American Enough
America's identity is evolving in real time. Immigrants are being scoffed at for looking a certain way and not being "American" enough. Transgender individuals are being determined not "fit enough" to serve in our military. Sexual assault and neo-nazi behavior is being condoned by the Oval Office. The First Amendment is being ridiculed. And, America's moral authority is eroding internationally, begging the question of who is "enough" of an American ally. Former Obama White House senior advisor and Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Commerce, Vikrum Aiyer, is joined by journalists, comedians, politicians, activists, and listeners, to unpack...
Thu, September 26, 2019
This Is Life with Lisa Ling - Stories of American Identity
This is Life with Lisa Ling is an investigative docuseries on CNN. Lisa Ling, award-winning journalist and author, immerses herself in extraordinary, unusual, and sometimes dangerous communities across America . What she has learned over several seasons as an executive producer and host has profoundly changes her as a person, as a mother, and perhaps even as an American. Lisa sits with MouthMedia Network co-founder Marc Raco for a special interview, in which she reveals how the stories that her show covers have impacted her and her production team, and what she’s learned about America and the country’s changing identity from the people, communities and remarkable stories shared on the series. Lisa gives a glimpse into one of the stories from the upcoming season of "This Is Life with Lisa Ling", and why it struck a nerve, and about a big decision she had to make when Hillary Clinton didn’t win the presidency. Plus, what "This Is Life with Lisa Ling" has to do with Lisa seeing herself as "American enough". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 27, 2019
How to Rebuild Trust in American Leadership
From the NFL to Media Executives to elected office, the trust & faith we have in the very organizations that define American culture is has dwindled. But Dr. Jerry Toomer, a 30 year veteran of behavioral psychology, joins the pod to discuss how a few core principles can be applied to catalyze change in our communities, and build a new generation of American leadership that doesn’t always require a board room or a podium. Dr. Jerry Toomer serves as an Executive Partner and Adjunct Professor in the Lacy School of Business at Butler University. With over three decades of applied experience as a Human Resource executive, he brings unique insights into leadership and organization effectiveness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, March 16, 2019
If You’re Not Cheating, You’re Not Trying: Gaming College Admissions with a 14-Year Veteran of the Game
While wealth has been used to hack college admissions for generations, the FBI indictment in Operation Varsity Blues underscores vast inequities in higher education. Eric Rath, a 14 year veteran of college counseling & SAT prep, joins the pod to diagnose what’s gone wrong with the admissions process, and steps we need to take to break the caste system of education. Eric Rath is founder of Rath Education Group, a test prep and tutoring firm. Before starting his own firm, Eric’s 14 year tutoring career spans companies ranging from large corporations to small startups, with roles as varied as writing multiple curricula (specifically SAT, ACT, & GRE), training hundreds of instructors, managing over 75,000 hours of tutoring programs, and even personally teaching over 14,000 hours of one on one private tutoring. A perfect score holder on the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT, from 2010-2015, prior to the 2016 SAT & ACT redesign, Eric’s students averaged score increases of 670 points (SAT) and 7.5 points (ACT). Eric earned his B.A. with high honors from U.C. Berkeley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, March 11, 2019
Fewer Veterans Are Running for Public Office. Meet the Team Changing That: New Politics
Emily Cherniack & Micah Scharf of New Politics join the pod to discuss why recruiting service members for a second tour of duty — representing their country, after spending years fighting for it — is more important now than ever. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director Emily Cherniack is steeped in the traditions of servant leadership. From her service in AmeriCorps and employment with City Year AmeriCorps, to being part of the founding team of Be the Change — where she led a coalition of over 200 organizations to engage 250,000 people for a Day of Action in support of the $6 billion Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 — Emily has worked tirelessly to serve our country and support others who serve. In 2018, Emily was named to the Politico 50 as one of the 50 “thinkers, doers, and dreamers driving politics.” Emily’s path to politics came when her boss and mentor, Alan Khazei, decided to run for the US Senate in 2009. Khazei asked Emily to become his Deputy Campaign Manager and, although he was defeated, Emily learned a great deal from his campaign and the power of political leaders who chose to serve country before self. This experience led Emily to conclude that our current system for recruiting political talent is broken. The current talent pipeline is intentionally exclusive, and has significant barriers that prevent transformational leaders from successfully running for office; the only way to change that is to change the pipeline. New Politics was founded in 2013 to address exactly that. Emily graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a Masters Degree in Education Policy. She lives in Boston. Micah Scharff, Director of Strategy & Development Micah serves as the Director of Strategy and Growth, where she oversees the organization’s ambitious growth plan following an election cycle where service veterans were a national movement and ran some of the strongest races in the country on both sides of the aisle. She joined the team after serving as the Finance Director and Senior Advisor to Ken Harbaugh’s congressional campaign, where she led a fundraising operation that raised the most money in the country for a Democrat in a Solid Republican district. Her leadership in Harbaugh’s operation earned her a feature story on CBS This Morning, profiling millenial women who were changing politics. Ken Harbaugh’s campaign was Micah’s first job in politics. Frustrated with the 2016 election, Micah left her role as a management consultant to join Harbaugh’s campaign. Micah quickly became one of the country’s top fundraisers, leading Harbaugh’s groundbreaking effort that earned national attention. A proud Midwesterner, Micah was born and raised in St. Louis. She graduated from Emory University, where she studied Economics and earned 4 NCAA letters. She currently lives in Washington, D.C. See <a href="https
Wed, March 06, 2019
Is an “America First” Strategy Disrupting Alliances Abroad? We Asked a Parliamentarian from Europe.
Dr. Ricardo Leite, a Member of Parliament from Portugal, joins the pod to discuss how multilateral relations between traditional allies is shifting in real time; and what those evolutions mean for countries to tackle shared interests (like public health goals) together. Recorded at the Concordia Summit 2018. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, February 25, 2019
Opportunity Zones – Can a Tax Break Save the US-Mexico Border?
Should Amazon Have Invested In Opportunity Zones? And, what do Napster, Cory Booker, and VP Pence have in common? Even though Amazon was pilloried for seeking tax “incentives” from New York, “opportunity zones” offer investors new tax breaks to revitalize traditionally distressed zones. Eddie Cullen, founder of the Border Freedom Fund, joins the pod to describe how these “zones” can create new hopes in overlooked American communities, including the US-Mexican border. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, January 29, 2019
Changing of the Guard: How Millennials are Grabbing Seats of Power
Why Millennials in America are becoming the face of community organizing, new technologies, and the nation… Founder & Executive Director of the Association of Young Americans (AYA), Ben Brown, joins the pod to discuss why young people in America are increasingly becoming the face of community organizing, new technologies, and the nation. Ben argues how representing their voice in politics will be vital to the growth and competitiveness of the country in the 21st century. Ben Brown started AYA in his NYC apartment in 2016 and is responsible for leading its growth and strategy, including inking partnerships with Lyft, CoachUSA and others. Prior to AYA, Ben was a consultant at Enovation Partners where he worked with Fortune 500 companies to develop innovation strategies, invest in clean-tech startups, and evaluate market entry opportunities. Before working with some of the world’s largest companies, Ben advised clean energy startup companies as a Manager at non-profit Clean Energy Trust (CET). At CET, Ben oversaw the development of a multimillion-dollar public-private investment fund and advised dozens of startups leading to millions of dollars in follow on funding. Ben is a graduate of Middlebury College. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 23, 2019
Why Women Still March
Showing up at The Women’s March in San Francisco, CA – January, 2019 While 2019’s Women’s March was criticized for size, affiliation, accusations of bigotry and beyond — women and girls and allies of all backgrounds still showed up in cities across the nation. Join American Enough for live dispatches with leaders, organizers and skeptics of this year’s March explaining why it was important for so many to show up. The opinions expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect those of the host or of MouthMedia Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, January 21, 2019
Is 2019 the Year America Finally Enacts Paid Family Leave Policies?
Why working families in the United States struggle to spend time with newborns & raise their families… Executive Director of the nation’s leading paid family leave advocacy organization PL+US, Katie Bethell, joins the pod to discuss why working families in the United States struggle to spend time with newborns & raise their families (when the rest of the industrialized world invests in robust parental leave protections) and why hope may be on the horizon in 2019. Katie Bethell is the Founder and Executive Director of PL+US and one of Fortune’s 2018 “World’s Greatest Leaders” with 15 years of public policy and issue advocacy experience in the United States. Prior to founding PL+US, Bethell was the Campaign Director at MomsRising.org leading successful bids for family friendly policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Her portfolio included work to win passage of statewide paid family leave in New Jersey and Washington State, paid sick days legislation in Connecticut, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Following MomsRising, Katie was Managing Director of North America Campaigns at Change.org, where she oversaw the team that ran hundreds of impactful public campaigns in the US. For her Change.org organizing, Katie was named by Fast Company as one of the “Most Creative People in Business.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, January 08, 2019
(Golden Globes Special): Is Hollywood Shifting from Commercial Impact to Social Impact?
The transforming of creative content in Hollywood… In an era where entertainment increasingly mirrors the despair contained within our daily news cycle, one studio in Hollywood is doubling down on creative content that seeks to unite Americans with hope & inclusivity. Co-Founder of Wayfarer entertainment, Farhoud Meybodi, joins the pod to discuss how their brand of TV, Film, and Web-driven content can both speak to the issues of our time, while using art to galvanize change. BIO Co-Owner of Wayfarer Entertainment, Farhoud Meybodi is a Clio Award-winning director, and executive producer focused on premium storytelling content across scripted, unscripted, and branded distribution channels. Unlike many creatives in the entertainment business, Farhoud started his career in law, and spent his mid-twenties climbing up the corporate ladder as a sales and marketing executive for a global luxury brand. This non-traditional background gave Farhoud a marketers mindset – something he draws upon frequently when helping brands, agencies, TV networks, studios and NGOs connect with audiences through the power of human connection and social impact. At his core, Farhoud is passionate about creative storytelling content that entertains, educates and inspires. Mostly recently, Farhoud directed and executive produced Season Four of My Last Days, an award-winning documentary series about life told by courageous people living with a terminal illness, for the CW Network. He received a bronze Clio Award for directing and executive producing “Meet Anthony,” a season three episode of the show profiling renowned street photographer Anthony Carbajal, and his harrowing life experience with ALS. He developed, and executive produced Chefs Without Borders, a documentary series featuring celebrity Chef, Curtis Stone, and Actress/Model, Lindsay Price, as they journey from Los Angeles to Tanzania to live with, and learn from three Indigenous tribes, each representing a unique perspective on food insecurity. Farhoud also developed, executive produced and wrote Man Enough, a dinner conversation series featuring Scooter Braun, Anderson Silva, Justin Baldoni, Matt McGorry, Javier Munoz, Prince EA, Derek Hough, Tony Porter, Aydian Dowling and Jamey Heath that explores the heart of traditional masculinity in America. Farhoud created, developed and executive produced Project Upgrade, an unscripted series for Google featuring YouTube stars, The Merrell Twins, as they set out to design and build a new consumer product with the help of successful, female mentors from Google, Space X, NASA, and Disney. Farhoud has also developed and directed national campaigns for Subaru, Kellogg’s, MetroPCS, and The Ad Council, and sold several scripted pitches to major studios and television networks. See omnystudio.com/listener fo
Mon, December 31, 2018
Why are Paychecks Shrinking, if the Economy is Booming?
Why Most Americans Can’t Afford a $400 Bill Rachel Schneider (Author of the Financial Diaries, and Entrepreneur in Resident at the Aspen Institute’s FSP) followed 235 American families to understand why so many American’s still feel financial duress even while our economy grows at a rapid rate. She joins to the pod to detail how experimenting with new policies, like short term cash infusions, can address wage stagnation in the country. Rachel Schneider is the Omidyar Network Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program (FSP), and co-author of The Financial Diaries: How American Families Cope in a World of Uncertainty. Described as a “must-read for anyone interested in causes of – and potential solutions to – American poverty” by Publisher’s Weekly, The Financial Diaries challenges conventional wisdom about inequality. As a social entrepreneur, Rachel is launching a new effort to explore how the social contract should evolve as a result. She is particularly interested in how small, strategic cash infusions can go a longer way by helping families at pivotal moments in which they simply don’t have the cash on hand that they need. She is developing hypotheses about how cash infusions can not only be stopgap measures, but also be a bridge toward stability and an investment in mobility. She is seeking partners with whom to expand and test those hypotheses by designing and implementing prototypes, and drawing attention to the range of solutions that can help families in need. For the last decade, Rachel has lead many of the projects at the heart of the work of the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI), where she is still a Senior Advisor. She is both a conceptual, and a practical thinker, with an unusual ability to think both about big ideas and about the smaller steps that can be taken today. Her research has been cited in the nation’s largest publications, and she is a highly sought-after consultant, writer and public speaker. Rachel began her career as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch & Co., but credits her commitment to the potential for innovative finance to solve major social problems from her days as a VISTA Volunteer (now AmeriCorps). She holds a J.D./M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, and a B.A. from UC Berkeley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, December 17, 2018
How New York Trains Workers For a World of A.I. – with Karen Bhatia
With all the promise & fret of automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics — Karen Bhatia, Vice President of New York City’s Economic Development Corporation, joins the pod to discuss how to leverage private dollars & public curricula to train workers for the jobs of tomorrow, today. Bio: Karen Bhatia is an innovative strategist and vision-led leader at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. Over 13 years of experience helping businesses start and scale. Integrate big vision with specific plans to execute. Lead strategy to identify market opportunities, develop business framework and prototype innovative products. Expertise analyzing challenges from business, legal, and policy perspectives. Currently lead Creative & Applied Tech strategies at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to support emerging tech and inclusive entrepreneurship in the city. This includes developing NYC’s blockchain strategy, launching the first publicly-funded VR/AR Lab in the country, spearheading the City’s strategy for ethical development of AI & leveraging big data, and growing advanced manufacturing in fashion. * Co-founder & President Emeritus, Stanford Startups NY * Western Queens Tech Council, appointment * Advisory Board, Tech Day * Executive Committee, Springboard Enterprise Business of Blockchain * Advisory Board, Rutgers University Big Data Program * Advisory Board, rLab, NYC VR/AR Lab * Advisory Board, German Tech Accelerator * Advisory Board, NYC Media Lab * Advisory Board, Made in NY Media Center * Advisory Board, Jamaica FEASTS (culinary incubator) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, December 10, 2018
How the City of L.A. Resists Anti-Immigration Policies in the Era of Trump
Dealing with changing Federal policy in immigration affairs departments in major US cities… Dr. Linda Lopez, Chief of Immigrant Affairs to LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, joins the pod to discuss how Cities can still connect immigrants to the promise of the American dream at the local level, even while the Administration attempts to water that dream down at the national level. Recorded on location at the 2018 Concordia Summit in New York. Linda currently serves in a senior leadership role with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti focused on policy guidance impacting underserved communities in Los Angeles in areas of immigration, public safety, and community building. Previous leadership roles include University of Southern California, American Political Science Association and National Science Foundation. Established track record in developing innovative projects and successful implementation with diverse set of stakeholders. She regularly consults with non-profits, and other municipalities on policy design and implementation. She has also worked with the UN, UNICEF, and Red Cross on humanitarian relief at the local level. Media: Linda has extensive experience speaking at international and domestic conferences on topics focused on education and access, technology and services, migration and security, and innovative public private partnerships with the philanthropic and private sector. Sampling of speaking engagements and panels include: Smart Cities New York (2018), Concordia (2017),Rockefeller Foundation 100 Resiliency Athens Network on Refugee Populations (2016), German Marshall Fund Strategic Planning Conference(2017),Truman Security Project (2018) Pacific Council on International Policy (2018), Open Society Foundation (2018) panel on how global cities are integrating immigrants and refugees, Atlantic Live Dialogues (May 2018) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, November 26, 2018
#GivingTuesday & Lyft: Are Tech Companies Leading the Way on Social Impact?
Lyft’s Head of Social Impact, Mike Masserman, joins the pod to talk about how a tech company can still invest in social good — even in an era of heightened government scrutiny across some of the world’s largest technology corporations. Mike Masserman is currently the Head of Global Policy & Social Impact at Lyft, where he works on initiatives related to civic engagement, autonomous vehicles, opening global markets, and smart cities. Michael was previously the Senior Director for Federal & International Government Relations where he built out Lyft’s Federal and Policy Partnerships teams. Prior to Lyft, Michael held a number of senior positions in the Obama Administration, and worked in various capacities on Obama’s 2008 campaign. He began his career practicing international corporate law at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York, and then at King Wood & Mallesons in Sydney, Australia. He received his B.A. with distinction from the University of Michigan, his J.D. cum laude from University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and is a National Security Fellow with the Truman National Security Project. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, November 22, 2018
The Unsung Heroes of The West Wing
Presidential speechwriters, Pentagon advisors, and the staff who help confirm Supreme Court justices don’t often grace the front pages of newspapers or tabloids. But in their book The West Wingers , 18 former White House staff detail how their own personal stories helped shape the work of the nation. Editor Gautam Raghavan, and contributing writers Aneesh Raman & Stephanie Valencia, join host Vikrum Aiyer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, November 19, 2018
Automation and the Future of Work in America
New forms of work, through apps like Uber, and new forms of automation — are sparking both new opportunities and considerable angst among American workers. CEO & Co-Founder of The Workers Lab, Dr. Carmen Rojas, joins the pod to discuss how to build a 21st century set of organizing principles around preparing and protecting workers, while balancing the innovations that are fueling this century’s growth. Dr. Carmen Rojas is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Workers Lab, an innovation lab that invests in entrepreneurs, community organizers, and government leaders to create replicable and revenue generating solutions that improve conditions for low-wage workers. For more than 20 years, Carmen has worked with foundations, financial institutions, and non-profits to improve the lives of working people across the United States. Prior to building The Workers Lab, Carmen was the Acting Director of Collective Impact at Living Cities. She supported 22 of the largest foundations and financial institutions in the world to invest in improving economic opportunity for low-income people by supporting projects in the fields of economic and workforce development, energy efficiency, and asset building. From 2008 to 2011, Carmen was the Director of Strategic Programs at the Mitchell Kapor Foundation, where she oversaw the foundation’s Green Access and Civic Engagement programs. Alongside her work at the foundation, Carmen also taught in the Department of City and Regional Planning at the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to this, Carmen was the Coordinator of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency’s Taskforce on African American Out-Migration to address African American displacement from the city. Carmen currently sits on the boards of the Marguerite Casey Foundation, Neighborhood Funders Group, General Service Foundation, JOLT, Certification Associates, and on the Advisory Boards of Fund Good Jobs and Floodgate Academy. Carmen holds a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley and was a Fulbright Scholar in 2007. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, November 15, 2018
What’s the Matter with Florida? Comparing the 2000 and 2018 Election Recounts
