Defense of Democracy Podcast

In this episode, Addison and Professor Bernd Feiter debate the future of democracy by looking at its origins, evolution, and potential solutions for growth and understanding. This conversation explains how history, culture, and global viewpoints influence our definition of democracy. Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization! For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org Becom...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with filmmaker Jack Gordon, director of the documentary series Undivided, about the role of faith, religious diversity, and belonging in shaping the American story. Together, they explore how the experiences of religious communities throughout U.S. history reveal broader questions about democracy, identity, and who ge...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Suma Setty and Kaelin Rapport of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) about immigration policy, family separation, and the impact current enforcement practices are having on children, caregivers, and communities across the United States. Drawing on recent research conducted with immigrant families, childc...

Have you ever wondered how deeply art reflects our true selves? Or hides behind a mask? Jim Bidgood's story reminds us that behind every masterpiece is a complex mix of authenticity and performance. His work wasn’t just art, it was a lifeline, a way to process what he couldn't say out loud. Bart Everly's film Velvet Vision shows that art isn’t just what we create, it’s also what we...

Fred Osborn shares a powerful truth: democracy is built on shared values, respect, and believing in each other's dignity. From his roots in nature to his service in Vietnam, he reminds us that civic engagement is rooted in everyday acts of kindness and  standing up for what's right. But do Americans still carry that faith in collective action, or has it waned? Support the Defense of Demo...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt sits down with filmmaker Hyunsoo Moon, director of the documentary The Americans, for a deeply personal conversation about immigration, identity, belonging, and the meaning of the American Dream. Over the course of seven years filming immigrant families in Storm Lake, Iowa, Moon followed the lives of refugees and workers con...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks again with writer and historian Conor Broll for a thoughtful conversation on ideology, identity, and the future of civic discourse in America. They examine what it means to think freely in an age of political tribalism, questioning whether Americans are becoming more independent or simply recognizing the limits of inh...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Karen Svoboda steps in for Addison K. Witt to interview Rachel Doyle, known as "Reads with Rachel." They discuss the challenges of book banning and the broader implications for education and democracy. Rachel shares her personal journey from a strict fundamentalist upbringing to becoming an advocate for educational freedom and par...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt talks with Jason B. Allen from the National Parents Union. They delve into the critical issues facing American families, focusing on education, literacy, and the role of parents in shaping democratic values. The conversation highlights the literacy crisis, the impact of the pandemic on education, and the importance of parent...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Kristen Schultz as she shares her journey from community engagement to running for local office. Discover how listening, trust, and leadership at the community level are vital to safeguarding democracy and building resilient neighborhoods. Key Takeaways: Kristen Schultz’s background influenced by her mother’s civ...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt discusses the nuanced differences between democracy and a constitutional republic, emphasizing the importance of civic participation, language, and leadership in safeguarding democratic norms. Key Takeaways: The distinction between democracy and republic, and why language matters. The role of language and symbolism in civic...

In this conversation, Brandt Robinson, a congressional candidate and pro-democracy advocate, discusses the importance of civic engagement and the challenges facing democracy today. He shares his journey from community activism to running for office, emphasizing the need for participatory democracy and the role of education in fostering informed citizens. Brandt highlights the fragility of democrac...

Discover how candidate Kate Barr is flipping the script on political norms by running in the Republican primary to combat gerrymandering and advocate for electoral reform. This episode delves into the realities of partisan district drawing, voter engagement, and innovative strategies to restore democracy. Key Takeaways - Kate Barr’s journey from protesting gerrymandering to challenging the politic...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt discusses the current political climate, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the erosion of democratic norms. He highlights the overwhelming feelings many people experience and the need for empathy and understanding in political discourse. Addison also explores the role of education in fostering democracy, the...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Blythe Potter, a US Army veteran and candidate for Indiana's Secretary of State. They discuss the importance of transparency in government, restoring trust in political institutions, and the role of civic education in empowering voters. Blythe emphasizes the need for better data privacy protections and the s...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Cathy Fleischer about the importance of advocacy in education. They discuss Cathy's journey into advocacy, the playbook she developed for empowering educators, and the current threats facing public schools. The conversation emphasizes the need for teachers to reclaim their voices and take small, actionable s...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt engages in a profound conversation with Reverend Amos J. Disasa  about the urgent issues of mental health, suicide, and the importance of community support. They explore the concept of covenant in relationships, the hidden struggles many face, and the role of friendship in combating loneliness and despair. The discussion emp...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt is joined today by writer and historian Conor Broll. Their conversation delves into the growing concerns of political radicalization and polarization, exploring how these dynamics threaten liberal values and the rule of law. Conor emphasizes the risks posed by both sides of the political spectrum and the implications for dem...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Dr. Christine Emeran, Director of the Youth Free Expression Program at the National Coalition Against Censorship. They discuss the importance of youth activism, the role of protests in democracy, and the mission of the NCAC in empowering young voices. Christine shares insights on how young people are leading move...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy Podcast , host Addison K. Witt sits down with Olivia Negron—actress, advocate, and founder of Studio City Rising—to explore the intersection of storytelling, activism, and civic responsibility. Olivia shares her journey from a military family upbringing to leading peaceful weekly protests in California, emphasizing how art, theater, and creativity can am...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt engages with Ian Rosenberg, a First Amendment lawyer and author, to discuss the current challenges facing free speech in America. They explore the importance of understanding free speech rights, the impact of censorship in schools, and the evolving nature of these rights in a democratic society. Ian shares insights from his...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt engages with Ashley Hope Perez, a scholar and advocate for readers' rights. They discuss the significance of literature as a lifeline for diverse voices, the impact of censorship on education and representation, and the role of educators in defending access to literature. Perez shares insights from her books, including...

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Sabrina Baeta from PEN America about the critical issues surrounding censorship and book bans in American schools and libraries. They discuss the growing crisis of censorship, the personal impact it has on individuals, and the urgency of the current moment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community...

In this episode Addison speaks with author Maggie Tokuda-Hall about the importance of storytelling in the fight against censorship and the power of literature to inspire change. They discuss Maggie's journey as a writer, the emotional weight of telling her family's story, and the current landscape of book bans and censorship in America. The conversation highlights the role of literature...

In this episode, Dr. Charles B.W. Prince discusses his journey in education, leadership philosophy, and the transformation of higher education. He emphasizes the importance of education as a gateway to prosperity and the need for institutions to adapt to changing societal needs. Dr. Prince also addresses the impact of book bans on education and the necessity of remaining vigilant in protecting dem...