I Want Her Job

Johnny Chafin, a political commentator and host of The Johnny Chafin Show, joins us to share how he went from a two-time Obama voter to an outspoken conservative in deeply blue Los Angeles. His political evolution started with a willingness to engage seriously with people who challenged his worldview. "I thought everybody gathered information the way I did — weighing the source, questioning the agenda. I didn't know people weren't like that." What began as open-minded conversations with a close friend who supported Trump eventually led to Johnny taking a public stance of his own — even at the cost of friendships and social belonging. "The stakes felt too high to stay silent." In this conversation, we reflect on our own shifting political perspectives and why it takes real courage to change your mind when new information challenges old assumptions. People forget that life often means choosing between imperfect options, based on imperfect information — guided by our deepest values. We discuss: Media literacy, bias, and censorship Free speech absolutism and the Skokie case "Oikophobia" — the rejection of one's own culture Emotional manipulation in political discourse Family structure, gratitude, and civilizational inheritance One of our favorite moments comes when Johnny shares how a college class on political extremism shaped his understanding of free speech: "A truly free society preserves speech even when it's offensive. You can't leave that power in the hands of the government." This episode isn't about party loyalty. It's about intellectual flexibility, civilizational gratitude, and the courage to question dominant poltical narratives. If you've ever felt politically homeless or isolated for your view this conversation is for you. 3:30 – The "Slow Awakening" How a close friend's support for Trump sparked years of questioning and debate. 08:00 – When Politics Became Existential 10:30 – From Private Views to Public Voice The gym T-shirt moment that launched his media presence. 15:00 – Media Manipulation & Election Interference The events that fundamentally shifted his trust in institutions. 18:00 – Social Isolation & Speaking Out The personal cost of political dissent in Los Angeles. 22:00 – Emotional Politics & Gun Control How debates often hinge on emotion rather than principle. 24:00 – Oikophobia Explained The concept of civilizational self-hatred and its historical parallels. 28:30 – Hollywood, Tech, and Cultural Silence Why powerful voices stay quiet — and why that matters. 38:00 – Family, Two-Parent Privilege & Outsourcing to the State The cultural implications of broken family systems. 43:00 – Intellectual Flexibility How he was able to change his mind — and why more people don't. 45:00 – Media Literacy & Free Speech The college class that shaped his understanding of free speech absolutism. 47:30 – Final Reflections Gratitude, responsibility, and preserving civilizational inheritance.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jonathan Harounoff, British-Iranian journalist and author of Unveiled: Inside Iran's Woman, Life, Freedom Revolt. Jonathan takes us inside the Woman, Life, Freedom movement—how it began, why it refuses to die, and why the regime continues to answer peaceful protest with barbaric force. Drawing on years of reporting and deeply personal conversations with Iranians inside the country and across the diaspora, he shares the brutal realities of life under the regime—and the extraordinary courage of people who keep standing up anyway. We talk about hunger, fear, and economic collapse. About mothers, daughters, and young people risking everything. About why the regime blames Israel and the West—and what Iranians are actually fighting for: dignity, choice, basic freedom, and a future without constant terror. We also ask a question that feels almost unthinkable, and yet possible: What would a free Iran mean for the Middle East, and for the world? This is a sobering yet hopeful conversation about sacrifice, resilience, and the power of ordinary people to challenge unimaginable tyranny and change history. Memorable Quotes: "There's a very clear distinction between the Islamic Republic and the 92 million Iranians it governs." "This is a proud, resilient civilization with thousands of years of history—and they're not giving it up for a 47-year-old regime." "The regime will blame Israel, the U.S., even 'cloud theft'—anything except its own mismanagement." "Women were deliberately shot in the eyes to leave a permanent mark." "A free Iran wouldn't just transform the Middle East—it would transform the world." Timestamps: 00:00 – Why this moment in Iran matters 01:46 – Jonathan's book and the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising 04:08 – Iranians vs. the Islamic Republic 06:22 – Why Israel gets blamed for everything 08:36 – Is this the biggest uprising yet? 10:56 – What Iranians want after the regime 12:40 – How the regime crushes dissent 15:41 – Can the protests survive another crackdown? 17:15 – Do Iranians want Western help? 18:09 – What a free Iran could mean for the world 20:23 – The UN's silence on Iran 21:30 – Stories that changed Jonathan forever 22:36 – How to truly learn Iranian culture 24:51 – Hope for a free Iran Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG

