Jess Craven on Making Fear Your Fuel

How do you turn political fear into sustained action? Jess Craven has been answering that question for her massive Substack community every weekday since November 2016.

In this episode of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, Dr. Lyerly welcomes the face of “Chop Wood, Carry Water”, Jess Craven: political activist, content creator, and widely-followed organizer.

The daughter of legendary horror director Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream), Jess has unironically applied lessons about confronting fear to building one of the most engaged grassroots organizing communities in America…and she’s just hitting her stride! _{(Image copyright Wireimage)}

Topics include:

How to get involved in political activism (even if you’re new)
The evolution of digital organizing and new media
Concrete actions for protecting democracy
Parenting a queer teenager while fighting political battles
Avoiding activist burnout and finding joy in resistance
The “Chop Wood, Carry Water” daily practice philosophy
Where to find real hope in 2026

Whether you’re a longtime activist or someone who’s never made a political phone call, this conversation offers practical tools, inspiring stories, and a roadmap for turning anxiety into impact.

Jess Craven

Podcast appearances›

Scream Then Act

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show

Podcast appearances