On The Basis Of Democracy

In this compelling episode, Dr. Nicole Asquith joins us to delve into her enlightening study: "We’re led by stupid people": Exploring Trump’s use of denigrating and deprecating speech to promote hatred and violence." We unpack her analysis of verbal-textual hostility (VTH) in Trump's campaign speeches and discuss the alarming implications of linguistic choices made by politicians in shaping public...

In this episode, we delve into the propaganda machine crafted by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, which normalized his hateful rhetoric on the global stage. This manipulation was so effective that it earned Hitler the title of Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1938. We look in-depth at the newly released film: " Goebbels and the Führer, " available on Amazon Prime. This compelling film features...

Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Charlie Spickler, a seasoned filmmaker who has dedicated the last 30 years to creating impactful cinema. Charlie is best known for his recent documentary, “Trumpism & The American Jewish Community,” which explores the alarming rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic incidents during the Trump administration. The film delves in...

Episode Summary: In this episode, I sit down with my acting coach and improv comedian, Patrick Newson, who brings a wealth of experience from his global performances. Together, we delve into the inception of my podcast, exploring the motivations and stories that led me to this platform. Our conversation takes a critical turn as we discuss the concerning impact of Donald Trump's rhetoric and polici...

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Yehuda Stolov, the director of the Interfaith Encounter Association. Dr. Stolov shares his profound insights on the importance of interfaith dialogue and how it fosters understanding and cooperation between diverse religious and cultural groups. Join us as we explore Dr. Stolov's experiences, the challenges f...

In this heartfelt episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Shoshana Axler, who made the bold move from Chicago to Israel five years ago to be with her children and grandchildren and fulfill her lifelong dream of making aliyah. Born and raised in Chicago, Shoshana dedicated her life to nurturing her family and her community. For over 50 years, she taught Sunday school, instilling Jewish values...

In this week's episode, Lisa interviews Neeli Engelhart, who relocated with her family from Chicago to Israel ten years ago. Neeli shares her journey, discussing the significance and purpose behind their move from America, as well as the unique daily realities of living under constant security threats. Explore the challenges faced by IDF families, including Neeli's own experience as the mother of...

Welcome to "On The Basis Of Democracy," where we explore current national and international issues through an American Jewish lens. Our podcast aims to challenge divisive narratives and champion democracy through engaging interviews, historical insights, and philosophical reflections, fostering understanding, empathy, and unity within our communities. Join me, your host Lisa Singer, in this traile...

Please join us to watch these carefully selected excerpts from historical speeches on contemporary discussions about democracy and social justice. We hope this episode inspires you and clarifies the challenges we face in America and in democracies around the globe. Albert Einstein, renowned for his groundbreaking scientific contributions, was also a passionate advocate for civil rights and humanit...