How We Win artwork

How We Win

212 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★★ - 245 ratings

The Official Podcast of the Persistence!
For the past 4 years, we’ve been making history in critical elections all over the country, and last year we made history again by expanding our majority in the Senate, beating election-denying republicans in crucial statehouse races, and fighting back a non-existent red wave. But our freedoms are still under attack and we must keep fighting to build a just and equitable America for us all. Every week we take you behind the lines and inside the "rooms where it happens" with strategy, and inspiration from progressive change makers all over our country! And we give you the tools you need to make an immediate impact on our most critical races.

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Episodes

And She Could Be Next

August 19, 2020 12:44 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MB

Today on the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we are joined by four powerful and inspiring women. First off, is Crooked Media’s Political Director, Shaniqua McClendon. We talk about the DNC Convention and her amazing work with Vote Save America. Then we have a great interview with Nse Ufot of the New Georgia Project, and Grace Lee and Marjan Safinia the co-directors of the PBS documentary series, "And She Could Be Next". It’s an inside look at the history-making women of color ru...

And She Could Be Next

August 19, 2020 12:44 - 51 minutes

Today on the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we are joined by four powerful and inspiring women. First off, is Crooked Media’s Political Director, Shaniqua McClendon. We talk about the DNC Convention and her amazing work with Vote Save America. Then we have a great interview with Nse Ufot of the New Georgia Project, and Grace Lee and Marjan Safinia the co-directors of the PBS documentary series, "And She Could Be Next". It’s an inside look at the history-making women of color ru...

Mini-Pod! Run 4 Democracy

August 15, 2020 09:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MB

For today's Mini-Pod, we are talking to Andy Keeton, the founder of “Run4Democracy”. Prior to starting Run4Democracy, Andy had never been actively involved in politics. Now, he’s spearheading a fundraising campaign, and is on a mission to help others recognize how low the barriers are to making a difference.

Basta Trump and Viva Harris with Héctor Sánchez Barba

August 12, 2020 09:00 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB

We have a Veep! Mariah shares her experience working with Senator Harris and what she brings to the ticket. Then Héctor Sánchez Barba, the Executive Director and CEO of Mi Familia Vota, talks about how immigrants are under attack, disproportionately affected by the coronavirus, and how we can help support the communities that need it the most. From the census, to voter suppression, he is on the front lines of so much important work to support the Latinx community.

Basta Trump and Viva Harris!

August 12, 2020 09:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

We have a Veep! Mariah shares her experience working with Senator Harris and what she brings to the ticket. Then Héctor Sánchez Barba, the Executive Director and CEO of Mi Familia Vota, talks about how immigrants are under attack, disproportionately affected by the coronavirus, and how we can help support the communities that need it the most. From the census, to voter suppression, he is on the front lines of so much important work to support the Latin-x community.

Basta Trump and Mas Harris!

August 12, 2020 09:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

We have a Veep! Mariah shares her experience working with Senator Harris and what she brings to the ticket. Then Héctor Sánchez Barba, the Executive Director and CEO of Mi Familia Vota, talks about how immigrants are under attack, disproportionately affected by the coronavirus, and how we can help support the communities that need it the most. From the census, to voter suppression, he is on the front lines of so much important work to support the Latin-x community.

Fighting Fair with Stacey Abrams

August 05, 2020 13:39 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

Joining us today is the incredible Stacey Abrams! Get ready to call your Reps because she’s got some important actions for all of us, some recommendations for fighting voter suppression in your community, and some advice for the Swing Left college fellows that we could all benefit from.

Into The Arena with Ravi Gupta

July 29, 2020 09:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MB

Joining us today is Ravi Gupta -- Obama alum, co-founder of Arena and co-host of the “Majority 54” Podcast. We talk about how Arena is training a new generation of candidates and campaign professionals, and how Ravi is working to reach Red state voters that will flip key seats in November.

Mini-Pod! - Blue Revolution

July 25, 2020 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

For another bonus mini-pod we are talking with Dan McCool, a musician who founded the grassroots group, Blue Revolution with the simple call to action: "Join us, Beat Trump". His website is a hub for action and his facebook group now has over 63,000 members! He’s been helping them engage in important states, and raise money for crucial campaigns.

