📢 New Podcasts Alert: Episodes from our 2023 Podcast Fellows

Introducing episodes from our student podcast fellows

A new year means new episodes!

Last month, we celebrated the second cohort of our 2023 Podcast Fellows in their achievement throughout 12 weeks of training and mentorship where they have learned all-thing-podcast: from developing their voice and brand to booking world-class guests and now, launching their own show! You can watch the commencement and view each fellow’s ideas here.

Finally, we’re thrilled to announce that their first episodes are officially released!

Introducing The Afakasi Podcast | TDG Fellowship

The Afakasi Podcast was created and hosted by KJ Mauwong, a political science major at Swarthmore College. Mauwong believes discussion is what drives democracy and he proves that in this playful episode that discusses personal rights, autonomy, and the shadow of the law known as "penumbra." Joined by two guests, Mauwong hones in on the importance of protecting privacy rights with companies using technology for data collection and the challenges of personal privacy in the digital age. I think this is a promising inaugural episode and I can't wait to see where the next one takes us!

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‍Introducing A Scoop of Inspiration | TDG Fellowship

Created by Sean Schrader, a final-year MBA candidate at the University of South Florida, this episode delves into the crucial topic of civility, exploring what civil discourse looks like, and why it seems to be disappearing in many areas. In another way, the podcast is a call to action for individuals to engage in differing viewpoints and promote diverse dialogues within their communities. Schrader is joined by former U.S. Congressman Rick Keller who highlighted the importance of civility in achieving legislative goals and shared his journey into Congress.

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This is Jessie Nguyen, The Democracy Group's Community Manager. Here are some of my favorite podcasts this week, check them out!

How Do We Fix It?: What Could Go Right? 2024 Predictions Show

Starting Monday, voters are having their say in the 2024 presidential election with Iowans casting the first ballots. This episode takes a look at the hosts Jim and Richard's forecast of the economy and politics from exactly a year ago and exciting predictions for this year. I truly thought about how much has changed in the country in just one year, and what better way to start a new year than to look back and reflect!

Our Body Politic: Jan 6th: An American Story - Why January 6th is Not Over

In the final part of the Jan 6th: An American Story series, Dr. Barbara F. Walter, the author of "How Civil Wars Start," pointed out that mostly white men marched down the mall toward the Capitol on January 6 three years ago, who belonged to the groups that had been politically dominant but were now in decline. This episode touches on race, white supremacy, antisemitism, misogyny, insurgency, and why January 6 continues to be an American story.

Democracy Works: How Election Officials are Preparing for the Year Ahead

Tammy Patrick, CEO for Programs at the National Association of Election Officials, joins the Democracy Works team for its first full episode of 2024 to unpack the challenges facing the thousands of election officials across the U.S. in 2024 and beyond. They discuss ongoing threats, staff turnover, and more.

FEATURED EXPERTS

Politics is Everything: Karen Kedrowski on Full Grassley: What We’re Watching in Iowa ft. Karen Kedrowski, Iowa State University

Dr. Karen Kedrowski is the director of the Carrie Chapman Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University. Her research areas are women in U.S. politics, civic engagement, and health policy. Kedrowski has authored "The Equal Rights Amendment at 100 Years: History and Current Issues," a free online high school curriculum, and co-authored other political titles like "When Protest Makes Policy."

The Great Battlefield: David Pepper on Former Ohio State Party Chair and Author of 'Saving Democracy,' David Pepper

David Pepper is a lawyer, writer, political activist, and adjunct professor who served as the Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party between 2005 and 2021. During his tenure at the Hamilton County Commission, the county won 19 National Association of County Awards for outstanding management practices. Pepper was nominated by the Ohio Democrats to run in statewide elections twice.