Welcome to The Democracy Group - a network of podcasts about democracy, civic engagement, and civil discourse. In this feed you will find a sampling of episodes from our podcasts in the Democracy Group as well recordings from our events. If you enjoy this podcast, please visit democracygroup.org to find all of our podcast shows, events, topic guides, and newsletter.
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Enjoying the show? Subscribe to hear the rest of The Politics Guys episodes!
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Enjoying the show? Subscribe to hear the rest of Future Hindsight's episodes!
Enjoying the show? Subscribe to hear the rest of Future Hindsight's episodes!
Enjoying the show? Subscribe to hear the rest of The Politics Guys episodes!
Enjoying the show? Subscribe to hear the rest of Future Hindsight's episodes!
Enjoying the show? Subscribe to hear the rest of The Politics Guys episodes!
Enjoying the show? Subscribe to hear the rest of New Faces of Democracy episodes!
Enjoying the show? Subscribe to hear the rest of Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other, episodes!
Enjoying the show? Subscribe to hear the rest of An Honorable Profession episodes!
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David Lytel joins The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about his lengthy career in politics and technology, which includes building the first website for The White House, co-founding Democrats.com, Redefeat Bush, and Redefeat Trump, and his current start-up idea Deliverability, to help Democrats with email.Additional InformationThe Great Battlefield PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
Author Sasha Issenberg joins political and media experts, Jane Coaston, Reince Priebus, Simon Rosenberg, and Chuck Todd, for a conversation on what to expect during Donald Trump's second term as president. They discuss Trump's first actions as president, his influence on politics, how the Democratic Party has changed over time, and how politics is always shifting. This discussion is part of the Warschaw Conference on Practical Politics “The Trumping of America: Why and What's Next?” in partnership with POLITICO, PBS' "Firing Line with Margaret Hoover," and C-SPAN.Featuring:Sasha Issenberg (Moderator): Groundbreaking Author on Modern Campaigns & Marriage EqualityJane Coaston: Journalist; CNN Contributor; Host of Crooked Media's “What A Day"Reince Priebus: Former Chairman of the Republican National CommitteeSimon Rosenberg: Political Strategist; Author/Creator of Hopium ChroniclesChuck Todd: Chief Political Analyst, NBC NewsAdditional InformationLet's Find Common Ground PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
This episode features a conversation with Dana Castner, founder of Choice Tracker, a new and important tool in the fight for reproductive freedom. When the Supreme Court ruled in June 2022 that abortion laws must be decided by the states, that put a lot of power in the hands of our state legislators, many of whom we had never heard of, let alone knew their stances on abortion. That's what Dana discovered and led her to start the all-volunteer group Choice Tracker just two weeks after the Dobbs decision. Nancy and Dana discuss the value in providing voters all the available information on their state representatives in one place; what actions people can take both in election cycles and off years; and why constitutional abortion protections are not enough to save us on their own. Listen to the end if you want to know how to bring Choice Tracker to your state and other ways you can help now, not just right before the next election.Additional InformationNew Faces of Democracy podcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
We claim to be a nation founded on an idea. But, especially in these times of civic rupture, are we even all talking about the same idea?Contributing Washington Post opinion writer Dr. Ted Johnson joins us again to discuss his beautiful, powerful new book “If We are Brave: Essays of Black Americana.”The program is faciliated by Dr. Nashid Madyun, Executive Director of Florida Humanities. Find the program online here.This program is part of the series in partnership with Florida Humanities — “UNUM: Democracy Reignited,” a multi-year digital offering exploring the past, present and future of the American idea — as it exists on paper, in the hearts of our people, and as it manifests (or sometimes fails to manifest) in our lives.Additional InformationThe Village SquareCast PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
