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 political institutions, and the role of civic education in empowering voters. Blythe emphasizes the need for better data privacy protections and the significance of community engagement in the political process. The conversation highlights the challenges of misinformation and the necessity for informed citizenry to strengthen democracy.

Key Takeaways

• Blythe Potter emphasizes the need for transparency in government.
• Restoring trust in politics requires accountability from elected officials.
• Misinformation is rampant, particularly from partisan media.
• Civic education is crucial for informed voting and engagement.
• Data privacy is a significant issue that affects democracy.
• Community engagement is essential for political change.
• Voter trust can be rebuilt through education and transparency.
• The current political climate demands active participation from citizens.
• Legislation should prioritize human rights over partisan interests.
• Blythe Potter's campaign focuses on empowering Hoosiers to participate in democracy.

For more information on Blythe Potter, please visit:
https://www.blythepotter.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@blythepotterin
https://www.instagram.com/blythepotterin
https://bsky.app/profile/blythepotter.bsky.social
https://www.facebook.com/BlythePotterIN/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCENhKuFP3kYKl-dURX_3C6g
https://www.threads.com/@blythepotterin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/blythe-potter/
https://x.com/blythepotterIN?t=qLizYONGW2OFE9PAjADaPw&s=09

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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, and the current threats facing public schools. The conversation emphasizes the need for teachers to reclaim their voices and take small, actionable steps towards advocacy, highlighting the power of community and collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

• Advocacy can start from personal experiences and frustrations.
• Teachers often engage in advocacy without realizing it.
• Building coalitions with parents and community members is crucial.
• Small steps in advocacy can lead to greater confidence and impact.
• Understanding the issues at hand is essential for effective advocacy.
• Creating safe spaces for discussion can empower educators.
• The playbook provides structured support for advocacy efforts.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool in advocacy.
• Teachers need to reclaim their professional voices.
• Education is vital for a healthy democracy.

For more information on Everyday Advocacy and the Everyday Advocacy Playbook, please visit:
https://www.everydayadvocacy.org/
https://www.everydayadvocacy.org/_files/ugd/ca9f68_93e353aa0ad44cb9a43f144a1444ab55.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/@EverydayAdvocacy

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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 explore the concept of covenant in relationships, the hidden struggles many face, and the role of friendship in combating loneliness and despair. The discussion emphasizes the need for authentic connections and the responsibility we have to support one another in times of crisis, particularly in a world that often feels disconnected and overwhelming.

Key Takeaways

• When a democracy is unwell, personal crises become collective crises.
• Covenant is about tying each other's futures together.
• Friendship is about knowing rather than being known.
• Many people are lonely and desperate for connection.
• Loss of relationships and purpose can lead to despair.
• It's important to give people permission to feel their pain.
• Physical activity can help reset emotions during crises.
• Support should be practical and empathetic, not just theoretical.
• Community and faith can provide essential support during tough times.
• The rise in collective anxiety is linked to societal changes.

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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 dynamics threaten liberal values and the rule of law. Conor emphasizes the risks posed by both sides of the political spectrum and the implications for democracy's future.

Key Takeaways

• There's a growing radicalization that mirrors historical patterns.
• Political polarization is leading to an overcorrection from both sides.
• Liberal values are increasingly at risk in today's political climate.
• The laws of our country are being undermined by current power dynamics.
• Those in power may benefit from the chaos created by polarization.
• Democracy is facing unprecedented challenges that need addressing.
• The center of political discourse is struggling to hold.
• We must be vigilant in protecting our democratic values.
• The future of democracy is uncertain and requires active engagement.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for the health of our society.

Follow Conor Broll’s insights on history, culture, and democracy at his Substack, Threat of Dissent, link below:

https://conorbroll.substack.com/

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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 activism, the role of protests in democracy, and the mission of the NCAC in empowering young voices. Christine shares insights on how young people are leading movements for social change, the significance of understanding and defending First Amendment rights, and the impact of book banning on democracy. The conversation highlights the resilience and creativity of youth in advocating for their rights and the importance of fostering critical thinking and engagement in education.

Key takeaways

- Youth activism is crucial for social change.
- Protests are expressions of rights and democracy.
- Young people often see the world differently than those in power.
- Censorship in education limits students' rights.
- Empowering youth helps them understand their First Amendment rights.
- Activism can be a response to injustice and oppression.
- Students are eager to engage in difficult conversations.
- Book banning is tied to larger issues of democracy.
- Youth-led movements bring urgency to important issues.
- The fight for knowledge and equal rights is ongoing.

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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. Olivia shares her journey from a military family upbringing to leading peaceful weekly protests in California, emphasizing how art, theater, and creativity can amplify civic engagement. Together, they discuss the critical importance of the freedom to read, the consequences of censorship and book banning, and the role of empathy, courage, and love in defending democracy. This conversation is a powerful reminder that standing up for our country and community requires both action and imagination.

Key Takeaways:

• Words and Stories Matter: Every script, performance, and protest chant carries power; book banning threatens creativity and civic engagement.
• Activism Meets Art: Olivia uses theatrical elements—costumes, crowns, drapes, and street theater—to attract attention and amplify messages of justice and democracy.
• Personal History Shapes Advocacy: Olivia’s upbringing in a military family and her acting background prepared her to speak, lead, and inspire through protests.
• Empathy as a Superpower: Connecting with others and cultivating empathy is fundamental to effective activism and community building.
• Peaceful Protest Can Be Engaging: Studio City Rising demonstrates that activism can be family-friendly, creative, and celebratory while still addressing serious societal issues.
• Freedom to Read: Access to literature and ideas is essential to education, imagination, and civic life; censorship threatens these foundational freedoms.
• Consistency and Community Matter: Regular, sustained action builds visibility and mobilizes others, reinforcing democracy through civic engagement.
• Inclusivity is Key: Demonstrations are open to all; defending freedom means welcoming immigrants, supporting diversity, and protecting civil rights.
• Practical Activism Tips: Small actions—holding a sign, connecting with neighbors, creatively engaging the public—can collectively make a big impact.
• Optimism and Love Drive Change: Protecting democracy requires passion, joy, and a belief in the country’s foundational ideals.

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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 understanding free speech rights, the impact of censorship in schools, and the evolving nature of these rights in a democratic society. Ian shares insights from his book, the Free Speech Handbook, which aims to make complex legal concepts accessible to the public. The conversation emphasizes the need for grassroots activism and the role of individuals in defending democracy and free expression.

Key Takeaways

• Free speech is foundational to democracy and is currently under threat.
• Understanding free speech rights is crucial for effective advocacy.
• Censorship in schools affects not just students but society as a whole.
• The evolution of free speech rights is ongoing and requires vigilance.
• Grassroots activism can lead to significant change in local communities.
• Engaging in local governance can help protect free speech rights.
• The right to receive information is as important as the right to express it.
• Historical cases illustrate the fragility of free speech rights.
• More speech is the antidote to censorship and bad speech.
• Every individual can make a difference in the fight for free expression.

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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 censorship on education and representation, and the role of educators in defending access to literature. Perez shares insights from her books, including 'Out of Darkness' and 'Band Together: Our Fight for Readers' Rights,' emphasizing the importance of advocacy and community in the face of book bans. The conversation highlights the need for a collective effort to ensure freedom to read and the transformative power of literature in fostering understanding and empathy.

Key Takeaways

• Books are essential for connecting generations and cultures.
• Readers' autonomy is vital for personal and societal growth.
• Censorship threatens the diversity of literature and representation.
• Educators play a crucial role in defending access to literature.
• Advocacy for readers' rights is a collective responsibility.
• The fight against censorship is ongoing and requires community support.
• Literature can empower young people to recognize their identities.
• Graphic novels can make complex ideas more accessible.
• Freedom to read is a fundamental right that must be protected.
• Engaging with banned books can spark important conversations.

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