Forever35 Podcast Episode 336: How To Stay Politically Engaged Without Going Crazy with Leah Litman
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Guest: Leah Litman, Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School
Introduction
In Episode 336 of Forever35, co-hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu delve into the challenging intersection of political engagement and mental well-being. Featuring guest Leah Litman, a renowned constitutional law expert, the episode offers listeners valuable insights on navigating the increasingly polarized political landscape without compromising their sanity.
Self-Care Amidst Personal Challenges
The conversation kicks off with the hosts discussing the concept of self-care, referencing Dr. Pooja Lakshman's philosophy that "if your self-care requires constant willpower, then it's faux self-care" (02:13). Doree emphasizes that true self-care should bring joy rather than stress, questioning activities like barre classes if they don't genuinely uplift.
Evacuation Planning and Preparedness
Elise shares a personal anecdote about being burglarized twice, highlighting the emotional toll of losing personal belongings (03:10). This segues into a broader discussion about emergency preparedness. Doree recounts their experience during the Sunset fire in the Hollywood Hills, where they had to quickly decide what essentials to pack (06:14). They emphasize the importance of having evacuation lists tailored to different timeframes—15 minutes, 30 minutes, one hour, etc.—to ensure that important items, especially sentimental ones like children's "loveies," are not forgotten (07:14).
Political Climate Context: Interview with Leah Litman
Current Political Climate Overview
Leah Litman provides a sobering analysis of the current political climate, noting the unprecedented nature of re-electing an administration marked by election denial and attempts at insurrection (22:00). She draws parallels to historical periods of intense polarization but asserts that the present situation signifies a new era in American politics (22:00).
Political Engagement Strategies
When asked about actionable steps beyond assigning blame, Leah highlights the importance of recognizing that "politics isn't inevitable" (23:53). She advocates for focusing efforts on state and local politics, where change can occur more swiftly and directly (24:44). Leah underscores the significance of holding representatives accountable by "raising the costs" of undesired policies through activism, protests, and direct communication (25:05).
The Role of State vs. Federal Politics
Leah emphasizes that investing in state and local politics can mirror the desired changes at the national level. She points out that "state and local politics oftentimes can change a lot more quickly than politics at the federal level" (24:44), making grassroots efforts particularly impactful.
The Supreme Court and Judicial Reform
Addressing concerns about the Supreme Court's role, Leah reveals her skepticism about the Court acting as a meaningful check on executive power. She mentions her upcoming book, Lawless, which explores how the Supreme Court is influenced by "conservative grievance, fringe theories, and bad vibes" (33:36). Leah proposes reforms such as implementing an enforceable ethics code and limiting the Court's broad authority to select and decide cases (36:27).
Managing Overwhelm and Self-Care in Political Engagement
Leah acknowledges the emotional toll of staying informed in a tumultuous political climate. She advises listeners to curate their media consumption carefully and take regular breaks to maintain mental health. "Figuring out what media diet is going to be and then also learning when to take breaks... is essential" (47:51). This balance allows individuals to stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
In closing, Leah Litman offers actionable advice for maintaining political engagement without succumbing to despair. She encourages focusing on manageable actions, such as supporting state legislative races through initiatives like the States Project, and emphasizes the power of informed, localized activism (25:05).
Doree and Elise express their gratitude to Leah for her insightful contributions, reinforcing the episode's theme of balancing active participation with self-care. The hosts remind listeners to visit forever35podcast.com for additional resources and to follow their social media for ongoing conversations about self-care and personal growth.
Notable Quotes
- Doree Shafrier (02:17): "Shame is not a helpful motivator when it comes to long-term change."
- Leah Litman (23:53): "Politics isn't inevitable, and that can be empowering on both a national scale, but also state and local scales."
- Leah Litman (25:05): "You are raising the costs of them continuing with it. Like, you should try to make things difficult."
- Leah Litman (36:27): "An enforceable ethics code would be a nice place to start and something that I think most people are already behind."
- Leah Litman (47:51): "Figuring out what media diet is going to be and then also learning when to take breaks... is essential."
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Self-Care: Engage in self-care practices that genuinely bring joy and do not require constant willpower.
- Emergency Preparedness: Develop personalized evacuation plans to ensure important and sentimental items are prioritized during disasters.
- Local Political Engagement: Focus efforts on state and local politics where individual actions can lead to more immediate and tangible changes.
- Judicial Reforms: Advocate for an enforceable ethics code and limitations on the Supreme Court's authority to prevent political overreach.
- Balanced Media Consumption: Curate media intake to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed, and recognize the importance of taking mental health breaks.
By providing a structured and insightful discussion, this episode of Forever35 equips listeners with the tools to stay politically engaged while maintaining their mental well-being amidst a challenging political landscape.