In this podcast, Tim Miller chats with Heather Cox Richardson, a history professor and Substack writer, about her journey to becoming a prominent voice in today's landscape. They delve into the difficulties of bridging the gap in political discussions and address the troubling influence of figures like Elon Musk and other wealthy individuals on the Republican Party. The conversation sheds light on the growing polarization in American politics, the role of manipulated algorithms in spreading misinformation, and draws parallels to the late 19th century when a similar partnership between big business and government sparked the Progressive Era. Richardson stresses the importance of democracy advocates creating their own media platforms and engaging with a wide range of audiences.