Chris Sampson sits down with Larry the Sociologist for a deep conversation on propaganda, racism, Christian nationalism, civic activism, radicalization, and what Americans can still do to rebuild democratic institutions—while broadcasting live from wartime Kyiv.
We Discussed
Reporting live from Kyiv during Russian missile attacks
Why independent journalism matters more than partisan media
Chris’s ongoing investigation into Pepsi’s business operations in Russia
Journalistic ethics, fact-checking, and giving organizations an opportunity to respond
America’s changing political culture
ICE, immigration enforcement, and community organizing
The sociology of race and structural inequality
Christian nationalism and Project 2025
American exceptionalism and xenophobia
Building empathy across political and cultural divides
How propaganda changes behavior—not just opinions
Lessons from ISIS radicalization and extremist recruitment
Why civic participation matters more than online outrage
Charlottesville, civil rights, and generational responsibility
Corporate influence, political advertising, and behavioral manipulation
Edward Bernays, public relations, and modern propaganda
Why independent experts and journalists deserve direct public support
Practical activism versus performative activism
Finding common ground in deeply polarized societies
The future of democracy—and reasons for cautious optimism