We spreak with Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU about education, civics, and parenting in a time of cultural chaos. Marissa shares the moment that inspired her to "enlist" through education, explains why activism can show up even in math and literacy, and calls on parents to stop outsourcing values to institutions. Our discussion also explores he crisis facing young women today—marriage, meaning, dignity, and femininity—and why Marissa believes a new "revolution" is needed. Plus: practical ways to use PragerU at home in just 5–20 minutes a day. https://www.prageru.com Timestamps & Key Moments 00:04 — Intro + Who is Marissa Streit / What is PragerU Polina introduces Marissa, PragerU's mission, and why parents must take a more active role in teaching civics/history. 02:14 — "Enlisting" through education We reflect on the idea of serving the country through education. 04:36 — The conversation begins (education + what parents can do) Marissa lays out her core claim: education didn't just reflect today's problems—it helped create them. 06:28 — Marissa's origin story: Yad Vashem + the lesson of "fight before it's too late" A formative moment at 13 shapes her worldview about personal responsibility and courage. 08:55 — America "under attack" through ideas, not tanks Marissa argues civics and American values are not being taught—and that creates vulnerability. 11:14 — Parents as "the enemy" + the COVID wake-up call She describes how many parents only saw curriculum issues during lockdowns. 15:41 — Teacher training: minimal math instruction + "generative" activism in class Marissa claims teacher credential programs under-train basic instruction and over-emphasize DEI/activism. 17:59 — "Fruit salad" vs. melting pot + division as a goal She argues schools incentivize identity and class division rather than unity. 20:16 — Literacy example: books that embed social agendas Marissa cites specific book examples and argues parents must review all subjects, not just "sex ed." 22:32 — Paulo Freire + teachers as "agents of change" Discussion of how activist pedagogy shows up in teacher training. 24:55 — NEA agenda + what shocked her most (2022) Marissa claims the #1 issue of business was the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and questions why. 29:45 — Money + bureaucracy + unions + political incentives A broader critique of the Department of Education, unions, and the "cycle" of funding and influence. 32:01 — "Are we being gaslit?" + PRISM training (California) Marissa argues parents should read the materials directly and not accept reassurances at face value. 38:32 — Civics collapse: how do kids defend what they don't understand? Marissa argues love of country requires understanding its history and founding ideals. 40:53 — The parent solution: rituals, debates, voting, family civic life + PragerU board game She emphasizes bottom-up responsibility and teaching at home regardless of school quality. 45:20 — Young women, feminism, marriage, and meaning Marissa argues cultural messaging has created confusion and loneliness; she shares her desire to write a book to help young women. 50:01 — Family as her proudest accomplishment Marissa describes motherhood and marriage as central—not secondary—to a fulfilled life. 54:43 — Europe as a warning Marissa talks about cultural fracture, immigration, and the need for shared civic identity. 57:02 — Cultural literacy: "We all spoke American" She argues a shared framework is necessary for cohesion—and that education must restore it. 59:23 — How to use PragerU as a parent Marissa offers a simple daily habit: 5–20 minutes, watch a short video, and have kids explain it back. 01:01:22 — Closing + call for feedback Marissa invites listeners to message her with thoughts, especially on her women-focused project. Key Quotes "Education got us into this mess. Education is going to get us out of this mess." (≈ 04:36) "Most people rely on others to do the fighting for them… and they don't begin to fight until it's absolutely too late." (≈ 06:28) "America… is being taken down through ideas, through the erosion of what it is to be an American." (≈ 08:55) "Civics education is reduced to just activism… How do you defend a country that you don't understand and don't love?" (≈ 38:32)

Rob Henderson, known for coining the term "luxury beliefs," joins us to discuss his memoir Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. Rob shares his extraordinary path—from homelessness and the LA foster care system, to adoption in rural Northern California, to enlisting in the Air Force at 17, and eventually studying at Yale and Cambridge. Rob shares research that shows how childhood instability (more than poverty alone) shapes life outcomes; why the foster system is so under-resourced; how elite cultural narratives can unintentionally harm the very communities they claim to help; and how certain "status beliefs" spread through universities and media. We discuss the hypocrisy and social dynamics of campus ideology, the "Halloween costume controversy" at Yale, and why honest conversations about family structure, class, and social policy are so hard to have yet so critical for making real progress. Key themes and Quotes Luxury beliefs give status to the elite—and the costs are paid by people with the least power." Poverty alone doesn't predict failure. Instability does." The people most skeptical of family are usually the ones who grew up in intact families. "They live like it's the 1950s—and talk like it's the 1960s." "I benefited from structure, plan to give it to my kids—and publicly argue others shouldn't." "Elite students condemn capitalism on Monday and interview at Goldman Sachs on Wednesday." "If your beliefs cost you nothing, they're probably luxury beliefs." Foster Care / Instability Truths "You don't need the worst childhood to feel the damage of instability." Privilege / Backlash Lines "Telling struggling kids they're privileged doesn't create compassion—it creates resentment." "If your only options are self-flagellation or rebellion, don't be surprised when kids choose rebellion." https://www.sarahhurwitz.net Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Brandy Shufutinsky on the Marxist Roots of Ethic Studies Your School's Ethic Studies Curriculum with Monica Harris from FAIR For ALL Key Topics + Timeline 01:00–02:13 – Why labels like "privileged/unprivileged" flatten real life; every story is individual 04:15 – Rob explains who he wrote the book for: the typical educated reader + the kid in chaos who needs hope 07:30–12:00 – Rob's "three names" origin story: biological parents, homelessness, foster care, adoption 11:16 – Red Bluff, CA: family fragmentation, addiction, instability in a working-class town 12:40–16:30 – Foster-care policy: frequent moves to avoid attachment; "least bad option" dilemmas 18:15 – Why foster care gets little attention (and why stories are painful to face) 19:00–23:30 – What made Rob "successful": curiosity + the military as structure, mentors, and environment shift 25:17–29:46 – Research distinction: harshness (poverty) vs instability (unpredictability) as predictors 27:38 – Striking stats: college graduation rates—poor kids vs foster kids (as cited by Rob) 32:10–36:52 – "Luxury beliefs": elites "walk the 50s, talk the 60s"; the social mechanism of cultural messaging 39:18 – After-school programs, screens, and class gaps in supervision/structure 41:39–46:20 – Luxury beliefs as social currency: status signaling through "virtue" positions (white privilege, defund police) 46:20–53:21 – Ethnic studies curricula + backlash: why telling struggling kids they're "privileged" can fuel resentment 57:46–01:02:27 – Yale 2015 Halloween controversy + the irony of Rob being told he's "too privileged" 01:03:00–01:07:07 – Veblen → Bourdieu → Henderson: from luxury goods to cultural capital to luxury beliefs 01:09:09–01:11:18 – Careerism + hypocrisy: condemning institutions while competing to join them 01:11:18–01:15:45 – Post–Oct 7 campus protests; when beliefs meet real consequences 01:15:45–01:18:03 – Hope for higher education: reform, alternatives, and "you don't have to go to college" 01:18:03–01:20:27 – Why the story resonates beyond foster care; instability, immigration, divorce, loneliness

