Another week, another reminder that democracy is not a “set it and forget it” system.
This week on the podcast, we talk about the escalating redistricting battles happening across the country, the continued weakening of the Voting Rights Act, and what we can do to help Democrats take back the House (and maybe the Senate).
We also dig into:
Why mid-decade gerrymandering feels like a race to the bottom
Whether voters may be less predictable than political strategists assume
What ordinary people can actually do right now
Why local races and state courts matter more than many people realize
How optimism and pragmatism can coexist, even during exhausting political moments
Lisa shares practical ways listeners can prepare for the months ahead — from voter registration and postcards to strategic donations and canvassing opportunities — while Aaron makes the case that even heavily manipulated political maps don’t guarantee voter behavior.
Here are some of the resources we mention:
Mobilize.us (click on Get out the Vote or Voting Rights for election-focused events)
And because we still believe in balancing civic engagement with joy, we wrap up with joyful moments featuring:
solo quiet-house time with Tucci the cat,
a visit to Berkeley’s Magnes Museum,
New York adventures, including Broadway musicals and family weddings,
and a renewed appreciation for Berkeley weather.
If you’ve been feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or unsure where to focus your energy, this episode is ultimately about finding productive ways forward without surrendering hope.
Give it a listen, and as always, thanks for thinking alongside us.
You can also email us at hello@acouplethinks.com or take our listener survey at survey.acouplethinks.com.
