Let's Talk Democracy

What’s more dangerous than the rise of the far right?The silence that allows it to grow.In this episode, host Tina Johnson explores the global surge in far-right ideology — from MAGA politics in the U.S. to the growing power of nationalist parties in Europe, Scandinavia, and even Nepal.But this isn’t just about loud extremists.It’s about the quiet voters, the silent supporters, and the normalization of once-fringe ideas.Tina breaks down:What true democratic values meanHow the Overton Window is shiftingThe rise of Norway’s Progress Party in 2025And what we must do to bring silence into the light💡 Key takeaway:Democracy isn’t guaranteed — and silence isn’t neutral.It’s time to speak up, stay informed, and protect our freedoms before they disappear.Listen now and join the conversation.#Democracy #FarRight #LetsTalkDemocracy #Authoritarianism #CivicAction #DemocracyUnderThreat (strong emotional hook) #SilenceIsComplicity #FarRightRising #SpeakUpNow

In this thought-provoking episode of "Let's Talk Democracy," host Tina Johnson sits down with political strategist Blair Talmadge to explore the profound changes in the U.S. political landscape over the past decade. They challenge the notion that politics is about policy, arguing instead that it's increasingly driven by emotion rather than reason.The conversation begins with a personal anecdote about Johnson's 2012 campaign in Chester, Pennsylvania, which serves as a microcosm for a national trend. Talmadge argues that since the Reagan era, the Republican Party has masterfully leveraged fringe issues and religious fervor to galvanize voters, even when policies might contradict their self-interest. They discuss how figures like Donald Trump, despite a lack of personal religious conviction, have successfully embodied the feelings of a large segment of the population.Key takeaways from the episode include:Policy vs. Emotion: The speakers analyze how Democrats often try to win on policy, which doesn't "engender emotion," while Republicans use wedge issues like immigration and social topics to stir feelings and win votes.The Weaponization of Religion: The episode explores how religion has been used throughout history and today to oppress and manipulate people, and how this dynamic is currently shaping American politics, often undermining the principle of separation of church and state.Voters Against Themselves: Johnson and Talmadge discuss the perplexing phenomenon of voters who consistently act against their own self-interest, citing examples of rural white voters on welfare who oppose government assistance and people who support policies that harm the U.S. economy, such as deporting migrant farm workers.The Democratic Challenge: The conversation concludes by examining how Democrats can effectively counter the Republican marketing machine. They ponder whether Democrats need to "blow their own horn" more or if they must learn to appeal to voters on an emotional level to win back hearts and minds.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the current state of democracy in the United States and the complex psychological factors that influence voter behavior.#USPolitics #VoterBehavior #PoliticalStrategy #Let'sTalkDemocracy #PolicyVsEmotion #BlairTalmadge #Democracy #AmericanPolitics #PoliticalAnalysis

What does it mean to fight for a democracy that has yet to be realized? In this episode, we turn to Iran, where citizens have been engaged in a decades-long struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination.Our guest, Zolal Habibi, is a human rights activist and a leading voice for democracy and women’s rights in Iran. She serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), bringing both personal experience and professional dedication to the movement for change.Together, we dive into:Iran’s history of political upheaval and resistanceThe ongoing fight for human rights and women’s rightsThe vision for a free, secular, and democratic futureThis conversation sheds light on the courage and determination of the Iranian people—and the seeds of democracy they continue to plant against all odds.The Iranian people’s fight for freedom shows us that democracy is built through resilience and courage. If this conversation inspired you, share the episode, subscribe to Let’s Talk Democracy, and leave a review to help amplify these voices. Together, we can keep the call for justice alive.

