Best American Democracy Minute Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 589: Colorado Election Official Who Allowed 2020 Conspiracy Theory Activists Access to County Voting Machine Data Found Guilty 1:30

2h ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 19, 2024 Colorado Election Official Who Allowed 2020 Conspiracy Theory Activists Access to County Voting Machine Data Found Guilty In the midst of our series on protections against bad actors not certifying the Presidential election came the news of the felony conviction of a former Colo…

1
Danielle Sukenik, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus – The Impact of Digital Dating Patterns on Mental Health

2d ago

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Digital dating apps have brought new terms to the fore, but what do they mean? Danielle Sukenik, instructor in psychiatry at the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, explores these. Danielle Sukenik is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 12 years of clinical experience based in Denver, Colorado at…

1
Episode 588: What if Your State's Chief Election Officer Blocks Certification of the Presidential Election? 1:30

4h ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 16, 2024 What if Your State's Chief Election Officer Blocks Certification of the Presidential Election? In the last report of our series on protections against overturning the Presidential election, we consider what happens if the state official authorized to certify your state’s electio…

51
Brian Grodsky, University of Maryland Baltimore County – How Populism Impedes Democracies and Galvanizes Authoritarianism

2d ago

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Populism can function differently when it’s not paired with democracies. Brian Grodsky, chair and professor in the department of political science at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, explains the benefits. Brian Grodsky is a Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His research interests include…

1
Episode 587: New Report Recommends State Officials Be Proactive to Keep Rogue County Election Boards from Not Certifying Elections 1:30

3h ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 15, 2024 New Report Recommends State Officials Be Proactive to Keep Rogue County Election Boards from Not Certifying Elections Our series on keeping our Presidential election from being overturned by bad actors explained how the new Electoral Count Reform Act clarifies federal and state …

1
Cailyn Green, Empire State University – Changing to a Person-Centered Approach When Referring to Substance Use Clients

2d ago

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Changing the language of terms we use to refer to people suffering from addiction can be key, even if they self-identify with the terminology. Cailyn Green, assistant professor of addiction studies in the school of human services at Empire State University, explains why. Cailyn Green, MS, Ph.D., Masters-CASAC is the Assistant Professor of Addiction…

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Episode 586: The Electoral Count Reform Act Adds Federal and State Protections, But It Won’t Stop Local Loyalists fromThrowing a Wrench in the Works 1:30

3h ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 14, 2024 The Electoral Count Reform Act Adds Federal and State Protections, But It Won’t Stop Local Loyalists fromThrowing a Wrench in the Works Our series on the federal Electoral Count Reform Act shows that it does offer protections of Presidential elections from fake electors and rogu…

1
Donna Nelson, University of Oklahoma – The U.S. Fentanyl Challenge

3d ago

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The opioid crisis has been reported, but maybe not to its full extent. Donna Nelson, professor of chemistry at the University of Oklahoma, examines into the numbers. Dr. Donna Nelson is a Professor of Chemistry at University of Oklahoma. Her research has always engaged the chemistry community and served professional societies and organizations, col…

1
Episode 585: The Electoral Count Reform Act Improves State Rules for Certifying and Protecting Presidential Elections 1:30

20h ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 13, 2024 The Electoral Count Reform Act Improves State Rules for Certifying and Protecting Presidential Elections We’re continuing our series exploring whether new rules will protect our Presidential election process from being hijacked by bad actors. The Electoral Count Reform Act added…

1
Michael Hoberman, Fitchburg State University – Jews in the North American Wilderness

4d ago

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We know the name John Muir, but others came before him. Michael Hoberman, professor of English studies at Fitchburg State University, explores a few of them. Michael Hoberman is a professor of American literature at Fitchburg State University. He is the author of several books on Jewish history in the US, including New Israel/New England: Jews and …

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Episode 584: What is the Electoral Count Reform Act and How Will it Protect Presidential Elections at the Federal Level? 1:30

