In this episode, host Corey Nathan welcomes back political consultant, author, and Substack contributor Mike Madrid. A renowned expert on Latino voters and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, Mike brings his profound insights on American politics, identity, and democracy. Together, Corey and Mike explore deeply personal stories, historical context, and present-day political dynamics, all while weaving in the emotional fabric that connects generations and communities.

What We Discuss:

The significance of personal and familial stories in shaping political perspective
How Latino voters are reshaping American democracy
The danger of authoritarian tendencies in U.S. governance
Economic populism across ideological divides
The importance of understanding and communicating with working-class communities

Episode Highlights:

[00:04:00] Mike Madrid shares a personal story of grief and connection through a pilgrimage to Madrid, New Mexico
[00:08:00] Baseball as a bridge between generations and its deeper cultural significance
[00:14:00] Inhumane immigration enforcement and its implications on American identity
[00:22:00] A discussion on whether America is at a turning point for its soul and values
[00:33:00] Vertical balance of power: Newsom vs. federal overreach in L.A. protests
[00:45:00] Latino voters' top concerns: economy, housing, and healthcare
[00:53:00] Economic populism through Ruben Gallego and Zoran Mamdani's campaigns
[01:03:00] How to talk about politics and religion without killin' each other

Featured Quotes:

"Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves matter more than the facts we can verify." – Mike Madrid
"This is our American story now. This is who we are... and if we're not speaking out, then we are individually complicit in it." – Mike Madrid
"These are the moments when character is defined." – Mike Madrid
"The best way to talk about politics and religion is to not talk about it through the lens of politics and religion." – Mike Madrid

Resources Mentioned:

Mike Madrid's Substack: The Great Transformation – greattransformation.substack.com
The Latino Century (book by Mike Madrid) – www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278
Latino Vote Podcast – latinos.vote
Reflections on Marines in LA by Roger Herbert – rogerherbert.substack.com/p/reflections-on-marines-in-la

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