Revolutionary Optimism Podcast

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

Join Dr. Paul Zeitz and distinguished author, sociologist, and professor Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter in a thought-provoking conversation that explores the vision of radical reparations and global perspectives on racial equity. Dr. Hunter shares insights from his new book, "Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation," weaving together stories that transcend time and space, challenging the conventional narratives of opp...

In this special episode of the Emergency Opportunity Podcast, Dr. Zeitz delves into the urgent call for President Biden to step aside in the 2024 presidential race and make way for an open democratic convention. Join the #unifyUSA movement and Landslide PAC's revolutionary optimism to reshape the future of the United States. Discover why an open convention is proposed, the risks involved, and the historical significance an...

Join host Dr. Paul Zeitz in a captivating conversation with activist and author Rivera Sun on this episode of Revolutionary Optimism. Explore Rivera Sun's transformative journey, from dancer to leading nonviolent movements, as they discuss the roots of activism and the challenges facing the U.S. in the midst of an authoritarian takeover of our feeble democracy.

Delve into the ripening conditions for peaceful revolution ...

In this Emergency Opportunity Podcast (EOP), we reflect on the trials and triumphs of the past year and explore the profound insights shared by our diverse array of guests. Dr. Zeitz discusses the powerful lessons learned from Rep. Barbara Lee, Democratic Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson, Rabbi Shefa Gold, and Congressman Jamie Raskin. He emphasizes the urgency to address the climate emergency and advocates for a...