A Moment with Erik Fleming

Dialogue & Understanding Featuring Rajiv Vinnakota and Howard Yaruss

Host Erik Fleming welcomes listeners and interviews two experts: Rajiv Vinnakota on rebuilding civic culture in colleges and engaging Gen Z, and Howard Yaruss explaining clear, practical economics.
The episode explores constructive campus dialogue, the college presidents initiative for civic preparedness, how young people want to engage in person, and accessible explanations of tariffs, crypto, national debt, and Social Security.
Erik closes with reflections on leadership, recent national events, and calls to support the podcast and civic causes.

Home & Heart Featuring Lorena Quiroz and Anne Hand

Host Erik Fleming speaks with Lorena Quiroz about organizing after the 2019 mass worksite raids in Mississippi and efforts to prepare and protect immigrant communities, and with Anne Hand about reclaiming family history and pursuing Austrian citizenship through a restorative program.
The episode explores themes of belonging, due process, humane immigration policy, intergenerational history, and the role of community and kindness in political action.

Revival & Purpose Featuring Michael Bedenbaugh and Rep. Pamelya Herndon

Host Erik Fleming discusses revival and purpose with Michael Bedenbaugh on constitutional reform and civic renewal, and Representative Pamelya Herndon on New Mexico’s universal childcare, gun safety, mental health in schools, and community justice initiatives.

Ethics & Empathy Featuring Dr. Wylin Wilson and Dr. Terri Givens

Host Erik Fleming speaks with Dr. Wylin D. Wilson and Dr. Terri Givens about ethics, womanist bioethics, the role of the Black church in community care, and the politics of radical empathy. The episode covers Hurricane Melissa relief, recent election outcomes, and how education, empathy, and faith shape civic life and public health.

Open Your Political Mind Featuring Les Leopold, Veronica Cardenas and John Bonifaz

Host Erik Fleming leads a wide-ranging conversation with three experts: Les Leopold on labor and runaway inequality, Veronica Cardenas on immigration and humane legal support, and John Bonifaz on free speech, voting rights, and constitutional reform. The episode also includes a news roundup and calls for civic engagement.
Listeners will hear concrete policy ideas, personal stories, and practical resources to stay informed and get involved.

A Great Show Featuring Dr. C. Nicole Mason, Maura Gillespie and Will Cooper

Host Erik Fleming sits down with Dr. C. Nicole Mason, Maura Gillespie, and author Will Cooper to unpack women’s political power, the recent No Kings rallies, the state of American civic life, and Cooper’s new fictionalized take on Donald Rumsfeld. The episode blends policy analysis, grassroots strategy, and cultural commentary aimed at helping listeners connect the dots and take action.

Actors of Democracy Featuring Sahar Aziz and Wala Blegay

Host Erik Fleming interviews Professor Sahar Aziz and Councilmember Wala Blegay in a wide-ranging episode about law, activism, and public service.
Aziz examines national security, Islamophobia, campus protests, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while Blegay discusses local governance, the impact of federal layoffs, EV infrastructure, and a Food-as-Medicine initiative to improve community health.
Together they explore how activists and elected officials work to protect civil rights, shape policy, and hold power accountable.

Pretend They Are Dead Featuring Steven Eichenblatt

Host Erik Fleming interviews attorney and author Steven Eichenblatt about his memoir Pretend They Are Dead, tracing his discovery of his biological father's journals, the impact of abandonment, and how those experiences inspired three decades of advocacy for children as a guardian ad litem.
The episode closes with a brief commentary on character and courage in public life, touching on current political moments and the importance of standing up for what protects families and children.
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Evangelize, Reflect, Embrace Featuring Dr. Nancy Pearson, Tania Anderson and Hannah Bonecutter

Host Erik Fleming sits down with three community-focused leaders—Dr. Nancy Pearson, Tania Anderson, and Hannah Bonecutter—to explore civic engagement, local government, and public service. The episode highlights practical steps for getting involved in local politics, the power of curiosity and contribution, and the lived experiences of leaders navigating activism, representation, and public life.
Listeners will hear candid reflections on running for office, protecting vulnerable communities, and the role of media and policy in shaping public health and equity. The conversation emphasizes staying engaged, holding officials accountable, and celebrating small victories in the ongoing work of community change.

Pragmatic Optimism Featuring Mikel Bolden, Renee Williams and Joan Garry

Host Erik Fleming speaks with three leaders — Mikel Bolden, executive director of the Mississippi Democratic Party; Renee Williams, CEO of the National Center for Victims of Crime; and Joan Garry, founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab. They discuss voter engagement and special elections in Mississippi, supporting crime survivors and ethical true-crime storytelling, and nonprofit leadership during challenging political and funding climates.
The episode blends pragmatic optimism with practical strategies for organizing, trauma-informed victim support, and nonprofit resilience, encouraging listeners to get involved and resist threats to democratic norms and civil society.