Majority 54

Jason, Ravi and Grace assess Rep. Cawthorn's salacious claims about congressional lawmakers, the severity of Ginni Thomas' texts, Biden's budget and the politics of football stadiums. Jason and Ravi think it's our best episode yet. Grace isn't so sure.  Listen to Art of Power from WBEZ Chicago Find out how Upstart can lower your monthly loan payments today when you go to Upstart.com/MAJORITY54 If...

This week, Jason and Ravi unpack the biggest news of the week - the free speech debate sparked by a controversial New York Times editorial, the criticisms Republicans are levying against Supreme Court Justice nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, and the latest on the war in Ukraine. Plus, they dive into the Senate race unfolding in Missouri - and former Missouri governor Eric Greitens' latest abuse alle...

Today, Jason and Ravi are discussing the ever-growing attack on trans rights with journalists Katelyn Burns and Oliver-Ash Klein. They wade into Texas targeting the families of trans youth, the misinformation surrounding trans children in sports and how this is all intertwines with cancel culture. For more from Katelyn and Oliver-Ash, listen to their podcast Cancel Me, Daddy. Right now, M54 listen...

Ravi and Jason break down the latest Ukraine news -- including why gas prices are rising. Turns out, there's a combination of factors at play, despite the Right trying to point the finger at Biden's energy policy. Plus, what lessons can we learn from Ukraine for our political battles at home? And what's the political impact of the COVID-19 pandemic winding down? Find out how Upstart can lower your...

This week, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman joins the show to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. He dives into the historical context of the conflict, gives his takes on what the US should be doing to support Ukraine, and explains what this war could mean for the rest of the world. Plus, Jason and Ravi talk about President Biden's State of the Union address and the Republican response.  If you've liste...

*This episode was recorded on Wednesday afternoon, prior to Russian President Vladimir Putin's formal military attack on Ukraine.* Jason and Ravi are joined by Majority 54 producer, Grace Lynch to discuss Putin's invasion of Ukraine, how America's foreign policy blunders contributed to where we are today, the human cost of another war and why Americans should care about this authoritarian power-gr...

Jason and Ravi are joined by David Cross, Emmy-award-winning performer, writer, and producer. They cover how we should think about the latest news, like Trump's latest scandals and the Canadian trucker protests. Plus, they talk the role of comedy in politics, including the perplexing question: Is Trump funny? If you've listened for a while, you know that Ravi and Jason would be nothing without the...

Stephen Webber, former chair of the Missouri Democratic party and political director of AFL-CIO, joins Jason and Ravi to talk about his role in Missouri's redistricting effort. He explains the strategy Democrats in Missouri took, and talks through how redistricting across the nation can impact elections for years to come. Plus - Jason, Ravi and Stephen talk through updates on the Joe Rogan controv...

Jason, Ravi and Majority 54 producer Grace Lynch dive into the recent controversy surrounding misinformation on the Joe Rogan podcast. How should we think about this new media goliath? Can we stop Joe Rogan from becoming another Tucker Carlson or Ben Shapiro? Is it already too late? Then the crew assesses the parallels between a recent lawsuit against the NFL and the U.S. Supreme Court. Plus, form...

Right before Sunday's football game, Ravi and Jason recorded in the same room for the first time since last summer! They discuss Sinema's censure, the feud between Trump and anti-vax republicans like DeSantis, and the cases being brought against Trump in New York.  Send us a voicemail at 508-687-2589 If you've listened for a while, you know that Ravi and Jason would be nothing without their Athlet...

Anat Shenker-Osorio, a social science researcher, political messaging expert and host of the podcast Words To Win By, joins Jason and Ravi to answer listener questions. How should we talk about school closures, mask mandates and Roe v. Wade? How can we reach non-habitual voters? Anat shares her communication techniques for energizing the base and persuading the middle.  Listen to Words To Win By M...

This week, Jason and Ravi lay out Majority 54’s plans for the upcoming year - focusing on gaining momentum before the 2022 midterms and building long-lasting power. They talk about the importance of plugging in to down-ballot races, how to stay optimistic in the face of bad news, and how a rural teacher in Kentucky can educate students about election fraud. Plus, to kick off the new segment Road t...

Where does democracy stand a year after the Capitol insurrection? Jason, Ravi and Majority 54 producer Grace Lynch reflect on this perilous period in American politics. They challenge what accountability would look like for those implicated in the riot and how we can all 'grab an oar' at this critical time.  Plus, the ever-evolving state of covid, questions of courage and glimmers of hope for 2022...

To close out the year, Jason wants to bring your attention to an issue that's faded from the news cycle. The evacuation of Afghan civilians who aided U.S. forces continues, largely spearheaded by the efforts of private citizens. One of those leading the charge is Shawn VanDiver, the founder of the Afgan Evac Coalition. Shawn and Jason shed light on what happened behind the scenes during the final...

Jason and Ravi convene a unique focus group of M54 listeners. First, we check back in with Megan about how her Thanksgiving dinner went, then we'll hear from her mom, Liz. One of those coveted swing voters in the midwest, Liz shares her perspective on politics and tactics for approaching her Trump-supporting husband. Then we hear from Ethan, an entrepreneur based out of Philly who has been a relia...

Fox News texting the White House on January 6, Elon Musk getting person of the year, and Joe Rogan spreading vaccine misinformation... again. Jason and Ravi break down this week's news, and then reflect on 2021 as a whole. Check out Diana Kander's new podcast, The Growth League. And sign up for the newsletter here for special, early content! Find out how Upstart can lower your monthly loan payment...

Kate Kelly, host of the podcast Ordinary Equality, joins Jason and Ravi to discuss the latest attack on abortion rights. Kate breaks down the Mississippi law currently in front of the Supreme Court and how we should prepare for a post-Roe world.  Listen to Ordinary Equality's episode on Roe v. Wade.  Find some HEADSPACE at Headspace.com/M54 and get one month FREE of their entire meditation library...

The Right is weaponizing the emergence of the Omicron variant to discredit Biden, and aiming to create their own forms of polarizing media. Jason and Ravi examine how we can get ahead of their tactics. We want to hear your thoughts about this episode! Join the conversation and leave us a voicemail at 508-687-2589. Take advantage of SimpliSafe’s Holiday deals and get 40% off your new home security...

Three listeners called in looking for help with their family dilemmas and Majority 54 is on the case! In advance of dreaded Thanksgiving political chatter, Jason and Ravi strategize with listeners on how to navigate tricky conversations. Thanks to Megan, Carl and Sarrah for joining us for our first live mailbag episode!  We want to hear your thoughts about this episode! Join the conversation and l...

HuffPost senior reporter Alexander Kaufman and investigative journalist and podcast host Amy Westervelt join the show to discuss the hottest issue of the day: climate change. Following the conclusion of COP26, Jason and Ravi are reflecting on what the conference accomplished, the role of the fossil fuel industry in these negotiations, and how we should best approach the climate crisis with people...

This week, everything is political. Jason and Ravi take stock of how racism is imbedded in our infrastructure, the consequences of NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers lying about his vaccination status and how the right  is spinning the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse.  Do you want to have Jason and Ravi help you prep for your Thanksgiving dinner? Give us a call and tell us what you'd like to talk about at 50...

How did we get to the point where Glenn Youngkin won the governor race in Virginia? It's time for Democrats to change their narrative and address their weaknesses. Plus, Sen. Josh Hawley gave a speech about the Left's apparent denigration of masculinity. But is that what he's really talking about? Jason and Ravi deconstruct the nonsensical — but impactful — argument. Do you want to have Jason and...

Jason and Ravi take a look at the role of Critical Race Theory in the Virginia Gubernatorial election and what's being left behind in Biden's Build Back Better agenda. Plus, the case for the billionaire tax, revelations from the January 6th commission and the most recent Fauci misinformation woes. A jam-packed episode you won't want to miss.  Do you want to have Jason and Ravi help you prep for yo...

Majority 54 producer Edie Allard joins the show for the first time to discuss the controversial Dave Chappelle comedy special, The Right's reaction to Mayor Pete's parental leave, and - once again - Ivermectin.  We want to hear your thoughts about this episode! Join the conversation and leave us a voicemail at 508-687-2589. Today's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. BetterHelp is secure coun...

Heather McGhee talks her book, "The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together," and reframing the discussion about systemic racism in America. Plus, how do we talk about the infrastructure bill and cancel culture with those on the other side? Find some Headspace at Headspace.com/M54 and get one month FREE of their entire meditation library. Helix is offering up to 200 d...