Bush v. Gore Florida recount attorney, and veteran campaign operative, Todd Elmer joins the pod to describe what the chaos inside an election recount looks like, while reflecting on the opportunity America has to protect the voices of voters in Georgia, Arizona, and Florida. Todd Elmer has built a 20 year career at the intersection of politics, law, communications, and artificial intelligence policy. Most recently, he served as part of the DNC’s national Deployment Project, which sent seasoned political veterans to support targeted Congressional races in the 2018 midterm elections and help win back the House of Representatives to Democratic control. That recent service traced back to his experience in the 2000 presidential campaign of Al Gore, where he worked at the campaign headquarters and was then deployed to serve as a Democratic attorney in the 2000 Florida recount. In addition, he has served as White House advance staff for President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden at official events throughout the United States and around the world. He spent several years in the administration of President Barack Obama, where he was appointed to be the Chief Communications Officer of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), directing all internal, external, and crisis communications, as well as social media and business engagement efforts, for the 13,000 person federal intellectual property agency. Prior to joining the Obama administration, he directed communications and public affairs initiatives for artificial intelligence pioneer H5. Mr. Elmer’s public affairs and policy work with H5 supported the company’s efforts to effectively replicate and automate expert human relevance assessments through a precise combination of patented artificial intelligence technologies and a proprietary professional services process. Prior to joining H5, Mr. Elmer designed corporate communications and public affairs strategies for a wide variety of Fortune 500 corporations and national political organizations. He also practiced law within the public and private sectors, as an international trade attorney at the U.S. Department of Commerce and in the Washington, D.C. office of Kaye Scholer. Mr. Elmer holds a Juris Doctor, with distinction, from Emory University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Furman University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, November 12, 2018
Banning Gender: How America is Attempting to Rewrite Definitions of Sex
The first openly transgender staffer to The White House, Raffi Freedman–Gurspan, outlines how Americans can stand up to a White House plan to rewrite definitions of sex in this country, and undercut protections for millions of non-gender conforming citizens. Raffi Freedman-Gurspan is the Director of External Relations at the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), where she oversees public education and field organizing operations. She was both a Senior Associate Director for Public Engagement, where she served as the primary liaison to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, and Outreach and Recruitment Director for Presidential Personnel at the White House from 2015-2017. Raffi was the first openly transgender staffer to work at the White House. She also currently sits on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council as an appointee named by President Barack Obama. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, November 09, 2018
5 Issues to Watch as a result of Tuesday’s elections
As the nation turned out to the ballot box in record numbers for the November midterm elections… …the world watched in awe as Americans were pitted against each other with threats of migrant caravans and the loss of healthcare. But what does the make-up of the new Congress (and the promise of newly minted elected officials) actually mean for Immigration? Privacy? Infrastructure? Or American civility? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, November 05, 2018
What the City of Chicago is Doing to Re-Claim the American Dream
Chicago, immigrants, and American identity… Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has stood up to anyone who tries to point at a finger at an immigrant in Chicago and imply that they’re not welcome in this country. Seemi Choudry , the Director of the Office of New Americans, is the muscle behind that backbone and has built new sources to help anyone afraid of losing their American identity, keep it, and reimagine the promise of this country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, October 29, 2018
How the Republican Party Courts College Campuses
Ahead of the November 6th elections, executive director of the College Republican National Committee ( CRNC ) Ted Dooley joins Vikrum Aiyer. on location at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City, to discuss how the GOP engages college campuses across the country to be an “R” in the age of Trump. Ted Dooley is the Executive Director of the College Republican National Committee. Prior to that, he served as the organization’s National Co-Chairman, Regional Vice-Chairman, and was a three-term State Chairman for the Massachusetts Alliance of College Republicans. Aside from his work with College Republicans, Ted most recently worked as Vice President of Merrimack Potomac + Charles, a full-service strategic communications firm based in Boston and Concord, NH where he oversaw a broad range of strategic communications campaigns across the region. Ted began his political career managing and consulting for local and state Republican campaigns in Massachusetts. During the 2016 cycle, Ted served as a digital media advisor to New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s campaign. Ted has been quoted in The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Politico, CNN, ABC Nightly News, Fusion, Univision and other outlets for his insights on millennial politics and the Republican party. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, October 24, 2018
What Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder Means for Free Expression in the United States
Politico’s Daniel Lippman and seasoned investigative journalist Tim Burger join the pod to discuss what the gruesome death of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi and The White House reaction means for a free & open media at home, and around the world. Daniel Lippman is a reporter for POLITICO and a co-author of POLITICO’s Playbook, the most indispensable morning newsletter for the biggest influencers in politics. He graduated from The Hotchkiss School in 2008 and from The George Washington University in 2012. Daniel hails from the Berkshires in western Massachusetts and enjoys playing tennis, seeing movies and trying out new restaurants in his free time. Tim Burger is a writer and consultant based in the Washington, DC, area, where he was a full-time journalist from 1989 until 2010. Tim broke numerous investigative, national security and political stories as a staff writer at publications such as TIMEMagazine, the New York Daily News, Bloomberg News, Roll Call and Legal Times. Tim recently wrote a widely-noted article in POLITICO Magazine last June about gay staff in the George W. Bush White House . He is a contributor to VICE News, where in December he broke the story of Congress effectively legalizing medical marijuana in the year-end spending bill (by defunding Justice Department enforcement of the federal ban on medical marijuana in states that have approved it) — the biggest change in marijuana law in 50 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, October 22, 2018
What the hell is blockchain? – with Sam Cassat, Chief Strategy Officer of Consensys
How blockchain could transform the world… As revolutions in technology continue to change the way we interact with the world, perhaps no one tool promises to change the way we move assets around the world other than Blockchain. The mystique of blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies continue to be investigated by skeptics by are being leveraged by believers to change everything from the way we bank, to the way we vote, to the way we build governments. Sam Cassat, the Chief Strategy Officer of Consensys (one of the world’s leading block chain labs), joins Vikrum Aiyer on location at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, October 15, 2018
Keeping the American Promise – with Todd Schulte of FWD.US
Has our broken immigration and criminal justice systems locked too many people out from the American dream? Todd Schulte , President of FWD.us, a bipartisan political organization that believes America’s families, communities, and economy thrive when more individuals are able to achieve their full potential, joins Vikrum Aiyer at the 2018 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City. In this episode: The Trump administration’s political rhetoric vs. policy The objective of drastically fewer immgirants Designing an immigration system that works in the 21st Century requires pressure on officials Certain industries require immigrants, and as immigration systems changes, industries must change America’s economy and identity both hurt How our broken immigration and criminal justice systems have locked too many people out from the American dream Keeping the American promise See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, October 09, 2018
Does the Gain of a Supreme Court Justice Mean A Loss for the Court?
Brett Kavanaugh is now Associate Justice Kavanaugh. What does this controversial addition to the Supreme Court of the United States mean for the identity of the court, the country, and consent? Host Vikrum Aiyer offers some perspective, and heads to the streets and subways of the San Francisco Bay Area for public reaction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, October 04, 2018
Why build prisons when you can build people? – With Stanley Richards of The Fortune Society
How do we train and upscale workers for the 21st Century? And how can an entire pipeline of 7 million formerly incarcerated workers, seeking to be productive in society, “skill-up”. contribute, and fill roles competitively in the labor market, connect with willing and welcoming company? Stanley Richards, Executive Vice President at The Fortune Society, a non-profit organization based in New York City, NY with a mission to support successful reentry from prison and promote alternatives to incarceration, joins Vikrum Aiyer at the 2018 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City. Richards serves at The Fortune Society, a $35 million non-profit organization based in New York City, with a mission to support successful reentry from jail and prison and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. Mr. Richards is second in charge and is involved in all aspects of the agency including the development and implementation of programs – discharge planning, education, workforce development, HIV/AIDS services, supportive housing, family services, substance use disorder treatment and mental health services, alternatives to incarceration and access to health care. Mr. Richards is a formerly incarcerated man of color and has over 30 years of experience in the criminal justice field. Mr. Richards has developed the expertise and extensive knowledge of programs, services, policies, and systems that impact the lives of people involved in the criminal justice system and reenter society. Mr. Richards was honored by the Obama Administration as a “Champion of Change” for his commitment to helping formerly incarcerated individuals reenter successfully into society. Mr. Richards was also a member of Governor Cuomo’s Ending the Epidemic Task Force which produced New York State’s Blueprint to End the AIDS Epidemic. Mr. Richards was a key participant in the NYC Discharge Planning Collaboration launched in 2004 by NYC Dept. of Corrections (DOC) and NYC Dept. of Homeless Services (DHS) that led to the launch of the Rikers Island Discharge Enhancement (RIDE) program. Mr. Richards graduated from Medaille College. He is certified as a Counseling Aide by the NYS Department of Labor. Mr. Richards was a Robert Wood Johnson Fellow in their Developing Leadership Program to Reduce Substance Use and completed Columbia University’s Institute for Non-Profit, School of Business Management, Executive Management Program. Mr. Richards is a member of the Board of Directors of JobsFirstNYC, an intermediary with a mission to reduce the number of out-of-school and out-of-work young people in NYC He also serves on the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Juvenile Justice Oversight Board and the Vera Institute of Justice National Leadership Group: Pathways from Prison to Post-Secondary Education; as well as the Vera Inst
Mon, August 13, 2018
Does America Care About Science? – with Kumar Garg
