Revolutionary Optimism Podcast

What do Americans actually believe about democracy, polarization, and the economy? And what does the data tell us about where the country is headed?In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with veteran Democratic pollster and strategist Celinda Lake to unpack decades of public opinion research and what it reveals about this political moment and the possibility of a supermajority of the American people agreeing that we need to Fix the System. Celinda shares her journey from growing up in a Republican family in rural Montana to becoming one of the country's leading political pollsters, reflecting on how data—not ideology—shaped her career.They explore why economic messaging has become central to rebuilding public trust, what voters really think about democracy, the rise of populism across the political spectrum, and why many Americans feel disconnected from both major parties. They also discuss constitutional transformation, electoral reforms, declining civic trust, the importance of protecting voting rights, and why renewing American democracy and improving economic opportunity must go hand in hand. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

The U.S. Constitution is one of the hardest governing documents in the world to change, and that rigidity may be part of the problem.In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with constitutional law scholar and dean Stefanie Lindquist to break down what’s happening beneath the surface of American democracy. From rising polarization and stalled amendments to the growing influence of money and emerging “polymarkets,” they explore how structural flaws in the system are shaping today’s political reality.At the center of the conversation is a bold experiment: a National Model Constitutional Convention where students from across the country simulate rewriting the Constitution. It’s a real-world test of what democratic redesign could look like, and as an opportunity for civic education so that the next generation is prepared to fix our democracy.Learn more about the Model Constitutional Convention: https://law.washu.edu/events/model-constitution-convention/ Connect with Stefanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-lindquist-943a862b1/ Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

In this special Call to Action episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz names what many Americans feel but rarely hear said plainly: the United States is in a constitutional emergency. Not because of one party or one election, but because the system itself is no longer functioning as it should. This isn’t a message of despair; it’s a roadmap.Dr. Zeitz breaks down why systemic crises require systemic solutions and introduces a bold path forward: a Government of National Unity built by and for the people. He makes the case that a cross-partisan “supermajority” already exists and that Americans are far more aligned on structural reform of the U.S. Constitution than we’re led to believe. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with Professor James S. Fishkin of Stanford University—the mind behind Deliberative Polling®—to explore whether informed dialogue can heal democracy’s divisions. Fishkin shares how a single “eureka” moment in 1988 led to a global movement transforming how citizens think, talk, and decide together. From Texas to Mongolia, and now through AI-assisted platforms, deliberative polling is proving that when people have space to learn and listen, polarization can melt away.In this episode, you’ll learn:How deliberative polling bridges divides and builds mutual respectWhy “America in One Room” changed what’s possible for civic engagementHow AI is helping scale democratic participation to millions worldwideWhat a truly deliberative society could look like in the U.S.Get James’ new book, Can Deliberation Cure the Ills of Democracy?, here: https://www.amazon.com/Can-Deliberation-Cure-Ills-Democracy/dp/0198944411 Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

Venture capitalist, political strategist, and philanthropist Bradley Tusk believes our democracy is running out of time—and that the solution fits in your pocket. In this episode, Bradley shares the story behind his new book, Vote With Your Phone, and how mobile voting could be the “final shot” at saving American democracy. From his early work in politics and Uber’s fight for legitimacy, to his philanthropic push for hunger relief and secure mobile voting technology, Bradley breaks down how ordinary citizens can reclaim power in a system dominated by special interests and low-turnout primaries.Can technology revive civic participation before it’s too late? Bradley says yes, and he’s betting millions on it.Learn more at www.mobilevoting.org. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

Trust in our democracy is collapsing, but history shows that when ordinary people rise up, real change becomes inevitable. In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz issues a bold call to action: join a nationwide movement to refresh and renew American democracy before it’s too late. From the Freedom Charter to the vision of a National Citizens Assembly, Dr. Zeitz lays out a concrete plan for how everyday Americans—not politicians or lobbyists—can lead the charge. Tune in to learn how you can take part in this urgent mobilization for democratic renewal and help shape the future of our nation.Sign #unifyUSA's Freedom Charter here: www.unify-usa.org/freedom_charter Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz is joined by Vinay Orekondy, an Australian-born attorney, mediator, and democracy innovator now working at the heart of America’s civic renewal movement. Vinay wears multiple hats as he serves as the Partnerships Director, Better Together America; Co-Chair, Braver Network (Braver Angels); and the Director of Programs and Engagement, Grand Bargain Project. Vinay takes us on a journey from his early political work in Australia, through his disillusionment with the U.S. electoral system, to his leading-edge efforts to create an inter-partisan citizen-driven democracy rooted in community, deliberation, and shared power.Together, they unpack the failures of winner-takes-all politics, the transformational potential of ranked choice voting and proportional representation, and the rising movement of civic hubs that are stitching together a new fabric of democracy—one that isn't driven by dark money or partisan games, but by everyday people. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

