Best Sophia Nelson Podcasts (2025)

1
Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza w/ Peter Beinart 32:32

1M ago32:32

32:32

Send us a text On today's episode, I am joined by Peter Beinart, a professor of journalism and political science at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York and author of "Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza". A book that assesses how the Zionist movement has rationalized the suffering of Palestinian…

1
Christian Nationalism Under Trump's Second Term w/ Amanda Tyler 44:09

2M ago44:09

44:09

Send us a text On today's episode, I am joined by Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, to discuss her new book, "How to End Christian Nationalism," where she covers the eight steps you can take to help fight against the influence of Christian Supremacy in U.S politics. Instagram The Social Chemist (…

1
The Psychology of Disinformation and Conspiracy Theories w/ Dr. Joseph Pierre 47:47

2M ago47:47

47:47

Send us a text On today's episode, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Pierre returns to the podcast to discuss his new book "False: How Mistrust, Disinformation, and Motivated Reasoning Make Us Believe Things That Aren't True." We explore how confirmation bias has been put on steroids, the democratization of influence in the online world, whether it …

1
The Contributing Factors Behind January 6 and the Unite the Right Rally w/ Timothy Heaphy 42:56

3M ago42:56

42:56

Send us a text On today's episode, I am joined by the lead investigator of the January 6 committee and former US attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Timothy Heaphy, who also participated in the 2017 Unite the Right rally (UTR) investigation team. For our discussion, we cover his 2024 book "Harbingers: What January 6 and Charlottesville R…

1
The Weaponization of Disinformation & Its Assault on Democracy w/ Barbara McQuade 42:10

4M ago42:10

42:10

Send us a text On today's episode, I am joined by Barbara McQuade, a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC and co-host of the #SistersInLaw podcast, to discuss her 2024 book "Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America,” a book about how disinformation has been weaponized under Trump’s presidency and how to make social media platfor…

1
Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith w/ April Ajoy 51:22

4M ago51:22

51:22

Send us a text On today's episode, I am joined by April Ajoy, TikTok content creator, former Christian Nationalist, and co-host of The New Evangelicals Podcast, to discuss her 2024 book "Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a Truth Faith." A book that touches on the history of Christian Nationalism, the tactics used to mai…

1
Before You Move Out of America, Consider Moving Toward Love w Sonya Renee Taylor 36:20

5M ago36:20

36:20

On this season finale of “America, Who Hurt You?” Sarah Jones sits down with New York Times bestselling author and activist, Sonya Renee Taylor to discuss why radical self love IS the moment. Yes, even in the face of oppressive systems and the current American Bro-ligarchy. Sonya reminds us that, in order to build the world we want to live in, we m…

1
The Only Way Out is Through (Community) w. Sophia Bush 42:16

6M ago42:16

42:16

In case the holiday season and heading into (project 🫠) 2025 is feeling like an emotional mixed bag, this week Sarah Jones sits down with actress, producer, and activist, Sophia Bush for her take on how to show up for change and healing both individually and collectively. After coming through a year of personal upheaval to find freedom on the other…

1
You Can’t Ban What’s Always Been Here: Islam in America w. Kashif Shaikh 38:09

6M ago38:09

38:09

Even with the most urgent issues facing the US as we head into (Project) 2025, our foreign policy on the Middle East and Islam are right at the top. And if you think it only affects people overseas, just ask Muslim Americans how the consequences play out stateside in their everyday lives. This week, host Sarah Jones talks to Kashif Shaikh, presiden…

1
It’s (Thanks)Giving Trauma w. Paul Scheer 44:07

6M ago44:07

44:07

If you need a pre-Thanksgiving pep talk, this is the episode for you. This week host Sarah Jones talks to Paul Scheer about his New York Times best seller Joyful Recollections of Trauma and how to both love your family AND still hold space for yourself. Whether you can’t swallow how your cousin voted or you’re stuffing (😬) down unacknowledged child…