Former Michelle Obama speechwriter–turned–Jewish thinker and author Sarah Hurwitz joins Polina and Yelena to unpack what it actually means to be a Jew in 2025, beyond ethnic jokes, bagels, and a vague sense of guilt. Sarah talks about how her own culturally Jewish identity was slowly transformed into a deep and joyful commitment, and why deep learning is essential if we want to withstand modern antisemitism. We discuss how 2,000 years of Christian anti-Judaism, Nazi racial antisemitism, Soviet anti-Zionism, and contemporary campus anti Israel ideology all feed into today's hostility toward Jews and Israel—and how most Jews (and non-Jews) have no idea where these ideas come from. She breaks down the "three upgrades" of antisemitism, why "Zionism = racism/colonialism" is historically illiterate, and why Jewish students on some campuses are being treated like stand-ins for the world's ultimate evil. The conversation dives into what Judaism actually is, how the idea that every human being is created in the image of God shaped democracy and human rights, and why "the chosen people" is wildly misunderstood, it's a burden of responsibility, not a claim of superiority. Sarah also explains Judaism as a living, evolving interpretive tradition (hello, 2,500 years of commentary and argument), why dissent and chavruta-style debate are sacred. Sarah ends on a surprisingly hopeful note - so listen in to hear her message. 06:30 — Judaism as wisdom, not just religion or holidays 09:00 — Why antisemitism keeps reinventing itself 12:30 — Image of God, equality & the Jewish roots of democracy 15:00 — The title As a Jew and reclaiming identity without apology 18:00 — Internalized antisemitism & the "cultural Jew" problem 21:30 — What Jews actually are: peoplehood, tribe, civilization 24:00 — Campus antisemitism 27:30 — Israel, refugees & dismantling the "original sin" myth 31:00 — Zionism explained (without the hysteria) 34:30 — Qatar, ideology, and what's shaping academia 37:00 — Michelle Obama, "silence," and the problem with performative activism 40:00 — Chosenness redefined: responsibility, not superiority 43:00 — Jewish law evolves: debate, dissent & chavruta 46:00 — How observant is Sarah now? 48:30 — What gives Sarah hope for Jews in 2025 51:00 — Jewish spirituality, bodies, death rituals & chaplaincy 54:00 — Parting wisdom: why Jewish learning is the antidote Topics Discussed: The history of Israel's founding: land purchased at inflated prices, UN partition, war, refugees on all sides and why Israel is not founded on some unique "original sin" Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and why Palestinians are treated as a unique, multi-generational refugee category in a way that has harmed both Palestinians and Israelis. Qatar's influence and money in U.S. universities and how that has influenced academic discourse on Israel. Why Sarah, as a proud Zionist and proud American, rejects the idea that Jews can't be loyal Americans. What "chosenness" really means in Jewish tradition (spoiler: not racial superiority) The Jewish idea that every person is created b'tzelem Elohim (in the image of God) and how that idea helped shape the moral core of American democracy How chavruta (study partnership) and argument "for the sake of heaven" sharpens thinking and deepens truth—illustrated live in Polina, Yelena, and Sarah's back-and-forth What's next for Sarah https://www.sarahhurwitz.net