We discuss what we can all do to say "no" to Project 2025, including getting Democrats to play hardball in local, city, and state offices, and to protect and win elections this year and in the midterms next year.Ezra's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Organize in your community with like-minded Americans Use your constituent power to influence the political calculus of your elected representativeEzra Levin is the Co-Executive Director of Indivisible, which he co-founded with Leah Greenberg in the wake of the 2016 presidential election. He's also the co-author of We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump.Additional InformationThe Democracy Group listener surveyFuture Hindsight PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton, who is working alongside Governor Phil Murphy and his legislative colleagues to address the housing crisis. New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in our union, which poses unique challenges and unique opportunities to increase housing. Ryan and Senator Singleton explore misconceptions about what affordable housing is and who it serves, and they discuss why the senator believes it's more effective to market affordable housing as workforce housing. Singleton also talks about New Jersey's November elections, which along with results in Virginia, will be seen as a barometer of the national mood in the first year of the Trump Administration. Tune in to learn about Singleton's career path from intern to senator and how he manages his time to ensure he doesn't get burnt out while serving his neighbors. IN THIS EPISODE:• The foundational role of housing in light of the affordable housing crisis.• Senator Troy Singleton's perspective on the status of affordable housing in New Jersey.• Housing initiatives in New Jersey.• Challenging dynamics around affordable housing.• His journey into working in government.• What changed for Senator Troy when he moved into a leadership position.• Two tips to manage time and balance responsibilities.• How people are feeling in New Jersey following the recent elections.• Interests of different demographics. Additional InformationAn Honorable Profession PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
How Do We Fix It? raises questions about solutions to divisive topics of politics and public policy: Decidedly secular matters. In this episode we look at how religious groups and institutions can help bring people together across divides. Braver Faith is our focus. The Right Rev. Mark Beckwith is our guest.Braver Faith is one the newest and most vibrant groups within Braver Angels— America's largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement that works to push back against rigid polarization. Led by faith leaders from many different religious backgrounds and beliefs, Braver Faith is a civic organization that develops educational tools to build bridges between people who are divided over politics.Mark Beckwith speaks with us about the group's goals and principles. "So many people that I talk to within Braver Angels tell me their commitment emerges from their particular faith", he tells us.Ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1979, Mark Beckwith has served parishes in Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Elected Bishop of Newark, New Jersey, he served in that capacity for 12 years before retiring in 2018. Bishop Beckwith is a liaison for Bishops United Against Gun Violence, and is the co-founder of Faith Leaders for Ending Gun Violence, a national ecumenical group of diverse leaders. He is the author of "Seeing the Unseen: Beyond Prejudices, Paradigms and Party Lines."Braver Faith organized an online gathering the evening before President Trump's inaugural January 20. Here's a link. Three speakers shared their thoughts about how faith can play a role in building bridges. Prayers from a range of faith traditions were offered. We include short extracts in this podcast. "How Do We Fix It?" publishes frequently. We report on the projects, people, and ideas of Braver Angels.Additional InformationThe Democracy Group listener surveyHow Do We Fix It? PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
In this episode, host Corey Nathan addresses the pressing issue of how pro-democracy patriots - the large coalition of folks who believe in this American experiment - can endure during times when anti-democratic tendencies are metastasizing. Drawing from personal experiences, philosophical insights, and cultural reflections, we explore ways of maintaining hope, practicing discernment, and fostering meaningful connections amid political division.What We Discuss:Strategies for practicing discernment in consuming media and news.The importance of mindfulness and staying present in times of uncertainty.How local and state-level civic participation can make a meaningful impact.Insights into nurturing relationships with those holding differing political views.The role of beauty, truth, and community in sustaining democratic ideals.Episode Highlights:Introduction: Corey shares updates on a recent wildfire evacuation and gratitude for firefighters' efforts.Pro-Democracy Patriots: Corey explores how individuals committed to democracy can stay engaged and positive during anti-democratic times.Reflecting on MLK Day: The significance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the moral universe's arc bending toward justice.Media Discernment: Corey discusses how he filters through news and commentary to focus on credible journalism and meaningful content.Practicing Mindfulness: The importance of staying present in the moment to avoid spiraling into anxiety.Truth and Beauty: A reflection on Kristen du Mez's advice to seek out beauty and truth for strength and grounding.Navigating Relationships: Balancing relationships with those holding differing political views while maintaining personal boundaries.Local Civic Engagement: Why local and state politics deserve more attention and how they affect daily life more significantly than federal issues.Featured Quotes:“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” – Reflecting on MLK Jr.'s wisdom.“Practicing discernment means filtering out the junk from the substance and focusing on credible voices.” – Corey Nathan.“You can still love people who disagree with you—sometimes from a safe distance.” – Corey Nathan.“Truth is about staying generous in a world that baits you into resentment.” – Kristen Du Mez.Additional InformationTalkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
