Best Queer Ambition Podcasts (2025)

1
The Final Bulwark Against Authoritarianism: Free Elections and the Courts (w/ Dr. Laura Gamboa) 58:05

1h ago58:05

58:05

America stands at a democratic crossroads, facing threats not from invasion or coup, but from methodical dismantling from within. This is the reality: federal agencies are gutted, political opponents are targeted, judges are being arrested for not advancing Trump's agenda, and courts are delegitimized with alarming speed. Dr. Laura Gamboa, democrac…

1
Susan Werner on Defining Hard Work, Paid Vacations, and Relaxing as Indie Musician, ep. 307 46:29

9m ago46:29

46:29

The dynamic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Susan Werner talks to us onboard the Cayamo cruise, which she describes as a "paid vacation." Reflecting on her upbringing on a working farm, Susan discusses the hard work that shaped her, but also how she’s learning to embrace rest and relaxation. With humor and insight, she navigates the balance be…

1
Trump's America: The End of Free Speech and a Free Press (w/ Flemming Rose) 1:14:11

3d ago1:14:11

1:14:11

Freedom of expression stands as democracy's most essential and most vulnerable foundation. In this conversation, Danish journalist and author Flemming Rose shares profound insights from his experience at the center of the 2005 Muhammad cartoons controversy that sparked global protests and death threats. Rose offers a surprising revelation: free spe…

1
Jon Muq: Uganda, Cruise Ship Food and His Googly-Eyed Guitar, ep. 306 34:55

6d ago34:55

34:55

Originally from the village of Mutungo, Uganda (near the country's capital of Kampala), Jon Muq's journey to his current life of touring with an Austin, Texas home-base has been unconventional. Onboard the Cayamo cruise earlier this year, we talked to Jon about his childhood experiences, including fetching water with friends and "We Are the World,"…

1
The Great Party Shake-Up: What Happens When Both Parties Lose Their Way? (w/ Dr. Hans Noel) 53:19

10d ago53:19

53:19

American democracy is crumbling. The Republican Party, once defined by traditional conservatism, has transformed into a vehicle for Trumpism, while Democrats struggle to maintain their coalition after unexpected losses. Dr. Hans Noel, Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University, and co-author of the book Political Parties, joins the …

1
Ani DiFranco & Carsie Blanton: Menopause, The Wild Child, and Naps to fight Capitalism, ep. 305 43:44

13d ago43:44

43:44

Basic Folk is making trouble at sea with Ani DiFranco and Carsie Blanton! Hosts Lizzie and Cindy had the opportunity to speak with the two like-minded radical songwriters aboard the 2025 edition of Cayamo, a roots music cruise. Our conversation kicks off with Ani sharing her transformative experience performing as Persephone in the Broadway show 'H…

1
Never America's 51st State: The Trump Effect on Canadian Politics (w/ Dr. Andre Lecours) 52:18

17d ago52:18

52:18

When Canada's snap election was called for April 28th, few could have predicted how dramatically the political landscape would shift. What started as a predictable contest with Conservatives comfortably ahead has transformed into a national referendum on sovereignty and resilience in the face of unprecedented threats from south of the border. Donal…

1
Loudon Wainwright III: Oversharing, Family Ties, and Musical Legacy, ep. 304 46:20

20d ago46:20

46:20

The legendary Loudon Wainwright III, whose career has spanned over five decades, is known for his deeply personal songwriting and sharp wit – and oversharing. The patriarch of the Wainwright folk dynasty (which includes Rufus, Martha, their late mother Kate McGarrigle, as well as Lucy and her mother Suzzy Roche), Loudon reflects on the balance betw…

1
The Politically Homeless Majority: How Independents Could Save Democracy (w/ Dr. Lura Forcum) 49:44

24d ago49:44

49:44

America's political divisions seem insurmountable, yet beneath the surface lies a compelling counternarrative: the moderate middle hasn't disappeared—it's just been silenced. In this episode, Dr. Lura Forcum, president of the Independent Center, to discuss the surprising vitality of centrist politics (and centrist voters) in a polarized age. The nu…

