In this episode of "Ayana Explains It All," Ayana Fakhir delves into the reasons behind the Democratic Party's loss in the 2024 election and explores potential strategies for rebuilding. Reflecting on the party's historical trajectory from the era of Franklin Roosevelt to the present, Ayana discusses the long-standing connection the Democratic Party had with working-class struggles and civil rights, and how it has drifted from this core identity.

Works cited:

1. "Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point" by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt (2023).
2. 
   

Lies, lies, and more lies. When you believe everything your uncle shares on WhatsApp it can have disastrous consequences. In this episode, Ayana dives into the omnipresence of misinformation and disinformation, using her experiences and readings from the book 'The Defectors' by Paola Ramos as a backdrop. She humorously critiques people's tendencies to believe unverified stories and conspiracy theories found on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Ayana also underscores the importance of fact-checking and criticalthinking to avoid being manipulated by false narratives. Finally, she discusses the societal impact of misinformation, particularly how it exacerbates racism, sexism, and political instability.

Sources used in the making of this episode:

1. "The Defectors" by Paola Ramos
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/misinformation-and-disinformation
3. https://www.britannica.com/procon/Study-Finds-ADHD-Content-on-TikTok-Is-Less-Than-50-Percent-Accurate

In this candid and eye-opening episode (where she may cuss a lil) of 'Ayana Explains It All,' join Ayana Fakhir as she navigates through the labyrinth of the backlash against the federal government’s bureaucracy. From her firsthand experience as a federal employee to her personal musings on the current sociopolitical climate, Ayana dives deep into the challenges, misconceptions, and harsh realities faced by federal employees, alongside highlights about her life, and the ongoing struggle for equity and recognition in public service. Tune in for an engaging show that bridges the gap between current events and human behavior, all while Ayana attempts her first video podcast in the comfort of her personal workspace.

I said what I said...with love.

Spilling the tea on navigating life as a civil servant, particularly when your boss doesn't like you. Someone shook the federal government's snow globe, and now there's a blizzard. Let's get into it!

Ayana dives into the dumpster fire that is social media, waxing poetic about our life-long love-hate relationship with it. She shares how the TikTok ban has her scrambling to find dopamine on another app, and guess what? She's landed on China's version of Instagram, and it's a joy fest! Ayana hilariously contrasts America's doom-scrolling addicts with China's peppy social media users who make even their cats look happier. She takes comedic jabs at the U.S. government’s obsession with TikTok and how they think we’re all brainless bots. With rants ranging from American exceptionalism to her personal life as a Black Muslim woman, Ayana proves that, yes, you can be a serious thinker while laughing your head off. The episode is a delightful rollercoaster that reminds you - community and joy might just be the real keys to happiness.

Listen now at our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

www.ayanaexplainsitall.com

Resilience--it's the gift that keeps on giving. And, you don't have to drill for it, baby.

Sources used in the making of this episode:

1. https://www.teneo.com/insights/articles/why-2024-is-the-year-for-resilience/
2. "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brene Brown