1
The People Who Turn Lies into Reality w/ Renée DiResta 50:00

6M ago50:00

50:00

Send us a text On today's episode, I am joined by Renée DiResta, the technical research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory, a program dedicated to the study of abuse in information technologies, to talk about her new book "Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality" a book that dives into how our information ecosystem has evo…

1
Your Post-Election Rage Might Be Your New Bestie w. Dr. Jennifer Mullan 42:00

6M ago42:00

42:00

Politics got you rethinking your mental health? You’re not alone! In the aftermath of the election, some are considering therapy for the first time, while others may be wondering if their current therapeutic practices are really addressing the grief they’re experiencing. This week, Sarah Jones talks to psychologist and best-selling author of Decolo…

1
We WILL Make It Through... But First We Nap w. Ashley Allison and Maurice Mitchell 48:03

7M ago48:03

48:03

Well, we survived the election; now we just have to… keep going. This week, host Sarah Jones pushes through the exhaustion with CNN commentator Ashley Allison and national director of the Working Families Party Maurice Mitchell to break down what really happened. And more importantly what in the (literal?) hell is next, for all of us, but especiall…

1
No Person Is Illegal— Ask an Undocumented Citizen w. Jose Antonio Vargas 41:46

7M ago41:46

41:46

With the election a week away, polls show immigration is a top issue for voters even though most Americans have no idea how our immigration system actually works, or how much our society depends on the contributions of immigrants, both documented and not. This week, Sarah sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founder of Define Americ…

1
Understanding Project 2025 Is the Ultimate "Black Job" w. Janai Nelson 42:13

7M ago42:13

42:13

Project 2025 may be the Heritage Foundation’s plan for next year, but its strategies are built to set equality back decades, especially for groups already dealing with America’s legacy of discrimination. This week, host Sarah Jones is joined by Janai Nelson, the President and Director Council of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, to break down Project 2…

1
Renewable Energy: How to Stay in the Climate Fight w. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson 33:24

7M ago33:24

33:24

This week on #AmericaWhoHurtYou, author and climate policy expert Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (@ayanaeliza ) is ringing the alarm about the climate crisis, but in a way that offers real solutions, including how to do our small part in practical ways AND hold the biggest climate culprits (hiii fossil fuel execs and paid for politicians!) accountable. Sp…

1
White Women for the Win? The Politics of America’s Biggest Voting Block w. Shannon Watts 39:30

8M ago39:30

39:30

Years of exit polls tell us that the outcome of this election may come down to white women who, at 40%, make up the majority of the entire electorate. But what can be done about the fact that white women have a track record of voting more conservatively in the majority of presidential elections since 1950, even when a fellow white woman was an opti…

1
Escape the Manosphere w. Liz Plank 37:42

8M ago37:42

37:42

Our second ever female candidate is running for the highest office in the land– and the gender divide among Americans is at an all time high. This week, host Sarah Jones talks with Liz Plank, (a.k.a. Feministabulous) about the murky waters dividing men and women, and how to bridge across them in time to save democracy. If you’re tired of running in…

1
A Psychological Assessment of QAnon & It's Comparison to Addiction w/ Sophia Moskalenko 45:43

8M ago45:43

45:43

Send us a text In today's episode, Dr. Sophia Moskalenko joins me in the program to discuss the various factors that contributed to the insurrection on January 6 and how exposure to conspiracy theories can lead believers and non-believers to engage in political violence. We also cover the topic of how to label Q movement and whether a comparison be…

1
Who Deserves a Clean Slate? w. Sheena Meade 39:32

8M ago39:32

39:32

“Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.” But how long after serving their prison sentence should we punish people? And in an economy fueled in large part by the prison industrial complex, what kind of crimes should warrant keeping a person unemployed, unhoused, and in a cycle of poverty? This week, host Sarah Jones talks to Sheena Meade, the …

