In this episode, Michael Slaby discusses his journey from the 2008 and 2012 Obama campaigns to his current role at Murmuration, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the role of technology in building community. He also answers the biggest question on all of our minds: what can we all do today? What does America, and the world, need right now? The answer is easier to accomplish than you might think.
Listen to this episode if you've always marveled at the Obama campaign's digital presence and wonder how they pulled it off. And keep listening if you'd like to learn what we can all do today to capture and create that same momentum, collectively and on an individual level.
Follow Michael on Substack: https://7bridges.substack.com/
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjslaby/
Visit Michael's website: https://www.michaelslaby.com/
Learn more about Murmuration: http://murmuration.org/
Need branding or marketing? Visit Alaina & Chris' agency, Good Now: http://www.goodisnow.com
To join a Find Your Voice Cohort visit: http://www.goodisnow.com/classes
Takeaways
- Michael Slaby's work has reshaped how movements build power in the digital age.
- The Obama campaign utilized innovative digital strategies to engage voters.
- Civic engagement is crucial for a healthy democracy and community.
- Social media has transformed the way people connect and organize.
- Current challenges in civic life require new approaches to engagement.
- Technology can be a powerful tool for community building.
- Murmuration aims to provide infrastructure for civic life and organizing.
- Building relationships over time is essential for effective organizing.
- Civic life should not be defined solely by elections.
- A majority of Americans desire a more inclusive and caring civic culture.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michael Slaby
04:25 The 2008 Obama Campaign: A Digital Revolution
14:38 Reflections on Civic Engagement and Political Culture
17:41 The Future of Civic Life and Technology
26:32 The Power of Community Connection
27:39 Rituals and Civic Life
29:35 AI's Role in Society
31:07 Awakening Civic Engagement
32:20 The Nature of Change
38:30 Building a Stronger Civic Culture
43:24 Empowering Community Organizations
What is Citizen Rebel?
Citizen Rebel is the podcast for founders, leaders, and creators who refuse to stay silent.
Hosted by Alaina Shearer, award-winning journalist, movement builder, and brand strategist who founded a national women’s community of 40,000 and ran for U.S. Congress, and Chris Vogel, creative director and brand architect, the show dives deep with guests who are risking it all to take a stand.
Wondering how to take on MAGA? Worried speaking out will hurt your career or your business? This podcast shows you how you can, and what outcomes you can expect (in real time).
From psychotherapists and brand marketers to courageous founders and outspoken executives, every guest has one thing in common: they’re using their platform to push back against extremism, build belonging, and create something better.
Listeners come away with:
Playbooks for action: how to align your brand with your values without losing your voice or your audience.
Inspiration to lead: stories of risk, resilience, and reward from those daring to take a stand.
Practical strategies: tools for building movements, handling backlash, and sustaining momentum when it matters most.
At Good Now, the boutique agency behind the show, Alaina and Chris have helped countless purpose-driven brands find their voice. On Citizen Rebel, they open that playbook to show you how to do the same.
Because in times like these, staying neutral isn’t an option and the bravest brands know it.
More from Chris and Alaina:
- Visit their agency website: http://www.goodisnow.com