In this episode of Revolutionary Optimism, host Dr. Paul Zeitz sits down with renowned activist and strategist Srđa Popović, co-founder of Center for Applied Non-Violent Actions and Strategies: CANVAS, and leader of the Otpor! movement that ousted Serbian dictator Slobodan Milošević. Srđa shares gripping stories from his activism journey, including the innovative use of humor and nonviolent tactics that mobilized millions and baffled authoritarian forces.

From facing intense personal risks to building a movement that empowered ordinary people to resist oppression, Srđa's insights illuminate the power of collective action. Together, they discuss the parallels between global struggles for democracy and the current state of American politics, offering practical advice for fostering social movements, countering authoritarianism, and using technology as a tool for change. Srđa offers heartfelt advice for loving democracy each day, which is the key to its success.

Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here!

Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with political thought leader Nick Coccoma to explore bold visions for transforming democracy in the United States. From his deep-rooted experiences in a tight-knit community to his journey through theology, philosophy, and democratic innovation, Nick shares his perspective on how citizens' assemblies and sortition-based democracy could rejuvenate self-governance, mitigate corruption, and safeguard against authoritarianism. Dive into a discussion on why our current political framework is faltering, the potential of lottery-based democratic systems, and the idea of a national people's convention to create a new constitutional framework. With pragmatic steps for change and a call to action for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 2026, this conversation unlocks the political imagination and inspires revolutionary optimism.

Tune in and join the movement for a reimagined democracy.

Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here!

Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

Dr. Paul Zeitz is joined by Ann Pettifor, a trailblazing economist and author known for her pivotal work on sovereign debt and the Green New Deal. Ann shares her journey from apartheid South Africa to becoming a leading advocate for reconstructing the “global casino” into a new financial system that serves people and the planet. Together, they explore the unruly Wall Street controlled financial system that drives inequality, the climate emergency, and democratic erosion, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity and systemic change. Discover how Ann's faith in humanity fuels her Revolutionary Optimism and learn how we can challenge extractive capitalism and build a just, sustainable future.

Note: This episode was recorded before the results of the 2024 Election were known.

Check out Ann's System Change blog.

Get your copy of Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered-Activist here!

Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.

Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.