Welcome to The Democracy Group - a network of podcasts about democracy, civic engagement, and civil discourse. In this feed you will find a sampling of episodes...
Braver Faith: Building Bridges With Respect Not Agreement. Mark Beckwith | How Do We Fix It?
How Do We Fix It? raises questions about solutions to divisive topics of politics and public policy: Decidedly secular matters. In this episode we look at how religious groups and institutions can help bring people together across divides. Braver Faith is our focus. The Right Rev. Mark Beckwith is our guest.Braver Faith is one the newest and most vibrant groups within Braver Angels— America's largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement that works to push back against rigid polarization. Led by faith leaders from many different religious backgrounds and beliefs, Braver Faith is a civic organization that develops educational tools to build bridges between people who are divided over politics.Mark Beckwith speaks with us about the group's goals and principles. "So many people that I talk to within Braver Angels tell me their commitment emerges from their particular faith", he tells us.Ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1979, Mark Beckwith has served parishes in Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Elected Bishop of Newark, New Jersey, he served in that capacity for 12 years before retiring in 2018. Bishop Beckwith is a liaison for Bishops United Against Gun Violence, and is the co-founder of Faith Leaders for Ending Gun Violence, a national ecumenical group of diverse leaders. He is the author of "Seeing the Unseen: Beyond Prejudices, Paradigms and Party Lines."Braver Faith organized an online gathering the evening before President Trump's inaugural January 20. Here's a link. Three speakers shared their thoughts about how faith can play a role in building bridges. Prayers from a range of faith traditions were offered. We include short extracts in this podcast. "How Do We Fix It?" publishes frequently. We report on the projects, people, and ideas of Braver Angels.Additional InformationThe Democracy Group listener surveyHow Do We Fix It? PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
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How Pro-Democracy Patriots Can Persist in an Anti-Democratic Time | Talkin Politics & Religion
In this episode, host Corey Nathan addresses the pressing issue of how pro-democracy patriots - the large coalition of folks who believe in this American experiment - can endure during times when anti-democratic tendencies are metastasizing. Drawing from personal experiences, philosophical insights, and cultural reflections, we explore ways of maintaining hope, practicing discernment, and fostering meaningful connections amid political division.What We Discuss:Strategies for practicing discernment in consuming media and news.The importance of mindfulness and staying present in times of uncertainty.How local and state-level civic participation can make a meaningful impact.Insights into nurturing relationships with those holding differing political views.The role of beauty, truth, and community in sustaining democratic ideals.Episode Highlights:Introduction: Corey shares updates on a recent wildfire evacuation and gratitude for firefighters' efforts.Pro-Democracy Patriots: Corey explores how individuals committed to democracy can stay engaged and positive during anti-democratic times.Reflecting on MLK Day: The significance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the moral universe's arc bending toward justice.Media Discernment: Corey discusses how he filters through news and commentary to focus on credible journalism and meaningful content.Practicing Mindfulness: The importance of staying present in the moment to avoid spiraling into anxiety.Truth and Beauty: A reflection on Kristen du Mez's advice to seek out beauty and truth for strength and grounding.Navigating Relationships: Balancing relationships with those holding differing political views while maintaining personal boundaries.Local Civic Engagement: Why local and state politics deserve more attention and how they affect daily life more significantly than federal issues.Featured Quotes:“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” – Reflecting on MLK Jr.’s wisdom.“Practicing discernment means filtering out the junk from the substance and focusing on credible voices.” – Corey Nathan.“You can still love people who disagree with you—sometimes from a safe distance.” – Corey Nathan.“Truth is about staying generous in a world that baits you into resentment.” – Kristen Du Mez.Additional InformationTalkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
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Pushing back against political violence | Democracy Works
Instances of political violence around the 2024 election and vote certification on January 6, 2025 did not come to fruition the way some experts feared they would throughout last year. But that doesn't mean that we can forget about threats of political violence until it's time for the next election. In fact, political violence continues to rise in the United States and throughout western Europe.Our guests this week, Rachel Kleinfeld of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Nicole Bibbins Sedaca of Freedom House and the George W. Bush Institute, are two of the leading voices on how to prevent political violence and create a healthier democracy. They join us to discuss what causes political violence and what democracies around the world can do to prevent it by addressing both cultural and structural issues in politics.After the interview, Chris Beem and Cyanne Loyle discuss whether non-violent protest movements can successfully combat political violence amid growing polarization and support for political violence from some elected officials and political leaders.Kleinfeld and Bibbins Sedaca are the authors of the article "How to Prevent Political Violence," which appeared in the fall 2024 issue of The Journal of Democracy.Journal of Democracy article: How to Prevent Political ViolenceAdditional InformationDemocracy Works PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
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Inaugurating A New Future? | The Bully Pulpit
Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy welcome the Spring 2025 CPF Fellows to USC for a virtual discussion of Donald Trump’s inauguration and what a second Trump term may look like. The conversation features: Bob Shrum (moderator) - Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future Ed Goeas – Republican Pollster and Strategist Betsy Fischer Martin – Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute at American University; Former "Meet the Press" Executive Producer Jonathan Martin - Senior Political Columnist and Politics Bureau Chief at POLITICO Anthony Rendon – Former Speaker of the California State Assembly Cameron Trimble – Former White House Director of Digital Engagement; Founder of Hip-PoliticsAdditional InformationThe Bully Pulpit PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
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Introducing Democracy Determined | TDG Fellowship
This week we bring you a special episode from Jenny Marquez, one of our 2024 Podcast Fellows.In the season premiere of Democracy Determined, host Jenny Marquez delves into the crucial topic of youth involvement in democracy. Special guest Aliza Lifshitz, a coalition organizer and strategist for youth movements like Youth and Gov and Voters of Tomorrow, discusses her inspiring journey into political activism, her roles in youth-led organizations, and the unique challenges young leaders face. Aliza emphasizes the importance of resisting external narratives, the role of mentorship, and the need for coalition building. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of youth engagement and the legacy of current young activists.00:00 Welcome to Democracy Determined 00:41 Meet Aliza Lifshitz: Youth Movement Leader 01:18 Aliza's Journey into Political Activism 02:37 Youth and Gov: A Coalition for Change 03:40 Voters of Tomorrow: Empowering Gen Z 04:26 The Unique Role of Young People in Politics 07:06 Challenges Faced by Young Leaders 08:47 The Importance of Mentorship 10:45 Ensuring Sustainability in Youth Movements 13:24 Equipping Young People for Success 16:10 Building a Legacy of Coalition and Unity 18:09 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsKnow a student interested in democracy and podcasts? Send them over to our fellowship to apply: https://www.democracygroup.org/fellowship
Welcome to The Democracy Group - a network of podcasts about democracy, civic engagement, and civil discourse. In this feed you will find a sampling of episodes from our podcasts in the Democracy Group as well recordings from our events. If you enjoy this podcast, please visit democracygroup.org to find all of our podcast shows, events, topic guides, and newsletter.