1
How Well Is The Wellness Industry? w. Jameela Jamil 32:17

9M ago32:17

32:17

Supplements, and Gut Health, and Ozempic , Oh My! The wellness industry has no shortage of solutions for what ails us. But in a saturated market it feels nearly impossible to tell the fish oil from the snake oil—and whether the problem is really our physical health, or something much bigger…and more political. On this episode, host Sarah Jones talk…

1
How to Start (and Sustain) a Lifetime of Activism w. Jane Fonda 33:31

9M ago33:31

33:31

With our planet (and therefore everyone on it) in crisis, how do we keep our heads above rising sea levels while demanding a sustainable future…not just for billionaires with bunkers? This week, Sarah Jones asks Academy Award winner and climate activist Jane Fonda how she keeps up the good fight after decades of activism filled with both successes …

1
Who Cares About the "Care Economy"? w. Ai-jen Poo 33:19

9M ago33:19

33:19

This week Sarah and labor organizer, Ai-jen Poo, dive into the “care economy” and how we’re all part of it, even if we don’t know what it is You can follow Sarah Jones, see pod updates, and respond to AWHY prompts @yesimsarahjones on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Send your responses to our weekly prompts to [email protected] . This podcast was p…

1
Radicalization within the Online Gaming Community & A Gender Perspective in Countering Extremism w/ Dr. Jessica White 41:27

9M ago41:27

41:27

Send us a text In today's episode, I am joined by Dr. Jessica White, Acting Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies at the Royal United Services Institute, to discuss her 2022 book "Gender Mainstreaming in Counter-Terrorism Policy: Building Transformative Strategies to Counter Violent Extremism" and her research on how extremists exploit the mec…

1
Let's Get This (Third) Party Started w. Maurice Mitchell 44:19

9M ago44:19

44:19

In a world defined by voters fed up with the binary options of our two-party system, is there a third way that’s not…delulu? In this episode, Sarah talks with Maurice Mitchell, the national director of The Working Families Party, about how to build a robust third party without ignoring the very real math problem third party candidates can pose in A…

1
The Unbearable Whiteness of Being w. Jonathan Metzl 41:17

10M ago41:17

41:17

Ok, white people, how y’all doing? Cause the data is in, and the answer for some of you seems to be… not great. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Jonathan Metzl, a researcher who investigates the impact of right-wing health care and gun control policies on their white supporters. Jonathan’s books Dying of Whiteness and What We’ve Become reveal th…

1
The Emergence of Christian Extremism & The Future of the Republican Party w/ Elizabeth Neumann 1:22:53

10M ago1:22:53

1:22:53

Send us a text On today's episode, former assistant secretary for counterterrorism and prevention at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Elizabeth Neumann, joins the podcast to discuss her book "Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace." We dive into her experience pushing back against Trumpism within the Ev…

1
Debating Trans Rights? Maybe Talk to Trans People... w. Laverne Cox 36:53

10M ago36:53

36:53

The debate about trans rights is everywhere, from sports headlines to school board politics, but the people shouting the loudest are almost never trans folks themselves and often don’t even know any trans folks. So now more than ever, we all need to show up for our trans siblings. In this episode, Sarah Jones is joined by the incomparable actress a…

1
Harriet Tubman Would Never, with W. Kamau Bell 39:40

10M ago39:40

39:40

In this episode, host Sarah Jones is joined by comedian, author, and “political provocateur” W. Kamau Bell to talk about the struggles and contradictions of living in America, especially as a Black man. “My joke is that whenever I think about am I going too far, the ghost of Harriet Tubman shows up and is like, Oh, is it hard to Tweet? Is it hard t…

1
BONUS: Meet the Host — or Should We Say Hosts… 22:56

10M ago22:56

22:56

The hosts of America, Who Hurt You? are all trapped in the Tony-winning brain of Sarah Jones, who over the years has created a multiracial, multi-generational cast of characters based on her own family and friends (who weirdly still talk to her). In this bonus episode, she reveals more than she ever has about her own story, and why this personal an…

