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...

With Addison Witt ANNOUNCEMENT I’ve officially stepped in as guest host of the Defense of Democracy Podcast —where poets, educators,...

I’m honored to share some truly meaningful news. I have been named the inaugural Poet Laureate for Defense of Democracy , a national...

You're Invited Poetry Reading & Book Signing with Sir Addison Witt Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 5:00–7:00 PM Pan-African Connection...

Through the lens of powerful documentaries, Addison reveals the troubling patterns emerging across America—and the courageous filmmakers...

Addison shares the unexpected journey that led him to chair the Defense of Democracy Film Festival. From a viral poem to a national...

In this opening episode, Addison Witt explores why democracy must be defended, not assumed. A powerful reflection on freedom, silence,...