
Podcast by Tina Johnson

Podcast by Tina Johnson

14 April 2026
What does democracy actually look like when you’re inside it?
In this episode, we move beyond theory and explore how democratic systems function in real life—through participation, decision-making, and everyday interaction.
Democracy is often described as a set of institutions or processes. But from the inside, it operates very differently. It becomes something that depends on attention, coordination, and continuous engagement.
This episode explores how democracy works on the ground, from local decision-making spaces to the informal conversations that shape outcomes before formal decisions are made.
Because democracy isn’t just something we observe.
It’s something we participate in—and help sustain.
Democracy is not a fixed system.
It is a continuous process—maintained through participation, attention, and repeated engagement.
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21:36

31 March 2026
This week on Let’s Talk Democracy host, Tina Johnson delivers a concise, reflection on what democracy really requires: presence, effort, and human participation. While social media and technology shape how we engage, the heart of democracy is lived in real-world spaces—from global protests to local community actions like No Kings.
Tina reflects on the difference between digital engagement and active participation, sharing insights on why showing up matters, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. She explores how people across the globe continue to organize, protest, and engage, proving that democracy is sustained by action, not algorithms.
This episode is a thought-provoking listen with one clear takeaway: pay attention to where you’re showing up in your community, and consider taking meaningful steps to engage. Because democracy isn’t built online—it’s built by people.
Tune in for a reflective reminder that every effort counts.
#LetsTalkDemocracy #CivicEngagement #Participation #CommunityAction #Grassroots #Protests
00:00
09:15

17 March 2026
In this episode of Let’s Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson speaks with Ramon Perez, founder of the Digital Democracy Project, about the future of digital democracy and civic engagement.
How can mobile voting, blockchain technology, and AI transform the way citizens interact with government? Ramon shares how his platform enables real-time voter input on legislation, creating a more participatory and transparent democratic process.
This episode explores key issues including voter access, political representation, gerrymandering, and the growing role of technology in shaping public policy.
If you're interested in democracy reform, civic technology, or how AI is changing government, this conversation offers powerful insights into the future of participatory democracy.
Keywords: digital democracy, civic engagement, mobile voting, blockchain voting, AI in government, participatory democracy
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51:21

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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51:56