In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes back political consultant, author, and Substack contributor Mike Madrid. A renowned expert on Latino voters and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, Mike brings his profound insights on American politics, identity, and democracy. Together, Corey and Mike explore deeply personal stories, historical context, and present-day political dynamics, all while weaving in the emotional fabric that connects generations and communities.

What We Discuss:

• The significance of personal and familial stories in shaping political perspective

• How Latino voters are reshaping American democracy

• The danger of authoritarian tendencies in U.S. governance

• Economic populism across ideological divides

• The importance of understanding and communicating with working-class communities

Episode Highlights:

• [00:04:00] Mike Madrid shares a personal story of grief and connection through a pilgrimage to Madrid, New Mexico

• [00:08:00] Baseball as a bridge between generations and its deeper cultural significance

• [00:14:00] Inhumane immigration enforcement and its implications on American identity

• [00:22:00] A discussion on whether America is at a turning point for its soul and values

• [00:33:00] Vertical balance of power: Newsom vs. federal overreach in L.A. protests

• [00:45:00] Latino voters' top concerns: economy, housing, and healthcare

• [00:53:00] Economic populism through Ruben Gallego and Zoran Mamdani's campaigns

• [01:03:00] How to talk about politics and religion without killin' each other

Featured Quotes:

• "Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves matter more than the facts we can verify." – Mike Madrid

• "This is our American story now. This is who we are... and if we're not speaking out, then we are individually complicit in it." – Mike Madrid

• "These are the moments when character is defined." – Mike Madrid

• "The best way to talk about politics and religion is to not talk about it through the lens of politics and religion." – Mike Madrid

Resources Mentioned:

• Mike Madrid's Substack: The Great Transformation – greattransformation.substack.com

• The Latino Century (book by Mike Madrid) – www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278

• Latino Vote Podcast – latinos.vote

• Reflections on Marines in LA by Roger Herbert – rogerherbert.substack.com/p/reflections-on-marines-in-la

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Thank you for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