Best David Simkins Podcasts (2025)

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74. When Polarized Communities Work Together – Kira Hamman 34:18

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2d ago34:18

34:18

Why Talking Isn’t Enough to Bridge Divides What happens when people in deeply divided communities set aside differences to work on real problems together? In this episode, we hear from participants in Southern Oregon and from Urban Rural Action’s Senior Director of Programs about how building trust and taking action can bridge divides, create belon…

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BONUS - A lot of angry reactions (remix) - Steven Rathje 51:43

9d ago51:43

51:43

How social media gives us what captures our attention rather than what we actually want In this episode we talk to Dr. Steven Rathje, building on research from prior episodes, we look at how out-group animosity drives engagement on social media. Dr. Steven Rathje discussing research that found that social media creates incentives for out-group anim…

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73. Rethinking Autism Advocacy – Ari Ne’eman 47:10

16d ago47:10

47:10

What If Inclusion, Not Normalization, Was the Goal? Too often, conversations about autism happen without autistic voices at the table. In this episode, we talk with Ari Ne’eman, Assistant Professor at Harvard and co-founder of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, about the real divides in autism advocacy and what a better path forward could look lik…

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72. The Fight to Make Online Spaces Civil Again - Yevgeny Simkin 41:33

1M ago41:33

41:33

Why Owning Your Online Identity Matters More Than Ever Is it possible to fix social media? In this episode, I’m joined by Yevgeny Simkin, Co-Founder of Sez.us, a new social media platform built to encourage civility and healthier online spaces. We talk about why we need real alternatives to Facebook and Twitter, who controls online conversations to…

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DOCUMENTARY - What’s Pulling Young Men to the Right? 35:10

1M ago35:10

35:10

Gen Z’s political gender gap is widening. Young women are trending left, while young men drift right—and it’s not just politics. In this episode, we explore the cultural, social, and economic pressures shaping young men’s identities, from the “manosphere” to societal expectations around masculinity and the pressure to be the breadwinner. We examine…

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71. Do Facts Really Change Minds? – Nick Stagnaro 33:04

1M ago33:04

33:04

The Shift from Certainty to Nuance We’ve all heard the saying: facts don’t change minds. But new research challenges that idea. In this episode, David talks with social scientist Nick Stagnaro about what happens when people dive deep into the facts on divisive issues like gun control. The findings? Knowledge can soften extreme positions—shifting pe…

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Everybody's Deco-Dancing with Cooper | Technique Talks 1:49:31

2M ago1:49:31

1:49:31

Welcome back to another Fireside Technique Talk, where we dive deep into the technical aspects that separate good from exceptional tattooing. In this session with Cooper, we explored the fundamentals of color layering. Cooper shared essential insights into overcoming the technical barriers that keep many artists confined to smaller scale work, prov…

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70. Is There Still Hope for the Internet? - Kristin Hansen 42:40

2M ago42:40

42:40

The Hidden Power of Social Norms Social media often gets blamed for fueling outrage and deepening political divides. But what if the very tools that spread division could be used to bridge it? In this episode, we talk with Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of Civic Health Project, about Normsy.ai—a groundbreaking initiative using human-plus-AI too…

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Tagging the Subconscious, Surreal Worlds of Greg "Craola" Simkins 1:14:01

2M ago1:14:01

1:14:01

Have you ever wondered how your artistic style develops over time? Greg "Craola" Simpkins, a revered name in both graffiti circles and the painting industry, shares his fascinating journey from street art to creating surrealistic canvases. In this episode, we dive into how his distinctive style evolved, the nuances of balancing creativity in graffi…

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BONUS - Teaching Civics in the Age of Outrage - June Klees 38:39

2M ago38:39

38:39

What Happens When Students Talk Across Generations? We sit down with with Dr. June Klees, a historian and educator at Bay College, about the Waging Dialogue initiative — a unique civics program designed to help students develop the confidence and skills to engage in dialogue across generational and ideological divides. Students are paired with olde…

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The Writching Hour is Upon Us With Rich Wren | Technique Talks | EP 304 1:07:16

