Broadcasting the balance. Defending the discourse.

First Half: In the first half of the episode, we discuss the impact of the Raegan administration on Black Americans and explain the harms that are still being felt today.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Second Half: In the second half of the show we explain how DEI positively and disproportionately impacted White women relative to other groups.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Half: In the first half of the episode, we discuss the implications for the MAGA voter base of Trump’s immigration policy and its effect on the job market. We also discuss how Trump and other conservatives hide racism behind their proximity to Black conservatives and how this phenomenon is mutually beneficial to them.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Second Half: The second half of the show sees us discussing a new trend of MAGA Christians referring to empathy as ‘sinful’ and ‘toxic’ as a way to provide cover for their extreme beliefs. We also discuss the shifting trends in Pew Research data of Black Americans over the last quarter-century and discuss the implications.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Half: In the first half of the episode, we comb through several statements typically made by folks who intend to distance themselves from racists but they end up sounding racist themselves. We examine the intention typically found behind these statements, but also how they can be perceived as problematic.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Second Half: The second half of the show is dedicated to The 8 White Identities by Barnor Hesse—a supposition by the professor that segments different White identities based on their level of racist/anti-racist behavior. We give our thoughts on this insightful chart and share examples of how we see these behaviors played out in real life.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode Congressional candidate Elizabeth Lee is a nationally recognized nurse, board-certified patient advocate, and reproductive healthcare policy expert with over a decade of experience advancing access to care. She built a career helping thousands of patients navigate complex medical, financial, and ethical barriers—while also advising lawmakers on federal IVF and reproductive health protections. First Half: We begin this segment by discussing Elizabeth Lee’s background as a national figure and advocate for IVF treatment for individuals struggling with conception. She makes her case as a congressional candidate and discusses what she plans to bring to Washington D.C. if elected. Second Half: The second half of the show is dedicated to uncovering some of the shortcomings of the current administration and discussions of how Elizabeth Lee plans to interject common sense, diversity of thought, and a scientific/fact-based approach to problem-solving if elected.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Half: We begin this segment by discussing the importance of Black women and the fact that they continually work to heal this country and save America from itself. We also discuss a new study that reveals the lifelong effects of enduring racism and how it leads to early deaths in the Black population.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Second Half: Today’s Guest is the author of the book “Navigating School Board Politics” and an associate professor at Arizona State University. Dr. Carrie Sampson joins us again to discuss National School Choice Week here in the U.S. and what it means for communities across the country.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Half: ICE Spending and Using Influencers to Recruit New Agents Uvalde Officer Found Not Guilty in School Shooting Trial Ted Cruz leaves Texas Ahead of Inclement Weather AgainSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Second Half: Football Player Fined for Wearing “Stop the Genocide” across his face The Black Panther Party Challenges ICE in PhiladelphiaSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Half: Trump Says Civil Rights Left White People ‘Very Badly Treated’ White Cop Shoots Black Cop 10 Times Mistaking Him for Suspect Trump is Changing Midterm Election RulesSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Second Half: Jesse Lee Peterson Says Former NFL Star Speaks Like a White Man A Few Statements from MLK that Can't Be WhitewashedSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first half of the show, we discuss how an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in MinneapolisSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second half of the show, we discuss how January 6th is being whitewashed by the United States Government and how the US abducted the president of Venezuela.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode: Civic Cipher On the Ground in 2025 Guests of 2025 Shameful Moments of 2025Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In This Episode: Assata Shakur 1947-2025 Stories we Covered in 2025 Entertainment News ReflectionsSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc H. Morial is President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation's largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. Our conversation with Marc Morial begins with some of the biggest political lessons we have learned in 2025 and what we can look forward to in 2026. We also discuss the rise of Democratic Socialism and the impact of Mamdani’s campaign in NYC.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc H. Morial is President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation's largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. In the second half of the show, we discuss a variety of things ranging from the impact of tariffs on Black Americans to the future of DEI. Marc also leaves us with some solid advice to fortify us in the new year.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first half of the show, we are discussing Trump refusing to rule out summary executions, how the FBI infiltrated BLM protests to undermine the movement.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second half of the program, we discuss how Phoenix adopted an idea from the Defund the Police movement and how when Trump weighs in on national tragedies, he often ends up making things worse.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second half of the program, we examine several of the problems that have arisen (or otherwise been exacerbated) within the carceral system under the current administration.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest, Gigi Assi is the Founder and CEO of Prodigy Pathways, a national nonprofit focused on expanding access to elite sports development and mentorship for underserved youth.