Democracy thrives on open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the courage to engage across differences. As we bear witness to social, political, and cultural ruptures that threaten to pull us apart, how can we still find common ground? How can we truly listen to each other and nurture our sense of solidarity?

Critical Currents explores the discourses, movements, and cultural shifts shaping democratic life and collective action today. In an era of uncertainty, this podcast cultivates thoughtful dialogue and a deeper understanding of the forces that bind—and divide—us.

Our first season, Bridging the Gap, leans into moments of tension and shared experience, breaking down barriers through incisive conversations with leading voices like Lynne Thompson, Rosecrans Baldwin, and Lois Rosson.

Hosted by a dynamic group of undergraduate students—Dani Taylor, a UCLA student pursuing a B.A. in English and History; Stella Horns, a Political Science and Narrative Studies major at USC; and Ziyan Xie, completing a dual degree in Cognitive Science and European Languages and Transcultural Studies at UCLA—Critical Currents offers a fresh, inquisitive perspective on the pressing issues of our time.