SideBar podcast welcomes author Gary Lucks

SideBar: Optimism in Action, a collaboration of KAZU 90.3 and Monterey College of Law, features author and activist Gary Lucks in a new episode focused on defending democracy. The conversation comes as the podcast expands on KAZU’s website and app and as midterm election attention rises.

Why it matters: - Gary Lucks is using his new book, We Are the Power: To Win the Future, to push a message of civic engagement at a time when democracy and voter participation are central issues. - SideBar: Optimism in Action is also gaining broader reach as KAZU adds the locally produced podcast to its digital programming.

What happened: - SideBar: Optimism in Action released an episode featuring Gary Lucks, an environmental attorney, policy advisor, community organizer and pro-democracy activist. - The podcast is a collaboration of KAZU 90.3 and Monterey College of Law. - The episode centers on Lucks’ view that engagement, experience, hope and urgency are tools for defending and preserving democracy. - The podcast points listeners to recent episodes at KAZU’s SideBar page and SideBar Media.

The details: - Lucks says collective strength can be turned into power by mobilizing, unifying and taking action to support democracy. - Lucks’ commentary has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. - An op-ed on preserving democracy was reprinted by newspapers including the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Sacramento Bee. - Lucks is a frequent speaker and podcast guest on grassroots organizing and the role citizens play in protecting democracy. - The podcast says it is focused on democratic process issues as midterm elections approach. - Recent episodes listed include conversations on optimism for democracy, local politics, election integrity, and voting facts and civic engagement. - KAZU 90.3 is the NPR affiliate for Monterey, Salinas and Santa Cruz. - SideBar: Optimism in Action, sponsored by Monterey College of Law, is the first non-newscast, locally produced podcast featured on the KAZU website and mobile application. - The podcast is hosted by former law dean Mitch Winick and produced by David Eakin, a theater composer, media consultant and podcast producer. - Winick said the podcast features nonprofit leaders, advocates and community members doing work that improves humanitarian, public policy and charitable needs. - Winick said the current season focuses on people pursuing positive change during challenging times. - New episodes are published on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at KAZU’s SideBar page. - SideBar Media says listeners can preview and hear more than 90 previous episodes at SideBar Media.

Between the lines: - The episode and the broader podcast strategy point to a larger effort to keep democracy-focused civic conversation in front of local audiences ahead of the midterms. - KAZU’s move to feature the podcast on its website and app gives the program a stronger digital footprint and signals growing institutional support.

What's next: - SideBar: Optimism in Action will continue publishing new episodes on its biweekly Tuesday schedule. - The podcast says it will keep highlighting people and organizations working on positive change across local, national and global issues. - Listeners can follow the show online for future episodes and past conversations."}]}