In this episode, we sit down with 30-year-old IDF reservist, special forces soldier, attorney, and nonprofit founder Stav Cohen, who is currently on a speaking tour in the U.S. Stav argues that while Israel's October 7th came with rockets and AK-47s, America's version is happening in suits and ties—through politics, NGOs, universities, and what he calls a "silent jihad." He explains how radical Islamist movements use the tools of democracy—immigration, elections, and legal advocacy—to gain power from within, and why he believes U.S. cities like New York are already showing the consequences. Stav breaks down the roles of countries like Turkey and Qatar, the influence of groups such as CAIR (which Texas recently designated a foreign terrorist organization under state law), and how massive foreign funding is reshaping American campuses, nonprofits, and public opinion. He pushes back hard on political correctness, warning that Western denial and moral confusion are a luxury Israelis no longer have—and Americans can't afford for long. We also talk about how hard it is for well-meaning Americans to distinguish peaceful Muslim neighbors from jihadi extremists, and why Stav believes clarity, not comfort, has to come first. Stav shares what life actually looks like as a soldier in the Duvdevan special forces unit, describing strict rules of engagement, the emphasis on minimizing civilian harm, and the psychological cost of 12 years on the battlefield. In a powerful closing segment, he talks about why Friends of the IDF (FIDF) has been a lifeline—funding gyms, clinics, trauma support, and equipment—and why, despite the image of a "strong" Israel, many Holocaust survivors are still living in poverty. For listeners wondering what they can do, Stav offers concrete actions: educate yourself about your local schools and universities, push back through legal and political channels, and support organizations that actually protect lives instead of enabling those who want to destroy them. Topics Discussed: What Stav means by "your October 7th" in America How Turkey, Qatar, and U.S.-based organizations fit into the bigger picture Why elite universities and academia have become a key battleground The gap between media narratives and what Israelis are actually experiencing How the IDF's rules of engagement differ from terrorist tactics Why support for FIDF and Holocaust survivors is more critical than ever https://www.stavnow.com/ https://www.fidf.org/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why This Conversation Is So Uncomfortable (and Necessary) Polina & Yelena frame the episode, bias, Soviet background, and why alarms are going off. 04:10 – Who Is Stav Cohen? IDF reservist, lawyer, nonprofit founder for autistic young adults & Holocaust survivors. 06:30 – "Your October 7th Is Coming": Silent Jihad Explained Stav on radical Islam using democracy's tools, Mamdani, Turkey, Qatar, and CARE. 13:36 – Are Israel's Problems America's Problems? Globalizing Islam, Allahu Akbar vs "Free Palestine," media, algorithms & immigration. 20:36 – "F Hope": Denial, 1930s Europe, and an Existential War Why Stav rejects political correctness and compares today to pre-war Europe. 22:59 – What Can Americans Actually Do? Education, schools, campus protests, MACA, and how not to let your city "become New York." 32:10 – Inside Duvdevan & How the IDF Fights Special forces missions, rules of engagement, and shooting-to-neutralize vs terror tactics. 36:55 – FIDF, PTSD & Holocaust Survivors How FIDF fills gaps for soldiers and why so many survivors are living in poverty. 42:30 – Closing: Why Stav Refuses to Be Filtered Final thoughts on speaking plainly, survival, and responsibility.

Monica Harris is the Executive Director of FAIR For All, a Harvard Law graduate, former Hollywood executive, and author of The Illusion of Division. Monica explains how her experience as a gay Black woman in Hollywood and then in "flyover country"shattered many elite narratives about America. She describes why she believes much of our current polarization is manufactured by media and political interests, and how identity-based frameworks like liberated ethnic studies and DEI are deepening division rather than healing it. We dig into the following: Why "Liberated Ethnic Studies" is dividing students, not uniting them How modern DEI programs drifted far from genuine civil rights principles Why identity-based teaching harms kids socially and emotionally The catastrophic decline in civic education—and why it matters now more than ever How the American Experience curriculum offers a unifying alternative What parents MUST know about what's being taught in classrooms today This conversation is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about polarization, education, and the future of democracy. Resources & Links FAIR For All: https://fairforall.org Monica's Substack: The Illusion of Division Monica's book, "The Ilusion of Division" Quotes "We have so much more in common than what separates us, but division is being manufactured." "Kids don't need to see each other as oppressors and oppressed—they need tools for civil discourse." "The bones of America are exceptional" "At FAIR, we're asking: what comes after polarization? Everyone can diagnose the problem; we're focused on solutions." "The entire liberated ethnic studies model flies in the face of reality on the ground. It pits students against each other at the exact moment in life when they most need to see each other as allies." ⏱ Episode Timestamps 00:00 -Welcome & Monica's California-to-Harvard-to-Hollywood story 05:00 -Leaving Hollywood for Montana: the real story behind the culture shock 07:50 - Why Monica wrote The Illusion of Division 09:20 — What FAIR For All does across education, arts, medicine & law 13:00 — Inside the American Experience curriculum 15:00 — The problems with Liberated Ethnic Studies 19:00 — Why America's system needs repair, not replacement 20:30 — How social media fuels division and fear 24:00 — "This isn't capitalism"—the economic reality young people face 26:00 — The collapse of civics education & why it matters 32:00 — How FAIR's curriculum teaches civil discourse & unifying history 35:00 — Why parents are the key to changing school districts 38:00 — What's happening in California, Oregon & other states 42:00 — When students should take the course: age, grade level & design 44:30 — The pilot program: access, cost & rollout plans 47:00 — How ethnic studies frames Jews, Asians & successful minorities as "privileged" 50:00 — Why human beings will always choose freedom over authoritarianism 51:00 — Closing thoughts & how to learn more

