Justice By Design

Kimberly Atkins Stohr discusses the current state of voting rights in America with Hannah Fried, co-founder and executive director of All Voting is Local. They explore the multifaceted attacks on voting access, the role of the federal government in collecting voting data, and the importance of local election officials. The conversation emphasizes the need for community action to protect voting rig...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr talks with her old friend and political strategist Steve Schale to discuss the current political landscape, the challenges facing the Democratic Party, and the importance of understanding voter sentiment. They explore the need for a new coalition of voters, particularly in swing areas like Macomb County, and the perception of political parties among the electorate. The conver...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Karen Attiah, founder of Resistance Summer School, about the importance of creating safe spaces for discussions on tough topics in education. They explore the intersection of journalism, race, and global affairs, and how Atiyah's experiences led her to create a new educational initiative after her course at Columbia was canceled. The conversation highlights the ro...

Kim and Joyce discuss the importance of voter engagement and the fragility of democracy. They emphasize the need for individuals to check their voter registration status, understand local voting rules, and actively participate in the democratic process. The discussion also touches on the challenges facing democracy today, the importance of local governance, and the power of individual voices in ef...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Natalie Davis, CEO of United States of Care, about the importance of preventative healthcare and the recent Supreme Court decision that upheld the Affordable Care Act's provisions for free preventive services. They discuss the challenges faced by various communities in accessing healthcare, the role of advocacy in shaping policy, and the need for community engagem...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Wendy Edelberg discuss the complexities of national debt, government borrowing, and fiscal policy. They explore how rising national debt affects everyday Americans, the rationale behind government borrowing for long-term investments, and the implications of current budget proposals. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more honest dialogue about taxes and spending p...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Sam Ames discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding gender-affirming care for transgender youth, the implications of this ruling on civil rights, and the broader societal impacts. They explore the chilling effects of legislation on trans youth, the importance of scientific research in understanding gender-affirming care, and the historical context of civil rights m...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Leah Littman delve into the current state of the Supreme Court, focusing on the recent Scrimetti decision and its implications for LGBTQ rights. They discuss the ideological trends within the court, the role of originalism in judicial decisions, and the complexities surrounding Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The conversation also highlights the significance of the shadow dock...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Liza Goitein discuss the implications of military deployment in civilian areas, particularly in recent events in Los Angeles. They explore the Posse Comitatus Act, the president’s powers, and the potential impact on First Amendment rights. The discussion highlights the unprecedented nature of military presence in domestic protests and raises concerns about democracy and c...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr engages with Jon Wolfsthal, Director of Global Risk at the Federation for American Scientists, to discuss the current state of nuclear weapons and the evolving threats they pose. The conversation explores the historical context of nuclear deterrence, the implications of leadership decisions, the importance of treaties, and the role of AI in nuclear command. Wolfsthal emphasiz...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr is joined by historian Peniel Joseph to discus the pivotal year of 1963 in the context of America's civil rights movement, exploring its significance, the parallels to contemporary society, and the importance of economic justice. He emphasizes the need for coalitions and collective action to address ongoing racial and social injustices, while reflecting on the historical cont...

After the terrible events in DC this week, Kimberly Atkins Stohr is replaying a very important conversation with Kenneth Stern to discuss the alarming rise of anti-Semitism, the complexities of defining it, and the nuances of anti-Zionism. He emphasizes the importance of free speech on college campuses and the need for building alliances across communities to combat hate. Stern advocates for a dee...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr engages in a profound discussion with Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, about the implications of a Supreme Court case regarding birthright citizenship. They explore the historical context of immigration laws, the impact of current policies on the AAPI community, and the broader implications for American identity. The conversation also touches on the concept of...

OK nerds this one is for you !! Kimberly Atkins Stohr talks with Adam Feldman, an expert on the Supreme Court, to explore the intricacies of the U.S. judiciary. They discuss the current state of the Supreme Court, focusing on the religion docket, the evolution of First Amendment jurisprudence, and the significant role of amicus briefs. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked importan...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Elie Mystal, author of 'Bad Law', about the flaws in American laws and the need for reform. They discuss the impact of bad laws on democracy, particularly focusing on voting and immigration laws. Elie Mystal emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins of these laws and advocates for systemic changes to create a more just society. The conversation highli...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr engages in a profound conversation with Scott Harshbarger, former Attorney General of Massachusetts and chair of Lawyers Defending American Democracy. They discuss the current threats to democracy, particularly the attacks on law firms by the Trump administration, and the crucial role that lawyers play in upholding the rule of law. Harshbarger emphasizes the need for lawyers...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr talks to Ashley Campbell, CEO of Legal Aid of North Carolina, about the critical issue of access to justice. They discuss the alarming statistics surrounding legal aid availability, the innovative approaches being taken to bridge the justice gap, and the importance of collaboration and technology in enhancing legal services. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by...

The conversation explores the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society, highlighting the barriers they encounter and the innovative solutions provided by the Ready for Life program. Terah Lawyer discusses the program's four pillars, the importance of partnerships, and the need for individualized support to ensure successful reentry. The dialogue emphasize...

Martha S. Jones joins Kimberly Atkins Stohr where they discuss her memoir, 'The Trouble of Color,' exploring themes of identity, family history, and the complexities of being Black in America. The discussion delves into the historical context of birthright citizenship, the erasure of Black history, and the importance of preserving family stories. Martha emphasizes the need for understanding one's...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr talks with Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, to discuss the current state of resistance in America. They explore the importance of grassroots organizing, defining clear goals for the resistance movement, and empowering local communities to take action. Levin emphasizes the need for a unified opposition to the current political climate and provides strategies for citizens...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr interviews James Hodge, a professor at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, on the significance of vaccination policies in addressing recent public health issues. They delve into the history of vaccine policies, the rise of vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation, and legal frameworks for mandates and personal liberties. The discussion highlights the...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Ary Amerikaner, co-founder and executive director of Brown's Promise, about the ongoing issues of school segregation and the impact of historical court cases like Brown v. Board of Education and Milliken v. Bradley. They discuss the current state of education in America, the importance of community engagement, and the need for creative solutions to promote school...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr meets with Ben Raderstorf from Protect Democracy to discuss the current threats to democracy in the United States. They explore the overwhelming feelings many citizens experience in the face of authoritarianism, the importance of long-term thinking, and actionable steps individuals can take to protect democratic values. The conversation also highlights the critical role of jo...

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Scott Ernest, a former white nationalist who now advocates for de-radicalization and prevention of extremism. They discuss the rise of hate groups, the importance of empathy and support for those leaving extremist ideologies, and the need for community involvement in preventing recruitment into such movements. Scott shares his personal journey from extremism to ad...

Kimberly and Jasmine Beach-Ferrara discuss the pressing issues facing LGBTQ+ individuals in the South, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by trans youth. They explore the mission of the Campaign for Southern Equality, the intersectionality of race, poverty, and LGBTQ+ rights, and the importance of community support and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for love, understandi...