Kumar Garg on whether America can maintain its leading edge in scientific discovery if it routinely bucks the very investments & truths that have been core to American discovery… For nineteen months, The White House has not appointed a science advisor, has dismissed third party research outlining shifts in our climate, and has even entered into nuclear arms negotiations with North Korea without a physicists in the room. Former White House science advisor Kumar Garg joins the podcast to discuss how science & tech policy can shape the American identity, and what Trump’s new nominee to head the Office of Science & Technology Policy means for respecting science in the face of politics. Bio: Kumar Garg helped shape science and technology policy for the Obama Administration for nearly eight years, serving in a variety of roles in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). He led the Obama Administration’s efforts to bolster science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, including the Educate to Innovate campaign with over $1 billion in in-kind and philanthropic investment, development of major State of the Union initiatives to train 100,000 excellent STEM teachers and bring computer science to all K-12 students, and creation of iconic events such as the White House Science Fair. Working with OSTP Deputy Director, Kumar supervised a team of twenty staff with portfolios ranging from biotechnology, entrepreneurship, space, advanced manufacturing, broadband, nanotechnology, behavioral sciences, the Maker Movement, digital media, prizes and broader innovation policy. As a senior leader at OSTP, Kumar was involved in policy-development, implementation and communication of a wide range of science and technology issues, including more than twenty-five Presidential events. Prior to his time in government, Kumar worked on behalf of parents and children seeking educational reform as an education lawyer and advocate. Kumar received a B.A. from Dartmouth College and a law degree from Yale Law School. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, July 30, 2018
Run for Something – with Congressional Candidate Lauren Baer
Mom, Wife, and former foreign policy advisor to the Secretary of State jumps into a race for Congress… Lauren Baer joins the pod to reflect on what it means to be a candidate for office at a time where political divisions are at an all time high, and trust for Congress is at a new low. Lauren Baer was raised in Florida’s 18th Congressional District and calls Palm Beach Gardens home. An attorney and foreign policy expert, Lauren served as an official in the Obama Administration from 2011-2017, acting as a senior advisor to two Secretaries of State and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Lauren holds a B.A. from Harvard University, a J.D. from Yale Law School, and an MPhil from the University of Oxford, where she was a Marshall Scholar. She is also a proud graduate of Palm Beach County public schools, where she earned recognition as a valedictorian of Suncoast Community High School. Lauren currently works as a consultant for Albright Stonebridge Group, the global strategy firm founded by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. She and her wife Emily are active athletes who enjoy tennis, distance running, and spending time outdoors with their young daughter, Serena, and their dog, Biscuit. “American Enough” and MouthMedia Network do not necessarily support nor endorse any specific candidate for elected office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, July 23, 2018
Stopping Sexual Misconduct in Silicon Valley – with the co-founders of #MOVINGFORWARD
A year of momentum for movements like #MovingForward… If 2017 was the year of revelations that roiled the entertainment, news, and tech industry by way of sexual misconduct & workplace harassment coming to light, 2018 has been a year of momentum for movements like #MovingForward. But the technology community, especially with its inherent power imbalance between startup founders and wealthy financiers, has faced a set of unique problems that plague how young innovative companies get off the ground. The Co-Founders of the #MovingForward project detail how their approach to transparent accountability among Venture Capitalists is putting sexual harassers in their place, and build a new ethos for the Silicon Valley. Cheryl Sew Hoy is a Startup Founder, Advisor, Angel Investor and Board Member, and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was listed in TIME’S “2017 Person of the Year,”as one of the 61 women featured in the magazine’s “Silence Breakers.” “Silence Breakers” are the women who’ve spoken out against sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace. On March 8, 2018, she launched #MovingForward, which is an open-source directory to highlight VC’s anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and reporting contacts. As of July 2018, 100+ VC firms have committed as full participants. Ginny Fahs is a software engineer and writer committed to making technology’s next chapter more human and inclusive. She lives in San Francisco, where she works as a backend engineer at Uber Eats. Outside of work, Ginny co-founded #MovingForward, rallying 100+ VC firms to share their external discrimination and harassment policies and reporting contacts in the first open-source directory of its kind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, July 16, 2018
Why Isn’t America Standing Up for Breastfeeding?
For as long as there have been babies, there have been debates over how to feed them… Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Trump administration opposed an international resolution to encourage breastfeeding, stunning maternal health advocates and drawing swift criticism… including from Lucy Sullivan, the Executive Director of 1,000 Days, a non profit focused on maternal health advocacy across the globe. Lucy joins the pod to discuss how corporate interests are reshaping America’s role as a public health leader, and what this may mean for the future of mothers, families, and countries of tomorrow. Lucy Martinez Sullivan helped found 1,000 Days and serves as its Executive Director. At 1,000 Days, Lucy is proud to lead a team of fierce advocates who work tirelessly on behalf of women and children in the U.S. and throughout the world. Previously Lucy worked on philanthropic partnerships on behalf of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Action Against Hunger and the UN Foundation. Earlier in her career, she worked in senior marketing and brand management roles for a number of Fortune 500 companies, including Merrill Lynch, L’Oréal, and Limited Brands. Lucy holds a Masters of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.BIO: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, July 03, 2018
Democrats running as Republicans – with Jonathan Trichter
When Americans vote, many positions on the ballot don’t even make sense to us. A superintendent? A comptroller? However vague they may sound, these “down-ballot” posts can sway everything from the lunch your kids eat at school to the way the subway system runs. New York State candidate for Comptroller Jonathan Trichter joins “American Enough” to tell us what the hell a comptroller is and why he suited up as a Republican to change the game. BIO: Jonathan Trichter is an investment banker and expert in public pensions and public finance. He has worked for J.P. Morgan, the restructuring firm MAEVA Group LLC and served on underwriting teams for the largest municipal bond issuers in the country. His work has helped state and local governments identify major long-term liabilities that were previously unaccounted for. Active in New York government, policy and civic causes for decades, Jonathan spent his early career in New York City government and on political campaigns. He worked for the New York Public Interest Group both in high school and through college. At J.P. Morgan, Jonathan covered the Office of New York State Comptroller and put together a complete directory of New York’s outstanding bonds to provide the details of the State’s debt profile for the incoming Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli. In 2010, Jonathan served as policy director on Harry Wilson’s campaign for New York State Comptroller. His work included researching and contributing to white papers on the New York State’s pension system that were covered extensively by the media and helped earn Mr. Wilson the endorsement of every major newspaper in the State, including The New York Times. Jonathan went on to work for Mr. Wilson’s restructuring firm, MAEVA, where he was a key leader on the largest out-of-court pension consent process in a corporate restructuring in recent years for a private sector workout. He later ran a municipal restructuring subsidiary of MAEVA, which was tapped by the Pew Charitable Trusts to work on public pension restructurings across the county. In this capacity, Jonathan helped lead some of the most meaningful pension reforms implemented by cities and states at that time. In Jacksonville, Florida he worked with Mayor Alvin Brown and the Police and Fire unions to restructure one of the most distressed public-safety pensions in the country; the work ultimately preserved the system’s defined benefit status via a consensual solution that saved the city $1.5 billion while funding the pension plan in a reasonable period without major benefit cuts to its members. Jonathan spent 2014 working for a venture capital firm owned by his wife’s family. There he managed a digital media startup, serving as its President in preparation for a key round of financing. With his background in communications, Jonathan took monthly traffic from under 2 million “uniques” per month to over 7 million in just 60 days. Afterwards, he wo
Tue, June 26, 2018
Trump Impersonating Trump
The #1 Donald Trump Impersonator in the World, John Di Domenico, on how comedy, satire, and late night TV is dividing, uniting, and trolling America… John Di Domenico is an American, Emmy Nominated, Actor, Writer, Comedian and Impersonator, he performs many different characters and is best known for his award-winning Donald Trump impersonation. Di Domenico has been performing Trump since 2004. When Donald Trump announced his presidential run in June of 2015, Di Domenico’s career took off, he became the official Donald Trump for numerous TV shows, making countless appearances on Conan O’Brien, Chelsea Handler, Fox News Redeye, Fox & Friends and many more outlets. Di Domenico also reads the tweets and performs sketches on Slate’s Trumpcast podcast and live shows. Di Domenico is the only Trump impersonator in the world to appear on the This Morning, Britain. Today Show & Sunrise Australia, Today Show Ireland, plus hundreds other international TV, radio and news appearances. John has made hundreds of live appearances as Donald Trump around the country and internationally he can be seen and heard in videos on Youtube, commercials, animated series, voiceovers, virtual reality, apps and even toys. John has appeared as Trump in four feature films and the 13 episode Canadian Comedy Awards Winning web series “You’ve Got Trumped” and is the winner of ABC’s The View’s National Trump Contest and The Laugh Factory’s International Trump Competition. John is originally from the Philadelphia area where he started his acting career, then moved to New York to work in theatre, television, film, standup and was a member of the Improv Company “Some Assembly Required”. He now lives in Las Vegas. John appeared in the off-Broadway hit Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, The Line That Picked Up 1000 Babes, Bernie’s Bar Mitzvah and KABOOM directed by BT McNicoll. His off-off Broadway credits include The Execution and Big Blonde. Along with his theatre work John appeared in the comedy feature films Meet The Spartans, Disaster Movie, Purge of Kingdoms, Not Another Celebrity Movie and 30 Nights of Paranormal Activity . John was grateful to be cast as Howie Reinstein in the Heidi and Kennedy episode of The Soprano’s. He has numerous national commercials to his credit including VISA, Olive Garden, Comcast, Miller Beer, and recently shot a commercial in Israel as Jay Leno for the Israeli Lottery. John attended East Stroudsburg University and graduated from Temple University with a BA in Speech Communications. John spent a year as an Intern for U.S. Senator Arlen Specter. He overcame a severe speech impediment as a child to become a performer. See omnystudio.com/listener<
Tue, June 19, 2018
Here’s How You Can Help Fight Family Separation at the Border
Fighting Family Separation at the Border… While The White House & Congress must act to rescind a policy of cruelty playing at on America’s border with family separation, a number of legal aid services are seeking donations, volunteers, and language experts throughout the country. Find out who needs what and where with this special list of resources compiled by Slate. ______________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “ American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer ”, is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, June 17, 2018
Are Children Missing at the Border? – with Debbie Nathan of The Intercept
Bleeding America’s spirit of inclusivity… Immigrants seeking asylum at the US border are being separated from their children en masse due to new enforcement policies by the Department of Justice. But exactly how many kids can’t be accounted for is being inconsistently reported. The Intercept’s Debbie Nathan joins “American Enough” to clarify what is resulting in a mass separation of families, and how this is bleeding America’s spirit of inclusivity. Bio: Debbie Nathan is an investigative reporter for The Intercept. She lives in Brownsville, Texas, on the Mexico border, and has been writing about the border and immigration for over three decades. Those interested in following up with her directly about border patrol politics can email her directly at: naess2@gmail.com . ______________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “ American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer ”, is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, June 11, 2018
Do Fashion Models Need a Gender Identity?
