Episodes

  • Episode 246: The Next Semester

    Episode 246: The Next Semester
    Aug 29 2024
    This episode marks the beginning of our next semester, which will run until the Sunday after Election Day in November. L. Joy explains these episodes will be all about power—specifically, the power of your vote, your voice, and your commitment to civic engagement. While others may use fear or shame to get folks to the polls, L. Joy is focused on empowering listeners to be lifelong civic participants. For the first discussion of the semester, L. Joy is bringing activist and Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk in Tennessee Tami Sawyer, to the front of the class.
    Show more Show less
    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 245: The Clean Slate Initiative and the Transformational Power of Second Chances

    Episode 245: The Clean Slate Initiative and the Transformational Power of Second Chances
    Aug 29 2024
    In a compelling episode of #SundayCivics, L. Joy brings Sheena Meade, CEO of the Clean Slate Initiative, to the front of the class to shed light on the transformative impact of providing second chances through policy reform. This conversation couldn't have been more timely, as the need for systemic change continues to be a pressing issue in our society.
    Show more Show less
    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 244: Black Voters Matter in the South

    Episode 244: Black Voters Matter in the South
    May 9 2024
    In an enlightening conversation on Sunday Civics, L. Joy brings Cliff Albright, co-founder and Executive Director of Black Voters Matter Fund, to the front of the class to explore the depths of Black civic engagement and the pivotal role it plays in shaping democracy, particularly in the South. Through their spirited dialogue, they delve into the history, challenges, and triumphs of mobilizing Black voters, underscoring the significance of understanding and leveraging political power within Black communities.
    Show more Show less
    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 238: The Power of Identity in Democracy

    Episode 238: The Power of Identity in Democracy
    Mar 24 2024
    In this episode L. Joy welcomes special guest Kat Calvin back to the front of the class. Kat is the founder and executive director of Spread The Vote + Project ID and the cofounder and CEO of the Project ID Action Fund. Kat Calvin is the author of "American Identity Crisis: Notes from an Accidental Activist," where she shares her experience at the front line of social activism in America, emphasizing the complexities of getting an ID in the U.S. and how social media has played an important role in her activism.
    Show more Show less
    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 237: Vengeance Is Not Justice

    Episode 237: Vengeance Is Not Justice
    Feb 6 2024
    The death penalty does not deter crime yet 39 states still commit the barbaric practice. Although in recent polls Americans believe the death penalty is applied unfairly, most are still in favor of the practice. To tackle this controversial topic, L. Joy brings Jamila Hodge, the Executive Director of Equal Justice USA, to the front of the class to delve into the social, racial, and economic disparities prevalent in its administration, the historical context, and potential alternative paths to justice.
    Show more Show less
    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 235: Putting the Public Back In Public Education

    Episode 235: Putting the Public Back In Public Education
    Jan 9 2024
    The importance of public education can never be overstated. Yet, even with reforms, public education falls short of benefiting the communities they are supposed to serve. What could happen if the public is given more than just a seat at the table, but an active part to play in partnership with educators in creating a promise fulfilling educational system? L. Joy brings Drs. Landon Mascareñaz and Doannie Tran to the front of the class to break down how an open education system works. 
    Show more Show less
    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 234: L. Joy Is Talking Trash (and sanitation)

    Episode 234: L. Joy Is Talking Trash (and sanitation)
    Dec 1 2023
    There is the trash we throw away like plastics, styrofoam, cardboard and paper. There is the waste from humans as well as animals and the like. How we manage these things with sanitation, or don’t manage them properly, has effects on the environment, people’s health, and a myriad of other issues. To have this conversation on sanitation, because we aren't going to produce less waste anytime soon, making this issue an imperative, L. Joy brings professor Colin McFarlane to the front of the class. 
    Show more Show less
    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 233: The Future of Work

    Episode 233: The Future of Work
    Nov 17 2023
    Work. We do it, but how do we strike the delicate balance between worker's rights and employer's responsibilities? L. Joy brings London-based researcher and senior lecturer, Dr. Jamie Woodcock to the front of the class to discuss the history of, context around, changes in, and future of work.
    Show more Show less
    Less than 1 minute