Making Good Trouble with Gina Belafonte

July 22, 2020 09:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

Today we have an impactful and timely conversation with Gina Belafonte. Gina is the executive director of Sankofa.org, a social justice organization founded by her father, singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte. She talks about growing up in a home that played host to Dr. King, John Lewis, and the giants of the civil rights movement, and how she continues that legacy with her work today.

Mini-Pod! 31st Street Swing Left

July 18, 2020 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MB

On another bonus “mini-pod” we hear from Lisa Herrick, a clinical psychologist who became politically activated in 2016 when Trump was elected. She founded a powerhouse volunteer group in Washington D.C., “31st Street Swing Left” in February 2017. Now a group of 1,000 members, 31st Street was part of the successful effort to turn Virginia Blue last year, and has raised a jaw dropping amount of money for campaigns!

Priority #1 with Congressman Adam Schiff

July 15, 2020 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MB

Today we are honored to be joined by the House Intelligence Committee Chair, Impeachment Manager, and everyone’s favorite thorn in Trump's side, Congressman Adam Schiff. We talk about Trump and Attorney General Barr’s assault on our democracy and how you can help protect the integrity of this election. And, we are excited to talk about a new state we are adding to our campaign to take back the Senate!

Movin' On with Reggie Hubbard

July 08, 2020 09:00 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MB

Joining us today is Reggie Hubbard from MoveOn… and Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign… and formerly Joe Biden’s advance team. He’s going to talk to us about some important calls to action you can take to make a difference right now. And how he’s using yoga to keep some of your Congressional faves healthy and focused on the fight.

Mini-Pod! DC Statehood

July 04, 2020 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.32 MB

This is a special, How We Win, Mini-Pod! We talk with Stasha Rhodes, the Campaign Director of 51 for 51, a pro-D.C. statehood coalition of groups committed to equal rights and representation for the more than 700,000 residents of Washington, D.C. by making it the 51st state with a simple majority of 51 votes in the Senate.

Pop Politics with Ira Madison III

July 01, 2020 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

Joining us today to help break down the historic month of June, is the host of Crooked Media’s “Keep It” podcast, Ira Madison III. We talk about the entertainment industry, how pop culture intersects with politics, Pride month, and who will help us win in November.

Democracy in One Pod or Less with David Litt

June 24, 2020 09:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MB

Joining us today is former Obama speechwriter and best selling author, David Litt. He has a new book called, "Democracy in One Book or Less: How It Works, Why It Doesn't, and Why Fixing It Is Easier Than You Think." So basically he’s gonna tell us how we fix our democracy... Also, we take an easy dunk on Trump but remind you why we must play hard for every minute, right to the last buzzer!

Father's Day Special with DeVier Pierson

June 21, 2020 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MB

It's a special Father’s Day bonus episode! We share some wisdom from our fathers, and an interview with Steve's dad, DeVier Pierson. DeVier was council to President Johnson and shares some great stories from those turbulent years and the parallels to the work we are still doing today.

Don’t Label Me with Irshad Manji

June 17, 2020 09:00 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MB

Today we have an important and challenging discussion with the author of “Don’t Label Me - An Incredible Conversation for Divided Times”, Irshad Manji. She is the founder of the Moral Courage College, and we talk about what it means to be courageous, and how to have effective conversations, even with people we don’t agree with.

Undivided with Sarah Kendzoir and Andrea Chalupa

June 10, 2020 09:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

We are joined by Sarah Kendzior bestselling author of “Hiding in Plain Sight” and journalist filmmaker, Andrea Chalupa. Together they host the Gaslit Nation podcast. We’ll talk about how the GOP will use “divide and conquer” strategies to try to do just that, and what we can do to fight against it. Then we’ll hear sounds from the protests over last weekend, including words from actors and activists Michael B. Jordan, Kendrick Sampson, Dr. Melina Abdullah, and more.

Gaslit with Sarah Kendzoir and Andrea Chalupa

June 10, 2020 09:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

We are joined by Sarah Kendzior bestselling author of “Hiding in Plain Sight” and journalist filmmaker, Andrea Chalupa. Together they host the Gaslit Nation podcast. We’ll talk about how the GOP will use “divide and conquer” strategies to try to do just that, and what we can do to fight against it. Then we’ll hear sounds from the protests over last weekend, including words from actors and activists Michael B. Jordan, Kendrick Sampson, Dr. Melina Abdullah, and more.

