It Matters

In this conversation, Michael and Cheyanne Daniels, the race and Politics reporter for The Hill and host of The Switch Up podcast, discuss the challenges of covering politics, the importance of black leaders, and the messaging strategies of Democrats. They touch on the media's treatment of black leaders and the need for more authentic and relatable messaging to connect with black voters. She also...

In this conversation, Michael Starr Hopkins and Antjuan Seawright discuss the importance of the upcoming election and the consequences of not voting. They address Cardi B's statement about sitting out the election and emphasize the significance and importance of every vote. They highlight the accomplishment s and policies that have benefited the Black community under the Obama and Biden administra...

Rachel Bitecofer author of "Hit Him Where It Hurts", discusses the urgency of the current political climate and the need for Democrats to strategically counter Republican tactics. She emphasizes the importance of understanding voter behavior, the impact of polarization, and the historical realignment of party coalitions. Rachel highlights the power of messaging, the influence of right-wing media,...

Former Trump press secretary, Sean Spicer, discusses his experience in politics and the changes he has observed in the Republican Party. He reflects on the Trump administration and the impact of Trump's presidency on the political landscape. The conversation also touches on the 2020 election and the events of January 6th. Spicer shares his perspective on Trump's leadership style and his thoughts o...

Welcome to It Matters with Michael Starr Hopkins - a podcast where the past and present intertwine to shape our understanding of the political landscape. Each episode, join us as we invite prominent politicians, cultural icons, and influential activists to share information, their concerns, personal journeys and the moments that have shaped their political ideologies.

Heather Williams, President of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), discusses the importance of state legislatures in shaping policy and protecting rights. She highlights the role of state legislators in addressing issues such as abortion legislation, gun control, and voting rights. Williams emphasizes the need for Democrats to engage with voters in all communities, including thos...

In our era of endless mass shootings, Vanderbilt professor Jonathan Metzl examines America’s deadly obsession with firearms through the lens of a shocking 2018 Waffle House shooting. He delves into the psyche of white male shooters, arguing the carnage stems not from mental illness but toxic racism mixed with gun worship permeating society. As the deaths mount with no policy response, Metzl warns...

In this episode, Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, the President of NextGen America, discusses the political power of young people and the importance of engaging voters of color. She emphasizes the need for the Democratic Party to invest in communities of color and tailor their messages to the diverse subsets within these communities. Ramirez also addresses the complexities of immigration and the misconc...

In this episode, Michael Starr Hopkins interviews Elie Mystal, the justice correspondent and host of the legal podcast, Contempt of the Court. They discuss various topics related to the courts and the political landscape. Elie shares his experience of being on SNL and then dives into the issue of judicial appointments. He highlights the failure of Democrats to keep up with Trump's pace in appointi...

In this episode, Michael Starr Hopkins interviews Nikki Fried, the Florida Democratic Party Chair and former Florida Agriculture Secretary. They discuss Fried's transition from private citizen to public figure, her experience working with Governor Ron DeSantis, and the challenges faced by Florida Democrats. Fried also shares her advocacy for the Groveland Four and her stance on issues like marijua...

In this episode, Michael Starr Hopkins interviews Mark Caputo, a national political reporter, about Ron DeSantis' exit from the 2024 Republican primary campaign. They discuss the reasons for DeSantis' campaign failure, including his awkwardness and treatment of people. They also explore DeSantis' current position as governor and his potential future as a lame duck governor. The conversation touche...

Philip Schulman from American Bridge 21st Century joins the host, Michael Star-Hopkins, to discuss No Labels and its transformation over the years. They delve into the origins of No Labels and its initial goal of uniting Republicans and Democrats. However, they highlight how No Labels has shifted its agenda and become a grifting Republican operation. The conversation explores No Labels' funders, f...

Dive into a riveting episode where Michael Starr Hopkins and Jim Kessler take you on a journey through the heart of modern American politics. This episode, titled "Democratic Crossroads: The Unpredictable Journey of Today's Political Landscape," is a rollercoaster ride of insights, analyses, and bold predictions. Listen as they unravel the complex tapestries of Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema's pol...

In this conversation, Michael Starr Hopkins and Joe Walsh discuss the state of the Republican and Democratic parties, the influence of Donald Trump, and the challenges facing both parties. They explore topics such as the lack of enthusiasm for Joe Biden, the messaging problems of the Democratic Party, and the need for working class champions. They also discuss the immigration issue and the importa...

In this episode, the conversation revolves around the state of the Republican Party and the potential impact of Donald Trump on future elections. The Bulworks’ Jim Swift and host Michael Starr Hopkins discuss the party's alignment with Trump, the reluctance of Republicans to denounce him, and the potential for a dictatorship. They also explore the dynamics of the 2024 election, the importance of e...

In this enlightening episode of "Political Roots," Michael Starr Hopkins sits down with Scott Bolden, a seasoned expert in law and politics, to dissect the complex landscape of the 2024 election, focusing on the impact of Trump's legal challenges and the role of Black voters. Bolden, with his rich background in civil rights advocacy, brings a unique perspective to the table, discussing the signifi...

In this compelling episode of Political Roots, host Michael Starr Hopkins sits down with Bakari Sellers, a renowned CNN contributor and one of the youngest political figures in America. The discussion kicks off with a look into Sellers' upcoming book, "The Moment," which reflects on the racial reckoning that followed George Floyd's death, the role of media, and the unfulfilled promises of equity a...

In this compelling episode of Political Roots, Michael Starr Hopkins sits down with Ryan Grim, the Washington D.C. bureau chief for The Intercept. The discussion revolves around Grim's latest book, "The Squad," a deep dive into the emergence and impact of this influential group of progressive politicians. They also delve into the current political landscape, examining the role of media in shaping...

In this podcast, we're diving deep into the personal political journeys of some of the most influential figures in news and pop culture. We'll explore how their experiences have shaped their views and how, in turn, they shape the world we live in. But this isn't just about the stories of others; it's also about our own. It's about understanding the roots of our beliefs and how they grow and change...