Crashing The Political Party

Latest Episodes:

Issues in American Agriculture Continued with Greg Gunthorp of Gunthorp Farms Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Continuing our conversation on the challenges facing American agriculture, AJ is joined by farmer Greg Gunthorp. They discuss the challenges facing farmers who raise livestock, regenerative farming, meat processing, how farming consolidation has hurt farmers and consumers, supporting independent farmers, and book recommendations!

Issues in American Agriculture with Sarah Carden of Farm Action Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ is joined by Sarah Carden of Farm Action. They talk about why independent farmers are struggling, how these issues hurt consumers, what policy changes are needed, her experiences as a farmer, and more.

Challenges Facing Working Musicians with Ben Sooy Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

This week, AJ talks with Ben Sooy. Ben is a musician, member of A Place for Owls, and founder/president of the musician-support nonprofit Holy Fool. They get into the band’s backstory, the real challenges new artists are facing right now, how Holy Fool hopes to help working musicians survive, the importance of community, why DIY has become the new normal for many bands, and of course… book recommendations.

Community Owned Grocery Stores with Sean Park Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

For our second episode of Season Four, AJ sits down with Sean Park of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs to talk about community owned grocery stores. They discuss the different types of stores, why communities in food deserts are turning to them, why we're seeing the need for them in both rural and urban communities, how Sean got involved in establishing them, the connection between community owned stores and community owned agriculture, and, of course, book recommendations!

Season 4 Premiere: Labor Journalist Kim Kelly Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

In this season four premiere, AJ is joined by labor journalist, historian, and troublemaker Kim Kelly. They talked about how she got into covering the labor movement, the history of Illinois as a labor hotbed, shifting attitudes towards labor and unions, recent wins for the labor movement, Kim's books Fight Like Hell and Fight to Win, and additional book recommendations!

If you like what you hear please join us over at our Patreon:

patreon.com/cppshow

And our website:

https://www.crashingpod.com/

Season 3 Office Hours Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Today on a special unlocked Patreon “Office Hours” episode, AJ sits down with producer Kylan and Brittany, owner of our partner bookstore, Tropes. They swap favorite book recs from the season, reveal where you can find a handy list of them all, and look back on Season 3, complete with some of Kylan’s burning questions for AJ.

Check out the list of all the book recommendations we received this season!

https://bookshop.org/lists/cpp-book-recommendations

Season Three Finale: Basel Musharbash, Anti-Monopoly Lawyer Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

And now for something completely different. In this Season Three finale, we debut our first-ever “Hidden in Plain Sight” episode. Instead of interviewing a politician, we spotlight a news story you may not be hearing elsewhere.

To kick things off, AJ is joined by Basel Musharbash to discuss corporate consolidation. They unpack what a monopoly is, why Basel became an anti-monopoly lawyer, how monopolies impact public safety through something as basic as firetrucks, and how they’re reshaping American agriculture. They also explore potential solutions, and of course get some book recommendations for listeners who want to dig deeper into the issue.

Independent Michael Gainer, Mayoral Candidate of Buffalo New York Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ sits down with Michael Gainer, an independent candidate for mayor of Buffalo, New York. They dive into Michael’s background and professional experience, his decision to shift from Democrat to independent, and his vision for the city. Michael shares his top policy priorities, why he believes he can win, and the one idea he hopes will carry forward even if he doesn’t. The conversation also explores the role of mentors (and their books that shaped him), and why holding onto joy matters in today’s often dark political climate.

Independent Shanda Yates, State Representative from Mississippi Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

This week, AJ is joined by Mississippi State Rep. Shanda Yates. They talk about her surprise victory over a long time incumbent Republican, her decision to switch from being a Democrat, some of her major policy priorities and wins, how she as an independent is able to get leadership positions, how she navigates being an independent in a heavily partisan environment, her love of Southern gothic literature, and why bubble baths and a glass of wine are a good way to end a stressful day.

Liberterian Vic Kaplan, Candidate for NJ Governor Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Liberterian Vic Kaplan, Candidate for NJ Governor Crashing The Political Party

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Crashing The Political Party

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected