Join host Paul Johnson on The Optimistic American as he engages in an inspiring discussion with Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart, co-founders of More Perfect Union. This veteran-led organization works tirelessly to bridge political divides, empower communities, and restore civic unity across the United States. Harriman and Cathcart share their remarkable journeys from military service to building a movement that fosters trust, collaboration, and the shared American identity. Topics Discussed in the Video: - The Origins of More Perfect Union: Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart recount their military experiences and how witnessing divisions both abroad and at home inspired the creation of More Perfect Union. They discuss their transition from the battlefield to addressing domestic challenges, highlighting the potential of veterans to lead transformative civic initiatives. - Where Did America’s Division Start From?: Paul, Jake, and Garrett explore the root causes of political polarization in the United States, including shifts in leadership, media influences, and the loss of community connections. They discuss the importance of servant leadership and veterans’ unique ability to unify people across ideological divides. - How MPU is Addressing America’s Division: More Perfect Union’s innovative approach includes grassroots efforts to bring people together through community service projects, civic education, and meaningful conversations. Jake and Garrett share their vision for scaling Brickyards nationwide, emphasizing the importance of empowering local leaders to build unity and restore agency in their communities. More Perfect Union: https://www.mpu.us You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:20 - Jake’s Marine Career and forming MPU 08:00 - Garret’s Army Career and forming MPU 14:09 - Political Background 17:27 - Where Did America’s Division Start From? 25:57 - How MPU is Addressing America’s Division 39:51 - Scaling MPU 46:25 - How MPU Gives Everyone the Opportunity to be Successful 52:17 - How You Can Help Rebuild America 53:41 - Final Remarks and Conclusion

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Tom Fishman, CEO of The Builders Program, to discuss the challenges of modern politics and the innovative solutions aimed at bridging the deep divides in Congress. With polarization at an all-time high, The Builders Program leverages groundbreaking tools like the Builders Power Rankings to promote bipartisan collaboration and empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Tom shares how his team uses advanced research, data, and AI to evaluate congressional representatives based on their ability to work constructively across party lines. The conversation highlights why leadership rooted in cooperation is essential for building durable solutions and how this initiative is a rallying call for citizens to demand better from their government. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:48 - Does The Public Want Bipartisanship? 04:07 - Leadership 08:41 - The Builders Program and the Power Rankings 16:45 - Distributing the Data 21:48 - Measuring Results 23:35 - Result Feeds 29:48 - Potential Features to be Added 30:46 - Movement Partners 35:23 - Raising Revenue 36:15 - Participating with the Builders Program 39:02 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with McKay Coppins, an acclaimed journalist and staff writer at The Atlantic, to explore the intersection of politics, religion, and media. As the author of the book Romney: A Reckoning, McKay brings unparalleled insights into the political transformation of the Republican Party, from the Romney era to the Trump movement. They also address the complex dynamics between faith and politics, the struggle for moral integrity, and the role of religion in modern conservative politics. Topics Discussed in This Video: - Mitt Romney: McKay reflects on Romney’s political journey – from his time as a presidential candidate to his emergence as a principled critic of Donald Trump. They discuss how Romney’s faith and moral compass guided his decisions and transformed his public image. - Religion and Politics: The conversation delves into the uneasy relationship between Trumpism and religious conservatism. McKay discusses the struggles of people of faith – especially Mormons – with Trump’s leadership style and policies. They also touch on the broader implications of the Democratic Party’s secular tilt and its impact on religious voters. - Faith in the Modern Media Landscape: What does it mean to be a person of faith in a secular media world? McKay recounts his personal journey as a religious journalist covering contentious political topics, including the pressure to remain fair and unbiased. He describes how faith offers unique perspectives, but also creates challenges in an industry often skeptical of religious belief. - Inside Journalism Today and What Needs to Change: McKay and Paul explore the erosion of trust in journalism, the decline of local news, and the rise of hyper-partisan media outlets. They reflect on how media polarization fuels negative partisanship, making Americans more distrustful of opposing viewpoints. Despite these challenges, McKay expresses optimism about journalism's role in rebuilding civic trust. - What Makes You Optimistic About America?: Despite the challenges in journalism and politics, Coppins expresses optimism. He highlights that most Americans are not consumed by partisan conflicts and continue to focus on everyday values – family, work, and community involvement. He believes this majority represents the country’s true spirit, offering hope for bridging divides. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:14 - Mitt Romney 09:40 - Mormons & Trumpism 15:16 - Trump, the Democratic Party, & Religion 26:00 - Concerns with Trump & Religion 33:33 - Having Self Agency 38:50 - Religion and Political Parties 48:01 - How Difficult Is It For a Person of Faith to Survive in Today's Media World? 50:43 - Being Fair and Unbiased 56:45 - Inside of Journalism Today & What Needs To Be Fixed 1:03:51 - What Makes You Optimistic About America? 