Society Behind the Stat

7.1% is the lead that Joe Biden currently has over Donald Trump according to the Real Clear Politics National Average. On today's episode we sit down with pollsters and communications strategists Bernard Whitman and Matt McDermott to discuss what impact (if any) the Democratic and Republican Conventions had on the race, who and what will decide the outcome of the Election over the next two months, and what the future holds depending on the results in November. Bernard and Matt also tell us about the Victory Institute and their work to provide LGBTQ leaders with the training and skills necessary to run for office and win.

69% of Americans have felt like life is getting harder since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and report higher than normal levels of sadness, anger, fear and depression. Today we talk to two NYC doctors, and married couple — Dr. Briana Mathews and Dr. Steve Mathews — about the looming Mental Health crisis ahead of us, a broken system that needs to be fixed + steps YOU can take, and the resiliency that got these frontline workers through the dark days of COVID in NYC. Bri and Steve also tell us about two amazing causes helping those in need — Inclusive Therapists and Americares.

70% of people say listening to Music has helped them cope and get by during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we talk to Novena Carmel - a DJ, singer, and self-described Music Person - about the healing power of music and how it's an escape, especially as people are going through all of the emotions in the wake of COVID-19. As Novena puts it, "when you hear the voice of your favorite musician that's like the comfort of a friend talking to you." Novena also tells us about changes she sees ahead for Music, why adaptability is more important than ever AND tells us about two causes that are inspiring her right now -- Summaeverything in Los Angeles and the range of charities you can find today on ActBlue to help Black Trans Groups.

79% of people say the COVID-19 pandemic has opened their eyes to major cracks in American society and government. Cracks require change, and that change is spearheaded by activism. Today we talk to Aleysha - an activist, actor, and TikTok sensation who disrupted Donald Trump's Tulsa Rally. Aleysha tells us about Gen Z Activism, her story, and educates Adam and Scott on TikTok and KPop Stans. She also tells us about the important work being done by the Rainforest Action Network to prevent the destruction of the world's rainforests. As Aleysha puts it, "we cannot have these positive changes to make if we don't have a world to live on."

For 78% of Americans, cooking has been an important coping mechanism that has helped get them through the last few months. Talking to us about this and more is Bryan Disanto - a chef, recipe developer, and host of the weekly Cucina Quarantina series on Instagram. Bry talks to us about cooking as as coping, why cooking is such an important outlet, and the future of food and the restaurant scene. He also tells us about the important work being done by Rethink Food NYC and Ghetto Gastro to feed protesters and coronavirus-affected communities.