In this episode, we speak with Lucy Biggers, head of social media at The Free Press and a former climate activist who has completely rethought the story she was telling the world and herself. Lucy shares how she went from a left-wing digital newsroom steeped in oppressor–oppressed ideology and climate doomsday content to slowly "re-educating" herself, especially after COVID lockdowns made her question what the climate movement was really asking of ordinary people. We talk about how smart, idealistic young people get pulled into movements, from climate activism to "Free Palestine" marches and democratic socialists like AOC and Zohran Mamdani, often in search of purpose, belonging, and someone to blame. Lucy walks us through the emotional cost of changing her mind in public, losing old followers, gaining new ones, and learning to stand on principle instead of group approval. We also go bigger: what's happening in our universities and K–12 schools, the rise of extreme voices on both the woke left and the conspiratorial right, and why Lucy still believes in American exceptionalism, free thinking, and the courage to say, "I was wrong" as an act of wisdom, not shame. The Free Press Key Timestamps 01:10 — Why We Wanted Lucy On Polina & Yelena describe the fear-based worldview among younger generations—climate panic, campus politics, and rising democratic socialism. 01:52 — Lucy's Political Journey: From Left Activist to Free Thinker Lucy describes becoming left-wing in her 20s, influenced by the Iraq War, the financial crisis, and progressive newsroom culture. 02:30 — Inside the Newsroom Groupthink Lucy details the oppressor–oppressed ideology, white privilege training, and what felt like intellectual Marxism infiltrating media. 03:50 — Her Climate Activism Years Lucy shares how covering protests and joining the movement gave her meaning, identity, and moral purpose. 05:01 — COVID Breaks the Spell Seeing the entire world shut down while emissions drop only 5% becomes Lucy's "crack in the facade." She begins questioning whether the climate movement's end goals were even desirable. 05:45 — Quietly Leaving the Movement Lucy steps away from her climate series, stops posting online, and begins reading widely (Schellenberger, Koonin, etc.). 06:49 — Going Public With New Beliefs Lucy talks about the emotional risk of speaking out, losing followers, and bracing for backlash. 07:05 — How Brainwashing Happens Lucy explains how smart, well-meaning young people fall into movements due to: desire for meaning group belonging fear of social disapproval lack of global context 09:28 — Re-Education & The Books That Changed Her Mind She shares the resources that helped her unlearn fear-based ideology. 10:17 — Can Universities Be Saved? A discussion on Qatar influence, ideological capture, and whether reform is possible. 11:05 — Why Young People Hate the West Lucy argues that many lack global context and don't understand comparative freedoms. 12:43 — How Bad Ideas Spread Online CNN headlines, social media doom loops, and why young people accept fear as fact. 16:49 — Losing Followers & Building a New Audience 19:35 — Friendships & Family After a Political Shift What stayed the same, what changed, and who stuck by her. 20:46 — Are Climate Activists Becoming Today's "Free Palestine" Protestors? Lucy explains how the same psychological patterns show up in new movements. 21:58 — Social Media Censorship Before 2021 She describes how discussing climate nuance could get you banned. 23:12 — Basic Climate Facts No One Teaches Lucy reveals what shocked her most: 0.04% CO₂ coral reefs at all-time highs cold kills 6x more people than heat 25:04 — Why Activism Feels Like a Religion Young people adopt causes to feel grounded, connected, and good. 26:51 — The Bigger Ideology Behind It All Lucy now believes she witnessed cultural Marxism before she had language for it. 27:33 — What Gives Her Hope More people are waking up, and individuals standing up create a ripple effect. 30:23 — Mumdani, AOC & the Future of Democratic Socialists Why this movement appeals to disaffected youth, and why Lucy believes it "never works." 33:11 — How AOC Got Locked Into Her Own Brand Lucy reflects on covering AOC early in her career. 34:09 — What Do We Do About K–12 & Universities? Ideas for reform, alternative programs, and possible "Free Press University" models. 36:13 — The Rise of Tucker, Candace & the Far-Right Reaction Lucy expresses concern about extremism on the right mirroring extremism on the left. 39:01 — Why It's Hard to Push Back on the Right Fear of harassment from "groypers," conservative cancel-culture trauma, and the vacuum created by Charlie Kirk's assassination. 41:48 — Identity, Victimhood & Personal Accountability Why blame-based politics on either side leads nowhere. 42:47 — John Fetterman & Standing on Principle An example of a politician who didn't shift values for approval. 43:22 — Where to Follow Lucy Links to her Free Press work, Instagram, Substack, and Twitter. 43:52 — Polina Wraps With a Message on Wisdom Why changing your mind—publicly—is a mark of intelligence, not weakness. ⭐ MEMORABLE QUOTES On Changing Your Mind "The definition of intelligence is being able to change your mind when you have access to new information."— Polina Rubin "I wasn't deprogrammed overnight — I had to re-educate myself page by page." — Lucy Biggers On Fear-Based Activism "I lived half my twenties in a fear-based groupthink where I believed the world was burning and America was evil." — Lucy Biggers "That ideology makes you hate everything — including yourself." — Lucy Biggers On Climate Narratives "The world shut down during COVID and emissions only dropped 5%. What exactly does the climate movement want from us?" — Lucy "I wasn't a climate denier — but the facts I found contradicted the fear." — Lucy "CO₂ is 0.04% of our atmosphere. How did I not know that after years of covering climate?" — Lucy "Most extreme weather records come from the 1800s or 1930s — long before climate change was a buzzword." — Lucy On Universities & Ideology "Six billion dollars from Qatar went into our universities. Money goes a long way." — Polina "There are powerful forces trying to take over the minds of American youth — and with a lot of success." — Lucy On Groupthink & Identity "I'll do anything to fit in — that's how groupthink hooks smart, well-meaning young people." — Lucy On Politics & Extremes "What freaks me out is that some people now think Trump isn't right-wing enough." — Lucy Biggers "The Groypers sound like basement dwellers. I want to be on the side of builders." — Lucy Biggers "Each side is always looking for someone to blame instead of taking accountability." — Yelena Mugin On America "America is imperfect — but exceptional. Most of the world cannot tell their children to 'follow your dreams.'" — Lucy On Hope & The Future "When one person stands up, it creates a resonance — it gives others permission to do the same." — Lucy

Leland Vittert, NewsNation's chief Washington anchor and author of the memoir Born Lucky, joins us to talk about his childhood, his career, and all the unexpected ways he truly was born lucky. Despite years of bullying and difficulty navigating school as an autistic kid, Leland had one enormous blessing: parents who never gave up on him, never lowered the bar, and never stopped believing he was capable of a beautiful life. The devotion of Leland's father will melt your heart—and make you think about the millions of ways a child's life can be transformed through love, discipline, and grit. Leland shares moving stories about how his dad refused to quit on him and modeled what character really looks like. We also dig into journalism—his time reporting from Jerusalem, the state of today's media, who to trust, what's broken, and what still gives him hope. If you've ever felt different, misunderstood, or simply love a powerful father–son story, listen in. This episode will make you rethink what's possible. Timestamps 02:45 – Growing up autistic without knowing it 05:42 – "Wait… I was autistic this whole time?" 12:20 – Why you shouldn't run from adversity 15:39 – A father who refused to lower the bar 18:41 – The character lessons Leland got from his dad 27:04 – How Leland found his way into journalism 28:44 – Reporting from Jerusalem & who to trust in news 30:33 – The Fox anchor who questioned Trump's claims 32:41 – How the Middle East shaped Leland's worldview 46:59 – BBC apology Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG

What happens when a no-nonsense entrepreneur decides she’s had enough of California’s chaos? Elaine Culotti has ideas politicians won’t touch. She is a fearless entrepreneur, farmer, real estate developer, and a potential candidate for governor of California. You may also know her as one of the business tycoons on Undercover Billionaire. In this conversation, Elaine shares her frustrations with California’s government and bold ideas for tackling its toughest challenges. Shaped by decades of experience in real estate, building businesses, and running her own farm, Elaine brings a no-nonsense, working-class perspective to politics. We cover Calforinia's challenges with wildfires, immigration, homelessness and crime.  Elaine Culotti just might be wildcard California needs in order to reverse course and stop the blleeding.  

Our guest is Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, the company that pioneered the kefir market in America and today produces 95% of the kefir sold in the U.S. Julie’s story begins in 1976, when her parents immigrated from Kiev ( the former Soviet Union)  to Chicago. Her mother opened a deli, while her father, a mechanical engineer, missed the kefir he had back in the Soviet Union so he started making his own, and from that, Lifeway Foods was born. In 2002, tragedy struck. Julie’s father, Michael Smolyansky, died suddenly of a heart attack. At just 27, Julie stepped into the CEO role, becoming the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company. Under her leadership, Lifeway expanded its product lines and grew internationally. Today, with revenues topping $200 million, Julie has proven herself a powerhouse CEO—while also raising two daughters, running marathons, reading voraciously, and giving back through philanthropy and community leadership. This is the kind of conversation we love: a woman courageously living a full, multidimensional life. In this episode, we cover her parents’ immigrant journey, the rise of kefir in America, the science of gut health, and Lifeway’s latest innovations, including kefir with collagen and creatine.   This conversation is about courage, resilience, and building a full life. We get into: ✨ Her family’s immigrant journey from Kiev to Chicago ✨ How kefir conquered America ✨ The science of gut health ✨ Lifeway’s bold new products (yes—kefir with collagen + creatine!)   Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG

Charlie Kirk was a national treasure, known for his fearless commitment to open dialogue and free speech. We discuss why he was so important to us, and millions. While Charlie Kirk is irrereplacable, we hope his life inspires legions of people to courageously follow his path of upholding the foundational values and principles of the US. As mothers and citizens rather than politicians, we talk about what it means to intuitively know how to keep families and communities safe, why Charlies represented us and why his loss is so devastating. While we did not agree with all of Charlie's positions, we understood that he was on the frontlines every days trying to ensure an American future based on  its founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Before you believe the headlines calling Charlie a "Right Wing influencer" please remember that human progress has always required an openness to new ideas and information, while never forgetting the mistakes of the past. So may Charlie's memory be a blessing. May he be forever in our hearts and in our minds. And may we all try to be better people. May we all learn how to have better discourse, how to hear one another, how to empathize with one another.  -Polina and Yelena  

