
Podcast by Tina Johnson

Podcast by Tina Johnson

03 March 2026
What happens to democracy when social media becomes the public square?
In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson speaks with technologist and civic activist Daniel Bingham about how platforms like Facebook and Twitter reshaped civic life — and how their ad-driven business models may be fueling polarization instead of healthy dialogue.
Together, they explore:
Daniel shares his work building Communities — a democratically governed, user-funded social platform designed to align technology with democratic values instead of shareholder profit.
If you're interested in:
✔ Digital democracy
✔ Ethical social media
✔ Civic engagement
✔ Cooperative governance
✔ The future of online dialogue
This episode offers both critique and a practical alternative.
Explore Communities in open beta using the link https://communities.social/about/contribute
Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support thoughtful conversations about democracy and civic life.
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01:10:19

17 February 2026
Social media was once celebrated as a tool for connection — but today, it often divides us, amplifying outrage and eroding public trust.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, I speak with Paul Bonifacio, a French tech professional turned social entrepreneur, about the role of platform design in shaping behavior, amplifying extremes, and influencing the health of our democracies.
We explore a critical question: Can social media be redesigned to support dialogue instead of division? Together, we discuss what it would look like to build digital spaces that prioritize reflection, accountability, and meaningful human connection.
Tune in to rethink the online spaces you inhabit every day and imagine how they could be transformed from engines of division into foundations for democratic renewal.
Key Takeaways:
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01:06:36

03 February 2026
How does social media affect democracy? Are digital platforms promoting informed debate—or fueling polarization and conflict?
In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson and Lisa Schirch, Professor of Peacebuilding and Director of the Peacetech and Polarization Lab at the University of Notre Dame, explore the impact of social media on democracy, political polarization, and public discourse.
We cover:
Perfect for anyone interested in digital democracy, social media ethics, civic engagement, and peacebuilding, this episode offers insights into how we can reclaim the digital public square.
Listen now to explore the intersection of social media, democracy, and technology:
Keywords: social media impact on democracy, political polarization, digital platforms and democracy, deliberative technologies, civic engagement, misinformation, online discourse, peacebuilding.
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20 January 2026
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
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
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)
New Afghanistan Women Association (NAWA)
Empowerment Center for Women (ECW)
Organization for Afghan Women Capacity and Knowledge (OAWCK)
Afghan Women Coordination & Promotion Organization (AWCPO)
Alliance for the Education of Women in Afghanistan (AEWA)
Shahmama Organization (Geneva-based advocacy and leadership network)
Hope for Afghan Girls
https://www.hopeforafghangirls.org
#AfghanWomen
#AfghanistanDemocracy
#WomensRightsAfghanistan
#WomensRights
#AfghanWomenLeaders
#TalibanAndWomensRights
#AfghanDiasporaVoices
#Democracy
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