1
Olivia Ellen Lloyd: West Virginia to Brooklyn, Finding Ground in Water, ep. 303 1:01:14

27d ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Olivia Ellen Lloyd's latest album, 'Do It Myself,' sees the West Virginia-born Brooklyn-based songwriter reflecting on the powerful imagery of water. She shares how it has been a source of grounding and calmness in her life, from childhood memories spent on the Potomac River to her current love for the ocean, these elements have shaped her artistic…

1
Retaking the House (and Democracy) with Florida House Candidate Josh Weil 22:35

1M ago22:35

22:35

Josh Weil, Democratic candidate for Florida's 6th Congressional District, joins Deep Dive to discuss what could be one of the most consequential special elections in American history. A public school teacher and single father, Weil explains why his April 1st race represents more than just a local contest – it's potentially the first domino in Democ…

1
Bonnie "Prince" Billy On Making Nashville Musical Magic, ep. 302 1:04:32

1M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Will Oldham, also known as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, has led an illustrious, sometimes mysterious career which has spanned decades and genres. Hailing from and still living in Lexington, KY, in our Basic Folk conversation Will reflects on his journey from a young artist struggling to find his place in the music world to a seasoned musician who embrace…

1
From Belfast to Boston: Can the Troubles Happen Here? (Featuring Oisin Feeney) 51:46

1M ago51:46

51:46

In the United States, it's difficult to imagine how civil violence could break out in the United States - how civic and political breakdown could actually manifest in our neighborhoods. The Troubles - the conflict that tore Northern Ireland apart for decades - offer a stark warning for America's increasingly polarized society. In this episode, Oisi…

1
Rose Cousins & Edie Carey: Bast Friendship, Music, and the Art of Spatula-ing Life, ep. 301 1:25:31

1M ago1:25:31

1:25:31

Rose Cousins and Edie Carey's friendship has blossomed for over two decades. On the occasion of Rose releasing her new album, 'Conditions of Love - Vol 1,' the pair appear on Basic Folk to discuss the new music. They reflect on their early days and their first meeting as well as the ways they’ve influenced each other's careers and personal growth. …

1
Ground Control: How Trump’s Territorial Ambitions Threaten Global Stability (w/ Dr. Michael Albertus) 56:45

2M ago56:45

56:45

Dr. Michael Albertus, professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, and author of the book Land Power: Who Has It, Who Doesn't, and How That Determines the Fate of Societies, as well as the recent Foreign Affairs article The Coming Age of Territorial Expansion, joins the pod to discuss the history of land power, land owernship, terri…

1
Leaving America Trailer 1:30

2M ago1:30

1:30

Have you ever considered leaving the United States - for more affordable healthcare, a lower cost of living, less political chaos? If so, our limited podcast series "Leaving America" will be your guide to answering all of the questions you might have! Coming this summer on the Deep Dive with Shawn podcast feed. Follow us now for updates! ----------…

1
Sierra Hull: Mandolin Magic and Small Town Roots, ep. 300 1:06:40

2M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

When mandolinist Sierra Hull was little, her dad told her she was really good "for a ten year old." The older Hull knew Sierra had a fiery passion for the instrument and he knew exactly how to motivate his daughter. He went on to say that if she wanted to go to jams and porch-play for the rest of her life, she'd learned enough. He gave her realisti…

1
Basic Folk Presents: Folk Files: Shady Grove 25:27

2M ago25:27

25:27

Editor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! Folk Files is a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music through the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music th…

1
Did Bill Clinton’s Presidency Create Trump? The Progressive Betrayal (Featuring Dr. Nelson Lichtenstein) 1:00:59

2M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Is Bill Clinton responsible for this Trump Era? In this episode, Dr. Nelson Lichtenstein, professor of History at UC Santa Barbara, and co-author of the book A Fabulous Failure: The Clinton Presidency and the Transformation of American Capitalism joins the pod to examine the complexities of Bill Clinton's presidency and its enduring effects on Amer…

1
Gary Louris talks to Mark Erelli on Songwriting, Late in Life Love, and Technology, ep. 299 1:01:02

2M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

You probably know Gary Louris as the leader of The Jayhawks – or as they refer to themselves, “a band from Minnesota.” The Jayhawks are pioneers of roots rock, alt-country, and Americana. Whatever you wanna call it, they’ve been making records where rock, pop, country, and other forms of American roots music overlap since the mid-1980s. But Louris’…

1
Burn It Down and Rule the Ashes: Trump’s Ungoverning Agenda (Featuring Dr. Russell Muirhead) 57:13

2M ago57:13

57:13

One month into Trump's second term and his actions, thus far, have been described as chaotic, anarchic, cruel, mercurial, authoritarianian, etc. At minimum, it's clear that Trump is single-mindedly focused on systematically dismantling the very institutions designed to uphold democracy. Our guest this week, Dr. Russell Muirhead, professor of Democr…

1
Lilly Hiatt: Driving Tunes and Life Lessons, ep. 297 44:50

2M ago44:50

44:50

Singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt has an interesting way of working melodies and a down to earth way of telling stories about her life and about how she sees the world. All of her albums have cool, crunchy guitar parts that take folk songwriting to a new rockin' level. On her new album 'Forever,' Hiatt's diverse influences are woven into songs that tou…

1
Bonus Mary Sue Twohy: From Folk Roots to Radio Waves 41:12

2M ago41:12

41:12

SiriusXM's folk radio programmer Mary Sue Twohy has not had a straight career path, but it's certainly been adventurous. Mary Sue, who is about to be inducted into the Folk DJ Hall of Fame, has held many different jobs over her life, most notably as a touring singer songwriter and as a beloved folk radio programmer, host and active community member…

1
Unnatural Disasters: Climate Change in the Trump Era (Featuring Jonathan Mingle) 1:05:25

2M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

Can rising insurance premiums finally make climate change a reality for everyone? And, what does it mean for the world that climate change denier Donald Trump has returned to the American presidency? Jonathan Mingle, journalist and author of "Fire and Ice," joins the podcast to explore the tangible impacts of climate change on everyday life. We dis…

1
Sam Moss: Gentle Folk Sounds and Woodworking Bounds, ep. 296 58:25

2M ago58:25

58:25

Although the ever-enigmatic Sam Moss is not a great swimmer, he named his latest album 'Swimming.' The folk singer with a gentle demeanor is back with thoughtful songs and captivating melodies. Hailing from New England, Sam has carved out a unique niche in the folk world, blending naturalistic themes with an introspective approach to songwriting. W…

1
American Divorce: How the States Can Quit Each Other (Featuring Dr. Jason Sorens) 56:37

3M ago56:37

56:37

What if the United States could peacefully resolve its deep political rifts through secession? Dr. Jason Sorens, a leading expert on secessionism and author of the book Secessionism, joins the pod to discuss the legal, historical, and cultural dimensions of secession in America. The contentious idea has gained renewed interest following Donald Trum…

1
Covered in Moss: Anna B Savage's World of Folk, Birds and Ireland, ep. 295 57:32

3M ago57:32

57:32

Anna B Savage is down to earth and witchy as hell at the same time. Over her three albums, she's cultivated a memorizing sound and epic image – like David Bowie, Bjork, Kate Bush, etc. – that's gained her a god-like reputation. A reputation which preceded the actual human being behind the art, leaving some to wonder what it would be like to speak t…

1
The Wellness Gap: How Politics Shapes Public Health (Featuring Dr. Sandro Galea) 48:16

3M ago48:16

48:16

In this episode, Dr. Sandro Galea - physician, epidemiologist, and author of numerous books including The Turning Point: Reflections on a Pandemic - joins the pod to discuss the hidden physical and mental health costs of political division and harmful policies. We talk about how social polarization affects individual and collective wellbeing, and D…

1
Carolyn Kendrick's Devilish Detour: Satan's Folk Music, Moral Panic and the Color Red, ep. 294 1:07:30

3M ago1:07:30

1:07:30

Carolyn Kendrick's latest project explores complex themes of moral panic, tradition, and the figure of the devil (AKA Satan, AKA Lucifer). The LA-based songwriter opens up about the inspiration behind her album, 'Each Machine,' which is accompanied by a thought-provoking zine. In our Basic Folk conversation, she discusses the significance of the co…

1
The Murderer is Inside the House: Trump, Militias, and the End of Democracy (Featuring David Neiwert) 1:00:32

3M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Donald Trump's second presidential term is less than a week old and everything already seems to be coming undone. American democracy might be at a breaking point. How did the far-right militia groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers gain influence with the help of government allies, posing a grave threat to national stability? Author and journa…