1:06:07 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson is joined by Josh Abrams and Matt Burgess to explore how citizen assemblies are providing innovative solutions to local challenges like youth homelessness and political division. Through random selection, these assemblies give ordinary citizens a direct voice in tackling complex issues, fostering civic participation and community trust. Josh and Matt explain the transformative power of deliberative democracy — where citizens engage in meaningful discussions, learn from experts, and propose recommendations that directly influence local government decisions. If you're passionate about finding new ways to heal divisions and empower communities, this video is for you. Topics Discussed in the Video: - The Power of Citizen Assemblies: Paul, Josh, and Matt dive into the mechanics of citizen assemblies, how they work, and why they are essential for engaging communities in democratic processes. The goal is to give everyone a voice and a seat at the table, regardless of political background. - Addressing Youth Homelessness: One of the critical issues tackled by the citizen assembly in Central Oregon is youth homelessness. Josh shares how the assembly is gathering ideas and solutions from the community, aiming to find sustainable ways to support young people in need. - Overcoming Political Divides Through Dialogue: Josh and Matt discuss how these assemblies are breaking down the urban-rural and political divides that often fragment communities. By focusing on listening and empathy, participants from all walks of life work together to create practical solutions. - Government Collaboration and Real Change: The guests emphasize the importance of having local government buy-in to ensure that the recommendations from the assemblies lead to real change. By actively involving public officials from the start, the process guarantees that these citizen-led solutions are given serious consideration. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 02:08 - What Problem Are You Trying To Solve? 03:20 - The Purpose Behind Citizen Assembly 09:16 - Getting People To Listen To One Another 16:59 - The Media’s Role 21:34 - How A Civic Assembly Works 28:11 - How Others Can Engage 31:58 - The Importance of Free Markets 38:50 - A More Abundance Mentality 42:07 - Agency 46:19 - Final Remarks and Conclusion

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Alan Fahringer, a man whose life story exemplifies the power of personal transformation. Once caught in the destructive cycle of addiction and crime, Alan now advocates for integrity, accountability, and the life-changing impact of therapeutic communities. Join us as we dive into Alan’s past struggles, the pivotal moments that led to his recovery, and his inspiring message for anyone seeking a better life. Topics Discussed in the Video: Addiction and Crime: Alan's Early Life - Alan shares his beginnings as a young boy who seemingly had every reason to succeed but instead fell into a life of addiction and deceit. From his first sip of alcohol to his years as a full-blown addict, Alan reflects on how dishonesty and substance abuse controlled his life for decades. The Turning Point: Facing Prison Time - After years of arrests and failed relationships, Alan found himself facing a 50-year prison sentence. This moment of reckoning became a pivotal point in his life, and instead of serving time behind bars, Alan was sent to Delancey Street, a renowned therapeutic community where he began the hard work of rebuilding his life. Integrity and Accountability: Keys to Recovery - Alan explains how therapeutic communities focus on instilling integrity and accountability in their members. He discusses the tough but effective methods that helped him—and countless others—turn their lives around, including rigorous honesty, peer support, and structured work programs. Life After Addiction: Helping Others on the Path to Recovery - Having emerged from his own struggles, Alan now dedicates his life to helping others do the same. He talks about the importance of long-term recovery programs, the broken state of the drug treatment industry, and the need for communities that focus on genuine, lasting change. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:19 - Learning From A Recovering Addict 02:53 - How It All Started… 09:42 - Therapeutic Community 36:17 - Accountability & Integrity in Politics and in Life 43:00 - Personal Relationships, the Right Environment, and the Greatest Gift 56:21 - Having a Bench 59:09 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Shannon Wright, a passionate advocate for community service and the representative of JustServe, a free online platform connecting volunteers with meaningful service opportunities. Together, they explore the transformative power of volunteerism and how it can enrich communities, bridge divides, and create a sense of belonging just in time for #NationalServiceDay Topics Discussed in the Video: - What is JustServe? Shannon introduces JustServe, a platform designed to match volunteers with causes they care about, whether it's local projects like cleaning parks or national initiatives that address broader issues. - The Importance of Volunteerism: Paul and Shannon discuss how volunteer efforts—whether through neighborhood watch programs, mentoring youth, or helping seniors—can strengthen the fabric of society. They share stories about how service builds connections, improves safety, and contributes to personal fulfillment. - Personalized Service Opportunities: Shannon explains how JustServe allows users to tailor their volunteer experiences based on their interests and availability, making it easier to engage in activities that resonate with them, whether it's working with animals, helping the homeless, or teaching children. - Engaging the Next Generation: The conversation highlights the success of youth engagement, with Shannon sharing inspiring examples of high school students leading impactful projects. She emphasizes how service not only helps communities but also shapes young people's character and provides them with skills for future success. Overcoming Division Through Service: Paul notes how volunteerism brings people together, regardless of political or social differences. Working side by side with others can help heal divisions and remind us of our shared humanity. - Finding Purpose Through Service: Paul and Shannon reflect on the profound impact of service not only for those being helped but also for the volunteers. Shannon discusses how serving others can provide a deep sense of meaning, especially for those dealing with challenges like depression or uncertainty about their life path. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Want to learn more about JustServe? Visit their website: https://www.justserve.org/ *Video not sponsored by JustServe Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:22 - What is “Just Serve” 02:08 - The Importance of Service & Volunteerism 11:12 - Different Ways to Volunteer 18:28 - The Benefits Provided to Kids 20:59 - Senior Volunteerism 25:28 - Different Volunteer Areas 32:44 - Finding Purpose & Getting Engaged 37:42 - Partnering with Just Serve 39:35 - Interfaith Communities 46:34 - Final Remarks & Conclusion #service #volunteer #givingback