Instances of political violence around the 2024 election and vote certification on January 6, 2025 did not come to fruition the way some experts feared they would throughout last year. But that doesn't mean that we can forget about threats of political violence until it's time for the next election. In fact, political violence continues to rise in the United States and throughout western Europe.Our guests this week, Rachel Kleinfeld of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Nicole Bibbins Sedaca of Freedom House and the George W. Bush Institute, are two of the leading voices on how to prevent political violence and create a healthier democracy. They join us to discuss what causes political violence and what democracies around the world can do to prevent it by addressing both cultural and structural issues in politics.After the interview, Chris Beem and Cyanne Loyle discuss whether non-violent protest movements can successfully combat political violence amid growing polarization and support for political violence from some elected officials and political leaders.Kleinfeld and Bibbins Sedaca are the authors of the article "How to Prevent Political Violence," which appeared in the fall 2024 issue of The Journal of Democracy.Journal of Democracy article: How to Prevent Political ViolenceAdditional InformationDemocracy Works PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy welcome the Spring 2025 CPF Fellows to USC for a virtual discussion of Donald Trump's inauguration and what a second Trump term may look like. The conversation features: Bob Shrum (moderator) - Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future Ed Goeas – Republican Pollster and Strategist Betsy Fischer Martin – Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute at American University; Former "Meet the Press" Executive Producer Jonathan Martin - Senior Political Columnist and Politics Bureau Chief at POLITICO Anthony Rendon – Former Speaker of the California State Assembly Cameron Trimble – Former White House Director of Digital Engagement; Founder of Hip-PoliticsAdditional InformationThe Bully Pulpit PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
This week we bring you a special episode from Jenny Marquez, one of our 2024 Podcast Fellows.In the season premiere of Democracy Determined, host Jenny Marquez delves into the crucial topic of youth involvement in democracy. Special guest Aliza Lifshitz, a coalition organizer and strategist for youth movements like Youth and Gov and Voters of Tomorrow, discusses her inspiring journey into political activism, her roles in youth-led organizations, and the unique challenges young leaders face. Aliza emphasizes the importance of resisting external narratives, the role of mentorship, and the need for coalition building. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of youth engagement and the legacy of current young activists.00:00 Welcome to Democracy Determined 00:41 Meet Aliza Lifshitz: Youth Movement Leader 01:18 Aliza's Journey into Political Activism 02:37 Youth and Gov: A Coalition for Change 03:40 Voters of Tomorrow: Empowering Gen Z 04:26 The Unique Role of Young People in Politics 07:06 Challenges Faced by Young Leaders 08:47 The Importance of Mentorship 10:45 Ensuring Sustainability in Youth Movements 13:24 Equipping Young People for Success 16:10 Building a Legacy of Coalition and Unity 18:09 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsKnow a student interested in democracy and podcasts? Send them over to our fellowship to apply: https://www.democracygroup.org/fellowship
This week we bring you a special episode from Dashiell Quinn, one of our 2024 Podcast Fellows.In this inaugural episode of 'Democracy on Fire,' host Dashiell Quinn discusses the vulnerabilities and challenges facing democracy with special guest Mr. Hauser, an experienced lawyer and former federal prosecutor. The conversation dives into key issues such as political polarization, media manipulation, misinformation, and the integrity of politicians. Through insightful dialogue, they explore the current state of democracy, the historical context of political division, and potential paths forward. This episode underscores the importance of understanding our founding principles and emphasizes the need for a more informed and engaged public. 00:00 Introduction to Democracy on Fire 00:58 Understanding Democracy's Fragility 01:21 Meet Our Special Guest: Mr. Hauser 01:46 Mr. Hauser's Background and Experience 03:33 Discussing Polarization and Partisanship 09:06 Media Manipulation and Misinformation 13:49 The Issue of Lying Politicians 18:01 Maintaining Integrity and Honor in Democracy 23:03 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKnow a student interested in democracy and podcasts? Send them over to our fellowship to apply: https://www.democracygroup.org/fellowship
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