
Podcast by Tina Johnson

Podcast by Tina Johnson

25 November 2025
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.
00:00
11:26

18 November 2025
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.
00:00
30:37

04 November 2025
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:
Books:
Articles & Essays:
Videos & Talks:
Courses:
Understanding Political Extremism: Hitler as a Case Study’, that people can take from anywhere in the world:
Articles & Essays:
A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the global challenges of modern democracy—and how hope, truth, and civic engagement can still prevail.
00:00
54:58

21 October 2025
In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson explores how protest movements—when grounded in strategy and clear demands—can protect and transform democracy. Drawing from her organizing experience during the People’s Climate March and recent No Kings protests across the U.S. and globally, Tina unpacks the power of collective action, how authoritarian leaders attempt to silence dissent, and what it takes to turn awareness into lasting political change.
Whether you're a seasoned activist or new to organizing, this episode breaks down the essentials of effective protest strategy, global democratic solidarity, and grassroots movement building.
#LetsTalkDemocracy #ProtestPower #ProtectDemocracy #CivicEngagement #TinaJohnson #NoKingsProtest #ProtestForChange #DefendDemocracy #ProtestAndPower #CollectiveAction #DemocracyNow #Activism2025 #GlobalProtests #PeoplePower #StrategicProtest
00:00
19:35

07 October 2025
What’s more dangerous than the rise of the far right?
The silence that allows it to grow.
In this episode, host Tina Johnson explores the global surge in far-right ideology — from MAGA politics in the U.S. to the growing power of nationalist parties in Europe, Scandinavia, and even Nepal.
But this isn’t just about loud extremists.
It’s about the quiet voters, the silent supporters, and the normalization of once-fringe ideas.
Tina breaks down:
What true democratic values mean
How the Overton Window is shifting
The rise of Norway’s Progress Party in 2025
And what we must do to bring silence into the light
💡 Key takeaway:
Democracy isn’t guaranteed — and silence isn’t neutral.
It’s time to speak up, stay informed, and protect our freedoms before they disappear.
Listen now and join the conversation.
#Democracy #FarRight #LetsTalkDemocracy #Authoritarianism #CivicAction #DemocracyUnderThreat (strong emotional hook) #SilenceIsComplicity #FarRightRising #SpeakUpNow
00:00
23:08

23 September 2025
In this thought-provoking episode of "Let's Talk Democracy," host Tina Johnson sits down with political strategist Blair Talmadge to explore the profound changes in the U.S. political landscape over the past decade. They challenge the notion that politics is about policy, arguing instead that it's increasingly driven by emotion rather than reason.
The conversation begins with a personal anecdote about Johnson's 2012 campaign in Chester, Pennsylvania, which serves as a microcosm for a national trend. Talmadge argues that since the Reagan era, the Republican Party has masterfully leveraged fringe issues and religious fervor to galvanize voters, even when policies might contradict their self-interest. They discuss how figures like Donald Trump, despite a lack of personal religious conviction, have successfully embodied the feelings of a large segment of the population.
Key takeaways from the episode include:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the current state of democracy in the United States and the complex psychological factors that influence voter behavior.
#USPolitics #VoterBehavior #PoliticalStrategy #Let'sTalkDemocracy #PolicyVsEmotion #BlairTalmadge #Democracy #AmericanPolitics #PoliticalAnalysis
00:00
36:19