Civic Cipher
News & Politics Podcasts
Civic Cipher is a weekly radio show created to foster allyship for social justice. Hosted by Ramses Ja and Q. Ward, this show is dedicated to empowering Black and Brown voices, allowing them to engage directly with diverse populations across the country. Self-determination is critical to securing a future free of oppressive systems, and Civic Cipher exists to facilitate discussions toward this end. Furthermore, Civic Cipher seeks to inform non-POC allies who may not be privy to these types of discussions and optics. Finally, Civic Cipher seeks to provide long-form conversations in spaces where there is often a lack of significant resources, potent dialogue, or the necessary engagement for facilitating a healthy and productive civil discourse. FB/Instagram/Fanbase: @civiccipher
Location:
United States
Genres:
News & Politics Podcasts
Description:
Civic Cipher is a weekly radio show created to foster allyship for social justice. Hosted by Ramses Ja and Q. Ward, this show is dedicated to empowering Black and Brown voices, allowing them to engage directly with diverse populations across the country. Self-determination is critical to securing a future free of oppressive systems, and Civic Cipher exists to facilitate discussions toward this end. Furthermore, Civic Cipher seeks to inform non-POC allies who may not be privy to these types of discussions and optics. Finally, Civic Cipher seeks to provide long-form conversations in spaces where there is often a lack of significant resources, potent dialogue, or the necessary engagement for facilitating a healthy and productive civil discourse. FB/Instagram/Fanbase: @civiccipher
Twitter:
@civiccipher
Language:
English
Contact:
8184157831
Email:
ramsesja@gmail.com
Episodes
Millions Racially Reclassified by U.S. Census with Asian Soph
6/28/2025
Today’s guest is a social media influencer and activist that goes by the name of Asian Soph found online at the handle @asian_soph or @MixedPresent. She speaks on and organizes around the mixed BIPOC/multiracial experience in the United States.
In the first half of the show, Soph talks us through the changes made to the racial classification system at the U.S. Census and the implications of the move. We discuss who is affected, and the potential reasons behind the change.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:26:57
Right-Wing Plants in Left-Wing Demonstrations -- A Conversation with Asian Soph
6/28/2025
Today’s guest is a social media influencer and activist that goes by the name of Asian Soph found online at the handle @asian_soph or @MixedPresent. She speaks on and organizes around the mixed BIPOC/multiracial experience in the United States.
In the second half of the show, Soph discusses recent protests in LA, as well as how outliers, infiltrators, and plants can/do shift the optics of otherwise largely peaceful protests.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:58
The ICE Raid Protests in LA with Activist Wendy Amara (Part 1)
6/21/2025
Today’s guest is Wendy Amara—an activist, board member of Roots and Wings (a content creator group that uplifts the stories of immigrants) and the host of the Yes, Mujer--Build It! podcast. She can be found online @wendyamara.
In the first half of the show, we get some insight into the Ice Raid protests in Los Angeles, the culture of protesting in Los Angeles, and what outcomes the protesters want to see.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:27:02
What Conservatives Say About Immigration (Part 2)
6/21/2025
Today’s guest is Wendy Amara—an activist, board member of Roots and Wings (a content creator group that uplifts the stories of immigrants) and the host of the Yes, Mujer--Build It! podcast. She can be found online @wendyamara.
In the second half of the show, we address the right-wing pushback on immigration protests and try to uncover why immigration is such a challenging issue for the country to reconcile with.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:58
Trump’s Challenge to the Judicial Branch (Part 1)
6/14/2025
Today’s guest, Vladimir Gagic, is an independent nonpartisan political and legal commentator, former lawyer, and social media influencer found online at @ToxikVlad
In the first half of the show, we examine Trump’s challenges to the Judiciary Branch of the government, and ways that Republican leadership are ensuring the strengthening of the Executive Branch. We discuss the protests in Los Angeles and the legal justification for Trump deploying the National Guard.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:27:02
The Powers of the Judiciary with Vladimir Gagic (Part 2)
6/14/2025
Today’s guest, Vladimir Gagic, is an independent nonpartisan political and legal commentator, former lawyer, and social media influencer found online at @ToxikVlad
In the second half of the show, we discuss the justification for the legal attacks on Trump and from Trump and examine the merits of the cases. We also discuss the powers of the judiciary in this country.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:58
Engaging with the Political Opposition—A Conversation with Ami Horowitz (Part 1)
6/7/2025
Today’s guest, Ami Horowitz is an American conservative documentary filmmaker and activist. He is the writer, producer, and director of Ami on the Loose, a satirical short film series. He is also the host of the recent documentary The Art of War—a look into the practices of the IDF
In the first half of the show, Ami explains his latest film—a defense of the IDF and Israel’s campaign on the ground in Gaza. We also discuss the approval rate that conservative voters have for Trump’s first few months in office and how that figure largely differs from non-conservatives.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:27:01
Engaging with the Political Opposition—A Conversation with Ami Horowitz (Part 2)
6/7/2025
Today’s guest, Ami Horowitz is an American conservative documentary filmmaker and activist. He is the writer, producer, and director of Ami on the Loose, a satirical short film series. He is also the host of the recent documentary The Art of War—a look into the practices of the IDF
In the second half of the show, Ami explains how a person can be opposed to what the majority of Black people want to see politically, and not be racist. He also takes the time to explain his issues with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and why he believes they are problematic.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:58
Political Organizing and Advocacy with Zenia Perez (Part 1)