Join host Tina Johnson and guest Jennifer Kamau, the Executive Director of International Woman's Space, as they take a deep dive into the complex relationship between migration and democracy from a European perspective.In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Jennifer—whose work is centered on human rights in the context of migration—explains how politicians weaponize migration to polarize communities, scapegoat migrants for systemic issues, and divert attention from their own failed policies. The discussion unpacks the political narrative that frames migrants as a drain on resources while ignoring their vital economic contributions.Tina and Jennifer challenge the status quo, exploring why people migrate and why the global north consistently fails to address these root causes, from neocolonialism and economic exploitation to climate issues and war. They expose how so-called "democratic" nations disregard their own principles, stripping migrants of basic human rights, even as they rely on their labor.This episode is a call to action, urging listeners to question political narratives, demand accountability, and re-examine what it means to be a truly democratic society.#Migration #Refugees #Asylum #MigrantRights #RefugeeRights #Democracy #HumanRights #Politics #SocialJustice #WomensRights #GenderEquality #IntersectionalFeminism #WomensVoices #Europe #Germany #Berlin #Frontex #EuropeanPolitics #InternationalWomansSpace #IWS #Activism #Solidarity #Justice #TinaJohnson #JenniferKamau #LetsTalkDemocracy #IWSpace.De

On this episode of Let's Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson is joined by historian Donna Haverty-Stacke, a Professor of History at Hunter College and the CUNY Graduate Center. They dive into a timely and insightful conversation on why unions are essential to a thriving and inclusive democracy.The discussion traces the profound evolution of unions, from early journeyman societies to the powerful organizations they are today. They explore pivotal moments in labor history, including the fight for the eight-hour workday and the origins of May Day. Looking ahead, they analyze the significance of planned strikes in 2026 and 2028, and how unions are building broader coalitions with communities to tackle pressing issues like healthcare and debt forgiveness. Tune in to understand why the work of unions remains vital in shaping a healthy democratic environment.For Our Listeners! Book Discount Code: :NYUAU30 this is good for 30% off on  America’s Forgotten Holiday: May Day and Nationalism, 1867–1960 - ORDER HERE .#Unions #Democracy #LaborHistory #WorkersRights #UnionStrong #MayDay #EightHourWorkday #LaborMovement #WorkersUnite #EconomicJustice #DebtForgiveness #HealthcareForAll #CommunityOrganizing #UnionPower #LetsTalkDemocracy #MayDay28

In the Season 1 finale, host Tina Johnson answers listener questions about the real impact of elections. She dives into the challenges facing democracy—like voter suppression and gerrymandering—while making a strong case for why voting still matters.Tina explores how grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and civic engagement beyond the ballot box are essential to creating lasting change. The episode also spotlights a real-world example of participatory democracy through the ongoing decision-making process at the Park Slope Food Co-op. Use the link for updates https://linewaitersgazette.com/*.Whether you’re skeptical about elections or energized by activism, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and practical ways to stay engaged.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson is in conversation with Kathy Boockvar, a leading voice in election advocacy, to explore the critical components that uphold our democratic process: safety, security, and integrity in elections.Together, they unpack the myths and facts surrounding election security, discuss the current threats and challenges facing the U.S. electoral system, and highlight the steps being taken to ensure every vote counts—and counts accurately. Whether you're a voter, an election official, or just passionate about protecting democracy, this conversation offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways.🔍 Key topics include:What election integrity really means—and doesn’tHow local and federal officials safeguard your voteThe role of misinformation in undermining trustHow you can support free and fair electionsResources for Safe and Secure Elections: https://athena-strategies.com/resource-search/

In this episode of Let's Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson is joined by Daniel Ephraim, a seasoned photojournalist and activist, to discuss the role of visual storytelling in democratic societies. They explore how photojournalism can counter misinformation and preserve human stories amidst political turmoil. Daniel shares insights from covering protests in New York emphasizing the power of imagery in holding authorities accountable and capturing the human aspect of political movements. They also touch on the media's reliability and the crucial need for unbiased reporting in today's complex media landscape.GET INVOLVED!!https://www.fiftyfifty.one/events

In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson reflects on previous conversations to examine how democracy is being reshaped in today’s world. She discusses the erosion of people’s rights, the weakening of social safety nets, and the widening wealth gap, while encouraging listeners to see the opportunities for change. Challenging us to rethink democracy as more than just elections, Tina calls for a renewed focus on justice, equity, and collective power. She urges us to ask: Who holds power? Who benefits? And how can we work together to build a more inclusive and just democracy?.

