Defense of Democracy Podcast
Friends. Allies. Americans. Folks taking small steps towards big change. The Defense of Democracy podcast tells their stories. Hosted by Addison K. Witt.
Defense of Democracy is made up of people from all walks of life passionately committed to nonpartisanship. We welcome anyone who is interested in protecting their fellow Americans - in particular those in marginalized communities - from oppression.
We advocate for legislators, educators, and administrators who will work to maintain communities as well as a public education system that supports and enhances our shared experiences regardless of religious beliefs, cultural background, or sexual orientation.
Find out more: https://defenseofdemocracy.org/
Podcast produced by the Volunteers of Defense of Democracy
Episodes
122 episodes
The Changes in Democracy with Professor Bernd Reiter
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 viewpoint...
Unveiling America's Hidden Stories: A Journey Through Faith and Belonging with Jack Gordon
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...
Reforming Immigration: Protecting Children and Families with Suma Setty and Kaelin Rapport
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 ...
Director Bart Everly on Jim Bidgood's Velvet Vision
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 lif...
Fred Osborn: What Democracy Really Means
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 kind...
Hyunsoo Moon on Immigration, Identity, and Documentary Filmmaking
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 meani...
The Space Between Sides: Rethinking American Identity with Conor Broll
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...
How Grassroots Activism Can Save Public Schools with Rachel Doyle
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...
The Literacy Crisis and How Parents Are Fighting Back
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 ...
The Importance of Grassroots Participation with Kristen Schultz
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 communit...
The Language of Democracy: Beyond Words
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 safeguar...
Democracy at a Crossroads: Why Brandt Robinson Is Running for Congress
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 of...
Challenging Gerrymandering and Reimagining Democracy: A Conversation with Kate Barr
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, vot...
Awakening Democracy: A Call to Action
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 ...
Legislation Should Not Be Partisan with Blythe Potter
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...
Empowering Educators Through Advocacy with Cathy Fleischer
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...
Covenant and Community: A Conversation on Mental Health with Rev. Amos J. Disasa
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 ...
The Power of Questions: Independent Thinking and Civic Renewal with Conor Broll
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...
Democracy in Action with Christine Emeran
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 activis...
All Are Welcome: The Art of Peaceful Protest in America with Olivia Negron
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...
Navigating the Challenges of Free Speech Today: Ian Rosenberg
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 understan...
The Power of Representation in Books: Ashley Perez
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 ce...
Understanding the Book Banning Crisis in America: Sabrina Baeta
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 cris...
The Power of Storytelling in Democracy
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...
The Future of Higher Education: A Conversation with Dr. Prince
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 t...