OCCUPY! An Unfinished Uprising

Occupy Wall Street is the story of the improbable becoming possible. In 2008, millions of people were devastated by an economic crash caused by Wall Street greed, but it wasn’t until 2011 that there was a mass response from the Left. A call to protest went out, and thousands of people responded. They raged against a system that was rigged against them and tried to create their own anti-capitalist village in a small Manhattan park. The movement quickly spread across the country, inspiring hundreds of occupations and a new generation of activists. OCCUPY! AN UNFINISHED UPRISING, told through the voices of activists who camped out in Zuccotti Park for almost two months, gets inside the drama of a movement that grew rapidly, felt both transcendent and chaotic, and then violently flamed out. Although the mainstream media labeled it a failed movement, Occupy changed the national conversation about capitalism, popularized the language of the 99%, and inspired a generation of activists. As we approach Occupy’s 15th anniversary this September, Occupy offers a reminder that collective action can reshape what seems possible. Tune in for the six-part series, coming July 9th. Subscribe to our Patreon for early access to episodes: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Credits: Host/Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer/Writer: Maria Luisa Tucker Audio Producer: Zack Travis Additional production help: Mia Warren, Erika Gjada, Megan Detrie, Lizzie Jacobs, and Ilya Magazanin Archival research: Marisa Holmes Archival material courtesy of: Occupy Wall Street Media Working Group. Original music: Rude Mechanical Orchestra and Puge Ruhe Special thanks to T.J. Raphael, Lauren Passell, Arielle Nissenblatt, and Kate Blumenfeld for being our first listeners and sounding boards, and to Tom Koenig for his support. Distributed by PRX

We discuss the intersection of policymaking on economics and democracy, the harm of intense concentration of wealth, and the need for building durable civil society. Alex's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Join an organization in your community Be in community with other people Alex Hertel-Fernandez is a labor policy scholar and the Herbert H. Lehman Professor of Government at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. He's also the author of State Capture: How Conservative Activists, Big Businesses, and Wealthy Donors Reshaped the American States — and the Nation. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Alex on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/awhf.bsky.social Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Alex Hertel-Fernandez Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the enthusiasm for civic engagement by right-wing women, which translates to power and victory at the ballot box. Katie's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Research and know the issues on your ballot 2) Vote in local elections Katie Gaddini is a sociologist, visiting scholar at Stanford University, and the author of Esther's Army: The Christian Women Who Power the American Right. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Katie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drkatiegaddini/ Read Esther's Army : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Katie Gaddini Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the overlooked and insidious complications from gerontocracy in American democracy. Sam's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Think of democracy as a political form for transient human beings 2) Evangelize one of these ideas: age quotas, tax code reform, or campaign finance reform Samuel Moyn is the Kent Professor of Law and History at Yale University, the cohost of the Digging a Hole podcast, and the author of Gerontocracy in America: How the Old Are Hoarding Power and Wealth – and What to Do About It. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Sam on X: https://x.com/samuelmoyn Read Gerontocracy in America : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Samuel Moyn Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the balance of influence between activists and the majority in local politics and how we can reinvigorate democracy at the local level. Brian's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Identify the problem you want to fix in your community 2) Develop an innovative solution and advocate for it Brian Adams is professor of political science at San Diego State University and the author of Activism, Majority Rule, and Local Democracy: Rethinking Public Influence. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-adams-4b351a4/ Read Activism, Majority Rule, and Local Democracy (use code 26BKS): https://tupress.temple.edu/books/activism-majority-rule-and-local-democracy Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Brian Adams Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the case for SWAMP audits, how we can truly build a multiracial democracy, and why we're going to have to fight for it. Steve's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Find your Minimum Viable Community and engage 2) Do a SWAMP audit! Steve Phillips is the founder of Democracy in Color, a political media organization dedicated to race, politics, and the multicultural progressive New American Majority. His new book is Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else?: Playing Offense in the Fight for Racial Justice in America. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Steve on X: https://x.com/steveptweets Read Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else? : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Steve Phillips Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the hidden power inside the U.S. Constitution, what it was designed to protect against, and how it can fortify American democracy today. Melissa's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Commit to voting and follow through 2) Make your demands clear to your elected representatives Melissa Murray is the Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, and a legal analyst for MSNBC. Her new book is The US Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Melissa on IG: https://www.instagram.com/profmmurray/ Read The US Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Melissa Murray Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss how each of us is a node of possibility for change in the climate crisis, taking us from overwhelm to participation. Katharine's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Keep telling the truth. 2) Join with others in the climate movement. Dr. Katharine Wilkinson is the host of the podcast A Matter of Degrees and the author of Climate Wayfinding: Healing Ourselves and the Planet We Call Home . Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Katharine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drkwilkinson/ Read Climate Wayfinding : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Katharine Wilkinson Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the myriad of ways to fix Congress, ranging from campaign finance reform and age limits to town hall meetings and stopping violence against members of Congress. Maya's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Engage with your member of Congress! 2) Share what matters for you and demand your member to take action Maya Kornberg is senior research fellow at NYU Law's Brennan Center for Justice and author of Stuck: How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Maya on X: https://x.com/KornbergMaya Read Stuck : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Maya Kornberg Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the radical idea that dissidence belongs to all of us. Living with truth is the starting point to being a citizen changemaker and to taking impactful civic action. Gal's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Be in person 2) Be deliberate about how you operate online Gal Beckerman is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the author of How to Be a Dissident. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Gal on X: https://x.com/galbeckerman Read How to Be a Dissident : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Gal Beckerman Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the vision of an everyone-a-changemaker society. Now is the moment to step up to protect healthy civil society in America by making the mechanisms and the rituals for participation in local politics more robust and more meaningful. Michael's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Find a place to plug in at the local level 2) Go to a Civic Saturdays event near you Michael Zakaras is the director of Ashoka US, the world's largest network of social entrepreneurs and a global leader in social innovation. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Ashoka on X: https://x.com/Ashoka Check out Ashoka US: https://www.ashoka.org/en-us Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Michael Zakaras Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss why Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is running for Senate in Michigan and what kind of Senator he aspires to be. A public health expert with deep understanding of the healthcare system, Dr. El-Sayed believes that Medicare for All can be a realistic future. Abdul's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Have an in-person conversation with someone you disagree with 2) Find the thing that you share in common Abdul El-Sayed is a doctor, public health expert, and candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan. He's also the author of Medicare for All: A Citizen's Guide. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Abdul on X: https://x.com/AbdulElSayed Learn about the campaign: https://abdulforsenate.com/ Read Medicare for All: A Citizen's Guide : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Abdul El-Sayed Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the foundational lies of the Lost Cause, the organic nature of more recent lies, and the constant vigilance necessary to defend democracy. Ann's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Pay attention to what your (or your children's) textbooks are saying 2) Speak up if there is a historical site near you that is being erased Ann Bausum is an award-winning historian and the author of White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote History. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Ann on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnBausum/ Read White Lies : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Ann Bausum Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the main goals of copaganda: narrowing our conception of safety and threat, constantly warning us that those harms are increasing, and telling us that the solution to our fears is more investment in the punishment bureaucracy. Alec's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Educate yourself on how copaganda works 2) Read the Copaganda book in a group! Alec Karakatsanis is the founder and executive director of Civil Rights Corps and author of Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Alec on X: https://x.com/equalityalec/ Read Copaganda : https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guest: Alec Karakatsanis Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the building blocks of the authoritarian playbook, the strategy behind intersectional solidarity, and the power of knowing your neighbor. Yelena & Tatyana's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Go local! 2) Get to know your neighbors Yelena and Tatyana are co-founders of Stroika — an organization connecting and resourcing frontline anti-authoritarian movements worldwide. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Yelena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvl/ Follow Tatyana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmargolin/ Check out Stroika: https://www.stroikainc.com/ Sponsors: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Yelena V. Litvinov & Tatyana Margolin Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the strategy for electing from-the-gut economic populists who exude outsider vibes and who acknowledge that our system is broken. They are often outsiders who believe in issues such as protecting social security and taxing billionaires, which are super majoritarian issues. Outsiders can win in blue, purple, and red states. Adam's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Join effective groups like boldprogressives.org 2) Support a bold progressive candidate running for office Adam Green is Co-Founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC). Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Adam Green on X: https://x.com/AdamGreen Check out the PCCC: https://x.com/BoldProgressive Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Adam Green Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos

We discuss the influence of the U.S.-China relationship on American democracy, on issues ranging from "garbage time" to soft power to geopolitical dominance of the South China Sea. Jane's civic action toolkit recommendations are: 1) Visit China! 2) Read To Change China by Jonathan Spence and/or Daughters of the Bamboo Grove by Barbara Demick Jane Perlez is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, former New York Times Beijing bureau chief, and fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. She's also the podcast host of Face-Off: The U.S. vs. China. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Jane Perlez on X: https://x.com/JanePerlez Listen to Face-Off : https://www.belfercenter.org/face-us-vs-china Sponsor: Get the right life insurance for you and save more than 50% on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/HOPEFUL Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guest: Jane Perlez Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the corrupting effect of the Citizens United decision on policymaking and elections. Tiffany's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Go to town halls and hold your elected officials accountable Participate in phone banking or write postcards to get out the vote Tiffany Muller is the President of End Citizens United, Let America Vote, and the End Citizens United/Let America Vote Action Fund. The organization's mission is to fix our democracy by getting big money out of politics and protecting the right to vote. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Tiffany on X: https://x.com/Tiffany_Muller Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Tiffany Muller Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the power of showing up for local politics and the benefits of running an in-person campaign without relying on social media. Carleigh's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Take an hour to attend a local government meeting Make a comment at that meeting! Carleigh Beriont is a union organizer, vice chair of the Hampton Select Board, and is running for Congress in New Hampshire's First District. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Check out Carleigh's campaign: https://www.carleighberiont.com/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Carleigh Beriont Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis

We discuss the work of governors across several states to defend the rights of their residents. GovAct serves as an innovation hub for policies on democracy, public health, and reproductive rights. Julia's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Get involved in state races Bearing witness to Minneapolis and the brave people standing up for their neighbors Julia Spiegel is the President and CEO of GovAct. She helped create the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, which united 23 governors in protecting reproductive rights post-Roe. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow GovAct: https://www.instagram.com/govactalliance/ Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful . Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Julia Spiegel Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis