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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03 March 2026

Reclaiming the Digital Public Square: Democracy, Social Media & Cooperative Tech

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:

  • How venture capital and advertising incentives shape online discourse
  • The concept of “enshittification” and platform decline
  • Why polarization may be a design outcome
  • The limits of decentralization and the Fediverse
  • How democratic governance could transform social media

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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17 February 2026

Deliberation by Design: Rebuilding Social Media for Democracy

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:

  • Division online isn’t inevitable — it’s designed into the platforms we use.
  • Platform choices shape behavior, amplify extremes, and affect public discourse.
  • Reimagining social media for dialogue, accountability, and connection is possible.
  • Every user can play a role in fostering healthier, more deliberative digital spaces.

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03 February 2026

The Megaphone Effect: How Social Media Controls Democracy

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:

  • How algorithms amplify outrage and extremism
  • The role of misinformation and digital manipulation in undermining democracy
  • Deliberative technologies that foster listening, dialogue, and civic engagement
  • Strategies for redesigning social media platforms to support democratic resilience

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 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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