Revolutionary Optimism Podcast

Revolutionary Optimism Podcast

To respond to the challenging times we are living through, physician, humanitarian and social justice advocate Dr. Paul Zeitz has identified “Revolutionary Optimism” as a new cure for hopelessness, despair, and cynicism. Revolutionary Optimism is itself an infectious, contagious, self-created way of living and connecting with others on the path of love. Once you commit yourself as a Revolutionary Optimist, you can bravely unleash your personal power, #unify with others, and accelerate action for our collective repair, justice, and peace, always keeping love at the center.

Episodes

October 20, 2025 47 mins

Venture capitalist, political strategist, and philanthropist Bradley Tusk believes our democracy is running out of time—and that the solution fits in your pocket. In this episode, Bradley shares the story behind his new book, Vote With Your Phone, and how mobile voting could be the “final shot” at saving American democracy. From his early work in politics and Uber’s fight for legitimacy, to his philanthropic push for hunge...

Mark as Played

What does it take to confront racism without falling into despair and instead transform our institutions for equity and justice? In this episode, Dr. Zeitz speaks with Professor Susan Sturm of Columbia Law School, a leading scholar and changemaker whose work bridges law, education, and community action. Drawing from her new book, What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions, Sturm unpacks the paradoxes a...

Mark as Played

Trust in our democracy is collapsing, but history shows that when ordinary people rise up, real change becomes inevitable. In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz issues a bold call to action: join a nationwide movement to refresh and renew American democracy before it’s too late. From the Freedom Charter to the vision of a National Citizens Assembly, Dr. Zeitz lays out a concrete plan for how everyday Americans—not politicians or...

Mark as Played

Journalist and author Osita Nwanevu joins Dr. Paul Zeitz to unpack a hard truth: the United States was never designed to be an authentic democracy. Drawing from his book The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding, Osita explains why our system fails the tests of equality, responsiveness, and majority rule—and how we might reinvent it for the 21st century. The conversation dives deep into th...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz is joined by Vinay Orekondy, an Australian-born attorney, mediator, and democracy innovator now working at the heart of America’s civic renewal movement.  Vinay wears multiple hats as he serves as the Partnerships Director, Better Together America; Co-Chair, Braver Network (Braver Angels); and the Director of Programs and Engagement, Grand Bargain Project. 


Vinay takes us on a journey from his...

Mark as Played

Can we rescue American democracy before it’s too late? In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with renowned legal scholar and democracy innovation entrepreneur and leader, Professor Lawrence Lessig of Constitutional Law at Harvard University, to explore a bold path forward. From unraveling the corrupting influence of Super PACs and dark money to defending the Constitution against authoritarian overreach, Lessig offers c...

Mark as Played

Is America at a breaking point—or at the cusp of a breakthrough? In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice. A lifelong theologian and anti-poverty organizer, Rev. Dr. Liz shares why we are living in a Kairos moment—a time of both crisis and profound possibility.


Together, they un...

Mark as Played

Welcome to season three of Revolutionary Optimism! In this episode, producer Cee Cee Huffman talks with Dr. Paul Zeitz and social impact filmmaker Leigh Blake to discuss the launch of #unifyUSA, a groundbreaking movement dedicated to refreshing the U.S. Constitution through citizen-led action. With a shared history of tackling the global HIV/AIDS crisis and driving social change, Paul and Leigh explain why now is the time ...

Mark as Played

Dr. Paul Zeitz is talking with philosopher and legal scholar Alex Guerrero, author of Lottocracy: Why Lottery Should Replace Elections. Alex delves into the bold concept of lottocracy, a reimagined form of democracy by lottocracy where randomly selected citizens replace traditional elections to create more equitable and accountable leadership.


Drawing on over 15 years of research, Alex shares the flaws of electoral demo...

Mark as Played

Dr. Paul Zeitz invites you to join a transformative movement to rebuild democracy with permanent Citizens’ Assemblies so that we can create a just, sustainable future. Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of our time, Dr. Paul outlines a visionary path forward: mobilizing citizens' assemblies across the nation, culminating in a historic National People's Convention by July 4, 2026. This is your chance to rise abo...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Revolutionary Optimism, host Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with renowned activist and strategist Srđa Popović, co-founder of Center for Applied Non-Violent Actions and Strategies: CANVAS, and leader of the Otpor! movement that ousted Serbian dictator Slobodan Milošević. Srđa shares gripping stories from his activism journey, including the innovative use of humor and nonviolent tactics that mobilized millions ...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with political thought leader Nick Coccoma to explore bold visions for transforming democracy in the United States. From his deep-rooted experiences in a tight-knit community to his journey through theology, philosophy, and democratic innovation, Nick shares his perspective on how citizens' assemblies and sortition-based democracy could rejuvenate self-governance, mitigate corruption, a...

Mark as Played

Dr. Paul Zeitz is joined by Ann Pettifor, a trailblazing economist and author known for her pivotal work on sovereign debt and the Green New Deal. Ann shares her journey from apartheid South Africa to becoming a leading advocate for reconstructing the “global casino” into a new financial system that serves people and the planet. Together, they explore the unruly Wall Street controlled financial system that drives inequalit...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Terry Bouricius, prominent political theorist and former Vermont legislator, highlights the shortcomings of traditional electoral systems in achieving true demographic representation and effective decision-making. Drawing from his experiences in legislative bodies, Bouricius emphasizes the disconnect between lawmakers and the populations they serve, particularly evident in his work on a landlord-tenant bil...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Sam Daley-Harris, a renowned author, activist, and founder of Results, an organization focused on ending poverty and promoting social justice. Sam shares the journey that led him from the world of music to advocating for global change, and why he updated his groundbreaking book, Reclaiming Our Democracy, for today's political climate. Together, they explore how ordinary citizens ca...

Mark as Played

In this special episode of the Emergency Opportunity Podcast (EOP), Dr. Zeitz unveils the call for a US Declaration of Interdependence and calls for an open National People's Convention to find new leaders and heal the nation's divides. As the country faces unprecedented challenges—from political instability to social injustice—he calls for a collective commitment to constitutional renewal and transformative action, emphas...

Mark as Played

Dr. Zeitz and Reverend Redeem Robinson are shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of grassroots advocacy in the modern era. After delving into their shared experiences of activism, including their arrest for demanding climate action at the White House, they address the pressing issues of voter apathy, the complexities of the 2024 election landscape and the need for reparations for African Americans. With candor and ...

Mark as Played

Join Dr. Zeitz in this enlightening episode of Revolutionary Optimism as he engages in a heartfelt conversation with renowned author, speaker, and activist Lisa Sharon Harper. Explore the intersection of faith and justice as Lisa shares her journey on racial equity and liberation theology. From transformative experiences on a peace pilgrimage in Israel/Palestine to confronting injustice in Ferguson, Lisa delves into the po...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with Ellen Goldstein, a former World Bank director with over three decades of experience in international development. With a focus on fostering democracy, economic development, social inclusion and conflict resolution, Goldstein shares her insights on navigating complex revolutionary times in Myanmar when the world hoped that democracy would take hold, and then it collapsed.


Di...

Mark as Played

In this empowering episode, Dr. Paul Zeitz (he/him) engages in a riveting conversation with Sarah Gardner, Lennon Torres, and Leah Juliett, three remarkable leaders at the forefront of the fight against child sexual abuse material and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. As CEO of the HEAT Initiative, Sarah Gardner (she/her) shares insights into their mission to demand action from Apple, Meta and other leading tec...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

    It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.