Shows
Not Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 13: Trump's Takeover of Washington D.C. and SCOTUS News on Marriage EqualityIn this episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we examine two flashpoints in America’s ongoing democratic stress test.First, we unpack Donald Trump’s unprecedented takeover of Washington, D.C., invoking the rarely used Home Rule Act of 1973 to seize control of the city’s police department under the banner of fighting crime. Was this a genuine safety measure—or a political power grab dressed in law-and-order rhetoric? Then, we shift to Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who made headlines in 2015 for refusing to issue marriage licenses...2025-08-1230 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 12: Zohran's Win, AOC's Vote, and Harris on ColbertIn this episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we bring you a triple shot of the week’s most revealing political moments—from the streets of Queens to the halls of Congress to late-night television.First up: Zohran Mamdani’s resounding victory, captured not just in votes but in powerful video moments that went viral for all the right reasons. We break down how his unapologetically progressive campaign and deep organizing paid off—and what his win means for the future of New York (and the left nationwide).Speaking of leaders on the left, State Assembly...2025-08-0542 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 11: Jason Reyes on Zohran Mamdani for New York City MayorThis week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we zoom in on what might be the most defining political showdown of the decade: the NYC Mayoral Primary between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani.On the surface, it's a local race. But underneath? It's a national referendum on what kind of Democratic Party we want to build. To discuss what's happening on the ground, Nick is joined by his friend, Jason Reyes, a marketing professional and longtime resident of Astoria, NY.Nick & Jason discuss:Why Zohran Mamdani's vision...2025-06-1745 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 10: Rank Zohran Mamdani First for NYC MayorThis week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we're diving into the high-stakes chaos of the NYC Mayoral Democratic Primary, where progressive power plays, surprise endorsements, and backroom drama are reshaping the city’s political future.Host Nick unpacks:Endorsements: AOC vs Jessica Ramos — what it signals, who it alienates, and how it shifts the race’s voter dynamics.The latest polling from Data for Progress and Emerson, revealing which candidates are surging, slipping, or splitting the vote.The growing grassroots momentum behind Zohran Mamdani, and why some o...2025-06-1142 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 9: The First Ever Queers for Action NYC Mayoral Primary ForumThis week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we take you inside the race for New York City Mayor in the Democratic primary in the upcoming ranked choice election. Six of the candidates participated in a first of its kind LGBTQIA+ issue focused mayoral primary forum, hosted by the new grassroots organizing group, Queers for Action. The stage was electric as candidates—Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander, Adrienne Adams, Michael Blake, Jessica Ramos, and Scott Stringer—gathered for a bold, unapologetically LGBTQIA+ issued focused conversation about the future of the LGBTQIA+ community in New Y...2025-06-0438 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 8: Skylar Moore and the Judicial ConventionThis week on Not Suitable for Democracy, host Nick sits down with Skylar Moore, a queer activist and former 2022 Judicial Delegate candidate, to unpack one of the most overlooked—and undemocratic—parts of our political system: the judicial convention.If you’ve never heard of it, that’s the point. Skylar walks us through how New York State Supreme Court judges are "vetted," how a lack of transparency dominates the process, and why that should matter to anyone who cares about justice.We also dive into the intersections of queer...2025-05-2833 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 7: David Hogg, NYC Mayoral Primary, and Bernie SandersThis week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we’re diving through the Democratic Party drama. From DNC shenanigans to Biden's performance decline, the poor optics are glaring for a party that boasts about unity and strength.Host Nick dives into David Hogg’s challenge to the "asleep at the wheel incumbents" and the "telenovela" that's transpired since. Will he lose his seat as DNC Vice Chair?Then jump to another Democratic leader under fire: Cory Booker. From filibustering for over 25 hours protesting Trump to voting for Trump's son-in-law's father? Yup. That actu...2025-05-2138 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 6: John Scott and New York Democratic State CommitteeIn this episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we zoom in on a part of the political iceberg most voters never see: the unpaid