In the inaugural episode, Common Sense Media founder and Stanford University professor Jim Steyer gathers an all-star panel featuring Pulitzer Prize winners Tom Friedman and Nick Kristof as well as media businesswoman Laurene Powell Jobs. The episode opens with talk about unprecedented attacks on American democracy and constitutional values. The panel delves into the current state of U.S. democracy, both domestically and aboard, discussing the roles and failures of political parties, the impact of media, and the importance of standing up against fear and corruption. Jim and his guests also discuss the global role of the United States, dive into the Israel-Gaza conflict, and examine the significance of U.S. global leadership. More than ever, they say, America needs active and informed citizens at home. 00:00 Standing Up Against Bullies and Corruption 00:33 Introduction to 'Which Side of History' 00:50 Inaugural Episode: State of American Democracy 01:01 Meet the All-Star Panel 02:20 The Importance of Open Dialogue and Solutions 03:55 The Role of Common Sense Media 04:44 Challenges Facing American Institutions 06:03 Introducing the Guests: Laurene Powell Jobs, Tom Friedman, and Nick Kristof 07:30 Discussion on American Democracy and National Wellbeing 08:18 Tom Friedman's Insights on Autocracies and American Institutions 12:02 Nick Kristof's Perspective on Authoritarian Regimes 18:30 Laurene Powell Jobs on the State of the Country 22:02 The State of the Two Parties in America 26:07 Critique of Biden Administration's Corporate Stance 27:06 Political Identity and Media Influence 28:07 Social Media Abstinence and Public Perception 29:19 Division for Profit and Political Energy 29:46 Speaking Engagement in Trump Country 33:17 Rural America's Struggles and Democratic Disconnect 39:02 Global Leadership and Abandoning International Order 41:34 Middle East Peace Plan and Challenges 48:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Please note: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of Jim Steyer and do not represent the official views or positions of Common Sense Media.