The Hopeful Majority with Manu Meel

Do local politics offer a way out of our toxic polarization? Are we too focused on presidential elections? Join us this week as Manu sits down with Deke Copenhaver, former mayor of Augusta Georgia to answer this question. In this episode we discuss a variety of topics ranging from what makes a great leader, to Deke’s experience as a mayor. Meet Deke Copenhaver, change maker and former mayor of Aug...

How can you be an independent thinker in today's society? Join us this week as Manu sits down with coach Ferber, a renowned baseball coach. Tune in as they discuss baseball, what makes a good leader, how to think for yourself and more. Episode 38 guest: Meet Coach Ferber, baseball coach Coach Ferber’s info: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coachferber/  PODCAST INFO:  Website: thehope...

How can you avoid media bias? Join us this week as Manu sits down with John Gable, founder of All Sides. Tune in as they discuss media bias, filter bubbles, having a healthy “news diet” and much more. Episode 37 guest: Meet John Gable founder of All Sides All Side’s info: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllSidesNow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsidesnow/ Website: https://www.allsides.com/un...

Join us this week for a special episode as Manu breaks down current stories in the news. Hear what he has to say about a variety of topics ranging from the southern border to Tucker Carlson interviewing Putin to The Superbowl. PODCAST INFO:  Website: thehopefulmajority.com Spotify: spoti.fi/42GYjec Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hopeful-majority-with-manu-meel/id1690865971 Y...

How do we use culture to bring the country together? Join us this week as Manu sits down with Steven Olikara entrepreneur and political change maker. Tune in as they discuss how we can leverage music, Hollywood, and the private sector to reduce polarization in our democracy. And yes…we talk about Taylor Swift.  Episode 35 guest: Meet Steven Olikara Changemaker and entrepreneur Steven Olikara’...

Can we get our country back on track? This week Manu has on Joe Kennedy, a former member of congress and the Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. In this episode they discuss the current state of America’s political system, what can be done to help, bridging our differences, Donald Trump and more. Episode 34 guest: Meet Joe Kennedy, politician and diplomat Joe Kennedy’s info: Twitter: https://twitt...

How divided is America today? This week Manu sits down with Dr. Peter Coleman a researcher and expert on intractable conflicts. In this episode they discuss polarization, how we can bring America together, the Israel Palestine conflict and much more. Episode 33 guest: Meet Dr. Peter Coleman Peter Coleman’s info: Website: https://startswith.us/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterTColeman1 Instagram:...

What would MLK think of America today? Join us this week for a special episode of The Hopeful Majority as Manu sits down with Jonathan Eig, author of King a Life. In this episode they discuss MLK’s triumphs and tribulations. And what MLK would say about America today.  Episode 32 guest: Meet Jonathan Eig author Jonathan Eig’s info: Website: https://www.jonathaneig.com/ Twitter: https://twitte...

In 2023 Manu sat down with presidential candidates, authors, journalists and others. Here's the big takeaway: there’s a lot of hope in 2024. Here are 5 lessons that Manu learned from 30 fascinating interviews in 2023. PODCAST INFO:  Website: thehopefulmajority.com Spotify: spoti.fi/42GYjec Apple: apple.co/3qRsnqpo Youtube: https://bit.ly/youtube-hopefulmajority Instagram: https://www.instagra...

How do we connect with people we disagree with? Join us for the final episode of 2023 as Manu sits down with author and podcast host Kelly Corrigan to answer this question. In this episode Manu and Kelly discuss losing loved ones, admitting when you’re wrong, being authentic, and much more. Episode 30 guest: Meet Kelly Corrigan, podcast host and author Kelly Corrigan’s info: Website: https://www.k...

What is the outrage industrial complex? Why does outrage sell? This week Manu sits down with filmmaker Rob Feld to answer this question. Tune in as they discuss how the media divides us, and what might be the answer to this division. Episode 29 guest: Meet Rob Feld filmmaker Rob Feld’s info: Website: https://www.jestersandfools.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GothamArtsProds Instagram: http...

Will politics ever work? This week, Manu sits down with Layla Zaidane, CEO of the Future Caucus, to explore this question. Tune in as they delve into the nuances of collaboration, critique the shortcomings of the current system, contemplate the essence of public service, and more. Episode 28 guest: Meet Layla Zaidane CEO of the Future Caucus LAyla Zaidane’s info: Website: https://futurecaucus.org/...