Vogue Model, and Instagram celebrity, Richie Shazam Khan joins the pod for a reflection during PRIDE month on how gender non-conformity on the fashion runway has sparked a new brand of queer activism… Richie Shazam is an Artist, Curator and Model born in New York City and currently based between New York and Berlin. Recent and upcoming performances include “Love Me Installation” New Museum, NY NY (2017), “Blind Audition” at Kunsthalle Basel, Switzerland (2018), Zucca Project Space, Venice, Italy (2018), and “CELL ECHO”, Yuz Museum Shanghai (2018). Shazam’s artistic and curatorial approach investigates subversive radical queer ideologies by deconstructing antiquated notions of gender identity through text, photography and performance. Her work has been featured in publications such as Vogue, Novembre, Cultured Mag, Elephant Journal, i-D, Garage, amongst others. __________________________________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “ American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer ”, is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, June 05, 2018
Why it Matters: The White House Disinvited The Philadelphia Eagles
At 4pm on June 4th, 2018 — a Monday — the White House issued a statement from the President, and it said: “The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow. They disagree with their president because he insists that they proudly stand for the national anthem. Hand on heart in honor of the great men and women of our military and people of our country.” To say nothing of the fact that the White House just issued a statement by the President in which he references himself in the third person, the statement actually sets off a new precedent for any Oval Office holder but frankly for the United States Constitution. The very notion of American identity has been rooted in dissent and free expression, in disagreeing with one’s neighbor, by having the right the ability and frankly the marketplace of ideas to have that conversation to debate it to engage in disagreement and to yell at one another — but knowing that the extent of one’s words stopped at the water’s edge of the end of that sentiment. It didn’t get quelled, didn’t get squashed, and get silenced and get banned. It didn’t get disinvited. The Philadelphia Eagles. It seems ironic — Philadelphia as the birthplace of democracy. The eagle as a national symbol. For a president to start allocating his measurement of who is or is not American enough — it’s not only dangerous, but it underscores the reason why this podcast is so important. __________________________________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “ American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer ”, is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, June 05, 2018
SPECIAL ELECTION DAY COVERAGE: California’s Democratic Primary – with Eric Bauman
California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman discusses how the state of California’s primaries will shape the future of the nation and reclaim America’s identity… Polls open @ 7AM (find out where to vote here: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/where-and-how ). GUEST BIO: Eric C. Bauman was elected Chair of the California Democratic Party in May, 2017, having previously served as Vice Chair of the CDP (2009-2017). He previously served as Chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, the largest local Democratic Party organization in the nation, for 17 years.Eric has held various senior-level positions in California Government, including serving as Senior Advisor and Los Angeles Director of the Speakers Office of Members Services to Speakers John A. Perez, Toni Atkins and Anthony Rendon; Senior Advisor to Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez; Senior Advisor to Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, Deputy Insurance Commissioner – overseeing the Community Relations Branch of the California Department of Insurance and as Special Assistant to Governor Gray Davis and Director of the Governor’s Los Angeles Regional Office. He retired from state service upon his election as Chair of the CDP. Eric is also Registered Nurse with graduate education in Health Care Administration. He spent many years in intensive care and trauma nursing before moving into hospital administration. In 1991, Eric co-founded a health care management consulting firm, Consultants in Nursing Services Administration, specializing in the administrative, staffing and information system needs of hospital nurses.He is a member of the NARAL Pro-Choice Privacy PAC, is the Vice Chair of the LA County Insurance Commission and is on the advisory board of the Medical Reserve Corps of Los Angeles and the LA County Voting Systems Assessment Project Advisory Committee. Until recently, he was on the board of Glendale Memorial Hospital and the Latino Coalition Against AIDS.Eric lives in North Hollywood with his husband of many years, Michael, his late mother’s partner Trisha, and his dog Moe. “American Enough” and MouthMedia Network do not necessarily support nor endorse any specific candidate for elected office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, June 04, 2018
Are America’s Schools Still Segregated? – with Dennis Parker of the ACLU
The ACLU‘s Director the Racial Justice Program, Dennis Parker, reflects with host Vikrum Aiyer, on the 64th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the progress we’ve made in racial inclusion, and the setbacks we confront… Guest bio: Dennis Parker ( @DennisDParker ) is director of the ACLU Racial Justice Program, leading its efforts in combating discrimination and addressing other issues with a disproportionate impact on communities of color. Parker oversees work to combat the “School-to-Prison” pipeline, the profiling of airline passengers subjected to searches and wrongfully placed on watch lists and the racial bias in the criminal justice system. Prior to joining the ACLU, Parker was the chief of the Civil Rights Bureau in the Office of New York State Attorney General under Eliot Spitzer. He previously spent 14 years at the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. Parker has also worked with the New York Legal Aid Society. He teaches Race, Poverty and Constitutional Law at New York Law School. He graduated from Harvard Law School and Middlebury College. _________________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer” , is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, May 29, 2018
Kneeling with the NFL – with Michel Faulkner, NFL Alumni Association NY Chapter President
Head of the NFL Alumni Association’s New York Chapter, and former NY Jets footballer, Michel Faulkner, debates the NFL’s decision penalizing players who kneel during the national anthem to protest policy brutality and racial inequities… Staking a position that defends the ban, while supporting civic protest, Faulkner and host Vikrum Aiyer also debate the state of America’s right to free expression in an era where everyone from the President to the ACLU and now even sports franchises are shaping how and where we are able to speak our minds. Guest Bio: For more than 32 years, Rev. Michel Faulkner has dedicated his life to serving God and his community. Growing up in Washington, D.C., he was an all-star football player that became a freshman All-American and four-year starter at VirginiaTech. In 1980, Rev.Faulkner graduated with a B.A. in communications. Then in 1985 he earned his M.A. in Education with emphasis in Career Counseling. After college, Rev. Faulkner played two seasons (1980-82) in the NFL, one season with the NY Jets. In 1983, Faulkner returned to Virginia Tech and graduated with a Master’s. Upon completing of his Master’s degree, he became the Assistant Dean of Students at Liberty University in 1985, and was promoted to Vice President for Urban Ministry in 1987. In 1988, Rev. Faulkner and his family moved to Times Square in New York City, to run a soup kitchen as Assistant Pastor for the Lamb’s Church. A little more than one year later, he joined the staff of Calvary Baptist Church in Manhattan as Pastor for Youth and Community Outreach, where he was ordained inDecember 1991. While at Calvary he also served as co-chairman for the New York City Board of Education’s HIV/ AIDS Task Force from 1991- 1994 In 1993, Rev. Faulkner became the Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He was able to grow the congregation from an average of 50 weekly attendees to over 400. While serving as Senior Pastor at Central he also served as the Vice President for Community Government Relations at King’s College from 1998 to 2002. He served on Mayor Giuliani’s Task Force on Police Community Relations and wasa Commissioner for the City Charter Revision. Also from June of 2002 to February of 2004, Rev. Faulkner served as World Vision’s Director of U.S. Programs in New York City helping to give share to their 9/11 response in NYC. In 2005, Rev. Faulkner founded the Institute for Leadership, a 501-3c organization to develop leaders and bring scalable solutions to difficult community problems. In June 2006, Rev. Faulkner he founded the New Horizon Church of New York in Harlem on the purpose to build bridges between the economically and socially disadvantaged in the name ofChrist. In 2010 Rev. Faulkner he was the Republican candidate for Congress for New York’s 15th Congressional district. Also in 2010, Rev. Faulkner published his first book “Restoring the Ameri
Thu, April 26, 2018
Data privacy, consumer rights, and governance in the wake of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica
Whistleblower Brittany Kaiser and information privacy legal expert Cameron Russell join MouthMedia Network CEO Rob Sanchez for a wide-ranging discussion on data privacy… Brittany Kaiser (international law, diplomacy and data-driven campaigning professional and Co-Founder of the Digital Asset Trade Association (DATA), as well as former Business Development Director for Cambridge Analytica) and Cameron Russell (Executive Director, Fordham Center on Law and Information Policy (CLIP), and Adjunct Professor of Law teaching Information Privacy law at Fordham University) join MouthMedia Network CEO Rob Sanchez in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser . With an introduction by host Vikrum Aiyer. In this episode: Kaiser discusses working in data and politics, her prior work with Cambridge Analytica, why she left there, being a whistleblower because of the way the data industry worked in a parasitic way, her goal to be contributing on how to change things, and the social and legal contracts with companies who collect data A review of what happened with Cambridge Analytica and Facebook, and how the revelations about them made Kaiser reflect on everything that happened The lack of due diligence, thinking about ethics, laws, whether they are sufficient to protect individuals Is personal data “property”, and the control we should have over it Paying the price for the way we’ve been sharing info, the boundaries of privacy and identity How tracking and keep up where one’s personal info is going to, and monetization and the cost transparency of goods Is data a public utility or commodity, should data be regulated the same way? Why Kaiser is against the “Delete Facebook” campaign. The potential solution offered by blockchain, trackable, traceable, and an encrypted digital identity that would require consent for every usage Are lawmakers from the wrong generation to have meaningful discourse around these issues, and how do we build a system that works? Do tech giants want to reform on their own? Issues with using proprietary algorithms (entrenching existing bias) in proceedings while allowing due process When talking about use of data on government side vs. private company, is utilizing citizens’ data a form of taxation by the government? The government needs to maintain law and order, but needs transparency – yet some things need to be covert Most US residents don’t realize there is data to be opting out of, but in Europe it is by default opt out <li
Mon, April 16, 2018
How Sports, Not Politics, Drive Divisions in America – with Zaid Jilani
What if the source of this polarization in our country had little to do with where people actually fall on the issues, or what people actually believe in? The Intercept’s Zaid Jilani joins the pod to unpack a new study that identifies how a team-sports mentality in America is wedging more of us against each other, rather than a division on ideas or policies. Mapping the evolution and rise of tribal sports in politics, Jilani highlights how our politics exploit this distinction between team & topic, and what that means for the day to day governance in our democracy. According to The Intercept, “Zaid Jilani is a journalist who hails from Atlanta, Georgia. He has previously worked as a reporter-blogger for ThinkProgress, United Republic, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, and Alternet. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in international affairs and received his master’s in public administration from Syracuse University in 2014.” _________________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer” , is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sat, March 24, 2018
