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.

In this episode, Terry Bouricius, prominent political theorist and former Vermont legislator, highlights the shortcomings of traditional electoral systems in achieving true demographic representation and effective decision-making. Drawing from his experiences in legislative bodies, Bouricius emphasizes the disconnect between lawmakers and the populations they serve, particularly evident in his work on a landlord-tenant bill. Inspired by his participation in a Citizens Assembly in British Columbia, Bouricius advocates for sortition-based democracy as a more democratic alternative to elections. He points to successful implementations of sortition in countries like Ireland, where citizens' assemblies have led to significant reforms, showcasing the potential for ordinary citizens to reach consensus on complex issues. Bouricius's push for sortition aims to reduce political polarization by gradually transferring policy decisions from elected officials to randomly selected juries, promoting a more inclusive and representative form of governance.

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 Sam Daley-Harris, a renowned author, activist, and founder of Results, an organization focused on ending poverty and promoting social justice. Sam shares the journey that led him from the world of music to advocating for global change, and why he updated his groundbreaking book, Reclaiming Our Democracy, for today's political climate. Together, they explore how ordinary citizens can drive transformational change through grassroots advocacy, and how embracing a love-centered approach to activism is key to overcoming cynicism and despair. Sam reveals his insights on "transformational advocacy" and the missing piece in our democracy: us. Tune in to hear how you can reclaim your power, get in touch with your “why,” and be part of the movement for a just, peaceful, and thriving future.

Stay in touch with Sam here, or get his book here.

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 special episode of the Emergency Opportunity Podcast (EOP), Dr. Zeitz unveils the call for a US Declaration of Interdependence and calls for an open National People's Convention to find new leaders and heal the nation's divides. As the country faces unprecedented challenges—from political instability to social injustice—he calls for a collective commitment to constitutional renewal and transformative action, emphasizing the importance of rising in peaceful resistance and building a movement grounded in love and unity. Learn about the urgent need for constitutional renewal to place love at the center of our American society.

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. Zeitz and Reverend Redeem Robinson are shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of grassroots advocacy in the modern era. After delving into their shared experiences of activism, including their arrest for demanding climate action at the White House, they address the pressing issues of voter apathy, the complexities of the 2024 election landscape and the need for reparations for African Americans. With candor and urgency, they examine the need for transformative change in American politics and offer practical strategies for mobilizing communities toward a more just and equitable future.

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.

Join Dr. Zeitz in this enlightening episode of Revolutionary Optimism as he engages in a heartfelt conversation with renowned author, speaker, and activist Lisa Sharon Harper. Explore the intersection of faith and justice as Lisa shares her journey on racial equity and liberation theology. From transformative experiences on a peace pilgrimage in Israel/Palestine to confronting injustice in Ferguson, Lisa delves into the power of truth-telling, repentance, and repair in building a more equitable world. Discover how her book, Fortune, helped spark a movement for radical reparations and truth-telling as leaders and activists unified in a powerful call for action. Don't miss out on this inspiring dialogue filled with hope, courage, and the vision of healing and unity for a better tomorrow.

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.