Today on a special unlocked Patreon “Office Hours” episode, AJ sits down with producer Kylan and Brittany, owner of our partner bookstore, Tropes. They swap favorite book recs from the season, reveal where you can find a handy list of them all, and look back on Season 3, complete with some of Kylan’s burning questions for AJ.Check out the list of all the book recommendations we received this season! https://bookshop.org/lists/cpp-book-recommendations
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Season Three Finale: Basel Musharbash, Anti-Monopoly Lawyer
And now for something completely different. In this Season Three finale, we debut our first-ever “Hidden in Plain Sight” episode. Instead of interviewing a politician, we spotlight a news story you may not be hearing elsewhere.To kick things off, AJ is joined by Basel Musharbash to discuss corporate consolidation. They unpack what a monopoly is, why Basel became an anti-monopoly lawyer, how monopolies impact public safety through something as basic as firetrucks, and how they’re reshaping American agriculture. They also explore potential solutions, and of course get some book recommendations for listeners who want to dig deeper into the issue.
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29:19
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29:19
Independent Michael Gainer, Mayoral Candidate of Buffalo New York
In this episode, AJ sits down with Michael Gainer, an independent candidate for mayor of Buffalo, New York. They dive into Michael’s background and professional experience, his decision to shift from Democrat to independent, and his vision for the city. Michael shares his top policy priorities, why he believes he can win, and the one idea he hopes will carry forward even if he doesn’t. The conversation also explores the role of mentors (and their books that shaped him), and why holding onto joy matters in today’s often dark political climate.
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37:20
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37:20
Independent Shanda Yates, State Representative from Mississippi
This week, AJ is joined by Mississippi State Rep. Shanda Yates. They talk about her surprise victory over a long time incumbent Republican, her decision to switch from being a Democrat, some of her major policy priorities and wins, how she as an independent is able to get leadership positions, how she navigates being an independent in a heavily partisan environment, her love of Southern gothic literature, and why bubble baths and a glass of wine are a good way to end a stressful day.
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18:03
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18:03
Liberterian Vic Kaplan, Candidate for NJ Governor
AJ is joined by Vic Kaplan, the Libertarian Party’s 2025 candidate for Governor of New Jersey. They discuss his campaign policies and slogan “Freedom and Empathy,” the federal government’s role in immigration, and how alternative party candidates can achieve policy successes even if not electoral success. The conversation also covers lighter topics like Vic's enjoy ment of Taylor Ham, plus Vic’s recommendations, including the Season 3 history episode on Eugene Debs and some books!
Crashing the Political Party is a podcast for curious but busy people who feel let down by the current political system and are looking for something different. Each episode features conversations with, or about, alternative political candidates, topics, and ideas you won’t hear about on mainstream news. If you're ready to explore fresh voices and real options beyond the usual talking heads and cable news shouting matches, this podcast is for you.
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