020 – Florida and the Identity of American Public Schools, Beyond Guns – with Alex Heeren
Why Florida teacher Alex Heeren is running for office, and sees hope in the modern student… How does the identity of a public school, its teachers, and it students change after a tragedy like Parkland? All too often it’s easy to reduce the current assessment of our schools as political debates around whether teachers should be armed, whether gun control laws pass, or what the Secretary of Education did or didn’t say. But for Alex Heeren, the future of the identity of public schools extends far beyond politics; it demands a rigorous debate around resources, representing teacher voice, investing in a 21st century infrastructure, and empowering student activism. As a life long teacher himself, he details why he has decided to run for office , and how despite gun violence or divisions in America, he sees hope in the identity of the modern public school student. Alex Heeren was born in Seminole and has lived there for almost his entire life. He went to Lakewood High School, and received his Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from the University of Florida. He has been serving his community since he was a child. He was a Boy Scout who often engaged in service projects, and as an adult has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In his professional life, Alex was a math teacher for several years at Meadowlawn Middle School. He also ran a Girls Who Code after school program, and still coaches the school’s volleyball team. Now, Heeren is a Technology Integration Coordinator with Pinellas County Schools. He helps teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms. He and his wife Teal, who is an English teacher, live in Seminole. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, March 19, 2018
019 – America’s Trade Policy and National Security – with Nomi Goheer
The impact of tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum on America’s foreign policy and identity on the world stage… Recently, President Trump enacted high tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum into the United States. Domestically, immigrants are being scoffed at for looking a certain way and not being “American” enough. Transgender individuals are being called for not being “fit enough” to serve in our military. Sexual assault & neo-nazi behavior is being condoned by the Oval Office. And internationally our identity and our moral authority is being chipped away at, begging the question of who is “enough” of an American ally. Core to that shift is a changing of the guard of how America represents itself globally. Our democratic values and commitment to free/open trade have always been essential American exports overseas. But recent overtures, some political (Tweet wars with Prime Minister Teresa May), and others substantive (steel/aluminum tariffs) has impacted everything from global stock markets, to how we conduct foreign policy, to skepticism among global intelligence agencies, to inciting potential trade wars. How does America maintain its identity as a leader on the world stage when we call trade practices among allies threats to national security? How does America’s trade & foreign policy apparatus get respected among allies or foes, when major decisions are often reported on as being snap judgments by the Administration? How does a Section 232 national security review change our relationship with other countries? How will the tariffs impact local businesses? Nomi Goheer is an associate in Willkie Farr & Gallagher’s Global Trade & Investment Practice Group in Washington, DC. He provides advice and assistance to clients on the government regulation of international trade, particularly with regard to export controls, economic sanctions, anti-money laundering, and foreign investment in the United States under the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). He also provides advice to clients on U.S. trade policy and trade remedies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, March 12, 2018
018 – The American Identity – Live from SXSW
Who is American Enough under this Administration? The Deputy Director of the ACLU, the actor & co-producer of the Netflix-distributed documentary “Meet the Patels”, and the nation’s youngest & openly gay mayor to be shortlisted as a presidential contender, all join Vikrum Aiyer on the podcast stage at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, to examine the American identity. Guest bios: Ravi Vasant Patel is an American actor, who recently wrote & directed with his sister, an award-winning autobiographical documentary (distributed by Netflix) Meet the Patels , which examines love & the South Asian immigrant. Fox Searchlight films are currently working with Ravi and his sister on a wide-screen release remake. He is a former investment banker; an Economics and International Studies double major graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill; and his work has been featured alongside Aziz Ansari & John Stamos. Mayor Pete Buttigieg is a Harvard-educated Rhodes Scholar and Afghanistan War veteran who’s drawn national attention from media pundits and politicians since becoming the city’s leader at the age of 29 in 2011. He is rumored to be a presidential contender in 2024 but is presently on the path of becoming the 1st openly gay person ever to be elected to state office in Indiana. Jaweer Brown is the Associate Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and has lead the rebranding, corporate partnerships, and digital outreach overhauls for the ACLU since the election of Trump. She has historical lead reproductive rights campaigns for the ACLU, and lead similar campaigns for Planned Parenthood. She is the daughter of bi-racial parents; a graduate of UC Boulder, Yale, and Emory; was named by In-Style Magazine as one of the top women to watch shaping American life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, March 08, 2018
017 – The Rise of Women Does Not Need to Be at the Expense of Men – with Rachel Payne
When a successful entrepreneur steps into the political arena to reclaim American decency… What do Orange County, comedian Chelsea Handler, and Emily’s List all have in common? They are tectonic forces that are powering Rachel Payne ‘s campaign in California’s 48th congressional district. Traditionally a Republican stronghold, Payne — a former philanthropist and entrepreneur — tells us why she is stepping out of private life and leaning into public life to reclaim American decency, stand up for Unions while advancing Tech, and put out a Congressman who has been tied to the Russian Government. Rachel Payne has built an exceptional career as a technology executive and entrepreneur, while actively involved in philanthropic activities. A recognized thought leader in the advancement of technology to reshape our world, she champions policies that make a meaningful place for everyone in the new economy. Payne was born in San Bernardino, California and grew up in a working-class family. When her family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, her father became a union operating engineer. After her parents were divorced, Payne’s mother worked multiple jobs to support her family as a single mom of three children. Payne won numerous scholarships, worked several part-time jobs and took out loans to become the first person in her family to go to college. She has lead teams at eBay, helped Google stand up its first philanthropic arm, and has also helped bring lines of credit to the rural poor in other parts of the world. There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer”, is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. “American Enough” and MouthMedia Network do not necessarily support nor endorse any specific candidate for elected office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 07, 2018
016 – Public Service and Scandals
What happens to faith in career civil servants and institutions when scandals hit public service? It’s easy to lose faith in public officials, political appointees, and inner aides to any President when you see a drip and drab of headlines, gossip, and resignations. On the heels of Trump’s 34th senior departure (in Gary Cohn ), host Vikrum Aiyer reflects on his own missteps as a political appointee, and describes how trust in public service and institutions should not be lost due to the tireless Career Civil Servants we never hear about in the headlines but still show up to work every day regardless of who’s president. ______________________________________________________________ Join Vikrum Aiyer when he takes the South by Southwest stage March 11th, 2018. Open to all badgeholders, the SXSW Podcast Stage will host up to 36 podcasts as diverse and varied as the crowd at SXSW. Click here for more details. There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer” , is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, January 08, 2018
015 – American Dream Feel Out of Reach? Lace Up and Run for Office – with Sam Jammal (Congressional Candidate for California’s 39th District)
How do you represent your community in Washington, when it’s been said that Washington stopped representing the people a long time ago? Sam Jammal , the son of Arab and Latino immigrants, and candidate for Congress in southern California’s 39th congressional district, joins the pod to discuss why running for something can help restore our trust and values in the American Dream. Jammal is a lawyer and candidate for Orange County’s 39th Congressional District. As the son of Latino and Arab American immigrant parents who came to this country to work hard and build a better life, Sam worked his way through high school, college and law school. He has spent his entire career fighting to improve his community and is committed to building a better future for the next generation. Sam most recently worked as a Manager and Attorney at Tesla and, before that, as a Director at SolarCity. Prior to joining the clean energy movement, Sam was a Chief of Staff in Congress and served in the Obama Administration as a presidential appointee at the Department of Commerce. Sam began his career as a civil rights attorney at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. ______________________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer”, is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. If political commentary, having your say, and America matter to you — you’re going to love this podcast. “American Enough” and MouthMedia Network do not necessarily support nor endorse any specific candidate for elected office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, January 02, 2018
014 – Challenging Identity and Progression of Women – with Tina Tchen, Michelle Obama’s Former Chief of Staff
Why have so many of us failed to support opportunities for women and girls? Michelle Obama’s former chief of staff and long time civil rights attorney, Tina Tchen , highlights how everything from systemic work place policies, harassment, and backwards health care laws have challenged the identity and progression of American women, and the responsibility all of us (especially men) have in creating. Christina M. “Tina” Tchen is an American lawyer who most recently served as Assistant to the President Barack Obama and Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama. While devising and implementing the First Lady’s policy priorities — including improving access to health coverage for underserved women and investing in the economic opportunity of veteran families — Tchen also served as the Executive Director of the Council on Women & Girls, which advanced initiatives to minimize the gender pay gap, empower men to own their role in speaking out against sexual harassment and abuse, and invested in ensuring access to education among young girls in developing countries. An Ohio native, Tchen graduated from Northwestern Law and became a partner in the Chicago office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. She was active on the boards of entities such as University of Chicago Medicine and Chicago Public Library and celebrated for her public service and civil rights work by the Anti-Defamation League and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. Tchen recently began leading the Chicago office of the Buckley Sandler law firm, and is spearheading a practice dedicated to weaving diversity and inclusion policies into the DNA of workplace cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, December 20, 2017