Gaslit with Sarah Kendzior and Andrea Chalupa

June 10, 2020 09:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

We are joined by Sarah Kendzior bestselling author of “Hiding in Plain Sight” and journalist filmmaker, Andrea Chalupa. Together they host the Gaslit Nation podcast. We’ll talk about how the GOP will use “divide and conquer” strategies to try to do just that, and what we can do to fight against it. Then we’ll hear sounds from the protests over last weekend, including words from actors and activists Michael B. Jordan, Kendrick Sampson, Dr. Melina Abdullah, and more.

How We Stand Together with Cornell Belcher

June 03, 2020 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

We are not just witnesses to history, we are the ones writing it. And we have a responsibility to stand up to injustice everywhere we see it. Joining us today is political strategist, MSNBC contributor and author of “A Black Man in the White House”, Cornell Belcher. We talk about this extraordinary time and the extraordinarily terrible response from the president. We have a conversation about how we support this movement, where we go from here, and what you can do at this moment.

Fight Like a Mother with Shannon Watts

May 27, 2020 09:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MB

Today we are excited to welcome the founder of Moms Demand Action, Shannon Watts. We hear about how she created a facebook page, and started a powerful grassroots organization. We’ll also hear how Moms Demand and Everytown For Gun Safety is investing in the election, and organizing digitally during the coronavirus pandemic. TW: SI

Blueprint with Catherine Vaughan

May 20, 2020 09:00 - 37 minutes - 34 MB

Joining us today is the founder of Flippable and Swing Left’s chief strategist, Catherine Vaughan. She is going to introduce us to Swing Left's newest innovation, Blueprint! It's your personalized investment portfolio for the 2020 elections! It's a new way for you to donate and get involved with the whole big picture in mind.

Dolores Huerta - ¡Si Se Puede!

May 13, 2020 09:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MB

Today we have the honor of speaking with legendary labor leader and civil rights icon, Dolores Huerta. We talk about how she organized farm workers in the sixties, how those lessons are applied today, and the work she’s continuing to do now, at the age of 90!

California Fever-Dreamin’ with CA Dem Chair Rusty Hicks

May 06, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB

Today we are California Fever-Dreamin’ with the Chair of the CA Democratic Party, Rusty Hicks. We talk about the lessons learned from the labor movement, how to build coalitions between the party and grassroots groups, and how we are leveraging digital tools to win in November. We also have an important election next week in California’s 25th district where Assemblymember Christy Smith is running to fill the seat vacated by Katie Hill. We will tell you how you can help hold a House seat in th...

The Big Send with Scott Forman and Steve Phillips

April 30, 2020 14:15 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MB

What’s the most effective way to reach voters while you are staying home? Writing letters! Specifically GOTV letters from Vote Forward! We are excited to announce “The Big Send” and to tell us more about it, we are joined by the founder of Vote Forward, Scott Forman! Then we will hear from political strategist and host of the Democracy in Color podcast, Steve Phillips. Steve talks about the “New American Majority”, gives us his VP pick, and of course what gives him hope for November.

Pantsuit Civics with Ben Sheehan and Pantsuit Politics

April 22, 2020 09:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MB

Today we are looking inside the Constitution with the author of the new book, “OMG WTF Does The Constitution Actually Say?",Ben Sheehan. But before we do that, our show is infused with a grace filled conversation with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, the hosts of the Pantsuit Politics Podcast.

How We Protect Our Voting Rights with Ari Berman

April 15, 2020 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MB

Protecting our Democracy is at the top of our minds as we prepare for the most important election of our lives, during the most unprecedented time in our lives. So today we hear from voting rights expert and journalist Ari Berman. We talk about the incredible outcome of the Wisconsin election, voting during a pandemic, and what we’ve got to keep an eye out for in November.

"Mrs. America" and the ERA with Kate Kelly and Dahvi Waller

April 08, 2020 09:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

This week, while we are staying home and staying safe, we want to make sure you are informed AND have some great TV to watch. So for today’s episode we focus on the Equal Rights Amendment. We’ll hear from ERA expert and host of the “Ordinary Equality” podcast Kate Kelly about the history of the ERA and where we are now. And, we are joined by Emmy Award-winning writer and producer, Dahvi Waller, the creator of the upcoming Hulu series, “Mrs. America”!