2d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 12, 2024 What is the Electoral Count Reform Act and How Will it Protect the 2024 Election at the Federal Level? We’re beginning a series exploring whether our Presidential election is safer now from being overturned by bad actors. In our first report, we examine new protections in the fe…

1
Joe Arvai, University of Southern California Dornsife – The Hidden Risk of Letting A.I. Decide

7d ago

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What’s the harm in letting A.I. make decisions for us? Joe Arvai, Director of USC Wrigley Institute for Environment & Sustainability and professor of psychology at the University of Southern California Dornsife, explores one. Dr. Joe Árvai is the Dana and David Dornsife Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology, and he is the Director…

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Episode 583: Ninety Days Before the Election Georgia Launches ‘Voter Registration Cancellation Portal’ and Changes Rules on Certifying Elections 1:30

5d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 9, 2024 Ninety Days Before the Election Georgia Launches ‘Voter Registration Cancellation Portal’ and Changes Rules on Certifying Elections Just 90 days before the 2024 election, the State of Georgia took actions which could impact the outcome, launching a controversial web page to cance…

1
Dan Trudeau, Macalester College – Building Inclusive City Parks

8d ago

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Parks are for everyone, right? Daniel Trudeau, professor of geography at Macalester College, says not everyone may feel welcome. Dan Trudeau is an urban geographer. He examines the roles of city planning and public policy in shaping urban development. His work explores the interactions between the built environment and social inequality and focuses…

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Episode 582: How Do VP Candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. J.D. Vance Compare on Democracy Issues? 1:30

6d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 8, 2024 How Do VP Candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. J.D. Vance Compare on Democracy Issues? The choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Trump’s pick of Senator J.D. Vance raises a question for pro-democracy voters. H…

1
April Smith, University of Auburn – Identifying Dynamic Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation in Service Members

9d ago

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How do we lessen the risk of suicidal ideation among service members? April Smith, associate professor and the director of research on eating disorders and suicidality laboratory at Auburn University, asks questions to find answers. Dr. Smith is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at Auburn University and the director of the Research on …

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Episode 581: Arizona: Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Cooperating in Fake Elector Investigation; Fearing Violence, Schools Opt Out as Polling Places 1:30

7d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 7, 2024 Arizona: Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Cooperating in Fake Elector Investigation; Fearing Violence, Schools Opt Out as Polling Places Trump election lawyer Jenna Ellis made a cooperation deal in Arizona’s fake elector investigation, while Arizona election officials scramble to find po…

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Michael Werner, University of Utah – Dissecting Fact and Fiction in Dune

13d ago

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Can we learn about the natural world from works of fiction? Michael Werner, assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah, reads up to find out. Michael Werner is an assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. He uses worms to study developmental biology. Dissecting Fact a…

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Episode 580: American Bar Association’s ‘Task Force for American Democracy’ Urges Members to Take Larger Community Role to Protect Election System 1:30

8d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 6, 2024 American Bar Association’s ‘Task Force for American Democracy’ Urges Members to Take Larger Community Role to Protect Election System Citing imminent threats to our election system, the American Bar Association’s Task Force for American Democracy released a report recommending wa…

1
Rogerio Pinto, University of Michigan – Helping Straight Men Confront Homophobic and Sexist Beliefs

11d ago

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How do we get white heterosexual men to confront feelings of homophobia and sexism? Rogerio Pinto, University Diversity & Social Transformation Professor at the University of Michigan, approaches this goal. Rogério M. Pinto is a University of Michigan Diversity & Social Transformation Professor, Berit Ingersoll-Dayton Collegiate Professor of Social…

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Episode 579: Federal Appeals Court Says a Texas Coalition of Black and Latinx Voters Doesn’t Qualify as a Majority Minority Voting District 1:30

9d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 5, 2024 Federal Appeals Court Says a Texas Coalition of Black and Latinx Voters Doesn’t Qualify as a Majority Minority Voting District Black & Latinx voters sued Galveston County, TX in 2022 over racially gerrymandered voting maps intended to dilute the power of minority voters. The lowe…