013 – The American Immigrant Experience – with Smithsonian Filmmaker Frank Chi
Bending the arc of social justice through story telling… When statements of American values and principles get boiled down to bumper stickers, sound bytes, or 140-character quips, the moral clarity of what we stand for can quickly get lost. For film maker and media strategist Frank Chi , video content still remains the preeminent way we can learn about one another, share stories, bring art and design to animate discussion around some of the most vexing challenges of our generation. With work featured by the NY Times and Rolling Stone Magazine, his most recent film, produced with comedian Hassan Minaj and the Smithsonian Institution, Chi reflects upon the immigrant experience as told through the 1946 novel “America is in the Heart.” Through the power of film, Chi reflects upon how story telling can bend the long arc of justice in the United States. _________________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer”, is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. If political commentary, having your say, and America matter to you — you’re going to love this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, December 19, 2017
012 – The Jihad on Fake News – with Reporters Timothy Burger and Daniel Lippman
Fake news: How do journalists do their work, when the very concept of a free press gets attacked for being fake, daily? POLITICO reporter and Playbook co-author, Daniel Lippman, and long time contributor to TIME, Bloomberg, VICE Media and the NYDaily news, Timothy Burger, join the podcast to discuss how the identity of America’s free press is being shaped in an era where the truthiness of sourcing is challenged by the Oval Office. Daniel Lippman is a reporter for POLITICO and a co-author of POLITICO’s Playbook, the most indispensable morning newsletter for the biggest influencers in politics. He graduated from The Hotchkiss School in 2008 and from The George Washington University in 2012. Daniel hails from the Berkshires in western Massachusetts and enjoys playing tennis, seeing movies and trying out new restaurants in his free time. Timothy Burger is the Chief Executive of Plumb Concepts Consulting, and a freelance journalist, who has covered the White House and Congress for outlets ranging from VICE Media, Roll Call, TIME, Bloomberg, Town & Country Magazine, and the NY Daily News. He graduated from Dartmouth College and lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife Kiki and their newborn Dahl. __________________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer”, is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. If political commentary, having your say, and America matter to you — you’re going to love this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, December 11, 2017
011 – The Risk to America’s Security Strength – with Ned Price
What happens when a spy for the CIA & national security advisor doesn’t like their boss — the President of the United States? In the case of Ned Price , he quit. Like many patriots who serve clandestine roles for our nation’s defense, military, and national security apparatus — Ned was trained to quarterback the play a coach called, regardless of party or politics. But within the first few months of this Administration, everything from our National Security Advisor resigning, to the fumbling of security clearances, to bombastic cuts to our diplomatic core started retooling the way America’s bravest intelligence officers were able to represent our values overseas. Ned Price, now an NBC commentator and Fellow at the New America Foundation, breaks down the risk North Korea, Russia, and our president’s tweets have on the perception of America’s security strength overseas. ____________________________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer” , is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. If political commentary, having your say, and America matter to you — you’re going to love this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, December 07, 2017
010 – The Identity of the Internet – with Ambassador Daniel Sepulveda
Net neutrality with Ambassador Daniel Sepulveda… Does the Internet need rules? From AOL instant messenger to Sunday night’s with Netflix to Twitter trolls — the world wide web has facilitated everything from global trade and dating to a modern information revolution. For many, it’s even shaped our perception of cultures in the world around us. But if the Internet is part of your identity — membership is about to get a lot more expensive. New “net neutrality” rules governing how to access content online are being proposed by President Trump’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC). And Ambassador Daniel Sepulveda , a former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US State Department, weighs in on how Internet technologies and the rules that govern them are shaping how America’s identity is exported the world. _____________________________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer” , is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. If political commentary, having your say, and America matter to you — you’re going to love this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, December 04, 2017
009 – The Real Americans – with Playwright Dan Hoyle
How theater questions political and ideological assumptions, with playwright Dan Hoyle … At a time where SNL, Late Night talkshows, and Broadway shows like Hamilton use comedy and ensemble casts to deliver biting commentary on culture and politics — award winning playwright Dan Hoyle takes a different approach: he likes to get lost in the middle of the country first. Hoyle boards trains, drives aimlessly in a van, and gets on planes to stop off in cities he’s never heard of — and to meet strangers, gigolos, racists, neighbors, churchgoers, and citizens in the heartland of the country. By spending time in scores of cities, Dan Hoyle has not only met hundreds of citizens in the heartland of what Sarah Palin famously referred to as “Real America” but he has created an award winning play about them too. Wedding satire, with an earnest examination of the stereotypes and values liberals often ascribe to those in the flyover states, “ The Real Americans ” prompts theatergoers question their assumptions about the other side of the ideological divide. Hear more shows from MouthMedia Network powered by Sennheiser at www.mouthmedianetwork.com ____________________________________________________ There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer” , is a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. If political commentary, having your say, and America matter to you — you’re going to love this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, November 28, 2017
008 – Sexual Misconduct and a Crumbling Moral Compass – with Tim Miller
Sexual misconduct. Self-segregating communities. And a crumbling moral compass. In these moments its easy to point to the other guy, blame them, or even mock them. But Tim Miller — a long time Republican Operative, Pod Save America contributor, and presidential campaign strategist — is taking a stand against his own party’s president, and in support of the values that have often defined the best of America’s spirit. Tim Miller specializes in communications and digital strategy. He served as the Communications Director for Jeb Bush 2016, senior advisor to the GOP’s leading anti-Trump Super PAC “Our Principles,” and was co-founder of America Rising LLC and America Rising PAC. He also is a commentator for Pod Save America/CROOKED MEDIA. Between campaigns, Miller was the lead digital communications strategist in the Public Affairs Division of the Glover Park Group advising corporate clients such as Eli Lilly and Sallie Mae. You can catch Tim frequently pontificating on politics on FOX, CNN, and MSNBC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, November 02, 2017
007 – Real Americans, Skin Color, and Tough Truths – with Julie Lythcott-Haims
How is American Identity shaped, when you grow up here — and succeed here — yet still get asked “where you’re from”? New York Times best-selling author Julie Lythcott-Haims joins American Enough to discuss how skin color, values, and tough truths about our nation have shaped what it means to be a Real American. As the descendant of slave owners and the daughter of a bi-racial marriage, Julie often states that she’s So American It Hurts. In her most recent book, she highlights the racism, the micro-agressions and dominant narratives which shape the virtues of citizenship and identity in the United States. Julie Lythcott-Haims is the author of the best-selling book r Success (2015)and Real American: A Memoir (2017). She is deeply interested in what prevents people from living meaningful, fulfilling lives.New York Times How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid fo How to Raise an Adult emerged from Julie’s decade as Stanford University’s Dean of Freshmen, where she was known for her fierce advocacy for young adults and her critique of the growing trend of parental involvement in the day-to-day lives of college students. She received the university’s Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for creating “atmosphere that defines the undergraduate experience, and toward the end of her tenure as dean she began speaking and writing widely on the harm of helicopter parenting. has been published in over two dozen countries and gave rise to a TED talk that became one of the top TED Talks of 2016 as well as a sequel which will be out in 2018.the” How to Raise an Adult Real details Julie’s personal battle with the low self-esteem that American racism routinely inflicts on people of color. The child of an African-American father and a white British mother, Julie shows how microaggressions in addition to blunt-force insults can puncture a person’s inner life with a thousand sharp cuts. expresses also, through Julie’s path to self-acceptance, the healing power of community in overcoming the hurtful isolation of being incessantly considered “the other.” AmericanReal American Julie is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Law School, and California College of the Arts. She lives in Silicon Valley with her partner of over twenty five years, their two teenagers, and her mother. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, October 23, 2017
006 – Working for Both Trump & Obama – with Maya Uppaluru
What’s it like working for President Trump after working for President Obama? Former White House policy advisor Maya Uppaluru speaks to the energy of both white houses, the initiatives that persist despite the new President, and what it’s like to be a working mom in these roles… Maya Uppaluru was a policy advisor in both the President Obama White House and President Trump White House. Maya joined the White House in 2015, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, launching the Precision Medicine Initiative and serving as a policy advisor to the U.S. Chief Technology Officer, where she helped to shape national policies around health data interoperability and led public-private collaborations to facilitate better access to health data for medical research. She is now an associate in Crowell & Moring’s Washington, D.C. office with the Digital Health Practice and Health Care Group and provides strategic, legal, and regulatory advice to a range of organizations at the forefront of health innovation, including providers, plans, large tech companies, startups, and venture capital. Maya has a track record of helping technologists successfully navigate complex regulations to achieve their design and product goals. Most recently, she was on the healthcare team at the United States Digital Servic e, which aims to improve the way government delivers services to the American people through better technology and user-centered design. Mayaworked directly with engineers, data scientists, designers, and product managers on the launch of the All of Us Research Program at the National Institutes of Health. She also worked with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to improve data sharing with physicians participating in the Quality Payment Program , and transition Medicare from fee for service to value-based care under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. Previously, Maya served as a policy advisor at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, where she drafted regulations pertaining to patient access to health data and application programming interfaces and created the first program to link health IT policymakers directly with digital health startups and the venture capital community. Maya also served as an attorney advisor for the Healthcare Connect Fund at the Federal Communications Commission, working to expand access to broadband for rural health care providers to gain access to technology, including telemedicine and electronic