2M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Rich walked us through his 25-year journey from scrappy home tattooer to the artistic powerhouse he is today, sharing real insights about finding your voice in this industry. This episode covers everything from the grind of finding apprenticeships back in the day to his current process of creating multiple design versions and building that creative…

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69. America’s Connection Opportunity - Kate Carney and Calista Small 34:52

2M ago34:52

34:52

The Connection Opportunity Report: Hope, Barriers, and the Path Forward How can we truly connect across political, racial, religious, and class divides? In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer dives into the Connection Opportunity report from More in Common with guests Kate Carney and Calista Small. Discover: ✅ Why most Americans…

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68. Is Our Democracy Failing Because We’re Not Thinking Enough? - James Fishkin 42:48

3M ago42:48

42:48

Is democracy failing because citizens aren’t truly thinking through the issues? In this episode, we hear from Prof. James Fishkin, Stanford scholar and creator of Deliberative Polling, a groundbreaking method used around the world to reveal what people would think if they had the chance to deliberate in depth. Fishkin explains why deliberation is a…

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There's No Highlights in Wood! | TImmy B 46:30

3M ago46:30

46:30

Hey Friends! We just had another great conversation featuring the incredibly talented Timmy B, and let me tell you, this interview is packed with some serious tattoo gold. This new school powerhouse breaks down everything from his evolution as an artist to the nitty-gritty of color theory that'll blow your mind. We're talking about collaboration, t…

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Outrage on the Mic – Part 3: Rage Sells, But We Don’t Have to Buy It 13:19

3M ago13:19

13:19

War, political chaos, economic fears, AI disruption—the world feels like it’s on fire. And the media? It never stops pouring fuel on the flames. In this final chapter of the Outrage on the Mic series, we explore how outrage has become the currency of media—from the fiery sermons of Father Coughlin to the viral rants of today’s podcasters and politi…

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Outrage on the Mic, Part 2: Outrage Has Always Been With Us 34:24

3M ago34:24

34:24

In Part 2 of our special series Outrage on the Mic, we go back in time to explore how public outrage has shaped societies long before the digital age. David Beckemeyer is joined by Outrageous History! host Ernest Granson, who brings his journalist’s eye to scandals, uprisings, and media-fueled conflicts from the French Revolution to the Spanish-Ame…

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Elevating Tattooing and Mentoring the Next Generation | Yomico Moreno 51:43

3M ago51:43

51:43

Don't miss Yomico teaching at the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Academy this October. You can get tickets at https://richmondtattooconvention.com/academy/ You can keep up with Yomico at https://www.instagram.com/yomicoart/ https://yomicoart.com/ Thanks to our sponsor Tattoo Trunk. Take 10% off your bundle with the code Fireside https://www.tattootrunk.c…

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Outrage on the Mic – Part 1: Laughing Through the Outrage 51:05

4M ago51:05

51:05

Outrage Overload x Outrage Factory This week, we kick off our special July series, Outrage on the Mic, with a fun and irreverent crossover featuring the hosts of Outrage Factory—Dale Deruiter and Geoff Gauthier. We explore the absurdity of online outrage, how humor can both defuse and amplify it, and what it means to build a show around the week’s …

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67. AI vs. Ancient Hatreds: Can Tech Ease the Israeli-Palestinian Divide? – Adam Boaz Becker 37:23

4M ago37:23

37:23

Why is it so hard to have civil conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? And can we break through the outrage culture, media tribalism, and polarization that dominate today’s discourse? In this episode, we talk with Adam Boaz Becker, founder of Headon.AI, an AI platform designed to foster political dialogue and bridge divides. Adam sha…

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Tattooing as a Master Oil Painter | David Cheifetz | 43:49

4M ago43:49

43:49

Keep up with David Cheifetz at the links below https://www.davidcheifetz.com/ https://www.instagram.com/davidcheifetz/?hl=en Get your tickets to the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Academy https://richmondtattooconvention.com/academy/ Thanks to TattooTrunk for sponsoring today's episode Take 10% off your Trio or Quad set at https://www.tattootrunk.com/ Ar…

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BONUS - Are We Witnessing a Democracy in Crisis? - Lucan Way 31:34