Is America at a breaking point—or at the cusp of a breakthrough? In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice. A lifelong theologian and anti-poverty organizer, Rev. Dr. Liz shares why we are living in a Kairos moment—a time of both crisis and profound possibility.Together, they unpack the growing attacks on democracy, the war on the poor, and the billionaire class’s grip on our government. And they also lift up the fierce grassroots resistance blooming across the country: movements led by those most impacted, from diaper banks to climate justice fights in Cancer Alley. Liz shares the power of moral fusion organizing, the heart behind her new book “You Only Get What You’re Organized to Take,” and how survival itself is sparking a revival.If you're feeling despair, this conversation offers a bold, grounded, and faith-infused path toward action, justice, and transformation.Learn more about the Kairos Center: https://kairoscenter.org/Learn more about the Poor People's Campaign: https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/ Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

Dr. Paul Zeitz is talking with philosopher and legal scholar Alex Guerrero, author of Lottocracy: Why Lottery Should Replace Elections. Alex delves into the bold concept of lottocracy, a reimagined form of democracy by lottocracy where randomly selected citizens replace traditional elections to create more equitable and accountable leadership.Drawing on over 15 years of research, Alex shares the flaws of electoral democracy in the U.S. and the transformative potential of citizen assemblies. From the practicalities of implementing lottocracy to its ability to foster diverse perspectives, Alex paints a vision for our broken U.S. democratic system rooted in fairness and inclusivity. Together, they explore the growing global movement for lottocracy, its implications for tackling urgent crises like climate change and economic inequality, and how it can unlock our collective imagination for a better future.Alex’s call to action? Envision and experiment with new democratic models that transcend polarization and build hope. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

In this episode of Revolutionary Optimism, host Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with renowned activist and strategist Srđa Popović, co-founder of Center for Applied Non-Violent Actions and Strategies: CANVAS, and leader of the Otpor! movement that ousted Serbian dictator Slobodan Milošević. Srđa shares gripping stories from his activism journey, including the innovative use of humor and nonviolent tactics that mobilized millions and baffled authoritarian forces.From facing intense personal risks to building a movement that empowered ordinary people to resist oppression, Srđa's insights illuminate the power of collective action. Together, they discuss the parallels between global struggles for democracy and the current state of American politics, offering practical advice for fostering social movements, countering authoritarianism, and using technology as a tool for change. Srđa offers heartfelt advice for loving democracy each day, which is the key to its success. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

Dr. Paul Zeitz is joined by Ann Pettifor, a trailblazing economist and author known for her pivotal work on sovereign debt and the Green New Deal. Ann shares her journey from apartheid South Africa to becoming a leading advocate for reconstructing the “global casino” into a new financial system that serves people and the planet. Together, they explore the unruly Wall Street controlled financial system that drives inequality, the climate emergency, and democratic erosion, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity and systemic change. Discover how Ann's faith in humanity fuels her Revolutionary Optimism and learn how we can challenge extractive capitalism and build a just, sustainable future. Note: This episode was recorded before the results of the 2024 Election were known. Check out Ann's System Change blog. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Sam Daley-Harris, a renowned author, activist, and founder of Results, an organization focused on ending poverty and promoting social justice. Sam shares the journey that led him from the world of music to advocating for global change, and why he updated his groundbreaking book, Reclaiming Our Democracy, for today's political climate. Together, they explore how ordinary citizens can drive transformational change through grassroots advocacy, and how embracing a love-centered approach to activism is key to overcoming cynicism and despair. Sam reveals his insights on "transformational advocacy" and the missing piece in our democracy: us. Tune in to hear how you can reclaim your power, get in touch with your “why,” and be part of the movement for a just, peaceful, and thriving future.Stay in touch with Sam here, or get his book here. Are you ready to join #unifyUSA? Learn more about the transformational movement at https://unify-usa.org/Get your copy of Hit Refresh on the U.S. Constitution: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy here!Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Wavestream Media.