EPISODE 142 | Think Local, Act Big: Len Assante on Civic Engagement, Critical Thinking and Community Power
In this inspiring conversation, educator and podcast host Len Assante shares how local action, critical thinking, and community connection can create real change. Learn how to get involved and make a difference—starting right where you are.
Watch Len Assante’s interview on Human Amplified with Brandi Fleck on YouTube.
Listen to Len Assante's Interview About Critical Thinking and Local Action
About Episode 142
What are the simplest ways to plug into your local community—and actually make a difference?
Len Assante, a seasoned communications educator, private pilot for over 40 years, award-winning editorial writer, and founder of TLO Media LLC, home of The Loyal Opposition podcast and radio show, breaks down how his deep commitment to civic responsibility—from championing student causes as a grad student to spearheading hyperlocal political engagement—can be distilled into easy, actionable steps anyone can take right where they live to become a true change maker.
We talk about
01:52 – What “being human” really means: responsibility to people, creatures, and planet
08:07 – Why the humanities are critical to changing the world
10:27 – Critical thinking defined—and why it “burns calories”
15:28 – Easy first steps to local civic involvement (no prior experience needed)
18:22 – The origins and mission of The Loyal Opposition
22:14 – How podcasting amplifies hyperlocal impact on a budget
29:13 – Building community through events—and why “cool people” gatherings spark change
34:39 – Finding like-minded folks (even in a red state) via social media and in-person meetups
40:55 – Navigating friendships with people who aren’t like you—setting boundaries and focusing on common ground
44:26 – Why local government decisions often matter more in your day-to-day life than federal politics
Episode 142 is for You If...
You find yourself asking questions such as:
Why is responsibility the root of being human?
Where does civic responsibility come from—and how can you cultivate it?
How do the humanities build critical thinking skills?
What does “thinking critically” really involve, and how can a “lazy” person start?
What are the simplest ways to plug into your local community?
What is the “loyal opposition” principle, and how does it translate to podcasting?
How can podcasts and hyperlocal media drive real change in your county?
You Might Also Like: How the U.S. Government is Supposed to Work with Historian Grady Eades
Read the Interview Transcript - Episode 142
Read the full episode transcript here.
Links and Resources - Episode 142
The Loyal Opposition website: https://theloyalopposition.online
Support the Show - Episode 142
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EPISODE CREDITS: Original intro and outro music by Ryan Sauls. Episode creation and graphics by Brandi Fleck. Editing by Natasha Rivera. Sound effects from zapslat.com. Bio and photos provided by Len Assante.
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Hi, I’m your podcast host, Brandi Fleck. I’m a recognized communications and interviewing expert, a writer, an artist, and a private practice, certified trauma-informed life coach and Reiki healer. No matter how you interact with me, I help you tell and change your story so you can feel more like yourself. So welcome!
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