party positions within the New York State Democratic Party. Our guest is John Scott, the New York Democratic State Committee Member for Assembly District 34. He shares his journey in local politics, how his identity as an openly gay man inspired his campaign, and how he won the fight advocating for LGBTQIA+ curriculum. Although it was an uphill battle to pass his first resolution at the State Committee, not even Fox News could stop him!2025-05-1340 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 5: AOC's Town Hall, Harris 2028, and the Democratic Primary for NYC MayorThis week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we’re unpacking a triple-header of political events. First, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hosts a town hall that gets us thinking about her evolution as a progressive organizer to a national leader in the Democratic Party. Then, we ask: is Kamala Harris really floating a 2028 presidential run? Do actions speak louder than words? And finally, we head to New York City, where the mayoral primary looks like a head to head matchup between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo. Will voters elect a progressive leader? Which endorsements truly matter? See who Nick will be ra...2025-05-0634 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 4: Progressives Getting Ready for the 2026 Midterm ElectionsIn this episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, host Nick breaks down how progressive candidates for Congress are already mobilizing for the 2026 midterm elections. At time when Democratic voters are hungry for change, we'll explore how this movement can reshape the Democratic Party inside out.From primary challenges to long-standing incumbents to bold newcomers backed by grassroots groups like Justice Democrats, the progressive left isn’t waiting for permission. They’re organizing early, fundraising with extraordinary numbers, and pressing incumbents to stop virtue signaling and start delivering.We’ll highlight some of the key ra...2025-04-2929 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 3: Fight The Oligarchy Tour & AOC for PresidentReady to fight the oligarchy? Tune into the third episode of Not Suitable for Democracy as we explore the Fight The Oligarchy Tour, headlined by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The two firebrand progressive representatives have inspired hundreds of thousands of people to attend the Fight The Oligarchy rallies. That includes voters not registered as Democrats in Republican congressional districts. Is fighting the oligarchy a winning message? What impact will the tour have on the 2026 midterm elections?As a Bernie supporter & AOC constituent, your host, Nick, dives into what the future holds for Congressmember AOC. I...2025-04-2229 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 2: Identity Politics & My Hillary to Bernie JourneyIn the second episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we explore identity politics. Understanding identity groups, intersectionality, and some historic examples set the stage for the show. Our host, Nick, then takes you on a brief journey with his political evolution—from proudly supporting Hillary Clinton in 2016 to feeling the Bern with Bernie Sanders just a few years later.This isn’t about switching candidates for Nick. It was a reckoning with identity politics—how race, gender, class, and a negative encounter with a certain Congressman shaped his worldview, challenged his assumptions, and realig...2025-04-1528 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 1: Money in Politics & The Wisconsin Supreme Court Special ElectionWelcome to the very first episode of Not Suitable for Democracy!Host Nick Haby, a marketing professional by day and progressive organizer by night, gets personal—sharing why he started this podcast, what he’s learned from nearly a decade in political organizing, and how we can chart a path toward what’s actually suitable for democracy.The show kicks off by diving into what’s really corrupting American democracy—money in politics. From billionaires bankrolling elections to lobbyists shaping policy behind closed doors, we break down how corporate cash is tilting th...2025-04-0828 minNot Suitable for DemocracyEpisode 1 Preview: Why Start a Podcast?Curious about Not Suitable for Democracy? Here’s a short snippet from the first episode! Made for political newcomers and experts, this special sneak peek sets the stage for the show. Host of the NSFD Pod, Nick Haby, opens up about his political organizing. Nw episodes drop every Tuesday.4o2025-04-0302 minNot Suitable for DemocracyNot Suitable for Democracy: The TrailerPolitics is everywhere, but everything is broken. That's just not suitable for democracy. Hosted by Nick, a political organizer with over ten years of adventures in Democratic politics, this show explores the challenges facing our country. Join him and his special guests every Tuesday for new episodes. We'll recap the latest news, discuss the top issues, and share the stories not making headlines. Together, we'll redefine what's acceptable in America.2025-03-3101 min