Unpolitics is a podcast showcasing innovative political ideas and their creators. Unpolitics shows that solving real-world problems need not be unimaginative, self-serving, or divisive. The result is a show that turns politics on its head, proving that the conventional wisdom isn’t always right, that political opponents need not be enemies, that political discourse can actually be fun, and that our most world-changing solutions may come from unexpected places. It might just be enough to help you believe in politics again.
12. From Advocacy to Action: Wendy Nguyen’s Fight for Change
Ben Kaplan sits down with Wendy Nguyen, founder of Asian Americans Rise, to explore how grassroots advocacy can drive long-term change and combat anti-Asian hate.
28 Nov 2024
11. Reinventing the News: How Mosheh Oinounou Built a Media Empire from His Living Room
Mosheh Oinounou, founder of Mo News and former CBS News executive producer, reveals how he leveraged social media to disrupt the news industry and build a grassroots media empire from his living room.
1 Nov 2024
10. Solving the Puzzle of Violent Crime: Thomas Abt’s Game-Changing Approach
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.
24 Oct 2024
9. Revolutionizing Social Change: How Simple Tech Is Transforming Lives with Ken Banks
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.
17 Oct 2024
8. Turning Trauma Into Action: The Fight Against Anti-Asian Hate with Russell Jeung
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.
10 Oct 2024
7. Winning the Latino vote: Insights from Bernie Sanders’ campaign mastermind
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.
4 Oct 2024
6. Design for Humanity: The unexpected link between architecture and homelessness with Chris Hildrey
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.
5 Jul 2024
5. Juha Kahila - 'From Shelters to Homes' | Unpolitics
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
14 Jun 2024
2. Lawrence Lessig - 'Unmasking Corruption' | Unpolitics
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.
26 Jan 2024
1. Jennifer Pahlka - 'Reinventing Government' | Unpolitics
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.
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