1
Are You There, God? w. Krista Tippett 38:54

10M ago38:54

38:54

America allegedly observes a separation of church and state, but if you’ve bought anything with a U.S. dollar, pledged allegiance to the flag, or just lived through an election season, you know it’s more complicated than that. In this episode, Sarah talks with On Being host Krista Tippett about her own religious journey, her “hellfire and brimstone…

1
Coming Soon: America, Who Hurt You? 1:24

11M ago1:24

1:24

Our country has always been a hot mess. But now, between political rage, climate crises and social-media polarization, it’s quite literally on fire. This low-key mid-apocalyptic moment has raised a question for Tony-award-winning Sarah Jones and her many characters: America, Who Hurt You? You can follow Sarah Jones, see pod updates, and respond to …

1
The Role of Social Workers in Prevention Violence Extremism w/ Patrick R. Riccards 1:03:23

11M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Send us a text On today's episode, Patrick R. Riccards, CEO of Life After Hate, joins the podcast to discuss how his organization uses evidence-based practices to help former extremists deradicalized and reintegrate into society. We cover whether prevention of violent extremism programs are well equipped for the potential Trump presidency and the r…

1
The Black Pill Radicalization Process of the Incel Community w/ Robert Green 39:11

12M ago39:11

39:11

Send us a text On today's episode, Robert Green, a Ph.D. student from Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice, joins me to discuss the origins of the incel community and the black pill radicalization process that can lead to men in the movement engaging in acts of domestic terrorism towards women. We cover what interventions can be implemente…

1
The Global State of Antisemitism & an Examination of the Zionist Project w/ Kenneth Stern 1:27:48

12M ago1:27:48

1:27:48

Send us a text On today's episode, the director of the Bard Center for Study of Hate and author of "Conflict Over the Conflict: The Israel/Palestine Campus Debates," Ken Stern, joins me to discuss the events of October 7th and how the Antisemitism Awareness Act is being used to censor speech. A scholar who developed the working definition of antise…

1
The Origins of the Rothschilds Conspiracy Legends & Rise of Modern Antisemitism w/ Mike Rothschild 28:48

12M ago28:48

28:48

Send us a text On today's episode, Mike Rothschild returns to discuss his new book, Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds & 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories. We go over the history and legacy of the Rothchild's name in Judaism and how they became target number one for antisemitic narratives. We also speak about the current state of antisemitism and …

1
Russia's Usage of the Conspiratorial Framework w/ Ilya Yablokov 33:54

1y ago33:54

33:54

Send us a text On today's episode, lecturer and researcher on conspiratorial beliefs Ilya Yablokov joins me to discuss Russia Today's usage of conspiratorial ideologies and how that has helped the Kremlin villainize the U.S. He shares his thoughts on how U.S. and Russian conspiracy theory culture is similar and different. As well as address the eff…

1
Social Workers Role in Addressing Political Extremism w/ Royce Hutson, Ph.D. 50:13

1y ago50:13

50:13

Send us a text In today's episode, Royce Hutson, Ph.D., joins me to discuss the role of social workers in addressing political extremism and the effectiveness of violent extremism prevention programs. We also discuss the state of political extremism with the upcoming 2024 elections. Instagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos…

1
A Psychosocial Assessment of QAnon w/ Dr. Joseph Pierre 47:22

1y ago47:22

47:22

Send us a text On today's episode, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Pierre joins me to discuss the psychosocial elements that contributed to the susceptibility of the QAnon movement, and the varying degrees of convictions held by Q followers. We explore what the future might hold for QAnon as a potential Trump presidency slowly creeps back into pow…

1
The Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware 54:32

1y ago54:32

54:32

Send us a text On today's episode, Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware counterterrorism experts from the Council on Foreign Relations stop by to discuss their new book "God, Guns, and Sedition: Far Right Terrorism in America." which tracks the history of white supremacy from the Reconstruction era all the way to the modern-day America. They offer policy s…

