Democracy thrives on open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the courage to engage across differences. As we bear witness to social, political, and cultural ruptures that threaten to pull us apart, how can we still find common ground? How can we truly listen to each other and nurture our sense of solidarity?

Critical Currents explores the discourses, movements, and cultural shifts shaping democratic life and collective action today. In an era of uncertainty, this podcast cultivates thoughtful dialogue and a deeper understanding of the forces that bind—and divide—us.

Our first season, Bridging the Gap, leans into moments of tension and shared experience, breaking down barriers through incisive conversations with leading voices like Lynne Thompson, Rosecrans Baldwin, and Lois Rosson.

Hosted by a dynamic group of undergraduate students—Dani Taylor, a UCLA student pursuing a B.A. in English and History; Stella Horns, a Political Science and Narrative Studies major at USC; and Ziyan Xie, completing a dual degree in Cognitive Science and European Languages and Transcultural Studies at UCLA—Critical Currents offers a fresh, inquisitive perspective on the pressing issues of our time.

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In this episode of Critical Currents, podcast hosts Stella Horns and Dani Taylor speak with the fourth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, Lynne Thompson. She is bridging the gap by using poetry to close political and experiential divides between people. During the interview, Thompson reflects on the many forces that have shaped her poetic voice–from life transitions, to her culture and heritage, to the broader poetry community. With her candid discussion of the challenges that come with being a poet and navigating a public platform during times of political turmoil, Thompson offers a refreshingly honest and deeply aesthetic interview that echoes the spirit of her poetry.

Mentioned:
Native Guard by Natasha Tretheway
“Buffalo” by Kai Carlson-Wee
Meltwater by Claire Wahmanholm
Blue on a Blue Palette by Lynne Thompson
Lynne Thompson’s website
Lynne Thompson’s Instagram

Critical Currents is a collaborative production of the Wende Museum, Thomas Mann House, and dublab, with episodes airing from the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at the dublab studio. New episodes release monthly throughout the spring and fall, available on all podcast platforms.

Critical Currents is a podcast production by Wende Museum, Thomas Mann House & dublab.