Here's a little something for the soul... "I’ve listened to this speech countless times with my hands holding each other. We have to often remind ourselves and each other that our hands are tools. When we believe in ourselves these tools are all that is needed to lay down a foundation, and when we support one another we can use that foundation to build a future worth fighting for, the future we all deserve. Stacey told me in times of turmoil, creating art is one of the most sacred forms of grounding the self, your foundation. I chose sound, Phillip chose words. These two just happened to meet randomly with a simple pretext and understanding that our hands are dedicated to the restructuring of this broken system and renovation of the home the universe has assigned to us. Where every voice matters and no one is left behind. Whether you are alone or among the masses, and you are fighting for the next world, I kindly ask you to please squeeze a hand." -Sam Alexaxis, PPL! Producer and Sound Engineer

In a far-reaching interview, the crew sits down with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, in the latest episode of the presidential caucus season. With special guest co-host Akwi Nji – award-winning writer and spoken word performer – the interview covers healthcare, gun violence, race relations, tribal politics, and the moral moment facing America. Sen. Booker also gets stunningly candid about his controversial education initiatives in Newark, his faith, and his quest to ban Conan O’Brien from the entire state of New Jersey. This episode was live-recorded at The Graduate Hotel near the campus of the University of Iowa.

In this special episode, the crew sits down with Chanté Thurmond and Rada Yovovich, the founders of The Darkest Horse – the woman-owned consultancy that explores the intersections of radical inclusion, emerging tech, the future of work, and health, well-being, and human potential – for a conversation spanning a range of topics ahead of a visit by New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. The crew recorded this episode live at The Graduate Hotel near the campus of the University of Iowa.

On his repeat effort for the presidency, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders joined the crew to talk about the big issues facing Americans. The interview covers his thoughts on universal healthcare, his support of workers across the country striking for a living wage, the legalization of marijuana, issues of race, criminal justice reform, reparations, his litmus test for Supreme Court nominees, the power of thinking big, and much more. In addition to chatting with Senator Sanders, our crew also heard from the Harvard-trained behavioral scientist, Robert Reynolds and J.D. Scholten, the rising star in progressive politics who made a name for himself after running against Rep. Steve King of Iowa last election cycle. This episode was live-recorded before an audience at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and was broadcast nationally by C-SPAN.

For their fourth episode of the Iowa caucus season, the crew sits down with former Obama Administration cabinet official, Julián Castro for an in-depth discussion about his candidacy for president. The live-recorded event took place at the historic Mill Restaurant and Bar in Iowa City in front of a capacity crowd. The conversation covered Secretary Castro’s views on immigration reform, his decision to prominently display the accent mark in his name on his campaign material, and how he plans to break through a crowded field of talented candidates. The show was opened up by a performance from award-winning poet, Steven Willis and an interview with Crissy Canganelli, the Executive Director of the Shelter House, an organization working to implement a “housing first,” strategy to end chronic homelessness.

It was Beto Day across America, following Beto O'Rourke's announcement that he would enter the race for president. One day after his announcement, the Political Party Live! crew sat down with the three term Congressman at RAYGUN in Cedar Rapids for his first in-depth interview as a presidential candidate. The conversation took many turns and national headlines were made as we discussed issues ranging from race and privilege in America, white supremacy and terrorism, his developing policy platform, and his pathway to victory.

For our second episode of the caucus season, the crew sat down with entrepreneur, social activist, and candidate for president Andrew Yang for a lively discussion at the legendary Yacht Club in Iowa City. We heard Yang’s views on criminal justice reform, the coming “automated economy,” and how a universal basic income, or a “freedom dividend,” where all Americans receive a $1,000 monthly paycheck can save us all. Check it out!

The Political Party Live! kicks off its third season with an interview of Sarah Ziegenhorn, Executive Director and Founder of the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition and special guest US Senator Kamala Harris, Democratic Candidate for President. The live podcast event takes place in front of a packed and energetic crowd at the historic CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. And the conversation ranges from US drug policy, criminal justice reform, to the historic nature of Kamala Harris’s run for higher office. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

The crew returns with a special “Back to School,” episode where they pay tribute to Aretha Franklin and highlight her legacy of advocacy for civil rights. The trio unpacks a dynamic primary season in Iowa – which included a hotly contested gubernatorial race – before diving into a conversation with representatives from Students Against School Shootings, an organization formed by young people pushing for sensible gun reform measures across the country. After an inspiring conversation, the group welcomes Andre Perry – writer, musician, and the Executive Director of the historic Englert Theatre – to discuss a range of issues, including the role of the artist during these tenuous times in which we live, and the problematic nature of artists like Kanye West.

Recorded by: Siya Mali of KRUI's Homeland to Heartland In our first episode recorded live at KRUI studios, we were joined by special guest Sen. Jeff Merkely from Oregon. Sen. Merkley recently made national headlines when he attempted to inquire about the status of immigrant children who have been separated from their parents at the border. The Trump administration's "zero-tolerance" policy has led to the separation of families entering the US seeking asylum and has raised serious humanitarian concerns. On this special edition of Political Party Live we discuss immigration, marijuana legalization and a range of other topics, including the hit TV show Portlandia!