Episodes

  • S2 Ep26: Rules for Surviving Authoritarian Times

    S2 Ep26: Rules for Surviving Authoritarian Times
    Jun 22 2025
    Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins John Avlon to talk about how authoritarianism creeps into democracies, the patterns she’s seen around the world, and what history says about how to fight back. They discuss the rise of strongman politics, the power of resistance, and the five rules we need to remember now.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • S2 Ep25: Trump's North Korean Dictator Moment (w/ Rep. Dan Goldman)

    S2 Ep25: Trump's North Korean Dictator Moment (w/ Rep. Dan Goldman)
    Jun 14 2025
    This week on How to Fix It, John Avlon is joined by Congressman Dan Goldman—former federal prosecutor and member of the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees—for an urgent conversation about democracy, corruption, and creeping authoritarianism.

    As Trump prepares a military parade on his birthday, we break down the constitutional crisis posed by his unprecedented federal takeover of the California National Guard, his push to invoke the Insurrection Act, and the broader legal threats to civil liberties.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • S2 Ep24: Was Lincoln Actually Gay? Historian Busts Myths!

    S2 Ep24: Was Lincoln Actually Gay? Historian Busts Myths!
    Jun 9 2025
    Historian Harold Holzer debunks the widely spread myth that Abraham Lincoln was secretly gay, a claim popularized by AIDS activist Larry Kramer, who falsely claimed to have discovered intimate diaries under floorboards. Holzer reveals Kramer admitted privately that the diaries never existed, exposing how easily sensational myths can overshadow historical truth.
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • S2 Ep24: How Democrats Can Win Back America

    S2 Ep24: How Democrats Can Win Back America
    Jun 8 2025
    John Avlon and strategic advisor Jon Henes discuss the Democratic Party’s deep messaging crisis and identity politics pitfalls. Henes argues Democrats must return to clear, relatable messages about public safety, economic opportunity, and everyday concerns. They explore Jon's experience with Harris, why voters feel alienated, the dangers of extreme rhetoric, and lessons from Bill Clinton’s successful approach.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • S2 Ep23: How to Stop a Civil War

    S2 Ep23: How to Stop a Civil War
    Jun 1 2025
    John Avlon talks with peacebuilding expert John Paul Lederach about America’s dangerous polarization and the rising risk of political violence. Lederach shares lessons from global conflict resolution, stressing that America must prioritize courageous dialogue, empathy, and curiosity to prevent violence. They explore how leadership and community-level engagement can rebuild trust, avoid the normalization of violence, and protect democracy.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • S2 Ep22: A Real Plan to Get The U.S. High-Speed Rail—for 10% of the Cost

    S2 Ep22: A Real Plan to Get The U.S. High-Speed Rail—for 10% of the Cost
    May 25 2025
    John Avlon speaks with Alon Levy from NYU’s Marron Institute about their bold plan to bring high-speed rail to the Northeast for a fraction of the projected cost. They propose smarter planning, prioritizing timetables, electrification, and minimal new infrastructure. To cut travel times and avoid wasteful spending. Levy argues the U.S. must learn from countries like Switzerland and Germany to make real progress.

    Slashing Northeast Corridor Rail Travel Time Can Be Achieved For Much Less, NYU Report Finds

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • S2 Ep21: History’s Blueprint for Rescue with Mark Updegrove

    S2 Ep21: History’s Blueprint for Rescue with Mark Updegrove
    May 18 2025
    John Avlon and Historian Mark Updegrove discuss how lessons from past presidents can help us confront today’s political threats. They highlight the importance of character in leadership, the dangers of normalized corruption, and the urgent need to defend democracy. Drawing on history, they argue that citizens must stay engaged, learn from past reform movements, and organize to protect the future.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • S2 Ep20: JD Vance Is a Moron When It Comes to India-Pakistan

    S2 Ep20: JD Vance Is a Moron When It Comes to India-Pakistan
    May 12 2025
    Vice President J.D. Vance downplayed rising nuclear tensions between India and Pakistan, calling it “none of our business,” only to backtrack after alarming intelligence reports. His careless comments and isolationist stance highlight a troubling lack of understanding and responsibility during a potential global crisis.
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins