Fresh Air Episode Summary: Best Of: Stacey Abrams / Raphael Saadiq

Released on July 19, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Fresh Air Weekend, host Tanya Moseley engages with two distinguished guests: Stacey Abrams, renowned voting rights activist, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate, and bestselling novelist; and Raphael Saadiq, Grammy-winning musician and producer. The episode delves deep into their professional journeys, creative processes, and the intersection of their work with broader social and political themes.

Part 1: Stacey Abrams

Transition to Fiction Writing and 'Coded Justice'

The episode opens with Moseley introducing Stacey Abrams, highlighting her multifaceted career spanning political activism, legislative leadership, and literary accomplishments. Abrams discusses her latest novel, Coded Justice, a thriller that intertwines themes of artificial intelligence, ethics, and justice.

Family Influence and Early Writing

Abrams reflects on her early foray into writing, sharing a poignant anecdote about her first attempt at a novel at age 12:

[05:06] Stacey Abrams: "My very first novel was published right after law school... My first attempt at a novel was when I was 12... It was very, very full of angst."

She emphasizes the role her parents played in fostering a love for storytelling despite economic hardships, describing her upbringing in Mississippi as "genteel poor"—a term coined by her mother to convey refinement amidst financial limitations.

Collaborative Process with Siblings

Abrams attributes much of her creative process to her siblings, who serve as invaluable resources and collaborators:

[07:42] Stacey Abrams: "My sister Leslie was my editor... My oldest sister, Andrea... helped me really think about how to tease out questions of social justice... My brother Richard was a social worker... My brother Walter edited three of my books..."

This collaborative environment has enriched her writing, allowing her to infuse authenticity and depth into her characters and narratives.

Themes in 'Coded Justice' and AI Ethics

Discussing Coded Justice, Abrams elucidates her motivation to explore the duality of technology's neutrality and its ethical implications:

[09:32] Stacey Abrams: "I wanted to talk about a topic where, on its face, the technology is neutral... AI is emblematic of that."

She delves into the potential misuse of AI, inspired by personal conversations and observations of her niece's interactions with the technology, highlighting the fine line between beneficial tool and unethical exploitation.

Political Career and Future Plans

Abrams addresses rumors of a potential third gubernatorial run, clarifying her current focus:

[16:07] Stacey Abrams: "I am really focused right now on the other tools in my toolbox... It's not right now."

She emphasizes her commitment to advocacy through various platforms, including her podcast Assembly Required, her Substack Assembly Notes, and her literary work, while keeping the door open for future political endeavors.

Voter Suppression and Free and Fair Elections

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Abrams's relentless fight against voter suppression:

[18:31] Stacey Abrams: "Voter suppression happens in three ways... It's making certain that students who need to prove their identities can use the one form of ID they have... It's changing the rules up to the last minute."

She outlines the subtle, administrative tactics employed to undermine electoral integrity, drawing parallels to historical voter suppression methods, and underscores the urgency of safeguarding democratic processes ahead of the 2026 elections.

Influence of Faith and Family on Identity

Abrams explores the profound impact of her family's faith and educational values on her personal and professional identity:

[21:14] Stacey Abrams: "Those are the values that guide me, my faith first and foremost. I cannot call myself a Christian and not believe that it is my responsibility to help the stranger... I have to understand."

She articulates a balanced perspective where faith informs her commitment to social justice and education, rejecting selective interpretation of religious texts to justify exclusionary practices.

Authenticity vs. Performance in Politics

Addressing the dichotomy between genuine self-expression and public persona, Abrams asserts her commitment to authenticity:

[24:01] Stacey Abrams: "I am not at all packaged... I make mistakes, I have malapropisms... I try to be honest with myself, with my teams, with the public."

She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful deliberation over instantaneous reactions, aiming to maintain integrity while fulfilling her public responsibilities.

Part 2: Raphael Saadiq

Introduction and One-Man Show

Transitioning to the second segment, Moseley introduces Raphael Saadiq, celebrating his extensive career in music as a member of Tony Toni Toné, a solo artist, and a producer for luminaries like Beyoncé and Solange. Saadiq discusses his one-man show, No Bandwidth. One Man. One Night. Three Decades of Hits, which offers an intimate portrayal of his musical journey.

Early Musical Influences and Finding His Voice

Saadiq recounts discovering his passion for music at a young age through church:

[37:19] Raphael Saadiq: "I found my voice probably at Union Baptist... I was asked to sing a song with all the tiny tots."

He describes how early performances, though embarrassing, ignited his desire to pursue music, eventually leading him to embrace his role as a frontman despite initial reluctance.

Collaboration with Beyoncé and Songwriting Process

A highlight of the discussion is Saadiq's collaboration with Beyoncé on her album Cowboy Carter, particularly the song "Bodyguard":

[40:10] Raphael Saadiq: "I was playing the guitar lick and I just wrote the lyrics right there."

[42:13] Raphael Saadiq: "They say the truth hurts, so I lied to you."

He explains the spontaneity behind "Bodyguard," illustrating the serendipitous nature of creative partnerships and Beyoncé's openness to innovative musical elements, such as extended guitar solos.

Philosophy on Music and Creativity

Saadiq shares his philosophy on music creation, emphasizing risk-taking and authenticity:

[49:24] Raphael Saadiq: "What chance are you going to take? If you're playing music, you have to dare to suck."

He advocates for embracing imperfections and prioritizing personal artistic satisfaction over conforming to industry expectations, fostering a genuine connection with audiences.

Process of Writing and Performing His Music

Reflecting on his songwriting process, particularly for film soundtracks, Saadiq highlights the integration of personal experiences and storytelling:

[47:40] Raphael Saadiq: "They want it longer... we can have a 16 bar solo on this record."

He underscores the importance of adaptability and collaboration in creating music that resonates both personally and with broader audiences, demonstrating his commitment to musical excellence and innovation.

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air Weekend offers an in-depth exploration of Stacey Abrams's dedication to social justice through both political activism and literary endeavors, alongside Raphael Saadiq's illustrious contributions to modern music. Through their candid conversations, listeners gain valuable insights into the interplay between creativity, ethics, and advocacy in shaping impactful careers.