Virtual Organizing with Ben Wikler

April 01, 2020 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MB

Joining us today is Ben Wikler -- head of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. They have a big fight on their hands next week, and their election is still on! Ben breaks down what’s going on and how volunteers are helping by phone and by social media to turn out vote-by-mail voters for a race that’s going to have national implications. But first, Steve and Mariah give you important ways to help out, while you stay home.

Flattening The Curve with Markos Moulitsas and Nathan Rubin

March 25, 2020 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MB

Joining us to discuss the news of the day and help us with this week’s “to do list”, is the founder of Daily Kos, Markos Moulitsas. We talk about the importance of staying home, what we should be doing from our living rooms, and a little free advice for Republicans. We also hear from Nathan Rubin, founder of Millennial Politics. It’s a great conversation about how younger voters are engaging, and the hope it brings us for November.

Stay at Home Activism with Dr. Karen North and Marisa Kanof

March 18, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MB

As we are all dealing with new challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, we are going to talk about what organizing and communicating look like as we stay home to flatten the curve. We are joined by Dr. Karen North, an expert in social media and psychology and a Clinical Professor at the Annenberg School of Communication at USC. Then we’ll hear from Swing Left’s National Field Director, Marisa Kanof, about how we are continuing to organize and stay connected with volunteers and voters.

How We Win the Rust Belt with Senator Russ Feingold

March 11, 2020 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MB

On today’s episode, Mariah and Steve talk about how to stay productive while social distancing. Then we talk to former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold about what we need to do to win in the rust belt, and how you can get involved with the “Campaign for Nature” to, you know, help save our planet. Finally we are joined by Swing Left Wisconsin Field Director, Jared Launius. He gives us a report from the ground and lets you know how you can help there too!

Un-Trumping America with Dan Pfeiffer

March 05, 2020 01:04 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MB

Today we have a very special post-Super Tuesday pod and are joined by Former Senior Advisor to President Obama, Co-host of Pod Save America, and Author of the great new book, “Un-Trumping America”, Dan Pfeiffer! Dan’s gonna help us break down what we learned from Super Tuesday, and how you can help with his plan to win in 2020, and Un-Trump America!

Annise Parker & Piper Perabo, A Pair of Progressive Political Powerhouses

February 26, 2020 10:00 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MB

On today’s episode, we are joined by actress and activist, Piper Perabo! She shares her experiences jumping into this work, knocking on doors, and getting arrested at the Kavanaugh hearings. It’s been an eventful week and she’s gonna help us break it down and get YOU into action. Then we have an interview with one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, Annise Parker. She was the first openly gay mayor of a major American city and is now the President & CEO of the Victory...

Obama's Improbable Campaign with Chris Liddell-Westefeld

February 19, 2020 10:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MB

Today we are joined by Obama alum and author, Chris Liddell-Westefeld. After joining the campaign in 2007, Chris spent 5 years on the Obama White House staff. In 2014, Chris began documenting the story of the 1st Obama campaign through oral history interviews. That work culminated in his great new book, “They Said This Day Would Never Come - Chasing the Dream on Obama’s Improbable Campaign.” We hear about how Obama’s campaign was organized, the important role that volunteers played, and how w...

How We Persevere with Sandra Fluke

February 12, 2020 10:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MB

Today we hear from Sandra Fluke! She’s the activist and attorney that Rush Limbaugh went after a few years back -- the same skeevy Rush Limbaugh who was recently given a Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump. She’s got a lot to say about that and she has been doing incredible things as an activist since.

Art, Activism, and Impeachment with Barbara and Nicole Boxer

February 05, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.5 MB

Today’s episode is about the intersection between the arts and activism. First we are joined by actors Jonathan Del Arco and Tara Karsian. We talk about the Hollywood-DC connection and tease the Oscars by giving our favorite documentary picks. Then we interview former Senator Barbara Boxer and her daughter, documentary filmmaker, Nicole Boxer. They talk about what it was like to sit through the Clinton impeachment, how this is different, and the role of the arts in cutting through the politic...

