strategist and the mastermind behind Bernie Sanders' ground-breaking Latino voter outreach. They delve into the untold story of how the Latino electorate is evolving, the misconceptions political consultants have about Latino voters, and the impact of cultural and generational shifts on voting patterns. From Bernie’s campaign to Kamala Harris’s story, Rocha shares insights on the power of authenticity, the immigrant experience, and what Democrats need to do to connect meaningfully with this dynamic and rapidly growing demographic.

In this episode, architect Chris Hildrey sits down with Ben Kaplan and shares how his innovative ProxyAddress project is tackling the root of homelessness by providing stable addresses for those without a home. Join us as Chris explains how a simple concept can open doors to vital services, change lives, and redefine what it means to use design for social good.

In this episode of Unpolitics, Ben Kaplan sits down with Juha Kahila, the Head of International Affairs at the Y-Foundation, Finland's largest national nonprofit landlord. Juha shares his insights on innovative solutions to homelessness, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing and systemic change. Drawing from Finland's successful Housing First model, Juha discusses the need for a coordinated approach involving public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He also explores global perspectives on homelessness, the challenges of political processes, and the critical role of prevention in eradicating homelessness. Tune in to learn about the transformative power of housing and the strategies that can be applied worldwide to make homelessness a thing of the past.

In this episode of Unpolitics, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Macon Philips, the founder of Starling Strategy and former Deputy Director of New Media for President Obama's campaign. They explore Macon's journey from Howard Dean's campaign to his influential role in the Obama administration's digital strategy. The conversation covers the evolution of digital media in political campaigns, the challenges of moving from campaigning to governance, and the innovative strategies Macon implemented at the White House and the State Department. Tune in to gain insights into the importance of adapting to new technologies and engaging with communities both online and offline.

Join Ben Kaplan as he chats with Tiago Peixoto, a digital government expert and visiting professor at the Center for Democratic Futures. They explore the impact of digital democracy and participatory budgeting on civic engagement. Discover how involving citizens in budget decisions started in Brazil and has now spread globally, improving service delivery and fostering democratic participation. Learn about the role of AI in making government processes more inclusive and efficient. Key Topics: Historical context of digital democracy Participatory budgeting: origins and impact AI’s role in enhancing civic engagement Integrating citizen input with government action

In this episode of Unpolitics, host Ben Kaplan engages with Lawrence Lessig, a renowned Harvard Law School professor and political activist, to discuss the pervasive issue of corruption in American politics. Lessig, who has been a significant voice in the fight against institutional corruption, explores how money and special interests have hijacked the democratic process, making elected officials more accountable to their funders than to their constituents. The conversation delves into potential reforms, including changes to campaign finance, that could help restore integrity and responsiveness in government. Lessig also reflects on his experiences running for the US presidency and his ongoing efforts to promote fair and transparent political practices. This episode is a compelling examination of the challenges facing American democracy and the steps needed to address them.

In this episode, host Ben Kaplan delves into the intersection of technology and governance with Jennifer Pahlka, a visionary in digital transformation. As a former Deputy Chief Technology Officer in the Obama administration and the founder of Code for America, Pahlka shares her insights on modernizing government processes for the digital era. We explore the challenges of implementing effective digital strategies in public services, the impact of technology on policy, and the importance of user-centric design in government systems. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on reshaping democracy in the age of digital innovation.