Jess Craven: Hope, Action, and Democracy

Talk of the Bay host George Cadman spoke with Jess on January 20th about her Substack & social media videos, her activism, and what motivates her. They also spoke about using anger and grief as fuel for good.

There are so many attacks on our democracy, our rights, and our bodies every day, that it is hard to know where to start. It can feel overwhelming.

Jess Craven addresses how ordinary working Americans who are raising families and trying to survive can resist this tidal wave of attacks on our freedom, on our democracy, and on our well being – how they can respond in a meaningful way with the time and resources that they have. She curates daily impactful actions to help people to get involved, even if they are short on time or money.

She talks about the practical actions ordinary Americans are taking to stand up to this regime, build community & support one another, with examples from Minneapolis and other communities where residents are standing up and standing together.

Jess also shares her thoughts on the 2026 mid term elections, public opinion polls, and why she has hope. And how she takes care of herself & finds balance in her life.

Jess Craven is an activist, political content creator, and the author of Chop Wood, Carry Water Daily Actions on Substack. Her goal is to help average Americans become more engaged in the political process and help elect more progressive lawmakers everywhere.