All Interviews

Norman Ornstein
Political Scientist
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Charles Stillman
Retired Defense Attorney

Milton Sipp
Head of Middle School at Riverdale and 7th Grade History Teacher

Vanessa Aronson
Past New York City Council candidate and current candidate for New York State Assembly
Lance Gelman
Retired Immigration Lawyer
Explore by theme
Each interview offers a unique perspective on civic life, but several powerful themes surfaced across all five conversations. Browse clips organized by topic to hear how leaders from education, government, law, and community organizations approach questions about youth involvement, media literacy, polarization, fairness, and civic responsibility. Comparing these perspectives reveals both the diversity of their experiences and the common values that connect them.
1. Youth Involvement —"Get in the front of the line"
Milton Sipp, Education
Vanessa Aronson, Local Politics
Norman Ornstein, Elections
Charles Stillman, Criminal Justice
Lance Gelman, Immigration
2. Media Literacy & the "Pause Button" — Question Everything Before You Believe It
Milton Sipp, Education
Norman Ornstein, Elections
3. Division, Polarization & the Need for Real Conversation
Lance Gelman, Immigration
Milton Sipp, Education
Norman Ornstein, Elections
Charles Stillman, Criminal Justice
4. Fairness, Equity & Who the System Actually Serves
Milton Sipp, Education
Charles Stillman, Criminal Justice
Vanessa Aronson, Local Politics
Norman Ornstein, Elections
5. It's Complicated — Holding Two Ideas at Once
Milton Sipp, Education
Vanessa Aronson, Local Politics
Charles Stillman, Criminal Justice