Future Hindsight

Future Hindsight

  • 44 minutes 11 seconds
    Everyone a Changemaker: Michael Zakaras

    We discuss the vision of an everyone-a-changemaker society. Now is the moment to step up to protect healthy civil society in America by making the mechanisms and the rituals for participation in local politics more robust and more meaningful.

    Michael's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1) Find a place to plug in at the local level

    2) Go to a Civic Saturdays event near you

    Michael Zakaras is the director of Ashoka US, the world's largest network of social entrepreneurs and a global leader in social innovation.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow Ashoka on X:

    https://x.com/Ashoka

    Check out Ashoka US:

    https://www.ashoka.org/en-us

    Sponsor:

    Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guests: Michael Zakaras

    Executive Producer: Zack Travis

    Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

    23 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 41 minutes 54 seconds
    Doctor for the Senate: Abdul El-Sayed

    We discuss why Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is running for Senate in Michigan and what kind of Senator he aspires to be. A public health expert with deep understanding of the healthcare system, Dr. El-Sayed believes that Medicare for All can be a realistic future.

    Abdul's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1) Have an in-person conversation with someone you disagree with

    2) Find the thing that you share in common

    Abdul El-Sayed is a doctor, public health expert, and candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan. He's also the author of Medicare for All: A Citizen's Guide.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow Abdul on X:

    https://x.com/AbdulElSayed

    Learn about the campaign:

    https://abdulforsenate.com/

    Read Medicare for All: A Citizen's Guide:

    https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight

    Sponsor:

    Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guests: Abdul El-Sayed

    Executive Producer: Zack Travis

    Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

    16 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 43 minutes 30 seconds
    The Lost Cause Lie: Ann Bausum

    We discuss the foundational lies of the Lost Cause, the organic nature of more recent lies, and the constant vigilance necessary to defend democracy.

    Ann's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1) Pay attention to what your (or your children's) textbooks are saying

    2) Speak up if there is a historical site near you that is being erased

    Ann Bausum is an award-winning historian and the author of White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote History.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow Ann on Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/AnnBausum/

    Read White Lies:

    https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight

    Sponsor:

    Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guests: Ann Bausum

    Executive Producer: Zack Travis

    Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

    9 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 50 minutes 23 seconds
    See Through Copaganda: Alec Karakatsanis

    We discuss the main goals of copaganda: narrowing our conception of safety and threat, constantly warning us that those harms are increasing, and telling us that the solution to our fears is more investment in the punishment bureaucracy.

    Alec's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1) Educate yourself on how copaganda works

    2) Read the Copaganda book in a group!

    Alec Karakatsanis is the founder and executive director of Civil Rights Corps and author of Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow Alec on X:

    https://x.com/equalityalec/

    Read Copaganda:

    https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight

    Sponsor:

    Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.

    Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guest: Alec Karakatsanis

    Executive Producer: Zack Travis

    Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

    2 April 2026, 9:13 am
  • 50 minutes 35 seconds
    The Authoritarian Playbook: Yelena V. Litvinov & Tatyana Margolin

    We discuss the building blocks of the authoritarian playbook, the strategy behind intersectional solidarity, and the power of knowing your neighbor.

    Yelena & Tatyana's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1) Go local!

    2) Get to know your neighbors

    Yelena and Tatyana are co-founders of Stroika — an organization connecting and resourcing frontline anti-authoritarian movements worldwide.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow Yelena on LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvl/

    Follow Tatyana on LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmargolin/

    Check out Stroika:

    https://www.stroikainc.com/

    Sponsors:

    Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.

    Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guests: Yelena V. Litvinov & Tatyana Margolin

    Executive Producer: Zack Travis

    Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

    26 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 43 minutes 55 seconds
    Economic Populists: Adam Green

    We discuss the strategy for electing from-the-gut economic populists who exude outsider vibes and who acknowledge that our system is broken. They are often outsiders who believe in issues such as protecting social security and taxing billionaires, which are super majoritarian issues. Outsiders can win in blue, purple, and red states.

    Adam's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1) Join effective groups like boldprogressives.org

    2) Support a bold progressive candidate running for office

    Adam Green is Co-Founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC).

