Defense of Democracy Podcast

In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt sits down with immigration attorney and U.S. Senate candidate Anne Parelkar.

Drawing from her experience as an immigration attorney, mother, and Kansan, Parelkar explains what led her to enter politics and why she believes this moment requires ordinary citizens to become more involved in the future of their government. She reflects on her own evolution from arguing across political divides to recognizing how polarization, misinformation, and political identity can keep Americans fighting each other instead of addressing the forces shaping their lives.

Together, they explore what it would mean to “reset the standard” for elected officials, restore trust in government, and demand greater accountability, and put people back at the center of American politics.

Key Takeaways
- How has working as an immigration attorney changed Anne Parelkar's understanding of America?
- What does it mean to “reset the standard” for elected officials?
- Why does Parelkar believe trust in government has broken down?
- How do political polarization and culture wars keep Americans divided?
- What role do immigration policy, labor protections, and economic inequality play in one another?
- Why does Parelkar believe Americans need to stop viewing each other as enemies?
- What reforms could help reduce the influence of money and political parties?
- Why does democracy require citizens to remain involved after an election?
- What does it mean to put the power of government back in the hands of the people?

Learn more about Anne Parelkar and her campaign:
https://www.anneforkansas.com/

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In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt sits down with award-winning educator, speaker, and author Erin Jones for a deeply personal conversation about education, identity, race, leadership, and the power of honest dialogue to strengthen communities.

Drawing from her experience, Erin shares how empathy, truth, and human connection have shaped her life's work. Together, they explore the challenges facing today's classrooms, the lasting effects of the pandemic on young people, the importance of difficult conversations, and why education remains one of democracy's most powerful tools.

This conversation moves beyond political labels and educational policy to examine what it means to raise compassionate citizens, create spaces where difficult conversations can happen, and build bridges across differences. It is a thoughtful reflection on healing, leadership, civic responsibility, and the future of the next generation.

Key Takeaways

• How did Erin Jones' extraordinary upbringing shape her perspective on race and identity?
• Why does healing begin with honest conversations about history?
• What are schools revealing about today's young people that many adults overlook?
• How has the pandemic changed the way students communicate and build relationships?
• Why are empathy and belonging essential to effective education?
• What role should parents, educators, and leaders play in shaping school culture?
• How can communities move beyond division and create spaces for meaningful dialogue?
• What gives Erin Jones hope for the future of American democracy?

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In this episode, Addison and Professor Bernd Feiter debate the future of democracy by looking at its origins, evolution, and potential solutions for growth and understanding. This conversation explains how history, culture, and global viewpoints influence our definition of democracy.

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In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with filmmaker Jack Gordon, director of the documentary series Undivided, about the role of faith, religious diversity, and belonging in shaping the American story. Together, they explore how the experiences of religious communities throughout U.S. history reveal broader questions about democracy, identity, and who gets included in the nation's evolving narrative.

Drawing on stories featured throughout Undivided, Jack discusses the histories of Black churches in the Gullah Geechee community, Jewish communities in New York, Latter-day Saints in Utah, Sikh communities in California's Central Valley, and Muslim communities whose presence in America predates the nation's founding. The conversation examines religious literacy, historical persecution, cultural identity, assimilation, and the ways faith communities continue to navigate questions of acceptance and belonging in contemporary America.

Moving beyond stereotypes and political rhetoric, this episode explores the importance of understanding one another's traditions, confronting historical misconceptions, and recognizing the many communities that have contributed to American democracy. It is a thoughtful conversation about pluralism, civic responsibility, storytelling, and how greater understanding across religious and cultural differences can strengthen democratic society.

Key Takeaways

- How have diverse religious communities shaped the history and identity of the United States?
- What role does religious literacy play in strengthening democracy and civic understanding?
- How have communities such as Black Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and Latter-day Saints experienced exclusion, persecution, and belonging throughout American history?
- Why do many people remain committed to their faith communities despite periods of conflict or discrimination?
- What misconceptions exist about religion, immigration, and American identity?
- How do questions of assimilation and cultural preservation continue to shape religious communities today?
- What responsibility do filmmakers and storytellers have in preserving democratic values and expanding public understanding?
- How can dialogue across different faith traditions help build stronger, more inclusive communities?

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In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks with Suma Setty and Kaelin Rapport of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) about immigration policy, family separation, and the impact current enforcement practices are having on children, caregivers, and communities across the United States.

Drawing on recent research conducted with immigrant families, childcare providers, healthcare workers, and community organizations, Suma and Kaelin share firsthand accounts of how fear, uncertainty, and immigration enforcement are affecting everyday life. Together, they explore the consequences of family detention, barriers to legal status, childhood trauma, access to education and healthcare, and the broader social and economic effects these policies have on communities.

This conversation moves beyond political talking points and focuses on the lived experiences of children and families navigating a rapidly changing immigration landscape. It is a thoughtful discussion about human dignity, public policy, community responsibility, and what it means to create a society where all children can feel safe and supported.

Key Takeaways

• How are current immigration policies affecting children and families across the United States?
• What are the long-term developmental and mental health impacts of childhood trauma and family separation?
• Why are immigrant families increasingly fearful of accessing schools, healthcare, childcare, and public spaces?
• How do immigration enforcement practices affect local communities and the broader economy?
• What misconceptions do many Americans have about the immigration system?
• Why is obtaining legal status often far more complicated than people realize?
• What policy changes could better protect children, families, and community well-being?
• How can ordinary citizens become more informed and engaged on these issues?

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Have you ever wondered how deeply art reflects our true selves? Or hides behind a mask?

Jim Bidgood's story reminds us that behind every masterpiece is a complex mix of authenticity and performance. His work wasn’t just art, it was a lifeline, a way to process what he couldn't say out loud.

Bart Everly's film Velvet Vision shows that art isn’t just what we create, it’s also what we hide and reveal about ourselves.

Join the Defense of Democracy Film Festival June 12 -14.

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Fred Osborn shares a powerful truth: democracy is built on shared values, respect, and believing in each other's dignity. From his roots in nature to his service in Vietnam, he reminds us that civic engagement is rooted in everyday acts of kindness and  standing up for what's right.

But do Americans still carry that faith in collective action, or has it waned?

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In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt sits down with filmmaker Hyunsoo Moon, director of the documentary The Americans, for a deeply personal conversation about immigration, identity, belonging, and the meaning of the American Dream.

Over the course of seven years filming immigrant families in Storm Lake, Iowa, Moon followed the lives of refugees and workers connected to America’s meatpacking industry, documenting not only hardship and sacrifice, but resilience, hope, and the quiet pursuit of happiness. Together, they explore how documentary storytelling can humanize political issues, challenge cultural assumptions, and redefine what it truly means to be “American.”

This conversation moves beyond headlines and ideology into the lived experiences of people building lives in America while navigating cultural identity, generational change, labor, and the search for dignity. It is a powerful reflection on empathy, citizenship, and the stories often left out of the national conversation.

Key Takeaways

- What does the American Dream actually mean for immigrants and refugees?
- How do immigrant families balance cultural identity with assimilation?
- Why are immigrant communities central to many rural American economies?
- What can documentary filmmaking reveal that political debate often misses?
- How does growing up between two cultures shape identity and belonging?
- Why did Storm Lake, Iowa become a symbol of immigrant integration?
- Can storytelling help rebuild empathy in an increasingly divided America?
- What does it really mean to call someone “American”?

Learn more about The Americans documentary and support the film:
theamericansdocumentary.com

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In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt speaks again with writer and historian Conor Broll for a thoughtful conversation on ideology, identity, and the future of civic discourse in America. They examine what it means to think freely in an age of political tribalism, questioning whether Americans are becoming more independent or simply recognizing the limits of inherited systems. Conor reflects on stepping outside ideological echo chambers, the evolution of his project Beyond Ideology, and how history, culture, and shared human experience can help rebuild meaningful dialogue. From social media polarization to the fragility of democratic institutions, this discussion invites listeners to reconsider not just what they believe, but how those beliefs are formed.

Key Takeaways

• Are we adopting beliefs rather than developing them for ourselves? 
• Are we relying more on political identity than our own independent thinking? 
• Is social media pulling us further apart and shaping what we choose to believe? 
• How important is it to step back and question our own views? 
• Can shared experiences (culture, art, and everyday life) help bring people back together? 
• What would it look like to focus more on being citizens than political opponents? 
• Are our biggest challenges really about policy, or about how we speak and lead? 
• What does it actually take for a democracy to stay strong today?

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 Karen Svoboda steps in for Addison K. Witt to interview Rachel Doyle, known as "Reads with Rachel." They discuss the challenges of book banning and the broader implications for education and democracy. Rachel shares her personal journey from a strict fundamentalist upbringing to becoming an advocate for educational freedom and parental involvement. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots activism, the role of privilege in advocacy, and the need for diverse voices in defending public education.

Key Takeaways

1. Book Banning Awareness: Rachel's experience highlights the growing issue of book banning, emphasizing the need for community involvement to protect educational freedom.
2. Grassroots Activism: The importance of local advocacy is underscored, with Rachel encouraging parents to engage with school boards to influence educational policies.
3. Privilege in Advocacy: Recognizing the role of privilege in being able to advocate for change, Rachel stresses the moral imperative to use one's position to support marginalized voices.
4. Diverse Educational Needs: The conversation emphasizes the need for educational systems to address the unique needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities.
5. Community Support: The Defense of Democracy's Thank-a-thon event is highlighted as a positive initiative to support and appreciate educators, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.

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