How did America become so politically divided? In this episode of Purple Political Breakdown, host Radell Lewis sits down with journalist and author Alison Sher to examine the forces driving political polarization in post-pandemic America.
Alison Sher is a journalist, author, and cultural commentator whose work explores the fault lines of modern societyfrom generational identity to ideological polarization. She has written hundreds of stories for regional alt-weeklies and niche publications, blending investigative reporting with philosophical insight. Her latest book, The Social Contagion: Viral Ideologies & the Culture War for America's Future, is a deeply researched exploration of media narratives, public health policy, and political transformation in post-pandemic America.
Together, Radell and Alison discuss how social media algorithms create echo chambers, the role of misinformation in radicalization, why centrism feels politically homeless, and whether Americans can bridge the divide after the Trump era. From the culture war to the information war, this conversation explores what it takes to preserve our shared humanity across political lines.
Purple Political Breakdown delivers political solutions without political biashelping everyday Americans navigate today's divided landscape.
https://www.amazon.com/Social-Contagion-Ideologies-Culture-Americas/dp/B0FM4F62KK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UQOK0XSUNIZK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YnmyiasWdj35BvgPJdk-PTzLReZ_LRZTBoFyCiILazqLxD6SFZMFVlqoW9GsfvLtxm4UigqsqR8sJ2G0p21758gHlz00d34gRrL2ezUfluFN2ZDAXGYRUWOf6arapV_pQ97Gb2bgel6BD5l1RzXIxJH8v3QiIbtArdKpvD7oWL59tx7CRFdSqbqJ21XdpXIs4ypLKL17qhKRnduLg9FbdphBmk5YELmzEXLmn_LH58s.HBiSNKKxQ-RiksZYfQScaf9WB-ady0JGoC6Ebp58_h0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+social+contagion&qid=1766802545&sprefix=the+social+contagion%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-1
Standard Resource Links & Recommendations
The following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation:
PODCAST NETWORK
ALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/
CONVERSATION PLATFORMS
HeadOn - A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/
Living Room Conversations - Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/
UNITY MOVEMENTS
Us United - A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/
BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATION
OtherWeb - An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/
VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACY
Equal Vote Coalition & STAR Voting - Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/star
Future is Now Coalition (FiNC) - A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/
POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
Independent Center - Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/
GET DAILY NEWS
Text 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now)
ALL LINKS
https://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdown
The Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."
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