How religious is Gen-Z? This week Manu sits down with Noelle Fitchett, content creator and podcast host. In this episode they discuss a range of topics from religion to politics to mental health and more. Episode 27 guest: Meet Noelle Fitchett, content creator and podcast host. Noelle Fitchett’s info: Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoelleFitchett Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noelle.fitchett/...

Why do we only hear stories of division? Why does unity seem impossible? This week, Manu talks with Ben Rekhi, a writer, director, and producer focusing on "The Reunited States" project. Join the conversation as they dissect the nation's divisions, explore the impact of current media, and delve into a myriad of pressing topics. Episode 26 guest: Meet Ben Rekhi, director, producer and screenwriter....

What makes a good leader? Join us as Manu sits down with David Gergen, a former White House advisor who served under Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton. Join them as they delve into the state of American politics, the key qualities of effective leadership, and more. Episode 25 guest: Meet David Gergen former White house communications director David Gergen’s info: Twitter: https://twitter.com/David_...

Do we have a loneliness crisis? Is America a fragile state? Join us as Manu engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Seth Kaplan, author and authority on fragile states. Tune in as we delve into the profound aspects of the loneliness crisis, contemplate the current state of America, and explore a myriad of other compelling topics. Episode 24 guest: Meet Dr. Seth Kaplan, author and expe...

What is civility and is civility even necessary? This week Manu sits down with Alexandra Hudson, author and public speaker, to discuss her new book, “The Soul of Civility.” They discuss Dr. King’s legacy, the difference between civility and politeness, the 2024 election, and much more. Episode 23 guest: Meet Alexandra Hudson, author and public speaker. Alexandra Hudson’s info: Twitter: https://twi...

What is the hopeful majority? Why is it important for us to talk to people we disagree with? It’s been an exciting 20 weeks where we’ve had conversations with presidential candidates, academics, young leaders, and much more. I wanted to take this episode to reflect on why I care so much about this work and to thank you from the bottom of my heart. And importantly, with the tragic attack on Israel...

What can we learn from a life of hardship? Join us as Manu sits down with coach Bill Courtney to discuss an array of topics ranging from overcoming a rough childhood, to coaching football, to race relations in America, and much more. Episode #20 GUEST: Meet Bill Courtney, football coach and Oscar winner. Bill Courtney’s INFO: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iamcoachbill/ Twitter: https://...

What is the value of civic discourse? How can we build a better tomorrow? Join us as Manu sits down  with Eboo Patel, CEO of Interfaith America to answer these questions. Tune in as we discuss racial and economic inequality, how we can work together, sports and more on a special live episode. Episode #19 GUEST: Meet Eboo Patel, CEO of Interfaith America. Eboo Patel's  INFO: Instagram: ht...

What does a Gen-Z Democrat think about the state of our politics? On this episode Manu sits down with Victor Shi, a political activist and the youngest Biden delegate. Tune in as we discuss the state of our political discourse, Biden’s ability to lead and much more. Episode #18 GUEST: Meet Victor Shi Writer, speaker, organizer and activist. Victor Shi's  INFO: Instagram: https://www.instagram...

What can America learn from Venezuela? How should we think about socialism and capitalism? Tune in this week as Manu sits down with economist and Venezuelan immigrant Daniel Di Martino to answer this question. In this episode we dive into socialism, globalization, the immigration crisis and much more. Episode #16 GUEST: Meet Daniel Di Martino economist and founder of the Dissident Project. Daniel...

What is the climate movement getting wrong? How can humans conserve the planet and still thrive? Tune in this week as Manu sits down with Danielle Butcher, CEO of the American Conservation Coalition to answer these questions. In this episode we discuss Greta Thunberg, what the establishment can do about climate change, and the conservative approach. Episode #15 GUEST: Meet Danielle Butcher, CEO of...

.Do our leaders have our best interests in mind? Are humans more strongly motivated by love or fear? Join us this week as Manu sits down with Patrick McGinnis, venture capitalist and founder of the term FOMO. In this week's episode Manu and Patrick discuss the current state of politics, human nature, Vivek Ramaswamy, and much more.  Episode #14 GUEST: Meet Patrick McGinnis Venture Capitalist...

What is the one thing we should be teaching in our classrooms? Education is the culture war’s new arena, but here’s what everyone is missing. Tune in this week as Manu sits down with educator turned social media influencer Will Reusch to discuss the importance of civics. In this episode, Manu and Will tackle several complex and intriguing topics ranging from the current state of American educ...