Figuring out who to vote for, where and when to donate, and why it all matters can be so confusing. Democratic political strategist Brian Derrick wants to help change that. You may know him from Instagram, where he demystifies upcoming political races and shares how you can actually make a difference, either with donations or through actions. Last year he founded Oath, a site that helps Democrats know which candidate to donate to, and when, so that their dollars will make the most impact. Host Jillian Anthony (freelance writer and editor, and the former Editor of Time Out New York) asks Brian all of her burning political questions, including: When is the best time to make a political donation? What is rage-donating? Why is it important to call members of Congress? What do Democrats need to know and do to influence real change in our nation? And does my vote actually matter? Listen and learn!

Follow and subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts now so you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to give Cruel Summer Book Club a five-star review on Apple Podcasts so we feel the love.

Follow guest Brian Derrick:
Instagram: @brianderrick_
Oath

Follow host Jillian Anthony:
Instagram: @jillathrilla
Twitter: @jillathrilla
Subscribe to the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter

Time stamps:

1:12 – Reading Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
3:05 – Obsessed with cool fall morning air
5:01 – Introducing guest Brian Derrick
5:51 – Brian’s obsessed with Survivor
10:22 – How Brian got into politics on social media
13:39 – Brian’s goal to help people effectively donate to causes and politicians
14:20 – Brian’s career development
19:37 – Founding Oath to help people make greater impacts
22:40 – Rage funding, and why it often doesn’t make sense
28:12 – Why do donations matter?
28:33 – Why you should invest early in the cycle
34:08 – Why is voter turnout so low for local elections? And why are they important?
38:58 – Can you name your local politicians?
41:17 – Why is it important to call members of Congress? Does it actually make a difference?
47:18 – What Brian has to say to people who don’t think their votes matter
50:32 – Why Republicans are winning the long game, and why Democrats need to play the same game
52:14 – Brian’s love of Broadway and Falsettos
55:08 – Brian’s joy bomb of getting out of the city, and watching bloopers from Veep and Parks and Recreation
57:23– Where to follow Brian