How Small Actions Spark Big Social Change in a Broken System

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Michael Brownstein, co-author of "Somebody Should Do Something", to explore how individual actions—often dismissed as insignificant—can ignite meaningful, systemic social change.

At a time when Americans feel overwhelmed by climate change, racial injustice, economic inequality, and threats to democracy, Brownstein challenges the idea that only institutions or powerful leaders can make a difference. Instead, he introduces “both-and” thinking: the idea that personal choices and collective action are not opposites—but partners.

From voting and social influence to community organizing and combating misinformation, this conversation digs into how small, visible actions can ripple outward, shaping norms, inspiring others, and building momentum for real reform. Brownstein also addresses political polarization, loyalty to authoritarian figures, and how despair can be broken through connection and shared purpose.

This episode is a powerful reminder that change doesn’t start “somewhere else”—it starts with people who decide to act -- and that's especially important in this era of Donald Trump and his apparent desire to be dictator of the world.

📘 "Somebody Should Do Something" is available via Amazon at https://amzn.to/499oO2p and independent bookstores, with an audio edition coming soon.

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction: The Urgency of Social Change

00:31 Meet the Author: Michael Brownstein

01:12 The Motivation Behind the Book

02:34 From Scholarly Work to Public Engagement

04:49 The Need for Structural Change

08:07 Individual Actions and Social Influence

14:45 Challenges in American Politics

18:29 Loyalty to Trump: Analyzing the Phenomenon

25:54 Trump's Impact on Climate Change Efforts

28:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts