Future Hindsight-logo

Future Hindsight

News & Politics Podcasts

A weekly show that takes big ideas about civic life and democracy and turns them into action items for you.

Location:

United States

Description:

A weekly show that takes big ideas about civic life and democracy and turns them into action items for you.

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Superpower Showdown: Jane Perlez

3/11/2026
We discuss the influence of the U.S.-China relationship on American democracy, on issues ranging from "garbage time" to soft power to geopolitical dominance of the South China Sea. Jane's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Visit China! Read To Change China by Jonathan Spence and/or Daughters of the Bamboo Grove by Barbara Demick Jane Perlez is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, former New York Times Beijing bureau chief, and fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. She's also the podcast host of Face-Off: The U.S. vs. China. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Jane Perlez on X: https://x.com/JanePerlez Listen to Face-Off: https://www.belfercenter.org/face-us-vs-china Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guest: Jane Perlez Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:39:20

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Politics of Corruption: Tiffany Muller

3/5/2026
We discuss the corrupting effect of the Citizens United decision on policymaking and elections. Tiffany's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Go to town halls and hold your elected officials accountable Participate in phone banking or write postcards to get out the vote Tiffany Muller is the President of End Citizens United, Let America Vote, and the End Citizens United/Let America Vote Action Fund. The organization's mission is to fix our democracy by getting big money out of politics and protecting the right to vote. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Tiffany on X: https://x.com/Tiffany_Muller Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Tiffany Muller Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:38:17

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Offline Candidate: Carleigh Beriont

2/26/2026
We discuss the power of showing up for local politics and the benefits of running an in-person campaign without relying on social media. Carleigh's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Take an hour to attend a local government meeting Make a comment at that meeting! Carleigh Beriont is a union organizer, vice chair of the Hampton Select Board, and is running for Congress in New Hampshire's First District. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Check out Carleigh's campaign: https://www.carleighberiont.com/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Carleigh Beriont Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:39:49

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Governors Can Defend You: Julia Spiegel

2/19/2026
We discuss the work of governors across several states to defend the rights of their residents. GovAct serves as an innovation hub for policies on democracy, public health, and reproductive rights. Julia's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get involved in state races Bearing witness to Minneapolis and the brave people standing up for their neighbors Julia Spiegel is the President and CEO of GovAct. She helped create the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, which united 23 governors in protecting reproductive rights post-Roe. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow GovAct: https://www.instagram.com/govactalliance/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Julia Spiegel Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:36:30

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How Gen Z Does Democracy: Raj Vinnakota

2/12/2026
We discuss the investments to foster civic participation on college campuses, voter behavior among young people, and getting ready for the midterms. Raj's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Develop your civic action muscle every week Role model what it looks like to work across difference Raj Vinnakota is President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, whose mission is to cultivate talent, ideas, and networks that develop young people as effective, lifelong citizens. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow the Institute for Citizens & Scholars on X: https://x.com/ctzns_schlrs Sponsor: Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Raj Vinnakota Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:40:04

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Democracy Without Politicians: Hélène Landemore

2/5/2026
We discuss the concept of deliberative representative democracy by ordinary citizens, which means representing and being represented in turn. Hélène's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Listen and bring out the shy Share power Hélène Landemore is a political theorist and professor of political science at Yale University. Her latest book is Politics Without Politicians: The Case for Citizen Rule, a manifesto for what's possible. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Hélène on X: https://x.com/landemore Read Politics Without Politicians: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Hélène Landemore Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:45:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Get Real About Elections: Anjali Enjeti

1/29/2026
We discuss grassroots organizing, voting rights for U.S. territories and First Nations, and the state of elections in Georgia. Anjali's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Organize at the local level Pick up your neighbor on your way to vote Anjali Enjeti is a poll worker, electoral organizer, activist, and novelist whose latest book is Ballot, a timely narrative about the fragile state of our most fundamental right. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Anjali on IG: https://www.instagram.com/anjalienjeti Read Ballot: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Anjali Enjeti Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:34:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Resist and Organize: Daniel Hunter

1/22/2026
We discuss how our everyday choices to resist, organize, and act collectively can stop authoritarian takeovers. Feeling powerless does not mean that we're actually powerless! Daniel's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get non-cooperation training at https://freedomtrainers.net/ Be connected to other humans in a group Daniel Hunter is a seasoned organizer and the founder of Choose Democracy. He's also the author of books including What If Trump Wins?, Climate Resistance Handbook, and Building a Movement to End the New Jim Crow. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Daniel on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/daniel-hunter.bsky.social Read What If Trump Wins?: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Daniel Hunter Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:47:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Educating for Democracy: James Traub

1/15/2026
We discuss the role of schools to form effective citizens in our democracy. It's necessary to prioritize the teaching of our history and our government. James's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Push back against corrosive technology, especially in schools Read books! James Traub is a journalist, historian, and author of The Cradle of Citizenship: How Schools Can Help Save Our Democracy. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Read The Cradle of Citizenship: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: James Traub Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:45:26

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Library Changemaker: Amanda Jones

