A Moment with Erik Fleming

In this Labor Day episode, Host Erik Fleming rips on Enes Kanter and Vice President Vance, while offering thoughts on Gloria Steinem, Cassandra Wilson and his uncle, Juan Charleston, Sr.

Host Erik Fleming sits down with Akil Parker, founder of All This Math, to explore how mathematics — taught through culture and everyday life — builds critical thinking, empowers Black families, and reshapes how we learn. Parker explains "histematics," practical resources for parents, and why math is a language everyone uses.
Also joining the conversation is psychologist Cole Davis, author of The Stone Age Now, who warns that outmoded, tribal ways of thinking (atavism) are undermining modern society. Together the guests urge a rethink of institutions, politics, and education to foster long-term, evidence-based solutions.

Host Erik Fleming sits down with novelist Erica Kent, Men4Choice leader Aaron Bos-Lun, and writer Ke’Aun Charles to explore themes of addiction, reproductive justice, and Afrofuturism.
The episode moves from a discussion of Kent’s debut novel Black Dog and its compassionate portrayal of teen addiction, to Aaron’s work activating men in the fight for reproductive freedom, and concludes with Keon’s perspectives on Afrofuturism, U.S.–Africa relations, and political strategy.

Erik Fleming speaks with Harvard historian Michael Klarman and Cornell civil rights lawyer Joseph Margulies about the resurgence of white supremacy, threats to democracy, and the human costs of an unforgiving society.
The episode also includes a news roundup and reflections on public scrutiny, institutional responsibility, and the need for empathy and accountability in law and politics.

In this episode Erik Fleming interviews two Harvard professors: Alexandra Natapoff, co-editor of America Unfinished, on criminal justice, rule of law, and the legal work needed to make democracy more inclusive; and Dr. Bianca J. Baldridge, author of Laboring in the Shadows, on the vital but often overlooked role of Black youth workers, community-based education, and the resilience and joy that sustain Black communities.
The discussion explores the unfinished project of American democracy, inequities in the criminal system, the power of community youth work, education reform, and why hope and collective action remain essential.

Hosts Erik Fleming interviews Lieutenant Colonel Eileen Isola about her book "Necessary Turbulence," which compiles fifty years of women's experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Ryan Virden about "Breaking the Privilege Frame," his call for white Americans to join racial justice work as a path to mutual healing and systemic change.
The episode explores military service, gender and racial barriers, the impact of wars and policy on institutions, and how storytelling and collective action can build a more just, connected America.

Host Erik Fleming sits down with three remarkable guests: Dr. Erica B. Wattley on leadership, education and cybersecurity; Victoria Hetherington on her book The Friend Machine and the ethics of AI companionship; and Pamela Campos‑Palma on political organizing, veterans' advocacy, and movement strategy. The episode also opens with a concise news roundup that sets the context for each conversation.
These interviews blend practical leadership tips, probing questions about technology and companionship, and urgent calls to civic engagement — offering listeners accessible insights on power, hope, and how communities can push for meaningful change.

Host Erik Fleming opens the episode with news and housekeeping before interviewing three guests about urgent public issues. He speaks with Charles Gueli, an 80‑year‑old author of Fixing Federal Dysfunction, about gerrymandering, campaign finance, housing, and ways to revive citizen engagement in government.
Alexa Morris joins to share The Courtyard, the intimate Holocaust memoir of her father‑in‑law Benjamin Parket, highlighting neighborly courage, survival in occupied France, and the importance of preserving memory for new generations.
Maritza Perez‑Medina of the Drug Policy Alliance discusses drug policy and criminal justice reform, harm reduction, immigrant and labor impacts of cannabis enforcement, and the need to shift resources from punishment to public health.
The episode ties these conversations together around themes of civic responsibility, human dignity, and practical reforms to strengthen communities and protect rights.

Host Erik Fleming interviews Massachusetts State Senator Lydia Edwards about her journey from public-interest attorney to state senator and National Guard JAG officer, highlighting her work on the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, the Protect Act, and relief for federal workers during shutdowns.
The conversation also touches on Boston’s rising political cohort, the role of the National Guard, national political strategy ahead of 2026, and recent community tragedies and commemorations that underscore the urgency of justice and accountability.

Host Erik Fleming speaks with four guests about urgent public issues: Jerren Chang on building civic infrastructure and "democracy renovation," Dr. Bhumika Muchhala on decolonial feminist political economy, climate justice, and sovereign debt, and Mason Donovan & Mark Kaplan on workplace policies and their new book The Parenthood Advantage.
The episode explores practical reforms—from civic education and media to fiscal justice and paid parental leave—highlighting ideas to strengthen democratic participation, global economic equity, and family-friendly workplaces.