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow Adam Green on X:

    https://x.com/AdamGreen

    Check out the PCCC:

    https://x.com/BoldProgressive

    Sponsor:

    Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guests: Adam Green

    Executive Producer: Zack Travis

    Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

    19 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 39 minutes 20 seconds
    Superpower Showdown: Jane Perlez

    We discuss the influence of the U.S.-China relationship on American democracy, on issues ranging from "garbage time" to soft power to geopolitical dominance of the South China Sea.

    Jane's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1) Visit China!

    2) Read To Change China by Jonathan Spence and/or Daughters of the Bamboo Grove by Barbara Demick

    Jane Perlez is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, former New York Times Beijing bureau chief, and fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. She's also the podcast host of Face-Off: The U.S. vs. China.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow Jane Perlez on X:

    https://x.com/JanePerlez

    Listen to Face-Off:

    https://www.belfercenter.org/face-us-vs-china

    Sponsor:

    Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guest: Jane Perlez

    Executive Producer: Mila Atmos

    Producer: Zack Travis

    12 March 2026, 12:30 am
  • 38 minutes 17 seconds
    The Politics of Corruption: Tiffany Muller

    We discuss the corrupting effect of the Citizens United decision on policymaking and elections.

    Tiffany's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1. Go to town halls and hold your elected officials accountable

    2. Participate in phone banking or write postcards to get out the vote

    Tiffany Muller is the President of End Citizens United, Let America Vote, and the End Citizens United/Let America Vote Action Fund. The organization's mission is to fix our democracy by getting big money out of politics and protecting the right to vote.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow Tiffany on X:

    https://x.com/Tiffany_Muller

    Sponsor:

    Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guests: Tiffany Muller

    Executive Producer: Mila Atmos

    Producer: Zack Travis

    5 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 39 minutes 49 seconds
    The Offline Candidate: Carleigh Beriont

    We discuss the power of showing up for local politics and the benefits of running an in-person campaign without relying on social media.

    Carleigh's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1. Take an hour to attend a local government meeting

    2. Make a comment at that meeting!

    Carleigh Beriont is a union organizer, vice chair of the Hampton Select Board, and is running for Congress in New Hampshire's First District.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Check out Carleigh's campaign:

    https://www.carleighberiont.com/

    Sponsor:

    Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guests: Carleigh Beriont

    Executive Producer: Mila Atmos

    Producer: Zack Travis

    26 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 36 minutes 30 seconds
    Governors Can Defend You: Julia Spiegel

    We discuss the work of governors across several states to defend the rights of their residents. GovAct serves as an innovation hub for policies on democracy, public health, and reproductive rights.

    Julia's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1. Get involved in state races

    2. Bearing witness to Minneapolis and the brave people standing up for their neighbors

    Julia Spiegel is the President and CEO of GovAct. She helped create the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, which united 23 governors in protecting reproductive rights post-Roe.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow GovAct:

    https://www.instagram.com/govactalliance/

    Sponsor:

    Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful.

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guests: Julia Spiegel

    Executive Producer: Mila Atmos

    Producer: Zack Travis

    19 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 40 minutes 4 seconds
    How Gen Z Does Democracy: Raj Vinnakota

    We discuss the investments to foster civic participation on college campuses, voter behavior among young people, and getting ready for the midterms.

    Raj's civic action toolkit recommendations are:

    1. Develop your civic action muscle every week

    2. Role model what it looks like to work across difference

    Raj Vinnakota is President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, whose mission is to cultivate talent, ideas, and networks that develop young people as effective, lifelong citizens.

    Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/

    Discover new ways to #BetheSpark:

    https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark

    Follow Mila on X:

    https://x.com/milaatmos

    Follow the Institute for Citizens & Scholars on X:

    https://x.com/ctzns_schlrs

    Sponsor:

    Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL

    Early episodes for Patreon supporters:

    https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

    Credits:

    Host: Mila Atmos

    Guests: Raj Vinnakota

    Executive Producer: Mila Atmos

    Producer: Zack Travis

    12 February 2026, 10:00 am
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