1
Wesley Chang, Drexel University – Optimizing Electric Vehicle Battery Performance in Cold Weather Climates

14d ago

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Electric car batteries may need some tweaking to work at their best in winter climates. Wesley Chang, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and mechanics at Drexel University, explores solutions. Wes Chang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, and an affiliated faculty member of the Department …

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Episode 578: The End of One South Carolina Gerrymandering Lawsuit, and the Beginning of Another, as the Fight for Fair Maps Continues 1:30

14d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 2, 2024 The End of One South Carolina Gerrymandering Lawsuit, and the Beginning of Another, as the Fight for Fair Maps Continues In May, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a racially gerrymandered South Carolina Congressional district and made future racial gerrymandering cases more difficult…

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Douglas Dowland, Ohio Northern University – Three Simple Words That Shape a Nation

15d ago

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Politicians use a lot of words when campaigning, but the most meaningful are very simple. Douglas Dowland, associate professor of English at Ohio Northern University, discusses these. Douglas Dowland is associate professor of English at Ohio Northern University, where he teaches a wide array of literature and humanities courses. His book We, Us, an…

1
Episode 577: Do You Support Democracy and Want to Protect Our Elections? August 1 is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. 1:30

14d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 1, 2024 Do You Support Democracy and Want to Protect Our Elections? August 1 is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is Aug. 1st. The pool of roughly 800,000 poll workers nationwide is aging, and shortages have been reported in some areas. If you hav…

1
Douglas Wolf, Syracuse University – COVID-19 Physical Distancing Restrictions Contributed to Increases in Drug Overdoses

16d ago

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Social distancing was key in reducing COVID deaths, but it came with consequences. Douglas Wolf, professor of public administration and international affairs at Syracuse University, looks at why. Douglas Wolf is a demographer, policy analyst, program evaluator and gerontological researcher with many years of experience studying the economic, demogr…

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Episode 576: New York’s Early Mail-In Voting Law Heads to State Supreme Court, Challenged by State & National GOP Leadership 1:30

15d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 31, 2024 New York’s Early Mail-In Voting Law Heads to State Supreme Court, Challenged by State & National GOP Leadership New York Republicans challenged a new voting law in state supreme court July 30th, allowing citizens to vote by mail during the state’s early voting period. The law ha…

1
Jon Rosales, St. Lawrence University – Indigenous Knowledge and Practice as Scientific Methodology

17d ago

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Are scientists the only ones who can do science work? Jon Rosales, professor of environmental studies at St. Lawrence University, says no. St. Lawrence University Professor of Environmental Studies Jon Rosales is a climate change scientist focused on the impacts of climate change on native peoples in the Arctic. His expertise and scholarly focus ar…

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Episode 575: When Voter Registration Purges Cross the Line from Standard Practice to Suppression 1:30

15d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 29, 2024 When Voter Registration Purges Cross the Line from Standard Practice to Suppression When citizens move or die, voter registration lists need to be updated as part of routine list hygiene. But when lists are aggressively purged, particularly close to an election, it crosses the l…

1
Micki Olson, University at Albany – Understanding the Heat Index

18d ago

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Not everyone understands the heat index on a summer day, which can lead to medical issues. Micki Olson, senior research scientist in the college of emergency preparedness, homeland security and cybersecurity at the University at Albany, explores how to simplify this language to keep people safe. Micki Olson is a risk communication expert who specia…

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Episode 574: Election-Day Voter Registration Does Help People Vote, But it’s Better to Register Early to Make Sure Your Vote Counts 1:30

16d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 29, 2024 Election-Day Voter Registration Does Help People Vote, But it’s Better to Register Early to Make Sure Your Vote Counts In 21 states plus DC, election-day voter registration has a proven record of enabling younger, nonwhite, and frequently moving citizens to vote - which is why a…

