Politically Re-active With W. Kamau Bell & Hari Kondabolu

Hari and Kamau check in with Alicia Garza of Black Futures Lab about the hope and confusion of Election 2020, what Joe Biden owes popular movements, and why this is no time for Democrats to follow the rules. Plus, Alicia's take on BLM going mainstream and becoming the target of all kinds of weird misinformation. Find our guest: Alicia Garza (@aliciagarza) https://blackfutureslab.org Find us: Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) http://www.harikondabolu.com/ W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) http://www.wkamaubell.com/ Find the show: Twitter (@PoliticReActive) Facebook (@politicallyreactive) Instagram (@politicallyreactive) Produced by Topic Studios. Part of the WarnerMedia Podcast Network. Full credits.www.PoliticallyReActive.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari and Kamau welcome Congresswoman Katie Porter, who wields her whiteboard against corrupt CEOs and regulators who don't do their jobs. Caroline Rose Giuliani talks about riding the Rudy rollercoaster and inspires Kamau to reveal his true identity. Plus, Hari's Dad Ravi Kondabolu on voting for the first time, citizenship and Hari's comedy. Find our guests: Katie Porter (@katieporteroc) https://katieporter.com Caroline Rose Giuliani (@CarolineRoseGiu) www.carolinerosegiuliani.com Find us: Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) http://www.harikondabolu.com/ W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) http://www.wkamaubell.com/ Find the show: Twitter (@PoliticReActive) Facebook (@politicallyreactive) Instagram (@politicallyreactive) Produced by Topic Studios. Part of the WarnerMedia Podcast Network. Full credits.www.PoliticallyReActive.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari and Kamau talk to Maria Hinojosa, anchor of Latino USA and co-host of In The Thick. She was the first Latina in the newsrooms at NPR, CNN, and PBS, and in her new memoir "Once I Was You," she connects the experiences of her Mexican immigrant family to her passion for defending the humanity of immigrants and refugees. She does her best to explain Latino Trump voters and discovers that she and Kamau went to the same high school in Chicago. But first, Hari has some QUESTIONS about court-packing (and gets the answers he needs!) from Take Back the Court's Aaron Belkin. Find our guests: Maria Hinojosa (@Maria_Hinojosa) hwww.inthethick.org Aaron Belkin (@AaronBelkin) www.takebackthecourt.today Find us: Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) http://www.harikondabolu.com/ W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) http://www.wkamaubell.com/ Find the show: Twitter (@PoliticReActive) Facebook (@politicallyreactive) Instagram (@politicallyreactive) Produced by Topic Studios. Part of the WarnerMedia Podcast Network. Full credit

Hari and Kamau welcome insurgent Democrat Cori Bush, the nurse and Black Lives Matter activist who's poised to win election as Missouri's first Black congresswoman and join The Squad in Washington. Then, they rave on with Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett about our traumatized democracy, the price Democrats have paid for Barack Obama's genius, the silliness of constitutional originalism, and Hari's time in Hillary Clinton's mailroom. Find our guests: Jon Lovett (@JonLovett) https://crooked.com/ Cori Bush (@CoriBush) https://coribush.org/ Find us: Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) http://www.harikondabolu.com/ W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) http://www.wkamaubell.com/ Find the show: Twitter (@PoliticReActive) Facebook (@politicallyreactive) Instagram (@politicallyreactive) Produced by Topic Studios. Part of the WarnerMedia Podcast Network. Full credits.www.PoliticallyReActive.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari & Kamau relaunch Politically Re-Active by getting you oriented for Election 2020. Alexandra Rojas of Justice Democrats talks about inspiring progressive candidates, who has power in the Democratic Party, and why Hari can't get AOC to return his calls. Then, we go to the battleground state of Florida to talk to Desmond Meade, just named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People for his role in re-enfranchising 1.4 million Floridians with felony records, including himself. Baby turtles, short-tailed lobsters, helium balloons, and voter suppression — only in Florida. Find our guests: Alexandra Rojas (@alexandrasiera) https://justicedemocrats.com/ Desmond Meade (@desmondmeade) https://desmondmeade.com Find us: Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) http://www.harikondabolu.com/ W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) http://www.wkamaubell.com/ Find the show: Twitter (@PoliticReActive) Facebook (@politicallyreactive) Instagram (@politicallyreactive) Produced by Topic Studios. Part of the WarnerMedia Podcast Network. Full c

On this special pre-launch edition, Kamau & Hari catch up after three years away and assess their responsibilities as hosts of the vital public institution that is Politically Re-Active. They talk about the pain of parenthood in San Diego, the horror of Indian Matchmaking, why Antonin Scalia was just batshit crazy — and how to save America. Find us: Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) http://www.harikondabolu.com/ W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) http://www.wkamaubell.com/ Find the show: Twitter (@PoliticReActive) Facebook (@politicallyreactive) Instagram (@politicallyreactive) Produced by Topic Studios. Part of the WarnerMedia Podcast Network. Full credits.www.PoliticallyReActive.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election 2020’s almost here — and Kamau & Hari are back, just in time! They’ll be your companions in these final weeks and help you survive whatever comes afterward by talking to the people doing the work to make democracy in America an actual thing. Why are they back after three years away? It just takes two minutes to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'd like to introduce you to The Intercept’s newest podcast, Deconstructed. Every Friday, journalist Mehdi Hasan unpacks the most consequential news event of the week, challenging the mainstream media’s tired takes. As a Brit, a Muslim, and an immigrant based in Donald Trump's Washington, D.C., Mehdi gives a refreshingly provocative perspective on the ups and downs of American and global politics. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher More about the show: theintercept.com/deconstructed See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari and his brother Ashok have a new podcast: Kondabolu Brothers. Check out the first episode in your podcast app right now. Witness two brothers occasionally acknowledging their live audience, find out why World War 1 is overrated, and learn why pizza should not be your favorite food. It’s fun. Subscribe here in Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/untitled-kondabolu-brothers-podcast/id594239207?mt=2 Listen in Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=176079 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the end of season 2 already? We close strong with messages from our listeners and conversations with #BlackLivesMatter co-founder Alicia Garza, and comedian Wyatt Cenac. Garza is an Oakland-based organizer who is currently the Special Projects Director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance. She describes her lasting impressions from the 2016 election cycle and gives advice for those hoping to be “allies.” Cenac opens up about his experiences on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and explains why his new TOPIC produced series “aka Wyatt Cenac” focuses on a superhero fighting gentrification in Brooklyn.  Follow our guests! Wyatt Cenac (@wyattcenac) https://www.wyattcenac.com Alicia Garza (@aliciagarza) https://www.facebook.com/the.one.and.only.aliciagarza While we’re away, keep our #politicallyreactive hashtag strong. Thanks! Check out Hari’s tour dates and albums at Harikondabolu.com and for all Kamau’s projects check out wkamaubell.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 2 is almost over! This week Kamau and Hari are joined by Damon Young (Co-founder of VerySmartBrothas.theroot.com) and David Litt (author of "Thanks, Obama: My Hopey, Changey White House Years") to discuss the power of the pen. Young explains Pittsburgh culture and headline structure. Litt lets us in on the challenges and triumphs of writing for President Barack Hussein Obama. If you’ve enjoyed the podcast, call in and tell us what YOU'VE learned this season by dialing 646-389-3721. Your voice may appear in next week’s finale episode. Follow our guests! Damon Young (@VerySmartBros) David Litt (https://www.thanksobamabook.com) Resource: Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund (www.mariafund.org) Send us your comments using the #politicallyreactive. Thanks! Check out Hari’s tour dates and albums at Harikondabolu.com and for all Kamau’s projects check out wkamaubell.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson joins W. Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu to discuss the politics of space exploration, people's fear of artificial intelligence, and even tell some jokes. Tyson is Director of the Hayden Planetarium. In his latest book, “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry,” he breaks down the basics of the Big Bang theory and quantum mechanics, among other essentials we should understand about the universe. Follow Neil deGrasse Tyson! (@neiltyson) http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/ Send us your comments using the #politicallyreactive. Thanks! Check out Hari’s tour dates and albums at Harikondabolu.com and for all Kamau’s projects check out wkamaubell.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

W. Kamau Bell won an Emmy!!! And while he was on the red carpet, Hari was able to interview legendary feminist and author bell hooks about love, labels, and her views on the current administration. Kamau and Hari also gain understanding on DACA from Luis Fernando Macías (assistant professor in Chicano and Latin American Studies at Fresno State) and Elizabeth Perez (the first DREAMer to work for the City of Phoenix). Follow our guests! bell hooks (@bellhooks): http://www.bellhooksinstitute.com Luis Fernando Macías (@macias_lf) Elizabeth Perez aka Elle ( @EllePerezPerez) For updates on us, follow Politically Re-Active on Facebook and Twitter (@PoliticReActive). Send us your comments using the #politicallyreactive. Thanks! Check out Hari’s tour dates and albums at Harikondabolu.comand for all Kamau’s projects check out wkamaubell.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kamau and Hari dive into the impact of structural and environmental racism with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor (professor of African American Studies at Princeton University) and Mustafa Santiago Ali (environmental justice leader with Hip Hop Caucus). Taylor advocates for building a unified movement against racism and economic inequality. Ali explains how disasters such as Hurricane Harvey amplify injustices evident in our society. They both share what can be done about it. Listeners also tell us how they are staying politically active. Follow our guests! Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor (@KeeangaYamahtta) http://aas.princeton.edu/blog/author/kytaylor/ Mustafa Santiago Ali (@EJinAction) HipHopCaucus.Org For updates on us, follow Politically Re-Active on Facebook and Twitter (@PoliticReActive). Send us your comments using the #politicallyreactive. Thanks! Check out Hari’s tour dates and albums at Harikondabolu.com and for all Kamau’s projects check out wkamaubell.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati

How do social commentary and comedy mix? W. Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu are joined with guests Roy Wood Jr. (The Daily Show with Trevor Noah) and Franchesca Ramsey (MTV’s Decoded) to explore the power of humor in today’s polarizing political era. Roy talks about the new sense of diversity on 'The Daily Show' and dissects a rising style of comedy where comedians get audiences to clap in agreement rather than laugh at jokes. Franchesca describes her balancing act with social media and how she avoids sexist and racist trolls online while maintaining her popular presence and personal life. Follow our guests! Roy Wood Jr. (@RoyWoodJr) www.roywoodjr.com Franchesca Ramsey (@Chescaleigh) www.franchesca.net For updates on us, follow Politically Re-Active on Facebook and Twitter (@PoliticReActive.) Send us your comments using the #politicallyreactive. Thanks! Check out Hari’s tour dates and albums at Harikondabolu.com and for all Kamau’s projects check out wkamaubell.com. See omnystudio.com/listener fo

The ACLU got a lot of heat last week when their neutral free speech stance had them defending the alt right in Charlottesville. We talk to ACLU Senior Staff Attorney Lee Rowland about the organization’s decision to change course and not defend groups that protest with firearms and the effect that will have on their methods going forward. Historian Mark Bray teaches Kamau and Hari how to pronounce Antifa and what the group is all about. And April Reign, a co-creator of trending hashtag #NoConfederate, talks about why the 'Game of Thrones' producers should think twice about creating a TV show where black people are enslaved again. Follow our guests! Lee Rowland: https://www.aclu.org/bio/lee-rowland Mark Bray (@Mark__Bray): https://markmbray.wordpress.com April Reign (@ReignOfApril): http://www.reignofapril.com For updates on us, follow Politically Re-Active on Facebook and Twitter (@PoliticReActive.) Send us your comments using the #politicallyreactive. Thanks! Check out Hari’s tour dates and albums at Har

This week on Politically Re-Active we dedicated a full episode to the events that stirred the nation last weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia. We asked our listeners to call in and share their thoughts. And they sure did show up! We received more than 50 powerful messages centering on love, education, and perseverance. Thank you for inspiring us. For updates on us, follow Politically Re-Active on Facebook (@politicallyreactive) and Twitter (@PoliticReActive.) Send us your comments using the #politicallyreactive. Thanks! Check out Hari’s tour dates and albums at Harikondabolu.com and for all Kamau’s projects check out wkamaubell.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kamau and Hari dive deep into the events that stirred the nation this past weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia. One of the largest white supremacist demonstrations in recent US history led to the death of anti-racist protester Heather Heyer and injured many others. Journalist/activist Spencer Sunshine explains the historical background of white supremacy groups in America and how they organize themselves today. We also hear from Media Matters senior fellow Matthew Gertz, community organizer Rosa Clemente, Pastor Michael McBride, and OUR LISTENERS. They all share how they’re processing this moment and taking action. Follow our guests: Spencer Sunshine (@transform6789) https://spencersunshine.com/publications/ Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) https://www.mediamatters.org/authors/matt-gertz/51 Rosa Clemente (@rosaclemente) http://rosaclemente.net Pastor Michael McBride (@pastormykmac) http://www.livefreeusa.org For updates on us, follow Politically Re-Active on Facebook and Twitter (@PoliticReActive.) Send us yo

This week, Kamau and Hari cope with possible nuclear threat, learn how Jessica Byrd helps underrepresented communities engage in the political process, and “bravely” release the interview with Jake Tapper. How has the Trump administration affected Tapper’s reporting style? Why hasn’t Byrd given up all hope on the Democratic party? ALL OF THIS IS ANSWERED HERE. Find Jessica Byrd on Twitter at @JessicaLBYRD and at http://threepointstrategies.org Follow Jake Tapper on Twitter at @jaketapper and on CNN as host of 'The Lead’ (4pm ET) and ‘State of the Union’ (9am and 12pm ET) For updates about us, follow Politically Re-Active on Facebook and Twitter (@PoliticReActive) and send us your comments using the #politicallyreactive. Thanks! Check out Hari’s tour dates and albums at Harikondabolu.com and for all Kamau’s projects check out wkamaubell.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s Politically Re-Active finds our hosts meeting up with legendary political comedian Lewis Black, and getting some important questions answered. How did he become “The King of Rant”? What’s making him rant right now? From his early days yelling at walls, to his current “fan rant” driven tour, Black let’s us in on his creative process. Black has been making regular appearances on The Daily Show since the show began over two decades ago, and he weighs in with a unique perspective on each host. Of course, with three political comedians in the kitchen, the conversation simmers around the many recent blunders from the current administration, and one lost opportunity for Mario Cantone. The icing on this conversational cake? Lewis Black is a socialist. This episode has lots to unpack, but again, we not only have two, but three political comedians to doing the unpacking. If you’re feeling the love (or even if you’re angry) then catch Lewis on his fall Rant, White and Blue tour. Grab your tickets at www.