Populism, Power, and the Pursuit of Justice

In this episode, I kick things off by unpacking two words we keep hearing in the headlines: populism and authoritarianism. These aren’t just academic buzzwords—they’re frameworks shaping the political climate we’re living through right now. I break down what they mean, why they matter, and how they show up in everything from political rhetoric to policymaking.

Then I’m joined by Myles Johnson, a brilliant and passionate voice for Black America and one of the most insightful people I know. Born and raised in Orange County, Virginia, Myles studied Political Science and Pre-Law at Longwood University with the goal of becoming a civil rights attorney and, one day, a judge. His journey is rooted in a deep commitment to Black empowerment—economically, politically, culturally, and socially.

In our conversation, we get real about white supremacy, the current pushback against DEI initiatives, and how Black communities are navigating this moment. Myles also shares how his love for rap, reading, and the power of language fuels his activism—and how his brotherhood in Alpha Phi Alpha has shaped his commitment to service and leadership.

This is more than just a conversation. It’s a look at the systems we’re up against, the values we’re fighting for, and the future we want to build.