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Argel Aguilar Valles, Carleton University – Can Non-Hallucinogenic Psychedelics Be Used to Treat Depression

21d ago

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Psychedelics may be the way out of depression. Argel Aguilar Valles, assistant professor in the department of neuroscience at Carleton University, explores why. Dr. Argel Aguilar Valles received his B.Sc. (Biology) and M.Sc. (Biochemistry) from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Then, he obtained his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at McGil…

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Episode 573: If You Want to Vote this Fall, You’ll Need to Be Registered. To Register, You Need to Be Prepared, and Time is Running Out. 1:30

20d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 26, 2024 If You Want to Vote this Fall, You’ll Need to Be Registered. To Register, You Need to Be Prepared, and Time is Running Out. If you want to vote this fall and you’re not registered, it’s time to get busy. Fifteen states require a citizen to register 30 days prior to an election. …

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Sabrina Little, Christopher Newport University – Character and Athletic Performance

25d ago

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Athletes are known for their physical prowess, but their morals may also aid in performance. Sabrina Little, assistant professor in the department of leadership and American studies at Christopher Newport University, explains why. Sabrina Little is an assistant professor in the Department of Leadership and American Studies at Christopher Newport Un…

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Episode 572: Signatures for Ohio Citizen-Led Redistricting Ballot Measure Certified; Ohio Disabled Absentee Voters Win in Federal Court 1:30

21d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 25, 2024 Signatures for Ohio Citizen-Led Redistricting Ballot Measure Certified; Ohio Disabled Absentee Voters Win in Federal Court Two significant wins for Ohio voters, with signatures certified for a citizen-led redistricting commission ballot measure, and a federal court ruling striki…

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Jared Bahir Browsh, University of Colorado Boulder – Colorado – Vulnerabilities Emerge Six Years After Sports Gambling Legalization

23d ago

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Sports gambling has taken over the airwaves and playing surfaces of professional sports. Jared Bahir Browsh, assistant teaching professor in the department of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, says scandals are also emerging. Dr. Jared Bahir Browsh is scholar and educator specializing in the political economics of sports and th…

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Episode 571: Claims of Widespread Voting by Undocumented Immigrants Might Be Red Meat for the Base, But It’s Complete Nonsense. 1:30

21d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 24, 2024 Claims of Widespread Voting by Undocumented Immigrants Might Be Red Meat for the Base, But It’s Complete Nonsense. At the Republican National Convention, Sen. Ted Cruz claimed that Democrats tolerated illegal immigration so noncitizens would fraudulently vote. Such claims might …

1
Sarah Raskin, Trinity College – Brain Injuries Aren’t Just Happening in Sports

24d ago

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It’s not just athletes who have to worry about brain injuries. Sarah Raskin, Charles A. Dana professor of psychology and neuroscience at Trinity College, details other areas of life that are sadly involved in these afflictions as well. Sarah A. Raskin, Ph.D. is a Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist and the Charles A. Dana Professor of Psycho…

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Episode 570: Biden Withdraws as the Presumptive Nominee and Endorses Harris. What Happens Now? 1:30

23d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 23, 2024 Biden Withdraws as the Presumptive Nominee and Endorses Harris. What Happens Now? President Joe Biden withdrew July 21st as the presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. What’s next in the process, and how does that process work? To v…

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Loren Henderson, University of Maryland Baltimore County – Centering The Voices of Black Farmers

25d ago

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The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult to navigate for farmers of color. Loren Henderson, associate professor of public policy and incoming director of the school of public policy at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, centers their voices. Henderson’s research interests include diversity issues, stratification and inequality, health disparit…

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Episode 569: Some Campaign Strategists Hope You’ll Show Up at the Polls, Only to Find that Your Voter Registration has been Purged. Don’t Let that Happen. 1:30

23d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 22, 2024 Some Campaign Strategists Hope You’ll Show Up at the Polls, Only to Find that Your Voter Registration has been Purged. Don’t Let that Happen. Here’s a scenario likely to be more common in the 2024 elections: You show up expecting to cast your ballot, but the clerk says you’re no…

