This is Democracy

Natalie Suri joins Jeremi in the studio today to discuss the role of athletes, sports and competition in the realm of democracy. In the wake of Kaepernick’s Nike advertising deal, Naomi Osaka’s victory over Serena Williams at the US Open, and Lebron James’ criticism of the Trump Administration, a national conversation has opened up about the role of sports in politics. The two al...

This week Dr. Suri speaks Sophie Wysocki and Meena Anderson to discuss the importance for young citizens to be politically aware and engage in democratic resolution. Zachary Suri reads an original poem, “If I’m Lost.” Sophie Wysocki is a senior at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin, Texas. She’s been involved in a variety of different activities throughout her l...

This week Dr. Suri speaks with Amber Pleasant and Melissa Scheinfeld to discuss educating citizenship. Zachary Suri also reads his original poem, “With Every Breath.” Amber Pleasant is an Austin educator. She spent nine years teaching 3rd-8th grade in local public schools. For the past four years, Amber worked for Austin ISD as a Social and Emotional Learning Specialist. She is the cur...

How should young citizens blend their traditional spiritual values with their strong commitments to progressive change in a time when our polarized politics demand that they choose one or the other? How can young, talented, patriotic citizens make a difference in national policy as they pursue ideas for reform? We will discuss these difficult and important questions with a young woman who is worki...

In this inaugural episode of This is Democracy, Dr. Jeremi Suri sits down with his son, Zachary Suri, to lay out the groundwork for what this podcast hopes to achieve. They begin by reviewing President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s November 2, 1940 speech in Cleveland, Ohio. Roosevelt declares that, “We Americans of today—all of us—we are characters in this living book of democracy.” J...

The future of democracy is uncertain, but we are committed to its urgent renewal today. This podcast will draw on historical knowledge to inspire a contemporary democratic renaissance. The past offers hope for the present and the future, if only we can escape the negativity of our current moment — and each show will offer a serious way to do that! This podcast will bring together thoughtful voices...