4M ago31:34

31:34

Exploring Democratic Erosion and the Rise of Authoritarian Tactics Is the U.S. Sliding Toward Competitive Authoritarianism? Political scientist Lucan Way joins us to discuss signs of democratic erosion, competitive authoritarianism, and the weaponization of institutions. Drawing from his co-authored New York Times essay, “How Will We Know When We H…

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66. What It Really Takes to Fix the Division in America – Rich Harwood 30:28

4M ago30:28

30:28

Why are we so divided — and what can we really do about it? In this episode, Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute and author of The New Civic Path, returns to the show to share how communities across America are rebuilding trust and taking action — without waiting on Washington. We talk about how to bring people together, restore belief i…

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Dragons Don't Do Cute Poses | Patrick Paul O'Neil | EP 300 2:25:43

4M ago2:25:43

2:25:43

Thanks to our newest partner Tattoo Trunk for making this episode possible! Get 10% off your Tattoo Trunk order with the code FIRESIDE at checkout https://www.tattootrunk.com/ Keep up with Patrick Paul O'Neil at https://www.instagram.com/the_burning_jewel/ We’ve got another Inside Fireside Tattoo Club sneak preview for you today! This time it’s wit…

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DOCUMENTARY - How ‘Natural Living’ Becomes Extremism: Inside the Crunchy-to-Radical Pipeline 53:12

5M ago53:12

53:12

How Wellness Content Fuels Conspiracies What starts as a search for natural living or homegrown veggies can slowly become something else entirely. In this episode, we follow the personal story of Kavisha Pillay, a digital ethics expert who unexpectedly found herself pulled into the “tradwife” aesthetic while simply exploring homesteading and wellne…

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65. Grief, Fatigue, and the Aftermath of COVID - Zeest Khan 37:41

5M ago37:41

37:41

How a Doctor’s Long COVID Journey Exposed Systemic Failures Millions are still living with long COVID, yet many patients are dismissed, misunderstood, or left without answers. In this episode, Dr. Zeest Khan shares her personal journey—from treating critical patients as a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist to becoming a long COVID patient herself. Thi…

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BONUS - Crisis in National Service Undermines Civic Engagement – Maureen Eccleston 31:21

5M ago31:21

31:21

How AmeriCorps Cuts Threaten Our Civic Future Tens of thousands of AmeriCorps service positions are being eliminated. In this episode, we explore how cuts to national service programs are affecting communities, civic engagement, and the future of democracy in America. Maureen Eccleston, Chief Impact Officer at Service Year Alliance and longtime Ame…

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64. Our Democracy Is Fraying—Here’s How We Start Repairing It - Karissa Raskin 38:39

5M ago38:39

38:39

Why 500 Organizations Joined Forces to Bridge America’s Deepest Divides We sit down with Karissa Raskin, the new CEO of Listen First Project, a national organization leading a coalition of over 500 groups working to reduce toxic polarization and build stronger communities through connection and dialogue. Karissa shares her personal journey into the…

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Geometric Tattooing with Dillon Forte 1:29:21

5M ago1:29:21

1:29:21

Thanks to our newest partner Tattoo Trunk for making this episode possible! Get 10% off your Tattoo Trunk order with the code FIRESIDE at checkout https://www.tattootrunk.com/ Hey, what's going on, everybody? In today's mind-bending interview with geometric master Dillon Forte we'll be diving deep into his meticulous approach to geometric tattoo de…

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BONUS - Crisis in Journalism with Michael Deas 37:59

5M ago37:59

37:59

Exploring Media Consolidation, Distrust, and the Future of News Why are major newspapers stepping back from endorsing presidential candidates? What does that say about the Fourth Estate—and its ability to hold power accountable? In this episode of Outrage Overload, David Beckemeyer is joined by journalist and educator Michael Deas, former editor at…

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Influence In The Bones, Art On The Sleeve | Corey Bernhardt Technique Talk 2:22:10

5M ago2:22:10

2:22:10

Alright folks, we've got something special for today as we dive into the mind of Corey Bernhardt! A true artist who’s not afraid to wear his influences on his sleeve. When Corey came by the Inside Fireside Club, he brought decades of artistic evolution that shaped his unique approach to technique - from those early comic book days to his masterful …

