The New Liberal Podcast

The growth of the digital economy and of AI in particular means that there's incredible demand for new data centers. But if you listen to the popular discourse, you'll hear all sorts of scary stories - data centers are stealing our land, consuming our water, making people sick, and more. Andy Masley joins the podcast to break down what's real, what's fake news, why people fall for misinformation and what he actually worries about when it comes to new data centers. Support the podcast and get involved with your local chapter by becoming a member of the Center for New Liberalism. Join at https://cnliberalism.org/become-a-member Got questions? Send us a note at mailbag@cnliberalism.org. Follow us at: https://twitter.com/CNLiberalism https://cnliberalism.org/ https://www.instagram.com/cnliberalism/

Alex Bores, a New York state legislator and congressional candidate known for sponsoring AI regulation and fighting for housing affordability. He discusses governing in a deep blue district and practical reforms for housing, infrastructure, and financing. He explains why AI became central to his campaign, lays out near-term harms to kids, work, and democracy, and describes privacy-preserving age checks and bipartisan regulation ideas.

Dean Spears, economist and author of After the Spike, studies population, development, and policy. He explains why global population is likely to peak and then decline. He explores persistent low birth rates, why common explanations fall short, cultural drivers behind parenting choices, and which policies actually change long-run fertility trends.

Sarah Isgur, political commentator and author of Last Branch Standing, offers a concise look at the U.S. Supreme Court's history and role. She discusses polarization myths, unanimous decisions that defy simple labels, ideological and institutional fault lines among justices, the rise of the shadow docket, and how congressional dysfunction and politicized confirmations reshaped the Court.

A fiery critique of a prominent streamer’s influence on party politics. The conversation spotlights praise for authoritarian regimes and silence on human-rights abuses. It traces a pattern of excusing repression, applauding violent movements, and normalizing propaganda. The piece warns about the risks of elevating such figures within broad democratic coalitions.

A rapid-fire mailbag tackles Iran policy and nuclear risk, debating diplomacy versus escalation. Conversations probe why the Iran war feels directionless and how to measure real success. There is a debate over Democratic strategy: big tent versus purity. The episode also examines the appeal of combative left-wing personalities and how social media shapes which stories endure.

Ben Ritz, VP of Policy Development at the Progressive Policy Institute and federal budget analyst, critiques Democratic fiscal fantasies. He explains why flashy tax-cut proposals fail budget math. The conversation probes inflation risks, limits of taxing the rich, and the political cost of promising benefits without honest funding.

DC is facing a number of crises - interference from a hostile Congress, high levels of crime, and a local economy gutted by DOGE. Kenyan McDuffie is a former city councilman and candidate for mayor, and he joins the podcast to discuss how DC can recover and grow past its current challenges. Support the podcast and get involved with your local chapter by becoming a member of the Center for New Liberalism. Head to https://cnliberalism.org/become-a-member Got questions? Send us a note at mailbag@cnliberalism.org. Follow us at: https://twitter.com/CNLiberalism https://cnliberalism.org/ https://www.instagram.com/cnliberalism/

President Trump has started a war between the United States and Iran. Jeremiah walks through what we know so far, the historical and regional context for how this war started, what good and bad outcomes might look like, and what sorts of core values liberals should keep in mind as they analyze Trump's actions. Support the podcast and get involved with your local chapter by becoming a member of the Center for New Liberalism. Head to https://cnliberalism.org/become-a-member Got questions? Send us a note at mailbag@cnliberalism.org. Follow us at: https://twitter.com/CNLiberalism https://cnliberalism.org/ https://www.instagram.com/cnliberalism/

They debate whether social inclusion can be pushed so far it harms public life. Viral social media incidents and public disorder are used to explore limits of tolerance. The conversation examines how institutions like transit, libraries, and schools need boundaries to function. They stress pairing compassion with enforcement and resisting both punitive extremes and abandonment of rules.