Why do so many Americans struggle to understand how their government actually works? In this episode of History Told Forward, host Donald Dunn sits down with Marine Corps veteran and civic educator Carl Abel, founder of Crayon Box Politics, to discuss the real issue behind America’s political divide: civic confusion.

After two decades in the United States Marine Corps, Carl Abel began questioning why even highly trained professionals—including military members—often lack a clear understanding of government systems and civic responsibility. That realization led him to create Crayon Box Politics and develop The Archivist, a platform designed to make government data easier for everyday Americans to access and understand.

In this conversation, Dunn and Abel explore leadership failures in both politics and the military, why Americans have slowly given away their political power, and how technology—including AI—may help rebuild civic awareness. They also discuss the dangers of partisan extremes, the importance of informed voters, and why the future of democracy depends on education, transparency, and civic engagement.

If you’ve ever wondered why politics feels broken—or what ordinary citizens can do to fix it—this episode dives deep into the structural and cultural challenges facing American democracy today

https://www.crayonboxpolitics.com/

What really happens when a government insider decides to speak out?

In this episode of History Told Forward, former CIA officer John Kiriakou shares the story that reshaped his life and ignited a global debate. After spending 15 years inside the Central Intelligence Agency as a Middle East analyst and counterterrorism operative, Kiriakou became the first U.S. official to publicly confirm the CIA’s use of waterboarding and other “enhanced interrogation techniques.”

The consequences were severe.

Kiriakou discusses the post-9/11 transformation of the CIA, the realities of intelligence work, the ethics and legality of torture, and the personal cost of becoming a whistleblower. From counterterrorism operations in Pakistan to a federal prison sentence under the Espionage Act, this conversation explores the collision between national security, law, and conscience.

This episode examines:

• The CIA’s role after 9/11

• The origins of the torture program

• Why torture produces unreliable intelligence

• The hidden risks faced by whistleblowers

• Life inside federal prison

• Government accountability and power

Whether you’re interested in intelligence agencies, modern American history, ethics in warfare, or the human impact of state secrets, this is a rare firsthand account from the center of one of the most controversial chapters of the War on Terror.

What do New Yorkers really think about Andrew Cuomo, politics, and the culture surrounding power and accountability?

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Sara Alessandrini, creator of the documentary miniseries This Is What New Yorkers Say, to unpack the real conversations happening on the streets of New York. Filmed over five years, her project captures unfiltered public opinion during and after the controversial tenure of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Rather than pushing a political agenda, Alessandrini’s work explores the human side of modern politics—examining women’s empowerment, cancel culture, due process, and how public perception collides with media narratives. Through candid interviews with everyday New Yorkers, the series exposes the complexity, contradictions, and emotional weight behind political opinion in one of the most influential cities in the world.

This conversation dives into the challenges of political filmmaking, the responsibility of storytelling, and why listening—rather than labeling—matters more than ever in today’s polarized climate.

Takeaways:

1. Filmmaker Sara Alessandrini explores the intricate intersection of New York politics and personal narratives in her documentary.
2. The documentary investigates how the resignation of Andrew Cuomo impacted everyday New Yorkers and their perspectives on governance.
3. Through Candid Conversations, the series delves into critical issues such as women's empowerment and the implications of cancel culture.
4. The project emphasizes the necessity of nuanced dialogue, allowing marginalized voices to be heard beyond mainstream narratives.
5. Sara's work challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths regarding societal norms and the application of due process.
6. The documentary serves as a catalyst for discussions surrounding the complexities of modern political landscapes and social justice movements.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. thisiswhatnew Yorkerssay.com
2. apple tv on demand
3. youtube
4. zoomo

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Candid Conversations
2. Fox
3. CNN

Mentioned in this episode:

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