It’s Iowa with Congresswoman Cindy Axne

January 29, 2020 10:00 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MB

On today’s episode we discuss the Iowa caucuses with Iowa Representative Cindy Axne. She gives us a look at how the caucuses work, how they help other important races, and why Iowans are ready for the Presidential candidates to get out of town!

How We Roar at Women’s March LA 2020

January 22, 2020 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MB

It’s a star-studded and powerful episode. We take you backstage at the Women’s March Los Angeles where we interviewed activists and celebrities like Yvette Nicole Brown, Rosanna Arquette, Lea Thompson, CA First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, CA Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks, and many more… including… Seal!

Swing Left 2020 Strategy Call

January 15, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MB

For our 20th episode, we’re talking about Swing Left’s plan for 2020! Swing Left’s leadership recently held a national organizing call with details about the plan for this year and most importantly, how you can get involved. Listen in to the strategy, answers to frequent questions, and get yourself 2020 ready!

Get 2020 Ready! With Communications Expert Anat Shenker-Osorio

January 08, 2020 10:00 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MB

We are kicking off 2020 with communications expert, Anat Shenker-Osorio. She talks about how well our Presidential candidates are communicating, how she advised the Senate Dems to talk about impeachment, how to be effective when we talk to voters, and more. This episode will make you a better volunteer, a better organizer, and get you 2020 ready!

What Gives Us Hope

December 24, 2019 10:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

We’ve got a special Holiday episode today. With all of the turmoil and uncertainty in the news, we are going to focus on what is giving us hope. It’s a look back at what we learned from some of the inspiring interviews that you may have missed. And we hear some special messages from the Swing Left leadership team and an “Impeachment Song” to ring in the New Year!

Inside the DNC with Co-Chair Michael Blake

December 18, 2019 10:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MB

Today we go inside the Democratic National Committee with DNC Co-Chair and Assemblymember from the Bronx, Michael Blake. We talk about the DNC’s strategy to win in 2020, where and who we need to engage with, and we will hear about the viral moment when Michael Blake asked the question we all want to know the answer to… Why the HELL does Tucker Carlson still have a job at Fox??? Interview at 15:59

The Pelosi Way and Christine Pelosi

December 11, 2019 10:00 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MB

On today’s episode… Christine Pelosi! She’s got a new book out about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. And she shares some great anecdotes about how her mom operates in leadership, what she doesn’t discuss with family, and that viral moment when she walked out of the White House in her orange coat and sunglasses. Interview at 17:22

How We Pay Attention with Alonzo Bodden and Jess Rocketto

December 04, 2019 10:00 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MB

From “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” and Last Comic Standing, we talk about our favorite and least favorite news of the week with Comedian Alonzo Bodden. Then we have an inspiring conversation with one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, Jess Morales Rocketto.

How We Save the People with DeRay

November 25, 2019 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MB

Civil rights activist, DeRay Mckesson is a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter Movement, author of “On the Other Side of Freedom - A Case for Hope”, and the host of “Pod Save the People”. We talk about the stories that the media isn’t covering right now, and hear DeRay’s advice on what we need to be doing in the run up to election day.

How We Use Our Influence with Billy Eichner

November 20, 2019 10:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MB

On today’s episode one of our favorite actors, comedians and man on the street, Billy Eichner! He’s not just one of our favorites because of his great work on Parks and Rec, The Lion King, and Billy on the Street, but also because he is a passionate activist who has some exciting news to share! Interview at 21:24

How We Organize Communities with Jennifer Epps-Addison

November 13, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MB

Jennifer Epps-Addison is the President and Co-Executive Director of the Center for Popular Democracy and her life’s work is advancing campaigns for economic and racial justice. She talks about how we can build lasting change, by supporting the organizations who are in the trenches of communities our political system often leaves behind. Interview at 15:06

Guests

Alonzo Bodden
2 Episodes
Alyssa Milano
1 Episode
Anat Shenker
1 Episode
Chris Murphy
1 Episode
Karen Bass
1 Episode
Kate Kelly
1 Episode
Kathryn Hahn
1 Episode
Ravi Gupta
1 Episode

Twitter Mentions

@heartlandsignal 1 Episode