1/8/2026
We discuss the dangers of book bans and censorship, the power of civic action on the local level, and the intersection of libraries and human rights. Amanda's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Use the library! Follow Kelly Jensen at Book Riot on social media Amanda Jones is a middle school librarian, an activist, and the author of That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America. She previously served as President of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians and has won numerous awards for her work in school libraries, including School Library Journal Librarian of the Year. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Amanda on X: https://x.com/abmack33 Follow Kelly Jensen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heykellyjensen/ Read That Librarian: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Amanda Jones Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:36:40

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Your Hidden Political Power: Michael Brownstein

12/18/2025
We discuss orienting our personal choices toward the collective in order to make the changes in the systems that organize our world. Michael's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Orient your personal choices towards the collective Do something, and do it with others Michael Brownstein is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at John Jay College, and Professor of Philosophy at The Graduate Center, CUNY. He's also the co-author of Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelBrownst4 Read Somebody Should Do Something: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Michael Brownstein Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:47:04

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

On Being Pro-Democracy: Rick Wilson

12/11/2025
We discuss how being pro-democracy is a big tent coalition. In fact, it is our national identity. Rick's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Meet your your neighbors, friends, and family in person 2) Be a persuasive voice in your immediate network and build a network of networks Rick Wilson is co-founder of the Lincoln Project, as well as the host of the Lincoln Project and The Enemies List podcasts. He is a 30 year veteran of national Republican politics, starting with the 1988 presidential campaign of George Herbert Walker Bush, and is now a registered Independent. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Rick on X: https://x.com/TheRickWilson Check out the Lincoln Project: https://lincolnproject.us/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guest: Rick Wilson Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:45:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Equal Freedom: Alex Zakaras

12/4/2025
We discuss the promise of radical liberalism to deliver equal freedom for all. Alex's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Join the fight for democracy 2) Put pressure on a leader who has the power to resist Alex Zakaras is professor of political science at the University of Vermont and the author of Freedom for All: What a Liberal Society Could Be. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Read Freedom for All: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Alex Zakaras Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:39:55

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Shifting Terrain: What the Manosphere Tells Us About Working Class Politics

11/27/2025
In this episode of Shifting Terrain, Colin Davis and Reece Peck discuss why liberal messaging continues to fail, where to find the Joe Rogan of the left, and how to actually reach working class men. Plus we'll hear from author Joan Williams about how class cluelessness led to the downfall of the left's power. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Listen to Shifting Terrain: https://pod.link/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yNTQ3MzI3LnJzcw Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight

Duration:00:44:22

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Storytelling For Change: Shanelle Matthews

11/20/2025

Duration:00:40:29

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Gun Laws That Work: Emma Brown

11/13/2025
We discuss the complexity of gun violence in the United States and the reality that strong gun laws save lives. Emma's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Contact your senator to vote NO on concealed carry reciprocity Go to giffords.org and get involved Emma Brown is the executive director of GIFFORDS, an organization whose mission is to save lives from gun violence in America. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Emma on X: https://x.com/Emma_S_Brown Follow Giffords on IG: https://www.instagram.com/giffords_org/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Emma Brown Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:41:49

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Understanding the Infodemic: Pauline Hoffmann

11/6/2025
We discuss how we can tell the truth, how we can speak the truth, and how we can avoid misinformation and disinformation. Pauline's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Maintain a degree of curiosity! Care before you share. Pauline Hoffman, also known as the Data Doyenne, is an esteemed infodemiologist and the author of Fake News, Witch Hunts, and Conspiracy Theories: An Infodemiologist's Guide to the Truth. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Pauline on X: https://x.com/pwhoffmann Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Pauline Hoffmann Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:40:06

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

AI for the Public Interest: Bruce Schneier

10/30/2025
We discuss how AI can both serve the public interest and advance the goals of our democracy, despite the misgivings about the current state of AI. Bruce's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Use the tools of AI! 2) Use assistive tech to write to your elected representatives Bruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologist, chief of security architecture at Inrupt Inc, a lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School, and the co-author of Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Bruce on X: https://x.com/schneierblog Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Bruce Schneier Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:36:11

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How Underdogs Build Power: Stephanie Luce

10/23/2025
We discuss Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World—a guide for a new generation of activists seeking not just to understand power, but to build it. Stephanie’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Learn a new skill, like non cooperation or mutual aid 2) Find organizations that align with your values and check if they offer trainings Stephanie Luce is Professor of Labor Studies at the School of Labor and Urban Studies and Professor of Sociology at the Graduate Center, City University of New York. She’s also the co-author of Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World. Let’s connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Stephanie on X: https://x.com/stephanie_luce_ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Stephanie Luce Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:42:29

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Pathway to Citizenship: Todd Schulte

10/16/2025
A fair, humane, and orderly immigration system should think of the US as the top destination for top talent from around the world, as well as a beacon of hope. Changing the law to give permanent legal status and a pathway to citizenship would fix the current failed immigration system. Todd’s civic action toolkit recommendations are: Post know-your-rights material at your place of worship or local grocery store Ask your HR to have legal resources for immigrant employees Todd Schulte is the President of FWD.us, where he has directed successful efforts to make the case that immigrants and immigration power the US economy, help us win the global race for talent, and strengthen the American workforce. Woohoo! We took home the Silver Medal in the Signal Awards: https://www.signalaward.com/winners/details/#future-hindsight/future-hindsight-maurice-mitchell-working-families-party/0/613058 Let’s connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Todd on X: https://x.com/TheToddSchulte Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Todd Schulte Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

Duration:00:47:04