1
Josh Kaufman: Imperfect Folk Music & Backstage Snacks, ep. 293 1:02:56

3M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Multi-talented musician and producer Josh Kaufman is known for his work with Josh Ritter, The National, and his band Bonny Light Horseman. I've known Josh for many years, after meeting him in Pittsburgh while he was on tour with Dawn Landes. I felt instant friendship with him (and honestly with the entire Dawn Landes band that day). We haven't seen…

1
Dark Inauguration Day - Rebuilding America After Authoritarianism 49:04

3M ago49:04

49:04

In this special episode of Deep Dive on this Trump Inauguration Day, we revisit the final episode of our limited series "After America" and ask - how does a nation rebuild itself after falling under authoritarian rule? In the series finale of After America, we take you through the harrowing aftermath of an imagined Trump's second presidential term,…

1
Degrees of Division: Higher Education and Political Sorting in America (Featuring Dr. David Hopkins) 59:46

3M ago59:46

59:46

In this episode of Deep Dive, we examine the growing educational divide driving polarization in American politics and its implications for democracy. Dr. David Hopkins, co-author of the book Polarized by Degrees: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Transformed American Politics, joins the pod to explain how college attainment correlates with…

1
Lutalo: Hip Hop Roots and Folk Future(s), ep. 292 50:22

3M ago50:22

50:22

In 2024, Vermont's Lutalo released their debut album, The Academy. In this episode of Basic Folk, they share the profound influence of their father, whose deep love for artistry and creativity laid the foundation for Lutalo's musical path. We delve into the broad variety of their influences, from underground hip-hop to African drumming classes, eac…

1
Blue Collar, Red Lines: How Union Decline Has Reshaped American Democracy (Featuring Lainey Newman) 1:03:42

4M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Lainey Newman, co-author of Rust Belt Union Blues, joins the pod to shed light on how deindustrialization and globalization have weakened organized labor, particularly in regions like the Rust Belt. We discuss how these changes have left a void filled by conservative organizations and cultural movements, leading to a significant realignment of work…

1
Jerry Douglas: From Steel Mills to Dobro Thrills, ep. 291 57:50

3M ago57:50

57:50

Jerry Douglas is widely regarded as the best Dobro player in the world. Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, and James Taylor are counted among his many collaborators and his four-decade career has earned him 16 GRAMMY Awards and numerous other accolades. In our Basic Folk conversation, he shares stories about his upbringing in Warren, Ohio, where his fa…

1
Living Liberalism: A Way of Life Under Threat (w/ Dr. Alexandre Lefebvre) 55:27

4M ago55:27

55:27

We all, conservatives and progressives, are liberals. And, we are living liberal lives. Dr. Alexandre Lefebvre, a renowned professor of politics and philosophy, and author of the book Liberalism as a Way of Life, joins the pod to explain the complex and often misunderstood concept of liberalism, and how liberalism is more than just a political labe…

1
Basic Folk: An Official Bluegrass Situation Production 5:06

4M ago5:06

5:06

Basic Folk features honest conversations with folk musicians hosted by Cindy Howes and Lizzie No. We approach interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. Since 2018, this podcast has dignified under the radar roots musicians by providing a platform that they might not otherwise have. You’ll hear interviews from Three-time Grammy-winning…

1
State of the Union: 2024 (w/ Drs. Sara Benesh, Edward Watts, & James Hawdon) 53:35

4M ago53:35

53:35

It's the end of the year, and that means our annual State of the Union episode is here! In this episode, I'm joined by judicial scholar Dr. Sara Benesh, historian and expert on the fall of Rome, Dr. Edward Watts, and scholar of political violence, Dr. James Hawdon. We draw striking parallels between Rome's transition from a republic to an autocracy…

1
A Few of Our Favorite Things 2024 (And a Special Message from the North Pole) 1:04:08

4M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

The second annual Few of Our Favorite Things episode has arrived! Friend of the Pod Justin Hentges returns, and we share personal stories and reflections on our cherished books, movies, music, and experiences from the past year. We aren't just highlighting new releases, but the gems that have brought us joy and comfort regardless of their release d…

