Introducing Civic Forum: What Do We Build Next?

America is entering a period of profound change, and choices made now will shape the country for decades. In the first episode of Civic Forum, host Reed Galen lays out the questions driving the show: who holds power, who benefits, what happens as technology and the economy reshape everyday life, and what kind of country Americans want to build next. Plus, why those conversations should be taken beyond the usual institutions and into communities across the country, where the consequences are felt most directly. Continue the Conversation and learn more by visiting CivicForum.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before we get started today, some news: The Home Front is going on hiatus. It's not forever, but it is for now. The year is picking up, and the work to be done must take priority. Follow Reed on social media and subscribe to The Home Front on Substack. Today, host Reed Galen is joined by content creator Maria Comstock. She has millions of followers across social media and. They discuss how the content-creation world really works, how it's impacting American politics on the right and the left, and the work that goes into making those 60-90 second videos you love so much. Follow Maria on Instagram. Want to get in touch with Reed? Please email [email protected]! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen is joined by staff writer for The Atlantic, McKay Coppins. They discuss his cover story for the magazine - spending six months gambling on sports using betting apps readily available to adults and kids, alike. They discuss how we came to this place, McKay's personal experience living inside the sports-betting world, and what it means for our broader society. You can read the article HERE. Follow Reed on Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this fiery solo episode, Reed Galen dives deep into the chaos and contradictions shaping America today. From government dysfunction to global conflict, he’s calling us to wake up, get involved, and fight for a better future.In this episode: The chaos at American airports reveals a broader government crisis (0:00) Broken political impasses threaten national security and civil liberties (0:29) The reckless talk of nuclear war, nuclear memes, and why we must stay informed—and cautious (9:59) How Congress’s failures fuel voter apathy and what we can do about it (7:05) The peril and tragedy unfolding in Iran and the Middle East—what’s really at stake (8:03) Call to action: How to engage, donate, and be part of the movement to reshape politics (16:09) The importance of community, voting, and grassroots power in an era of chaos (17:07) Join the Union – Get involved, donate, and make your voice heard Civic Forum – Stay updated on upcoming initiatives Annie Jacobson's "Nuclear War" - Essential reading on nuclear history and risks Big Ten Conference – Discussing voting rights and civics in education Twitter Substack TikTok Instagram Timestamps:00:00 - The chaos at airports as a sign of government dysfunction 00:29 - The political deadlock over ICE funding and border issues 09:59 - The danger of reckless nuclear talk and misinformation 07:05 - Why voter engagement and participation matter now more than ever 08:03 - The war in Iran and its global ripple effects 16:09 - How YOU can help turn the tide—donate, volunteer, vote 17:07 - The power of real grassroots action in turbulent timesResources & Links:Connect with Reed Galen:Let’s wake up, speak out, and fight back—because our future depends on it. Wake up. Get involved. Make a difference. Your voice matters—more than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Reed Galen and Professor Pepper Culpepper discuss the themes of corporate scandals and their impact on democracy, regulation, and public opinion. They explore how scandals like Dieselgate and the Exxon scandal can catalyze political change and regulatory responses, particularly in the context of differing approaches between the US and Europe. The discussion also delves into the implications of emerging technologies like AI and the FTX scandal, highlighting the polarized responses from different political factions. Ultimately, they discuss the need for a balanced approach to regulation that protects democracy and small businesses while addressing the challenges posed by powerful corporations. Find Pepper's book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/billionaire-backlash-9781399424127/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Reed Galen and Professor Pepper Culpepper discuss the themes of corporate scandals and their impact on democracy, regulation, and public opinion. They explore how scandals like Dieselgate and the Exxon scandal can catalyze political change and regulatory responses, particularly in the context of differing approaches between the US and Europe. The discussion also delves into the implications of emerging technologies like AI and the FTX scandal, highlighting the polarized responses from different political factions. Ultimately, they discuss the need for a balanced approach to regulation that protects democracy and small businesses while addressing the challenges posed by powerful corporations. Find Pepper's book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/billionaire-backlash-9781399424127/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before you do anything else, like, subscribe, and rate The Home Front 5 stars! Today, Reed Galen discusses the impact of the Iran conflict on the US economy, politics, and society, highlighting the costs of war and political priorities and why wanting to spend money at home, here in the USA, is not socialism, but commonsense. Articles Mentioned My Original Commentary How Much Tax Money Pays Interest on Our Debt John Della Volpe's Article on Younger Americans and Iran Cost of Tomahawk Missiles Costs to Send a Child K-12 Other Links Reed Galen on Substack - The Home Front - https://reedgalen.substack.com/ Tomahawk Missile - Raytheon - https://www.rtx.com/ US Navy Missile Operations - https://www.navy.mil/ Understanding US Military Spending - Congressional Budget Office - https://www.cbo.gov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denver Riggleman makes a quick return appearance on the Home Front to discuss Iran, Donald Trump's ever-changing rationale for (yet another) war, and some in-depth technical discussions of ammunition stocks, why closing the Strait of Hormuz is so impactful, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before you watch or listen, rate The Home Front 5 Stars and make sure others hear the good word! Today, Reed brings you an unvarnished look at Donald Trump's State of the Union address, why it's more of the same from everyone - MAGA is going to MAGA and the Democrats still don't know what game they're playing. He also discusses why polar opposites like California's Ro Khanna and Kentucky's Thomas Massie are proving that you can work across the aisle, and the ends of the political spectrum, to get things done. Follow Reed on Substack Sign up for CivicForum today! JoinTheUnion is building the field army for democracy in 2026! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey! Before you listen or watch this, rate The Home Front 5 Stars! Do it now before you forget! Today, Imran Ahmed, founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, discusses the significant influence of wealthy tech executives on social media and the implications for democracy and society. He emphasizes the need for accountability, transparency, and regulation in the tech industry, particularly regarding the impact of social media on children and the spread of misinformation. The discussion also touches on the bipartisan efforts to address these issues and the importance of fostering real-life connections in an increasingly digital world. Learn more about Imran's work at CCDH: https://counterhate.com/ Join The Union today! It's 2026 and we need YOUR help to rebuild democracy. Civic Forum is going to give new voices and ideas a place to be heard! Sign up today to be first to know when we launch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices