Ep:#106 What’s Really Happening to American Democracy – An Insider’s Take with Christina Hartman episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 17, 2025 · 47 MIN

Ep:#106 What’s Really Happening to American Democracy – An Insider’s Take with Christina Hartman

from TIE Unearthed · host Philippa White

What does it look like when a democracy slowly starts to unravel?It's not overnight and not with tanks in the streets.But instead piece by piece; when institutions are quietly dismantled, civic norms are eroded, and unchecked power begins to take root.And more importantly - what can we do about it?This week on TIE Unearthed, I speak with my long-time friend Christina Hartman - powerhouse in the world of democracy, both at home in the U.S. and internationally. She’s worked with the likes of Freedom House and the National Democratic Institute, led multi-million dollar international programs, run for Congress and for Pennsylvania Auditor General, and raised millions for nonprofits.But today, she brings a warning: democracy in one of the world’s most influential nations is under threat, and many don’t even realise how far it’s already gone.In this conversation, we explore: 🔹 Christina’s incredible journey from international development to American politics🔹 The slow path to authoritarianism and how it really happens🔹 Why voters are disillusioned, and what it’ll take to rebuild trust🔹 The power of community, civic engagement, and what you can do to make democracy deliver.We talk about Project 2025, April’s protests, the media’s role, the idea of seeding power, and the terrifying vacuum left when America steps back from global leadership.This episode is a wake-up call. But it’s also a rallying cry.Because if we want systems that serve people - not power - we have to show up. Together.🎧 Tune in now to episode 106 of TIE Unearthed for an insight to what is happening right now in the US, and what we can all do about it.👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠]. If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

What does it look like when a democracy slowly starts to unravel?It's not overnight and not with tanks in the streets.But instead piece by piece; when institutions are quietly dismantled, civic norms are eroded, and unchecked power begins to take root.And more importantly - what can we do about it?This week on TIE Unearthed, I speak with my long-time friend Christina Hartman - powerhouse in the world of democracy, both at home in the U.S. and internationally. She’s worked with the likes of Freedom House and the National Democratic Institute, led multi-million dollar international programs, run for Congress and for Pennsylvania Auditor General, and raised millions for nonprofits.But today, she brings a warning: democracy in one of the world’s most influential nations is under threat, and many don’t even realise how far it’s already gone.In this conversation, we explore: 🔹 Christina’s incredible journey from international development to American politics🔹 The slow path to authoritarianism and how it really happens🔹 Why voters are disillusioned, and what it’ll take to rebuild trust🔹 The power of community, civic engagement, and what you can do to make democracy deliver.We talk about Project 2025, April’s protests, the media’s role, the idea of seeding power, and the terrifying vacuum left when America steps back from global leadership.This episode is a wake-up call. But it’s also a rallying cry.Because if we want systems that serve people - not power - we have to show up. Together.🎧 Tune in now to episode 106 of TIE Unearthed for an insight to what is happening right now in the US, and what we can all do about it.👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠]. If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

NOW PLAYING

Ep:#106 What’s Really Happening to American Democracy – An Insider’s Take with Christina Hartman

0:00 47:00

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Tying It Together with Tim Boyum Spectrum News 1 With the speed of the local news cycle, it's easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a soundbite. North Carolina's veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do.Through Tim's candid conversations on "Tying It Together," his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities. Croc's Tales IVM Podcasts Anand Sivakumaran (a.ka. THE CROC), writer, author and live storyteller spins tales using prompts from the audience. One story broken into four parts. But each story begins with a new prompt - a word or line - given by the audience. And yet all the parts need to tie in. That's the fun.Words aap ke, kahani aap ke liye Shmanners Travis and Teresa McElroy Join husband Travis McElroy and wife Teresa McElroy every Friday and they'll improve your etiquette week by week! Perplexed by thank you notes? Baffled by black tie? Dismayed by dinner parties? Worry no more, Shmanners has your answers! Chad the Birdcast Chad the Bird | Cumulus Chicago Chad the Bird continues to build a following around Chicagoland with his audio and video bits that have amassed 358K TikTok followers, 17k YouTube subscribers, and 69k Instagram followers. The Birdcast is locally charged comedy centered around iconic Chicago institutions as well as in the moment pop culture tie-ins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of TIE Unearthed?

This episode is 47 minutes long.

When was this TIE Unearthed episode published?

This episode was published on April 17, 2025.

What is this episode about?

What does it look like when a democracy slowly starts to unravel?It's not overnight and not with tanks in the streets.But instead piece by piece; when institutions are quietly dismantled, civic norms are eroded, and unchecked power begins to take...

Can I download this TIE Unearthed episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!