
Podcast by Tina Johnson

Podcast by Tina Johnson

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

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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10:14

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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18:17

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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01:39:01

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.
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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.
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30:37