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 parents in shaping democratic values. The conversation highlights the literacy crisis, the impact of the pandemic on education, and the importance of parental engagement in schools. Jason shares insights into the challenges families fac

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 community level are vital to safeguarding democracy and building resilient neighborhoods.

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 safeguarding democratic norms. Key Takeaways The distinction between democracy and republic, and why language matters. The role of language and symbolism in civic identity ("America" vs "United States of America"). How leadership, especially wo

What does it take to strengthen American democracy today? In this episode of Defense of Democracy, congressional candidate Brandt Robinson discusses why he’s running for Congress, the growing challenges to voting rights and public education, and what defending democracy truly means in 2026. From grassroots activism in Florida to the national debate over immigration reform, Brandt explains: Why civic participation is declining and how to rebuild it The crisis in public educati

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, voter engagement, and innovative strategies to restore democracy. Key Takeaways For more information on Kate Barr, please visit: www.katebarrcanwin.com/ instagram.com/katebarrcanwin tiktok.com/@katebarrcanwin facebook.com/katecomptonba

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 people experience and the need for empathy and understanding in political discourse. Addison also explores the role of education in fostering democracy, the significance of voting, and the necessity of conscious participation in civic l

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 highli

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 Tak

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 supp

The conversation delves into the growing concerns of political radicalization and polarization, exploring how these dynamics threaten liberal values and the rule of law. The speaker emphasizes the risks posed by both sides of the political spectrum and the implications for democracy's future.

In this episode of the Defensive 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 NCAC's mission in empowering young voices. Christine shares insights on how young people are leading movements for social change, the significance of understanding and defending First Amendme

Listen to the full episode of RISE with Defense of Democracy  on YouTube. Addison K. Witt (Poet Laureate of Defense of Democracy) sits down with actress and activist Olivia Negron to explore the art of peaceful protest, identity, empathy, and storytelling as acts of civic courage. Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of art and democracy. Learn more: siraddisonwitt.com | Substack: siraddisonwitt.substack.com

Listen now and join the conversation on defending the right to speak, read, and think freely. In this powerful episode of Rise with Defense of Democracy , host Addison K. Witt , Poet Laureate of Defense of Democracy, sits down with Ian Rosenberg  — media lawyer, educator, and author of The Fight for Free Speech  and Free Speech Handbook . Together, they unpack how free speech functions at the intersection of law, media, and democracy, exploring the rights, risks, and responsi

Tune in to reflect on how words shape the world and why defending them matters. In this episode of Rise with Defense of Democracy , host Addison K. Witt , Poet Laureate of Defense of Democracy, speaks with acclaimed author and educator Dr. Ashley Hope Pérez , Associate Professor at The Ohio State University and author of the award-winning novel Out of Darkness . Ashley’s work sits at the intersection of literature, justice, and truth. Together, Addison and Ashley explore why

Listen, reflect, and take action for your right to read. In this episode of Rise with Defense of Democracy , host Addison K. Witt , Poet Laureate of Defense of Democracy, sits down with Sabrina Baêta , Senior Program Manager of PEN America’s Freedom to Read  initiative. Sabrina shares how book bans are reshaping classrooms and libraries across America—and why this movement isn’t just about literature, but about democracy itself. Together, Addison and Sabrina explore the power

In this episode of Rise with Defense of Democracy , host Addison K. Witt sits down with acclaimed children’s and young-adult author Maggie Tokuda-Hall to explore the vital role of storytelling in defending democracy. Maggie shares how her family’s history, her creative path, and her resistance to censorship converge in her work. They discuss the rise of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries, the emotional weight of writing for young readers, and why the freedom to imagine—a

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy Podcast , host Addison K. Witt , Poet Laureate of the Defense of Democracy, sits down with Dr. Charles Prince  for a powerful conversation about the urgent fight to protect public education and the freedom to read. Dr. Prince brings decades of experience as an educator and advocate for democratic values, sharing insights into the challenges facing schools today, from book bans to political interference, and the role communities can

I’m honored to join the Bishop Arts Theatre Center this fall as an instructor for the Young Artist Program , a space where the next...

Listen now on the Defense of Democracy Podcast My first interview as host features Ayaan Moledina , a remarkable young leader and activist from Austin, Texas. Ayaan shares his journey from advocating for public health at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a recognized voice for youth mental health, suicide prevention, and civic engagement . His story is a powerful reminder that the next generation is not waiting for permission to lead—they are already reshaping th

In this special episode, Karen Svoboda — Executive Director of the Defense of Democracy — introduces me as the next host of the Defense...