Welcome to the big show!
It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Dave and I’m so glad you joined our community.
Each Tuesday I write a long-form piece of analysis or commentary on politics, economics, or democracy. That one is free for everyone and always will be. Every second Thursday, I post an entry for subscribers only. That could be a video in which I answer reader questions, a round up of books I’m reading or want to read, or something else to mix it up.
Once a month, on the first Saturday of the month, I publish an episode of my Substack podcast On Work. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to get to know how creative people turn the hours of the day into the stuff we love to consume.
![The author stares into the camera, wearing a blue shirt, with mountains and buildings in the far background across the water. The author stares into the camera, wearing a blue shirt, with mountains and buildings in the far background across the water.](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe79f91ed-4693-48e4-8a04-e9f7b73e80cf_1396x951.png)
Why am I doing this?
We like to say “it’s never been more important to…” care. Or pay attention. Or understand politics. Or get a grip on economics.
The fact is it’s always never been a more important time to sort things out what you think is right and good and true — and to push back against power. That’s why I write.
This newsletter is a bit of a shortcut. Or a guide. A map, if you prefer. Even a cheat sheet. It’s a regular, critical look at politics, policy, democracy, and economics around the world. It’s meant to help you navigate the moment. It’s also a gathering place for people who care about what’s happening — and what happens next.
Who am I?
I’m a contributing columnist with the Washington Post, the host of a couple current affairs podcasts (Open to Debate and Left Looking In), and the author of a book about why we make bad political decisions.
I have a PhD in political science from the University of British Columbia. I also write about books and more for the Globe and Mail, Jacobin, and a handful of other publications. I offer political commentary and analysis for radio, television, and print. When I’m not writing or re-watching Casablanca, I’m terminally online.
I hope you’ll join me and share this newsletter with others.
Why subscribe?
Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and website. Never miss an update. Get a look at what’s happening and why. Connect with others who care about politics, policy, democracy, and economics around the world. And support my work.
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