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63. Moral Psychology and the Harm-Based Roots of Political Polarization - Sam Pratt 29:55

6M ago29:55

29:55

How Perceptions of Harm Drive Moral Outrage and Political Conflict In episode 61, we explored Outraged! with Kurt Gray, discussing the harm-based model of morality and how our perceptions of harm and victimization fuel moral outrage. But there’s so much more to uncover. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the research behind these ideas wit…

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62. Reducing Online Outrage: What Role Can Community-Driven Algorithms Play - Paul Resnick 35:46

6M ago35:46

35:46

How Systems Like Community Notes on Twitter/X Aim to Break the Cycle of Misinformation Are social media algorithms fueling misinformation and deepening echo chambers—or can they help bridge divides? In this episode, we talk with Paul Resnick, a pioneer in recommender systems and digital trust, about how platforms curate content, the truth behind fi…

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Tattoo Lover's Care 46:01

6M ago46:01

46:01

In the evolving world of tattoo aftercare, understanding the science behind healing can make all the difference in preserving your artwork for decades. When we talked with Don Ranns, we dug into how inflammation affects tattoo healing and why ingredients like CBD are showing promising results for reducing redness and irritation during the critical …

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BONUS - How Authoritarianism Creeps In: Lessons from Postcards to Hitler - Bruce Neuburger 35:23

6M ago35:23

35:23

Why Resistance Matters: Lessons from Postcards to Hitler How does authoritarianism take hold? What warning signs do we often miss? In this episode, we speak with Bruce Neuburger, author of Postcards to Hitler: A German Jew’s Defiance in a Time of Terror, about the rise of political extremism—then and now. Neuburger shares his grandfather’s incredib…

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Balancing Intuition & Technique | Levi Hilton 1:12:52

6M ago1:12:52

1:12:52

What's up everyone, I just had the opportunity to sit down with the incredibly talented Levi Hilton, a recommendation from our friend Patrick O'Neal, and it turned out to be one of the best episodes we've recorded in quite a while. Levi shared his journey from Louisiana to San Diego, diving deep into how animation influenced his unique tattoo style…

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61. Outraged! The New Science of Moral Outrage - Kurt Gray 39:02

7M ago39:02

39:02

Why is outrage so powerful? And why does it feel so addictive? In this episode, Dr. Kurt Gray joins us to discuss his new book, Outraged!, which offers a groundbreaking look at the psychology of moral fury, social media outrage, and political division. If The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt set the stage for understanding moral differences, Outrag…

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BONUS - From Outrage to Reflection 12:00

7M ago12:00

12:00

A Ritual for Intentional Living In this special bonus episode of Outrage Overload, I share a personal ritual that keeps me grounded and mindful of the ripples we create in our daily lives. Originally recorded for What’s Your Ripple?, this conversation explores the power of small, intentional actions and how they shape the world around us. I sit dow…

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Crossing Disciplines | Gifford Kasen 37:09

7M ago37:09

37:09

We're diving deep into the world of Gifford Kasen! An artist who didn't just learn tattooing, but breathed it, challenged it, and transformed through relentless curiosity. From punk rock flyers to intricate large scale biomech designs, to incredible fine art, this is about breaking down artistic barriers and finding your own voice in a world that's…

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60. PODCASTHON: How One Group Is Bridging Tech Gaps in Underserved Communities - Leonardo Sosa 32:05

7M ago32:05

32:05

In this special PODCASTHON episode of Outrage Overload, we’re spotlighting Dev Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to training and mentoring underserved young adults for careers in tech. We sit down with Leonardo Sosa, founder and executive director of Dev Mission, to discuss how the organization is closing the digital divide, increasing diversity in te…

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The Fight for Tattoo Space | Robyn and Ty Pallotta 44:24

7M ago44:24

44:24

The tattoo industry has always been about overcoming obstacles, but few challenges hit as hard as finding the right space to call home. When we caught up with Robyn and Ty Pallotta at the Star of Texas Tattoo Convention, their story of facing 20+ rejections from property managers struck a chord that many artists can relate to. Their journey from a …