In this episode of Let's Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson talks with sociologist Dana R. Fisher about the intersection of climate activism and democracy. They explore how local organizing drives systemic change, why grassroots movements matter, and what gives hope in the face of political and environmental challenges.You can buy Saving Our Selves and American Resistance using the link https://cup.columbia.edu/search-results/?keyword=American+Resistance+ and for discount use #COP20 for a 20% discount.Listen to Dana Fisher´s Ted Talk using the link   https://www.ted.com/talks/dana_r_fisher_how_to_be_an_apocalyptic_optimist

In this episode of Let's Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson is joined by Jacqui Patterson, founder and executive director of the Chisholm Legacy Project, to explore the vital relationship between human rights and democracy. They discuss how true democracy relies on equal access to fundamental human rights and how local activism plays a crucial role in shaping governance. Highlighting examples from civil rights movements and community struggles, they delve into the importance of local political participation and the challenges communities face in influencing governance and achieving representation.

In this episode, host Tina Johnson and economist Jim Boyce challenge the notion that economic growth—measured by GDP—is a reliable indicator of democratic success. They argue that true democracy requires addressing inequalities in both wealth and political influence. Highlighting the limitations of GDP in reflecting human well-being, the conversation emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in promoting equity and justice. The episode calls for a reimagined economic system that prioritizes shared prosperity and aligns with democratic ideals.

This episode examines Christianity's complex relationship with political power, tracing its evolution from Jesus's teachings of equality to Paul's alliances with empires. Host Tina Johnson and guest Mark Wallace discuss how the divergent paths carved out by Jesus and Paul still influence religious and political landscapes today. Modern Christian nationalism is seen as a continuation of Paul's tradition, using religion to legitimize political authority. This raises crucial questions about the role of religion in democracy, as it often challenges the integrity of democratic principles, pushing for an alignment of religious and political aims in contemporary American and global contexts.

In this episode of the podcast, Tina Johnson sits down with Christopher R. Rogers, an educator and cultural worker from Chester, PA, for an insightful conversation. Chris opens up about his personal journey, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs he's encountered while bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Through candid anecdotes, he underscores the importance of community members in crafting solutions that are grounded in lived experiences, rather than abstract theories. The episode delves into the power of collaboration, highlighting how it can foster meaningful, lasting change. Tune in to discover how community empowerment plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Tina Johnson and Mvemba Dizolele discuss the dynamic state of world politics in the latest 'Let's Talk Democracy' podcast. They analyze how the dissolution of old systems, exemplified by the Berlin Wall's fall, led to increased market capitalism and weakened collective ideologies. Dizolele points out how this shift has resulted in a world where individual gains are prioritized over collective well-being, creating societal and economic imbalances. The podcast also touches on the challenges faced by countries trying to balance old and new ideologies in a rapidly transforming global order.

In this episode of Let's Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson is joined by Joe Holtz, the general manager of Park Slope Food Co-Op in Brooklyn. Joe shares insights into how the co-op's foundation in democratic principles helps it navigate modern challenges, including internal debates sparked by external conflicts like the Gaza crisis. The conversation explores the intersection of food and democracy, shedding light on how co-ops serve as microcosms for democratic practice and provide community empowerment. As a reflection of 1970s activism, Joe emphasizes the importance of collective decision-making and the empowerment of individuals in community-owned enterprises.

In this compelling podcast episode, host Tina Johnson introduces Let's Talk Democracy, a show designed to foster meaningful conversations about democracy with insightful guests representing diverse perspectives. In light of the 2024 US election and rising global nationalism, Tina felt overwhelmed but determined to create a platform for dialogue. The podcast aims to bridge theoretical debates with real-world practices and highlights inspiring stories from grassroots activists, experts, and community leaders. By nurturing a space for dialogue, Let's Talk Democracy seeks to strengthen democratic ideals and foster collaborative efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable future.