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second half of the program, we discuss the consequences of unchecked power and anonymity given to ICE agents and how they have deployed their terror campaign in North Carolina.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest, Ami Horowitz is an American conservative documentary filmmaker and activist. He is the writer, producer, and director of Ami on the Loose, a satirical short film series. He is also the host of the recent documentary The Art of War—a look into the practices of the IDF We dive deep into the merits and drawbacks of the cash bail system by examining racial biases, data, and conversations from actual people captured in Ami's film.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first half of the show, we discuss the newly elected female Democratic leadership, several reasons people dislike Trump, and how the president has been flip-flopping with his position on whether or not to allow SNAP benefit payoutsSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second half of the show, we discuss a DL Hughley interview with TMZ and ask ‘Do ex-MAGA deserve forgiveness? We also discuss a forthcoming nationwide economic boycott blackout scheduled to start Nov. 25th. We give the reasons behind the move, the potential impact, and how to be most effective with boycotting in general.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Guest is the author of the book “Navigating School Board Politics” and an associate professor at Arizona State University. Dr. Carrie Sampson’s research focuses on K-12 educational leadership, policymaking and equity, with particular emphasis on school boards, districts, and community advocacy. She serves as a fellow for the National Education Policy Center and the Black Education Research Center.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne Yatim joins us to discuss the updates coming from Gaza and to give her insights on how the 2024 presidential election has shaped the war, how the ceasefire is playing out, and her thoughts on the protests that have drawn attention to the conflict. In the first half of the show, we discuss the political developments over the last year that have led to the outcomes we continued to see in Gaza. We discuss the strategies deployed by voters to compel the government to take the war in Gaza seriously, and reflect on things that worked and things that didn’t.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne Yatim joins us to discuss the updates coming from Gaza and to give her insights on how the 2024 presidential election has shaped the war, how the ceasefire is playing out, and her thoughts on the protests that have drawn attention to the conflict. In the second half of the show, we discuss the ceasefire in place in Gaza and the subsequent violations, the protests that took place over the past two years, and shared some optimism about the future of Gaza and the West Bank.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest this week is Knowa De Baraso… one of the youngest faces of the Democratic Party, one of the sharpest minds covering politics, and one of the rising stars in the podcasting space In the second half of the show, we have a conversation with Knowa De Baraso about the future of liberal politics and the places that young people occupy in the political equation.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest this week is Knowa De Baraso… one of the youngest faces of the Democratic Party, one of the sharpest minds covering politics, and one of the rising stars in the podcasting space In the first half of the show, we discuss the leaked chat messages from young Republican leadership across the country and make connections to historical leaks that have also given insight in to the racist, toxic culture that is often very pronounced in this country’s political right.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guests this week come from Fanbase.com! Isaac Hayes III – Entrepreneur, music producer, and son of soul legend Isaac Hayes. He has raised over $22M through equity crowdfunding, making Fanbase one of the largest Black-founded crowdfunding campaigns in history. Tamisha Harris – Veteran TV news producer with an insider view of how stories are shaped and suppressed. She brings a powerful call to action for Black media to protect their narratives and audiences. We discuss the role that social media plays in the division of this country…how content creators have key positions in shaping public opinion, and how Black-owned media ensures that Black perspectives are properly platformed.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stacey Abrams joins us this week to discuss strategies for reclaiming political representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and our first amendment protections. Find more at BINNews.com!Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first part of today’s program, we discuss the deep roots of the MAGA movement. We uncover memes and cultural elements that fester in the deep corners of the web. We also discuss the data that suggests that most politically-motivated violence in this country stems from the right rather than the left.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you believe it? We are 5 years old this week! In the first half of today’s program, we tall our origin story and discuss why we felt a show like this was important to create and distribute around the country. Our hope is that our story will encourage you in your own social justice endeavors!Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second half of the show, we examine our story since starting Civic Cipher. We have had many ups and downs as a show and as a country and we use this segment to reflect on all of it—and also invoke a bit of optimism for the future!Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Towler, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at California State University, Sacramento…He is the Director of the Black Voter Project, Co-Founder of Black Insights Research and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics In the first half of today’s program, we discuss Dr. Towler’s opinion piece featured in Newsweek entitled From Decline to Revival—Why Democrats Must Repair Their Relationship with Black Voters. We cover much of the data his team has procured and examine the results to determine some of the lessons Democrats should have learned from the 2024 election.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Towler, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at California State University, Sacramento…He is the Director of the Black Voter Project, Co-Founder of Black Insights Research and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics In the second half of the show, we look ahead to the strategies that may be successful for Democrats ahead of the midterm elections as well as the role of Democratic Socialism in modern politics.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobby Nichols is the former Phoenix Democratic Socialist of America's chapter chair and current member. He is the founder of Arizona Works Together, a pro-union political action committee operating at the state level. Additionally, Bobby Nichols works for the Office of the Arizona Attorney General as a state attorney representing Arizona's Departments of Child Safety and Economic Security in Superior and Administrative Court cases involving the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of minor children and vulnerable adults. In the first half of today’s program, we discuss the DSA National Convention, key takeaways for the forthcoming political season, and revisit the merits of socialism relative to other economic models.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobby Nichols is the former Phoenix Democratic Socialist of America's chapter chair and current member. He is the founder of Arizona Works Together, a pro-union political action committee operating at the state level. Additionally, Bobby Nichols works for the Office of the Arizona Attorney General as a state attorney representing Arizona's Departments of Child Safety and Economic Security in Superior and Administrative Court cases involving the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of minor children and vulnerable adults. In the second half of the show, we discuss the implementation of socialist ideas in local communities, how to get involved in local politics, and we discuss Bobby’s own campaign for City Council.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Areva Martin is a Harvard-trained civil rights attorney, author, disability justice advocate, and founder of Special Needs Network. She’s on the front lines of today’s most pressing racial and social justice issues, leading the charge in California’s landmark Palm Springs reparations case and helping Black families navigate systemic barriers in special education. In today’s conversation we cover everything from DEI rollbacks to the intersection of civil rights and disability rights. This inspirational speaker keeps us motivated as we endure a challenging administration and gives us the guidance to be effective in our collective pursuits.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Areva Martin is a Harvard-trained civil rights attorney, author, disability justice advocate, and founder of Special Needs Network. She’s on the front lines of today’s most pressing racial and social justice issues, leading the charge in California’s landmark Palm Springs reparations case and helping Black families navigate systemic barriers in special education. In today’s conversation we cover everything from DEI rollbacks to the intersection of civil rights and disability rights. This inspirational speaker keeps us motivated as we endure a challenging administration and gives us the guidance to be effective in our collective pursuits.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first half of today’s program, we discuss the overlooked merits of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and how they benefit a company’s bottom line. We also discuss the implications of a disenfranchised voter base and how these things can—and are shaping society.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second half of the show, we discuss the importance of speaking truth to power. We delve into the recent DEI rollbacks from Google and highlight some of the creators that are pushing back against the normalization of these divisive undertakings.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest is Melinda Grisby—known online as @browngirlpride is a social media activist, Former Air Force Medic twice deployed to Iraq, and a public speaker with a focus on history and decolonization. In the first half of today’s program, Melinda discusses the history of the racial classification of Latino people in the United States that the implications of the Latino vote. She also corrects some widely circulated misinformation and makes a case that the narrative associated with Latino voters is inaccurate and has led to harmful responses from other racial groups.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest is Melinda Grisby—known online as @browngirlpride is a social media activist, Former Air Force Medic twice deployed to Iraq, and a public speaker with a focus on history and decolonization. In the second half of the show, we discuss the implications of this country’s colonialist roots and how Native American populations were (and continue to be) affected. Our Way Black History Fact contains the story of $5 Indians and the massive governmental fraud that further subjected Native peoples.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first half of today’s program, we bring you several news stories of police accountability (or lack thereof) from high-profile incidents around the country.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second half of the show, we discuss the viral video of a Florida officer breaking the window of and punching the face of William McNeil Jr. over a headlight dispute and McNeil Jr. asking for a supervisor.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is Bobby Nichols—the former Phoenix Democratic Socialist of America's chapter chair and current member. He is the founder of Arizona Works Together, a pro-union political action committee operating at the state level. Additionally, Bobby Nichols works for the Office of the Arizona Attorney General as a state attorney representing Arizona's Departments of Child Safety and Economic Security in Superior and Administrative Court cases involving the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of minor children and vulnerable adults. In the first half of the show, Bobby explains socialism in simple terms and provides a historical context for the societal framework.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is Bobby Nichols—the former Phoenix Democratic Socialist of America's chapter chair and current member. He is the founder of Arizona Works Together, a pro-union political action committee operating at the state level. Additionally, Bobby Nichols works for the Office of the Arizona Attorney General as a state attorney representing Arizona's Departments of Child Safety and Economic Security in Superior and Administrative Court cases involving the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of minor children and vulnerable adults. In the second half of the show, we discuss socialist principles and how they won New York City over in the recent mayoral race.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=searchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.