1
Deep Dive Revisits After America E5: Altar-ing the Constitution - Christian Nationalism's Rewrite 1:01:05

4M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Deep Dive is on vacation this week, so we are re-running our most listened to After America episode. We'll be back next week with an all new holiday episode of Deep Dive. ---- Can Christian nationalism coexist with American democracy, or is it a threat to the very foundation of our nation? This episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of Mike Jo…

1
Year-End Reflections with Cindy & Lizzie: A Wild 2024 Ride, ep. 290 1:11:13

4M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

It's 2024 recap time on Basic Folk! Cindy & Lizzie dive into a most special year-end reflection, featuring highlights from our honest conversations with folk musicians. We revisit THE top episode of the year, Anna Tivel & Jeffrey Martin's insightful discussion on navigating artistic challenges and living a simple life. Cindy shares her favorite epi…

1
The MAGA Coup: Trump’s Takeover of the GOP (w/ Dr. Rachel Blum) 59:55

5M ago59:55

59:55

Dr. Rachel Blum, an expert on political parties and factions, and author of the book How the Tea Party Captured the GOP: Insurgent Factions in American Politics, joins the pod to explore a bold transformation within the Republican Party. Can the rise of the MAGA movement be understood as a mere political shift, or does it signify a deeper change in…

1
Nature Calls for Trampled by Turtles' Dave Simonett: Music, Hunting and Home, ep. 289 1:00:14

5M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Dave Simonett, lead singer and songwriter of the bluegrass-adjacent Trampled by Turtles, is a talented musician AND a great outdoorsman. From the small town of Mankato, Minnesota, to the vibrant music scenes of Duluth and Minneapolis, Simonett shares his upbringing in a musically-inclined, nature-loving family, shaped by the sounds of church hymns …

1
Trump Country: Are Democrats Cosplaying Rural America? (w/ Dr. Nicholas Jacobs) 1:09:11

5M ago1:09:11

1:09:11

What drives the deepening political divide in rural America? In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Jacobs from Colby College, and co-author of the book The Rural Voter: The Politics of Place and the Disuniting of America discusses the cultural and economic threads that intertwine to bolster Donald Trump's appeal among rural voters. We examine the evolution…

1
Did Polls Do Harris Dirty? (w/ Dr. W. Joseph Campbell) 51:44

5M ago51:44

51:44

If some of the last 2024 presidential election polls were pointing to a decisive Kamala Harris win, then why did it become clear so early in the evening that Harris would, in fact, lose? Were the polls wrong...again? In this episode, Dr. W. Joseph Campbell discusses how polls work, the history of polling errors, and why it matters. He also takes on…

1
Becca Stevens on Grief, Spiritual Co-Writing and Connection, ep. 288 58:17

5M ago58:17

58:17

I (lizzie) first came across Becca Stevens via her collaboration with string group The Attica Quartet. Her new album, Maple to Paper, is really different from her previous releases. If you think you know everything that there is to know about Becca Stevens as a singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer, you are wrong. And you are going to be so am…

1
The Unchecked Presidency: When One Branch Rules Them All (w/ Professor Daniel Farber) 46:55

5M ago46:55

46:55

Could the American system of checks and balances crumble under a second Trump presidency? In this episode Berkeley Law Professor Daniel Farber, co-director of the Edley Center on Law and Democracy, joins the pod to discuss the complexities of executive authority in the U.S. government. From emergency powers initially crafted for crisis management t…

1
Twisted Pines' Kathleen Parks Secret Polka Past, ep. 287 1:19:48

5M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

Hot off the heels of Twisted Pines' latest release, Love Your Mind, Kathleen Parks is here to dig into her uncelebrated polka origins. Daughter of renowned trumpetist Eric Parks, the younger Parks grew up in New York's Hudson Valley in a very creative family (her mother was also a dancer and the one who made Kathleen practice all the time). She sta…

1
No Place Like Home: Immigration Under Another Trump Presidency (w/ Dr. Maria Cristina Garcia) 58:28

6M ago58:28

58:28

Trump has won. He has plans. Dr. Maria Cristina Garcia joins me for a deep dive into the intricacies of immigration policy and its far-reaching effects on American society. We discuss the disinformation clouding public perception and policy debates. Staring down a second Trump presidency, we reflect on historical mass deportations and the dire econ…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Queer Ambition Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen