Let's Talk Democracy

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Podcast by Tina Johnson

Let's Talk Democracy

In a time when misinformation spreads like wildfire and populist movements are gaining momentum globally, it’s easy to feel disheartened. But Let’s Talk Democracy is here to remind us that democracy isn’t something we can afford to take for granted. It’s something we need to fight for, nurture, and protect. This podcast is a small but significant part of that fight—helping to cultivate hope, share knowledge, and inspire action. At its core, Let’s Talk Democracy is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always room for dialogue, reflection, and change. And that, in itself, is an act of democracy. Let’s Talk Democracy will be in conversation with a wide variety of people whose efforts and ideas can move us toward a stronger democracy. It's important to be in dialogue with individuals who represent the diverse range of ideas that are permissible within a democracy. By engaging with these voices—whether they come from experts, activists, community leaders, or everyday citizens—we can begin to see the many facets of democracy and how we can strengthen it, together.

Latest episodes

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20 January 2026

It’s Been Emotional Whiplash Already

It’s only January — and the world already feels heavy. In the Season 3 premiere of Let’s Talk Democracy, Tina Johnson reflects on global unrest, domestic protests, and the emotional whiplash of watching democracy tested in real time.

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30 December 2025

Keeping Democracy Alive: Listener Q&A

In the Season 2 finale of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson responds to listener questions that capture the season’s central themes: fear, participation, trust, and the future of democracy. While acknowledging concerns about democratic backsliding and misinformation, Tina emphasizes the importance of curiosity and informed engagement. The episode examines why fear-based political messaging often outweighs facts, considers the responsibility of media and online platforms, and highlights respectful dialogue across disagreement as a practical way individuals can help strengthen democracy.

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16 December 2025

The Responsibility to Represent: An Afghan Woman MP on Healing, Exile, and the Future of Democracy

In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson speaks with Farzana Elhem Kochai, former Member of Parliament in Afghanistan’s House of Representatives (Wolesi Jirga). Farzana reflects on her journey into politics as a young woman and women’s rights activist, the challenges of legislating within a deeply patriarchal and unequal system, and the pain of witnessing the systematic erosion of women’s rights from exile in Norway.

This conversation explores accountability, ethical governance, the responsibility of the international community, and the critical difference between voices inside Afghanistan and those speaking from the diaspora.

Organizations Supporting Afghan Women and Girls

Afghan Women’s Educational Center (AWEC)

https://www.awec.info

New Afghanistan Women Association (NAWA)

https://nawa.ngo

Empowerment Center for Women (ECW)

https://ecw.org.af

Organization for Afghan Women Capacity and Knowledge (OAWCK)

https://oawck.org.af

Afghan Women Coordination & Promotion Organization (AWCPO)

https://awcpo.org.af

Alliance for the Education of Women in Afghanistan (AEWA)

https://aewa.org.af

Shahmama Organization (Geneva-based advocacy and leadership network)

https://shahmama.org

Hope for Afghan Girls

https://www.hopeforafghangirls.org

#AfghanWomen

#AfghanistanDemocracy

#WomensRightsAfghanistan

#WomensRights

#AfghanWomenLeaders

#TalibanAndWomensRights

#AfghanDiasporaVoices

#Democracy

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25 November 2025

When Fear Feels Like Truth: The Global Fight for Democracy

Host Tina Johnson explores how authoritarian populism and the “crisis of perception” are challenging democracies around the world — from Hungary to Brazil to the U.S. She breaks down how fear and misinformation can undermine facts and democratic institutions, and shares how citizens can take action to protect democracy. A must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of civic life.

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11:26

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18 November 2025

The Double Edged Sword of Polls

In today’s episode, host Tina Johnson is joined by pollster Doug Kaplan to unpack the complicated—and sometimes controversial—role that polling plays in American democracy. Together, we dive into how polls both reflect and shape public opinion, why they sometimes miss the mark, and how shifting voter behavior, rapidly evolving technology, and the national mood all impact what polling can—and can’t—tell us.

From surprising election outcomes in New Jersey and Virginia to the growing challenge of reaching voters in a mobile-only world, Tina and Doug explore what today’s polling data really means, where it falls short, and why interpretation matters. They also look ahead to the 2026 elections and discuss how everyday people can use polling as a tool for understanding our political landscape and strengthening democratic participation.

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04 November 2025

Authoritarian Populism and the Crisis of Perception

How fear, media, and false prophets are reshaping democracy—and how hope can fight back. Host Tina Johnson speaks with historian Professor Thomas Weber about the global rise of authoritarian populism and the crisis of perception that’s shaking democracies worldwide. Together they explore how fear, media, and misinformation empower populist movements—and how hope, empathy, and truth can help restore trust in democratic systems.Together, they discuss:

Recommended Resources & Further Reading

Books:

  • Democracy Erodes from the Top: Leaders, Citizens, and the Challenge of Populism in Europe – Larry Bartels
  1. The Radical Redemption Model: Terrorist Beliefs and Narratives – Beatrice de Graaf
  • Hitler’s First War: Adolf Hitler, the Men of the List Regiment, and the First World War – Thomas Weber
  • New Book Release Wenn Das Gestern Anklopft – Philipp Ruch, Thomas Weber

Articles & Essays:

  • Thomas Mann, “Brother Hitler” (1939)

Videos & Talks:

Courses:

Understanding Political Extremism: Hitler as a Case Study’, that people can take from anywhere in the world:

https://on.abdn.ac.uk/courses/understanding-political-extremism-hitler-as-a-case-study/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN23bZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvbIvoLlYXRKKqss6YA1D_ipKMNpcBWOzXUpXpx9Z-VQCuBiNJWjONBP2gZ0_aem_SlV9grcQJ_Sgd8N_sbshNg

Articles & Essays:

  • Thomas Mann, “Brother Hitler” (1939)
  • The False Promise of Populism – The Atlantic (or substitute your preferred article source)

A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the global challenges of modern democracy—and how hope, truth, and civic engagement can still prevail.

  • authoritarian populism, democracy crisis, political extremism, media influence, Thomas Weber, Tina Johnson, let´s talk democracy, populist leaders, misinformation, democratic backsliding, political fear, extremism history

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