Democracy in Retrograde: Civics Tips That Don't Make You Spiral | Non-Fiction

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If politics feels overwhelming, chaotic, or just plain exhausting right now — this episode is for you. Emily Amick, the attorney-turned-Instagram creator behind Emily in Your Phone, joins the show to talk about her book Democracy in Retrograde (co-authored with Sami Sage) and why civic action doesn't have to feel hopeless.

From calling your actual representative (not Chuck Schumer) to showing up for your local library board, Emily breaks down the concrete, manageable things readers can do to engage with democracy right now — including a real talk about the 2026 midterms. If you've been doom-scrolling and wondering what to do, this conversation is your next step.

📚 Books Mentioned

Democracy in Retrograde by Emily Amick & Sammy Sage — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction / Civics / Political Education | Audio ✅

Note: This episode focuses on a single title. The paperback edition is currently available.

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & intro — what this episode is about

[00:45] Emily introduces herself: Senate counsel, lawyer, Instagram creator

[01:30] Why Democracy in Retrograde was written — answering "I feel hopeless"

[02:30] How Emily started Emily in Your Phone during the first Trump term

[05:00] What actually works: calling your representative (and why it has to be yours)

[07:30] Other ways to engage: town halls, letters to the editor, local Facebook groups

[08:45] Local elections matter — school boards, library boards, running for office

[10:00] Becoming a poll worker: what it involves and why it matters

[11:00] Staying focused: how to pick your one issue and advocate for it

[12:00] Auditing your news diet — from the workbook section of the book

[13:00] Laura on libraries, Medicaid, and using your expertise as advocacy

[14:00] Why library boards need people who actually love books

[15:30] Libraries as third spaces — more than just books

[16:30] The 2026 midterms: what's at stake (House, Senate, Supreme Court)

[17:30] Swing Left, Vote Forward, and relational organizing explained

[19:00] Having hard political conversations — and why most people aren't as extreme as you think

[20:30] Where to find Emily online

Join the Conversation

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read Next

Subscribe & leave a review!