5/31/2025
Today’s guest is Zenia Perez is an organizer and political consultant working in the fields of advocacy and electoral politics. Online at @yourpoliticalprima
In the first half of the show, Zenia Perez talks to us about the kind of work that she does to support politicians and causes. She discusses the path that she and others took to be influential changemakers on the political ground level.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:27:02
Political Organizing and Advocacy with Zenia Perez (Part 2)
5/31/2025
Today’s guest is Zenia Perez is an organizer and political consultant working in the fields of advocacy and electoral politics. Online at @yourpoliticalprima
In the second half of the show, Zenia discusses some of the threats that advocates of historically marginalized communities need to be mindful of during this second Trump administration. She also mounts a masterful defense of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:58
White South African Immigrants During an Anti-Immigration Administration
5/17/2025
In the first half of today’s program, we discuss the reception of White South African immigrants under the Trump administration and contrast their plight with those of the immigrants the administration is actively expelling. We seek to identify and discuss any oddities or inconsistencies with this act, and hopefully give communities around the country insight into ways people can avoid unlawful arrest, detainment, and deportation.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:58
It Was Once Illegal for Black People to Swim
5/17/2025
Our Way Black History Fact provides insight into what life was like when U.S. segregation extended into the oceans.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:04:03
The Future of Women Leaders in Politics
5/17/2025
In the second half of today’s show, we discuss the future of women leaders in politics and ways people can continue to support and champion women despite the losses of Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris in their respective presidential election campaigns.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:58
Joy Ann Reid’s Dissection of Trump 2.0
5/10/2025
Our guest is Joy-Ann Reid…the self described writer, podcaster, documentary filmmaker, professional blerd, fan of democracy and OG hater of fascism and apartheid, who is best known as an American political commentator and television host.
In today’s episode, we discuss her recent fireside chat known as Journalism Under Fire. We naturally discuss life under Trump’s second term in office so far. We explore the challenges that she faced in losing her MSNBC show as well as the challenges this administration presents to American journalism as a whole. We discuss her future plans in the media space, and what people on the ground can do to resist the oppression they feel under this administration.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:50:00
Human Rights Attorney Yannick Gill on How Trump’s First 100 Days Affected Marginalized Communities (Part 1)
5/3/2025
Our guest, Yannick Gill is a human rights lawyer based in Washington D.C. Yannick worked in Congress with 2 progressive members of the House of Representatives. He is an accomplished human rights advocate defending marginalized people across the United States and abroad.
In the first half of the show, we cover the impacts of Trump’s executive orders on Black and Brown communities. We discuss the attacks of DEI programs in the private and public sector. We also cover the destruction of USAID and the Department of Education.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:27:02
Human Rights Attorney Yannick Gill on How Trump’s First 100 Days Affected Marginalized Communities (Part 2)
5/3/2025
Our guest, Yannick Gill is a human rights lawyer based in Washington D.C. Yannick worked in Congress with 2 progressive members of the House of Representatives. He is an accomplished human rights advocate defending marginalized people across the United States and abroad.
In the second half of the show, we talk about the disappearances to El Salvador, the suppression of immigrant and college student voices, and the attacks on law firms and nonprofits.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:22:58
QR Code - Shedeur Sanders Draft Pick / Shannon Sharp Sued (Part 1)
5/2/2025
In this episode:
Culture – Shedeur Sanders not selected until the 144th pick in the NFL Draft
Opinions – Shannon Sharpe sued for $50 million over allegations of sexual misconduct
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:30:02
QR Code - Judge Arrested for Protecting Immigrants / Ryan Coogler Makes History with Sinners Film (Part 2)
5/2/2025
In this episode:
Dialogue – Judge Hannah Dugan arrested in Wisconsin for allowing an immigrant defendant escape
Entertainment – Ryan Coogler and the success of his new film, Sinners
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:28:58
Does Hard Work Really Lead to Success? (Part 1)
4/26/2025
Today we pull from a public World Government Summit lecture offered by professor of political science, Dr. Roy Casagranda discussing the economic history of the Unted States as well as the dismantling of the free/low-cost education system once found in the United States.
In the first half of the show, discuss the idea that hard work leads to success. We challenge the idea that a few aligned factors can create a universal pathway to the American dream. We also discuss the systemic barriers and advantages present in society and how certain groups are more likely to encounter these forces.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:27:02
Trump’s Attack on the National Museum of African American History (Part 1)
4/19/2025
Our guest is Dr. Camilla Westenberg. Dr. Westenberg has been a decades-long advocate for equity for both women and marginalized communities. She is a Charter member of the NMAAHC. Additionally, she currently serves as the VP for Political Action of the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP, she is a distinguished leader in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Phoenix Chapter. Additionally, she is a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women.
In the first half of the show, discuss the importance of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. We also discuss the attacks on the museum by the current administration. Finally, we discuss ways to support the museum as well as their path forward.
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:27:02