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Raul Navarro, Occidental College – Organic Chemistry as Molecular Architecture

28d ago

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On Occidental College Week: Nature can give us the compounds to treat afflictions, but are we taking advantage? Raul Navarro, assistant professor of chemistry, looks at one avenue to do so. Raul Navarro was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Yale University, then traveled back to California to cond…

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Episode 568: Utah Voters Fought Back After Their Fair Voting Districts Constitutional Amendment was Gutted by an Anti-Voter Legislature. They Won. 1:30

26d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 19, 2024 Utah Voters Fought Back After Their Fair Voting Districts Constitutional Amendment was Gutted by an Anti-Voter Legislature. They Won. Utah voters passed the Better Boundaries Proposition 4 in 2018, setting standards for competitive, nonpartisan redistricting. Utah’s legislature,…

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Syeda ShahBono Ijaz, Occidental College – How Foreign Aid Changes Political Behavior

29d ago

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On Occidental College Week: Foreign aid can change political behavior in the country receiving it. Syeda ShahBano Ijaz, assistant professor of global political economy, diplomacy & world affairs, details how. Syeda ShahBano Ijaz is a scholar of the political economy of development with a regional focus on South Asia. Her research, teaching, and pub…

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Episode 567: ‘This wasn’t politics as usual, this was politics for profit.’ U.S. Senator Robert Menendez Convicted of Bribery & Conspiracy Charges. 1:30

28d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 18, 2024 ‘This wasn’t politics as usual, this was politics for profit.’ U.S. Senator Robert Menendez Convicted of Bribery & Conspiracy Charges. U.S. Senator Robert Menendez was convicted July 16th on all federal charges of conspiracy, bribery, extortion, wire fraud, obstruction and actin…

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Natasha Sekhon, Occidental College – Unlocking Ancient Water Signals Locked in the Geologic Record

1M ago

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On Occidental College Week: Hints to our climatic future could be hidden underground. Natasha Sekhon, assistant professor in the department of geology, digs in for a look. Dr. Natasha Sekhon has her training as a low-temperature geochemist and paleoclimatologist. She uses the geochemical signals preserved in speleothems (secondary cave deposits) an…

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Episode 566: Civil Rights and Democracy Champion John Lewis Remembered With National Day of Commemoration and Action July 17th 1:30

29d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 17, 2024 Civil Rights and Democracy Champion John Lewis Remembered With National Day of Commemoration and Action July 17th July 17th marks the anniversary of the death of civil rights icon and democracy champion Congressman John Lewis. Exactly two years before he died, he gave a speech b…

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Zachary Silver, Occidental College – Understanding Canine Perception of Human Behaviors

1M ago

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On Occidental College Week: We see our dogs as good pets, but how do they see us? Zachary Silver, assistant professor of psychology, looks for an answer. Assistant Professor of Psychology Zachary Silver has a B.A. in psychology and music from Illinois Wesleyan and a pair of master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in psychology from Yale. As a researcher at th…

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Episode 565: Wins in Wisconsin for Mail-In Ballot Voters as Drop Boxes Reinstated, Favorable Absentee Witness Decision Upheld 1:30

30d ago1:30

1:30

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 16, 2024 Wins in Wisconsin for Mail-In Ballot Voters as Drop Boxes Reinstated, Favorable Absentee Witness Decision Upheld In a win for Wisconsin voters, a more moderate Wisconsin Supreme Court reinstated the use of ballot drop boxes, and a state appellate court upheld a lower court’s dec…

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Claire Cahen, Occidental College – Selling Student Futures

1M ago

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On Occidental College Week: Which schools are taking on most of the burden of a school district’s debt? Claire Cahen, assistant professor of urban and environmental policy, determines it might not be spread evenly. Claire Cahen (she/ her/ hers) is an urbanist, researcher and educator living and working in Los Angeles. She researches and writes abou…

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