Brandy Shufutinsky is the newly appointed Director of the Education and National Security Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. In this important conversation, we disciuss how today’s ethnic studies curriculum, originally intended to promote understanding among diverse communities, is instead fueling division, promoting an oppressor-vs-oppressed worldview, and teaching students that capitalism is synonymous with white supremacy and exploitation. Brandy brings deep expertise to this topic, holding a doctorate in International and Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco, an MSW from USC, and an M.A. in International Relations from the University of San Diego. Today, at least 22 states mandate ethnic studies in K–12 education, 24 more have incorporated elements of it, and California has made it a graduation requirement. Yet there are no national standards for what’s being taught, and no real education on the dangers of communism, the importance of civics, or an emphasis on nurturing diverse opinions and critical thinking. Brandy shares how you can get involved locally to push for rigorous standards, honest history, and an end to the ideological indoctrination in our classrooms. If we want to preserve a strong and free Republic, the way we educate the next generation must change. Quotable Moments: "The ideology holds that I'm suffering from internalized oppression because I'm not willingly categorizing myself as part of the oppressed class." "If you are, or simply appear to be white, you're automatically put in the oppressor category." "We cannot have the Republic we have today with an ill-informed, miseducated next generation." "It's easy to be a communist when you're living in a capitalist society." "We need to teach civics and the benefits of our system, but we also have to teach the dangers of the other."   Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG

Stella Escobedo is an Emmy award winning news anchor-reporter with nearly 20 years experience,  a fearless journalist and an advocate who immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan from the Soviet Union.  Stella is currently a news anchor for One American News (OAN). In this conversation, Stella shares how her upbringing shaped her values, her global perspective, and the causes of her disillusionment with mainstream media. Journalism was always Stella’s passion. but during the COVID-19 pandemic, something shifted. Stella began to question the media’s silence on critical issues: the voices of parents during lockdowns, the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, and the dangerously skewed coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. We discuss  the deeply embedded bias against Israel in U.S. media and the painful, recurring truth that Jews are violently scapegoated in every generation. When serious issues arise, too many default to an intellectually lazy and ancient habit: blame the Jews, and deflect accountability. This conversation is both a warning and a call to action. It’s about truth, courage, and refusing to stay silent while history repeats itself. Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG A few of our favorite quotes from this episode: "If not me, then who?" "I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless." "The media completely ignored what we should have been able to have open conversations about." "The indoctrination of their children must stop for peace to exist."

Karen McKinney was a Philadelphia prosecutor working in the gang unit when her path first crossed with Joseph Herrera, a man she would go on to prosecute for murder. Twenty years later, Karen faced Joseph when he was up for parole. Not exactly your classic “how we met” story. What no one could have predicted is that years later, the two would form an extraordinary friendship that would transform both of their lives.  Karen saw something in Joseph that defied his past, a capacity for growth, empathy, and leadership. With her encouragement, Joseph began using his lived experience to help others break the cycle of recidivism. Today, they can speak on the phone for hours at a time, and Karen occasionally joins Joseph’s speaking events at prisons.  This story is a reminder that people are more than their worst mistakes, and that sometimes, the most unexpected connections are the ones that change everything. I Put Him in Jail for 20 Years. Now We're Good Friends Washington Post Deep Dive with Karen McKinney & Joseph Herrera on Hard Conversations on Kelly Corrigan Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG

In this episode, we talk about the value of work with David Bahnsen, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, a wealth management firm based in Newport Beach, California overseeing $4 billion in client's assets,  David is also a  thought leader, and author of Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. David wants to challenge one of society’s most accepted myths: that success means eventually not working. David makes a bold, and deeply personal case for why work isn’t just a way to earn a living, but a core part of living well. Drawing from his career in finance and his passion for theology, philosophy, and purpose, we discuss how our jobs can become powerful expressions of dignity, identity, and meaning. We talk about imposter syndrome, identity crises, midlife pivots, and why so many people feel lost in careers that don’t reflect who they truly are. David offers a different way of looking at work, especially for those feeling stuck or pressured to “have it all figured out.” We also get real about the unrealistic expectations placed on women juggling ambition, family, and careers. Favorite Quotes from David: "The dignity of work is completely egalitarian." "It is absolutely untrue that AI can ever replace virtue."

That’s the question we  brought to this conversation with Ada Palmer, a sci-fi writer, historian, and someone who sees the world with an incredibly rare, long lens. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the headlines (hi, same), this episode might help you breathe a little deeper. Ada believes we’re not living in a uniquely apocalyptic time—just a normally apocalyptic one. “We're living in a moment we must rise to, work hard on, do well where what we do matters,” she told me. “We have the ability to reduce 100% harm to 70% harm. We have that responsibility.” That line really stuck with us—because it’s so easy to feel powerless right now. But Ada’s message is the opposite: we do have agency, and what we do does matter. She also reminded us that fear isn’t new. “We are not more scared than our predecessors were 50 or 100 years ago. They were just as scared as we are. The stakes were just as high. The rewards of hard work were just as real. The penalties of messing up were just as disastrous.” Ada sees change not in election cycles, but in centuries. And that shift in perspective is powerful. We talk about why we need to stop chasing “total wins” and start celebrating the small, meaningful steps forward. Progress is almost always incremental, but that doesn’t make it any less real or important. From ancient Rome to climate policy, Ada brings in vivid historical parallels that made us see our moment differently. She doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges—we talk about the real stakes—but she offers something many of us arel craving: perspective, hope, and a reminder that we’ve come through hard things before. The part of our conversation that keeps echoing for us is this: Every generation has been called to save the world. They rose to the challenge. Now, it’s our turn.   🗣️ Quotes from Ada Palmer "We shouldn't think that we are living now in a uniquely apocalyptic moment. We're living in a normally apocalyptic moment." "Nothing is more similar to the future than the past." "Success isn't 100% victory. Success is mitigating the thing so that it's less bad when it happens." "Every generation has to save the world, and we can work hard at it and meet this occasion." Topics Discussed: 03:15 - Understanding the historical context of our current challenges 10:42 - The cyclical nature of apocalyptic moments throughout history 18:30 - Ada's journey as a historian and science fiction writer 25:50 - The impact of AI on society and the importance of policy 35:12 - How collective efforts can mitigate climate change 45:07 - The significance of partial victories in history 52:40 - Embracing resilience and responsibility in uncertain times  

Jenny Wood, former Google executive, leadership coach, and author of Wild Courage, joins us to talk about what it really takes to grow your career—whether you're in the early stages or navigating a mid-career reset. With her refreshingly direct approach, Jenny shares how to apply your experience, find your voice, and lead with confidence. In this episode, we cover practical, no-nonsense strategies for standing out at work, communicating with your boss, building a network that actually supports you, and tapping into the kind of courage that deepens with age. If you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or simply ready for more—this conversation is for you.   Careers: Looking for career clarity, inspiration, or a reset? Check out our other caereer related podcasts  💖 Kathy Caprino, author of The Most Powerful You, breaks down the 7 power gaps holding back 98% of women and 90% of men—and how to close them. Lauren McGoodwin, founder of Career Contessa, talks about entitlement in the workplace and why chasing the “perfect job” can lead us astray. Julian Guthrie shares the untold story of the first female venture capitalists in Silicon Valley—and how they changed the game. Courtney Martin challenges traditional definitions of success and offers a more honest, human vision of achievement. Joan Barnes, founder of Gymboree, opens up about resilience, entrepreneurship, and recovering from bulimia while building a beloved brand. Jane Boulware reflects on her journey from Iowa farm life to an executive role at Microsoft—and what early retirement really looks like. Topics Discussed: 03:33 - Jenny Miller shares her story about tapping into wild courage in life 06:39 - Go after what you want and get it 12:24 - "Woo with you" is a technique used by introverts to influence others 15:11 - What do you think are the most important traits for success 18:18 - The biggest leap in Silicon Valley is moving from middle manager to executive 23:43 - You have to have courage to reach up to your boss's boss 26:57 - Brutal is the power of no to protect your time, energy and priorities 33:08 - How AI could affect middle managers 34:37 - Which AI tools Jenny is using 44:25 - For moms who left the workforce to raise kids, how do they get back 51:08 - You show up as an introvert on Myers Briggs, but nobody believes it 55:40 - What the entrepreneurial path feels like for Jenny 58:53 - Jenny's current revenue stream is 70% keynote speaking and 10% newsletter sponsorship

Natasha Sizlo was having a terrible year. Fresh off a divorce, bankruptcy, the end of a passionate affair, and then the news came about her beloved father’s devastating terminal illness. When a friend suggested an astrology reading, Natasha’s first instinct was a hard pass. But, Natasha relented, and the reading led her towards a year of magic, adventure and healing.  Natasha’s book, All Signs Point to Paris, shares her unusual search for her soulmate in Paris. Alongside her sister and two best friends, we follow Natasha’s adventures in the city of love. In this podcast. Natasha shares her story and how believing in fate and love gave her the courage to search for love, and also to treasure the love she already had in her life.  Hire Natasha to be your real estate agent: https://www.theagencyre.com/agent/natasha-sizlo Quotes from the podcast: "I just have to go to find everybody with his exact same birth chart because the one has to still be out there." "Once I started believing, I started seeing." "To live an authentic life, that's a beautiful thing." "If it's mentionable, it's manageable." "Sounds like you're going to Paris. I'll meet you there."  

Are you living a psychologically rich life? In this episode we discuss what it means to be psychologically rich and how you can generate more richness. In "Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life", Shigehiro Oishi, Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago,  shares his research and the ways leading a psychologically rich life can transform how you prioritize your days and goals. As Shige shares, “a  psychologically rich life is a life filled with diverse, unusual, interesting experiences that change your perspective; a life with twists and turns; a dramatic, eventful life instead of a simple and straightforward one”. For those of you who feel that something is missing from your lives, or that your dreams and goals don't fit with societal expectations, this conversation is for you. Shige Oishi has given uys the language and concept for living our lives in search of experience, adventure, learning and connection.    PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforyoupod Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforitpod@gmail.com Get Shige's book  Topics Discussed: 05:07 - The the three pillars of a happy life  14:13 - How narrating your experiences enriches the experience 20:12 - A psychologically rich day involves a wide range of emotions 22:18 - Happiness used to be good luck and fortune, but now happiness is personal success 25:41 - Happiness is more like a batting average 32:03 - Happiness is not the intensity but the frequency of positive emotion 36:13 - As we age, curiosity and, and exploration wane, and how to balance it 39:09 - psychological richness mindset can help deal with difficult life situations