How to Fix It with John Avlon

Ken Burns, the celebrated documentary filmmaker, joins John Avlon to explore the human story behind the American Revolution. They discuss how compelling storytelling can bridge divisions and how the Revolution's complexities reflect today's issues. Burns highlights diverse contributions from Black and Native Americans, as well as lesser-known heroes like teenage soldiers. He warns against contemporary misinformation, emphasizing the need for civic education. Their conversation underscores the lasting impact of history on current societal values and engagement.

Investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, known for his compelling narratives in works like 'Say Nothing,' explores the lessons from Northern Ireland’s Troubles and their resonance in today's polarized America. He discusses the role of radical voices and the impact of state actions on conflict escalation. Keefe emphasizes the importance of rigorous fact-checking against misinformation and critiques the pitfalls of access-driven journalism. He also touches on the need for media literacy among parents and hints at his upcoming book, 'London Falling.'

Harvard law professor and democracy reformer Larry Lessig is taking on the big money machine. In Maine, he’s helping defend a ballot initiative that bans super PACs, backed by a stunning 75% of voters. If he wins, this case could crack Citizens United wide open and bring campaign finance reform to the entire country. This might just be the moment to end dark money’s grip on American politics.Get 25% off your next mattress at https://GhostBed.com/FIXIT and use promo code FIXIT at checkout.

John Avlon talks with Senator Andy Kim about Trump’s “mob boss” politics, the rise of fear inside the GOP, and Kim’s plan to build an anti-corruption movement that takes on what he calls “the cowards and the crazies.”

Does “broken windows” policing actually work? John Avlon and John Miller dig into how a small idea changed New York City — and why it still sparks huge debates today. It’s a lesson in data, strategy, and how crime narratives get twisted for politics.

Barbara F. Walter, a political scientist and author of How Civil Wars Start and How to Stop Them, joins to discuss America’s tumultuous political climate. She highlights the alarming signs of democratic decline and how leaders can manufacture crises to seize power. Walter suggests crucial reforms, like regulating social media algorithms and empowering citizen action through peaceful resistance. Despite the seriousness of the situation, she also identifies sources of hope in American civic resilience and the importance of local reforms.

John Avlon sits down with CNN’s Elie Honig to unpack Trump’s escalating war on the rule of law. From the flimsy indictment of James Comey to the replacement of seasoned prosecutors with political lackeys, they trace how Trump is dismantling the Justice Department’s independence. Drawing lessons from Watergate to January 6th, they warn of the dangers ahead, and explore what reforms are needed to rebuild guardrails and protect democracy.

Rep. Dan Goldman, a former federal prosecutor and current U.S. Representative from New York, shares his insights on critical national issues. He uncovers the alleged FBI cover-up related to Jeffrey Epstein and highlights the partisan dynamics affecting law enforcement. Goldman critiques Trump’s attacks on free speech and emphasizes the need for collective public pressure on corporations. He also discusses strategies to protect healthcare funding amidst shutdown politics and stresses the importance of defining policy to improve Democratic messaging ahead of 2026.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, John Avlon and libertarian thinker Nick Gillespie dive into America’s rising tide of political violence, and how reckless rhetoric fuels it. They explore Trump’s authoritarian drift, from tariffs and National Guard deployments to state capitalism that looks more like Xi Jinping than Ronald Reagan. Can new coalitions of centrists and libertarians push back against MAGA’s illiberal turn and rebuild a politics rooted in freedom, pluralism, and principle?

John Avlon sits down with Ambassador Nicholas Burns, who served as US Ambassador to China from 2021 to 2025. They discuss how Donald Trump’s foreign policy blunders are weakening America and strengthening China. From alienating India with sky-high tariffs, to undermining alliances with Japan and South Korea, to wavering on tech restrictions and Taiwan, Trump’s choices are giving Beijing an edge. They also talk about China’s massive “Salt Typhoon” cyberattack, its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the bizarre hot-mic moment where Xi, Putin, and Kim Jong-un mused about living forever. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code FIXIT at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod