Stacey Abrams, one of the highest profile democracy activists on the planet, is many other things: politician, entrepreneur, lawyer, novelist, even TV producer. She nearly became the first Black woman to govern a state in the U.S.

In a wide-ranging conversation with Art of Power host Aarti Shahani, Abrams opens up about her inner wiring.

She believes victory and defeat are rarely decisive, so stamina is key in efforts to protect the ballot. Part of her work is to give citizens a reason to believe in the system and fight “despair.”

Abrams herself recovers from heartache “slowly.” She writes novels to live the adventurous lives she cannot.

And, she is a whole woman — not just a powerful leader — who is looking for love. She is working to improve her texting game.

“I’ve not been great at dating,” Abrams told Shahani. “I think I could get better at it. I just have to practice.”

Hear the conversation by pressing the ‘Listen’ button above or by searching for Art of Power wherever you listen to podcasts.