Sun, October 15, 2017
005 – How Words & Tech Shape a Presidency & Identity – Aneesh Raman
Do The Words A President Uses Really Matter? Former Obama Speech Writer, and CNN Reporter, Aneesh Raman joins American Enough for a discussion on how words can shape the heartbeat of the country and inform the trust American’s have for the White House. From his time covering presidents, to writing for them, to leveraging technology for a new-media revolution, Aneesh opines on the challenges that presidential rhetoric are presenting to everything from childhood education to cultural identity to consumer consumptions. leads civic engagement & partnerships at Facebook. Previously he was a Vice President at Raise.me , a technology startup focused on expanding access to higher education in America. [1] Aneesh Raman Prior to joining Raise.me , Raman was Vice President of Marketing and Communications at OZY Media , [2] a new media company backed by a number of high-profile investors including Laurene Powell Jobs , Larry Sonsini , David Drummond (Google) , Dan Rosensweig and Ron Conway . Before OZY, Raman was a domestic policy speechwriter to the President of the United States Barack Obama , making him the c. [3] [4] Raman came to the White House after working at the United States Department of Defense and at the <a title="United States Department of the Treas
Tue, October 10, 2017
004 – Messages of Division – with Steve Schmidt
Former John McCain Presidential Campaign Senior Strategist Steve Schmidt on messages of division… In a discussion about trust in American institutions, Russia meddling, and how we counter messages of division — American Enough is joined by Republican strategist Steve Schmidt , and former senior strategist to the 2008 presidential campaign of Senator John McCain & Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin. He is currently a political analyst for MSNBC, and has appeared frequently on Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. ( profile ) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, September 28, 2017
003 – America’s Moral Authority in Shaping Global Democracy – with Kevin Xu
Unpacking the role of America’s moral authority in shaping democracies around the world with former White House communications & press advisor Kevin Xu… Myanmar has seen a massive shift to democracy in recent years, but is being accused of ethnic cleansing and genocide against an ethnic minority in the region. Just a few years prior, Kevin Xu helped planned President Obama’s trip to Myanmar, in which the US praised the country’s shift to a democracy but Obama also cautioned that violence against those having different beliefs would cripple their ability to grow into a true democratic state. Xu unpacks the role of America’s moral authority in shaping democracies around the world and confronting genocides, and how the relationship America has with its own media is impacting the effectiveness of that moral authority. Kevin Xu is a former White House communications and press advisor who helped plan President Obama’s trip to Myanmar, a country which is now embroiled with accusations of condoning genocide. He also advised the former Secretary of Commerce during the Obama Administration, and is a recent graduate of Stanford Law School. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, September 25, 2017
September 24, 2017 – Trump Bullies the NFL
Why President Trump’s statements on NFL player protests are not American enough… In the last 24 hours. President Trump has criticized members and players of the National Football League who refuse to stand for the National Anthem all while dumping on NBA Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry as well as NBA star LeBron James. Wouldn’t you love to see one of these owners of the NFL Trump decried when somebody disrespects our flag to get that son of the bitch off the field right now? Tell him he’s fired. These were our president’s exact words to considerable applause from an overwhelmingly white crowd. Total disrespect of our heritage, President Trump said, a total disrespect of everything that we stand for everything that we stand for. President Trump said. As though the individuals that choose to exercise their right to free speech and their ability to captivate an entire audience and encourage them to think about some harsh words that have been clouding the climate of racial equality in this country as though they themselves do not stand for the same heritage of our country. President Trump we have an ability to stitch together the moral authority of this country to be the best type of American we can ever be one who stands for purpose one who welcomes those from all backgrounds and one who actually recognizes and honors the institution of the White House to be a force for good rather than a force for division. And when you have individuals who otherwise don’t fixate or focus on the policy or political rhetoric of our day but rather the grip of a football in their hands — when you have those individuals that choose to speak out call attention to some issue and captivate their whole base of fan followers Instagram friends Facebook likes — all of them to start thinking about challenging issues social issues that construct the American identity to call them out and say that they do not stand for the same heritage that you and I have been privileged to experience in our time as citizens of this country is not American enough and it does not value the institution of this White House. Instead it starts to erode the moral authority in which we no longer welcome an individual to exercise his or her’s right. The First Amendment right to civic disobedience means that we do not welcome an institution in which anyone who pooh-poohs the standing of this president or wants to call on issues that are uncomfortable or maybe wants to call out a stance that maybe this administration disagrees with — it means that we no longer welcome them inside the White House. But a reminder to every employee at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue — that’s the people’s house. The ability to come there and go there yes is curated perhaps by your team and your staff and vetted and verified by the Secret Service to come in. But the ability to actually inform what that house look like looks like, what it means, what it stands for. That
Mon, September 18, 2017
002 – What America’s Health System Should Look Like – with Emma Sandoe
What Should America’s Health System Look Like? Vikrum speaks with Emma Sandoe ( profile ), who previously worked for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services serving as the Medicaid spokesperson and working on HealthCare.gov communications as well as the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Center. She also worked in the Department of Health and Human Services Budget Office as the Affordable Care Act coordinator and at the Center for American Progress. The Capitol Hill health care fight sure seemed dead. After Republican proposals to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, failed to pass a Republican-controlled Congress, lawmakers looked poised to move on to other topics, like a tax overhaul. But this week, proposals from both the left and the right are grabbing headlines. (Meanwhile, some members are also wrangling over how they can stabilize Obamacare.) On Wednesday came a “Medicare for All” bill from Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders — his attempt to push single-payer health care, long one of his favorite causes. In a Wednesday op-ed in the New York Times, the former presidential candidate wrote about single-payer health care as a moral issue, giving it his familiar populist framing. “We remain the only major country on earth that allows chief executives and stockholders in the health care industry to get incredibly rich, while tens of millions of people suffer because they can’t get the health care they need,” he wrote. “This is not what the United States should be about.” Sandoe earned a Masters in Public Health from George Washington University and attended UC San Diego for undergraduate studies. Sandor is currently a PhD candidate in the Harvard Program in Health Policy studying Political Analysis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sun, September 10, 2017
001 – Town Hall – September 9, 2017
Host Vikrum Aiyer addresses call-in questions and comments from listeners in a town hall style conversation on everything from FEMA , equality, positivity in politics, cultural variety, whether we are regressing as countrymen, and what it means to be an American. Call in with your question or comment for future town hall episodes to 844-484-5786. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fri, August 11, 2017
August 10, 2017 – North Korea & Former Pentagon Speechwriter Kevin Sammy
Who defines how forceful American rhetoric has to be when we talked to our adversaries or allies around the world? Today we spoke with former Pentagon Speechwriter to the Secretary of Defense, Kevin Sammy ( bio ), about how a shift in the words we use with North Korea can redefine our foreign policy doctrine; and can beg the question of how far our allies need to go to remain American Enough to our President. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, August 10, 2017
August 9, 2017 – Trump’s RAISE Act: How do Immigrants effectively become integrated as American enough?
Trump’s RAISE Act and how immigrants can be American enough… When an immigrant is told they’re not American enough to come to this country, stay in this country, or thrive in this country — how does the promise etched into the Statue of Liberty hold true? Our President RAISEd this very question last week, by endorsing a set of immigration proposals that try to measure the likelihood of an individual succeeding or not in this grand American experiment. So what are his metrics? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, July 27, 2017
July 27, 2017 – On Banning Transgender People in the US Military – with Gautam Raghavan
Gautam Raghavan, LGBT Advisor to President Barack Obama, speaks on President Trump’s planned ban of transgenders in the US military… Vikrum Aiyer interviews Gautam Raghavan , former LGBT Advisor to President Barack Obama, and Pentagon White House Liaison who helped oversee the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and worked on implementing the rule enabling transgender service members to openly serve our country. Raghavan discusses the thinking behind President Trump’s TransBan, and shares his views on what it means to be American Enough to Serve God & Country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tue, July 25, 2017
July 25, 2017 – On Trump, Boy Scouts, Health Care, America Leadership
President Trump and the Boy Scouts, the Health Care vote, and American leadership… As he travels, Vikrum Aiyer makes time to reflect on President Trump’s polarizing speech to the Boy Scouts, the story-in-the-making vote on Health Care, and considerations for effective leadership in the United States. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, June 14, 2017
June 15, 2017 – On the Shooting at the GOP Baseball Practice
Why President Trump’s response to the shooting at the GOP baseball practice mattered as an example of how unity must be beyond the moment of tragedy… While en route to a meeting, Vikrum Aiyer comments on how division fuels conflict, how Americans stand well shoulder to shoulder in times of tragedy but must do great in the moments in between those difficult events, and how we must be better together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thu, June 08, 2017
Hello world!
SIGN UP HERE to get notified by email when the show launches. There’s a lot going on in America (and the world) and Vikrum Aiyer — Former White House Senior Economic Policy Advisor (Obama Administration) and Former Chief of Staff of the United States Patent and Trademark Office — has something to say about it all and about what it takes these days to be American enough. This summer, MouthMedia™ Network will launch “American Enough™ with Vikrum Aiyer” , a weekly, town hall-style podcast discussing your questions and comments about current events, politics, and American ideals. As events unfold, Vikrum will share timely commentary wherever he is, as he travels, between meetings, and even en route to the office. If political commentary, having your say, and America matter to you — you’re going to love this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
loading...