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Okay Boomer - Mental Health - Valerie Beck 14:37

7M ago14:37

14:37

Why do younger generations feel so disconnected from the world their parents grew up in? Are millennials just complaining, or is there something deeper at play? In this special OK Boomer episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer sits down with Valerie Beck, a holistic health practitioner and founder of Intrepid Wellness, to explore the com…

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59. Outrage, Fear, and Perception: Understanding Cultivation Theory - James Shanahan 34:15

8M ago34:15

34:15

How Media Shapes Reality James Shanahan, a leading expert on cultivation theory, joins David Beckemeyer to explore how television, news, and social media influence public perception, fear, and political polarization. They discuss the Mean World Syndrome, the rise of outrage media, and how algorithms amplify division. Tune in to learn how media effe…

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DOCUMENTARY - The Imperial Presidency? Executive Overreach and the Constitution 59:45

8M ago59:45

59:45

Is the U.S. presidency becoming too powerful? Imagine a president ignoring court rulings, dismantling government agencies, and bypassing oversight. It’s not just a hypothetical—it’s happening now. In this episode, we explore the rise of executive overreach and its implications for democracy. 🔹 Guests: Professor Kevin Smith – Political scientist spe…

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Gaining Tattoo Clients the Analog Way | Gabe Ripley 56:07

8M ago56:07

56:07

Join Gabe and Jake for their live joint seminar and critique below: https://explore.firesidetattoo.com/fstxtn Lately I've been hearing a lot of chatter about tattoo shops struggling with slower bookings and more cancellations than usual. It's got me thinking about how we can adapt and keep our shops thriving in these challenging times. That's why I…

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58. The Truth Behind Political Division: Are We Really That Different? - James Coan 27:17

8M ago27:17

27:17

How Correcting Misperceptions Can Heal Political Divides Ever wonder why political conversations feel more heated than ever? It might not be about the issues themselves but how we perceive the other side. In this episode of Outrage Overload, we explore the "perception gap"—the distorted views we hold about political opponents—and how correcting the…

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The Future of Tattoo Tools with Russ Abbott 55:10

8M ago55:10

55:10

The intersection of technology and tattooing has always fascinated me, which is why I was particularly excited to dive into a recent conversation with Russ Abbott about the evolution of Tattoo Smart. From its humble beginnings as a digital marketplace in 2016 to its current position at the forefront of tattoo design innovation, Russ's journey refle…

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DOCUMENTARY - Beyond Male and Female: The Science—and Politics—of Sex Development 43:23

8M ago43:23

43:23

How Biology Challenges the Male-Female Binary In this documentary-style episode, Outrage Overload dives into the intricate and often misunderstood world of sex development, using the controversy surrounding female boxers at the Paris Olympics as a case study. We unpack the science, ethics, and personal stories behind Differences in Sex Development …

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Modernizing Tattoo Client Management | Nate Laff 33:52

8M ago33:52

33:52

Tattoo studios are evolving, and so is the technology that supports them. In todays episode of the podcast, Nate Laff, co-founder of Rev 23, discusses the journey of modernizing tattoo management software, transitioning from a Windows desktop platform to a streamlined cloud-based and mobile app solution. By focusing on essential features like clien…

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57. The Digital Detox: How Vinyl and Old Tech Became Cool Again - David Sax 39:12

8M ago39:12

39:12

Why Physical Experiences Still Matter in a Digital World Vinyl records are outselling CDs. Instant-print cameras are finding their way back into people’s hands. Even paper notebooks remain a must-have for many. But why are we seeing this resurgence of analog technologies in an overwhelmingly digital world? In this episode, David Sax, award-winning …

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BONUS - Behind the Curtain: A Conversation with DNC Chair Candidate Jason Paul 37:39

9M ago37:39

37:39

We're joined by Jason Paul, an attorney, political strategist, and candidate for Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Jason brings his wealth of experience and bold ideas to the table, offering insights on the challenges facing the Democratic Party and his vision for revitalizing its structure and operations. Whether you’re a political…