1
Undercover within the New Face of White Supremacy w/ Matson & Tawni Browning 48:29

1+ y ago48:29

48:29

Send us a text On today's episode, Matson and Tawni Browning join to discuss their 2023 book "The Hate Next Door: Undercover within the New Face of White Supremacy," which documents their experience going undercover as white political extremists infiltrating hate groups such as the National Alliance and Unit 88. They offer some reasons why people j…

1
I Believe in Miracles Featuring Sophia Makes it Possible 8:00

1+ y ago8:00

8:00

Welcome to Solar Dragon Time. Sophia is a normal little girl living in a normal little world. But she soon found out that things aren't always as they seem. In this episode we'll see the world from Sophia's eyes and then we will say some empowering affirmations to remind us to love ourselves and others.…

1
News Media Literacy: An Educators Tool Against Misinformation w/ DeMario Phipps Smith 34:34

1+ y ago34:34

34:34

Send us a text On today's episode, DeMario Phipps-Smith, a Senior Manager of Community Learning at the News Literacy Project, joins me to discuss news media literacy. As AI technology evolves at a fast pace, scholars on misinformation wonder how this will change our understanding of false narratives. What role do educators have in this social probl…

1
A Sociological Assessment of Anti-Vaccine Attitudes and Behaviors w/ Matthew Facciani 43:00

1+ y ago43:00

43:00

Send us a text On today's episode, Matthew Facciani a sociologist at the University of Notre Dame in the Computer Science and Engineering department joins me to discuss how negative vaccine attitudes don't necessarily tell us about public health behaviors. We touch upon whether government regulations of social media to mitigate misinformation are e…

1
I Believe in Myself (Featuring Perseverance Works Wonders) 10:02

1+ y ago10:02

10:02

Welcome to Solar Dragon Time. Star was a lovely little girl. She was kind, she was loving, and she was very smart. However, sometimes things weren’t easy for her. Through Star’s story we’ll learn what we can do when things don’t go our way. We’ll also say some empowering affirmations to remind us to love ourselves and others.…

1
A New Era in Disinformation: AI Generated Imagery w/ Todd C. Helmus 28:25

1+ y ago28:25

28:25

Send us a text On today's episode, Todd C. Helmus, a senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation, joins me to talk about how AI-generated imagery will change how mis and disinformation is created and disseminated. We discussed how effective regulating this technology will be in mitigating propaganda and political extremism and whether it wi…

1
I Am Thankful (Featuring Ezekiel Discovers Gratitude) 10:48

1+ y ago10:48

10:48

Welcome to Solar Dragon Time. Ezekiel was having a great life, until one day he wasn't. Everything changed and he was very unhappy. His mother tried to teach him that he had more power than he thought, be he didn't believe her. Through Ezekiel's story we'll learn how gratitude can make unpleasant situations not seem so bad. We’ll also say some empo…

1
Here Comes the Storm: The Origins of QAnon w/ Mike Rothschild 45:17

1+ y ago45:17

45:17

Send us a text On today's episode, I am joined by conspiracy theory researcher and QAnon expert, Mike Rothschild. We explore the origins of QAnon, whether mental health practitioners have a role in addressing far-right conspiracy theories and assess the conspiratorial framework of the Q movement based on his 2021 book "The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAn…

1
How the Far-Right hijacked the Wellness Movement w/ Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker 56:34

1+ y ago56:34

56:34

Send us a text On today's episode, I am joined by Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology from the University of London. We explore the origins of the Wellness Movement in the U.S. and the people who helped develop its foundations. Then explore whether inaccessibility to healthcare puts more people at risk of medical misinformatio…

1
I Am Balanced (Featuring Love Your Mother and Your Father) 9:34

2y ago9:34

9:34

Welcome to Solar Dragon Time. In the Land of Lyra everything was as it should be. There was harmony, balance, teamwork, and cooperation. Most of all there was love. One day that all changed. Through the struggles we'll learn the power of unity, teamwork, and having love for one's mother and father equally. We’ll also say some empowering affirmation…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Sophia Nelson Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen