This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by author, activist, and democracy defender Stacey Abrams for a powerful, timely, and deeply grounding conversation about where we are as a country and what we can actually do about it. Recorded during a moment of collective grief, fear, and exhaustion, this episode centers honesty over platitudes and action over despair. Stacey breaks down her 10 Steps Campaign, explains how authoritarianism takes root in real time, and offers a clear framework for resistance, resilience, and rebuilding without pretending this moment isn’t heavy. Together, Mandi and Stacey talk about protecting your peace without disengaging, finding joy as an act of resistance, navigating financial shame and career disruption, and why your power doesn’t disappear just because your platform changes. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, frozen, or unsure where to start this conversation is for you.   What We Get Into Why this moment feels heavier and why that feeling is by design Stacey Abrams’ 10 Steps to Autocracy and how to recognize them in real time The 10 Steps to Freedom & Power and how everyday people can activate them Why we can’t return to “how things were” and must demand something better How to talk to your kids about what’s happening without passing down fear What to do when you’re exhausted, caregiving, working, and barely holding it together Why joy is not escapism — it’s resistance Financial shame, job loss, and why debt is not a moral failure Stacey’s unsexy but life-changing money habits Building freedom funds, changing lanes, and investing in yourself and others Government shutdowns, budgets, and why “business as usual” no longer applies Why status is no longer safety and what collective action really looks like   Key Takeaways You don’t have to do everything — but you do have to do something Your position may change, but your power stays with you Nonviolent resistance is effective — and it’s not the same as being passive Financial setbacks don’t cancel your dreams; they may redirect them Democracy isn’t abstract — it’s about our ability to thrive   Resources Mentioned Stacey Abrams’ 10 Steps Campaign  Assembly Required podcast Level Up by Stacey Abrams Stacey Abrams’ children’s book series (Stacey Speaks Up) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.