New Faces of Democracy

This episode is the second part of Nancy’s conversation with Dr. Matthew Taylor, a visiting scholar at Georgetown's Center on Faith and Justice and a leading expert on Christian nationalism, religious extremism, and the role of religious pluralism in defending democracy. In this part of the conversation, Matt and Nancy discuss whether Christian nationalism can ever be compatible with a pluralistic society; how we need to build a big tent to unite with what Matt calls the “persuadable middle”; the Christian supremacists at the highest level of power in our government; Christian Zionism, anti-semitism; and where to look for inspiration and hope.At the end of Part 1, Nancy and Matt had just finished speaking about the theology, symbols and culture of independent charismatic Christianity and the huge role this played on January 6th.Matthew D. Taylor is a visiting scholar at the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University. is the author of The Violent Take It by Force and, forthcoming, Defying Tyrants. A public-facing theologian and religious studies scholar who specializes in American Islam, Christian nationalism, and Christian extremism, he is also the creator of two limited podcast series–American Unexceptionalism and Charismatic Revival Fury. Taylor holds a PhD from Georgetown University and an MA from Fuller Theological Seminary.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky

On this episode, Nancy speaks with Dr. Matthew Taylor, a visiting scholar at Georgetown's Center on Faith and Justice and a leading expert on Christian nationalism, religious extremism, and the role of religious pluralism in defending democracy. In this two part series, Matt and Nancy do a deep dive on the new religious right, the role this group played on January 6th, the power they hold at the highest levels of government, and lessons we can learn from other democracies threatened by religious nationalism. On this episode, Part 1 of the conversation, Matt and Nancy set the stage with a discussion of the fundamental concepts of independent charismatic Christianity and the New Apostolic Reformation, the leadership network of this group. They discuss the enormous popularity of this rapidly growing segment of Christianity with its exciting revivalist spirit, speaking in tongues and celebrity culture. Matt speaks about the apostles, prophets, demons and territorial spirits that populate the theology. And Matt walks listeners through the prophetic memes and coded symbols that serve as virtual carriers of theology and, when propagated by church leaders, ultimately led in a straight line to January 6th. For people on the outside, this can all sound completely bonkers but the reality is that this movement presents a dangerous threat to democracy. If that’s important to you, then this conversation is a must-listen. Be sure to listen to Part 2, out next week.Matthew D. Taylor is a visiting scholar at the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University. is the author of The Violent Take It by Force and, forthcoming, Defying Tyrants. A public-facing theologian and religious studies scholar who specializes in American Islam, Christian nationalism, and Christian extremism, he is also the creator of two limited podcast series–American Unexceptionalism and Charismatic Revival Fury. Taylor holds a PhD from Georgetown University and an MA from Fuller Theological Seminary.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

This episode features a conversation with Jeff Clements, cofounder and CEO of American Promise. American Promise is a nonprofit dedicated to undoing the damage wrought by the Supreme Court in Citizens United and returning the power to regulate money in politics back to We The People. The way to do this is by a 28th amendment to the Constitution. There is no easy fix to our troubled times, but there is also no question that unlimited amounts of money in campaigns and elections has a distorting and corrosive effect that is destabilizing our democracy. Billionaires, foreign entities, corporations, dark money or disclosed, all are overwhelming our political system with billions of dollars that drown out the voices of everyday Americans. Jeff and Nancy speak about how the Supreme Court is uniquely unsuited to resolve questions of complex political policy; why a constitutional amendment is the only solution; and the crosspartisan support behind the amendment with 24 states already on board. You can learn more, sign the citizen pledge, donate and volunteer at americanpromise.net.In addition to being cofounder and CEO of American Promise, Jeff is also a former Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts and the author of Corporations Are Not People.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

If you’re a regular listener of this podcast, you know that it rarely features political candidates. Why? They are often way too boring! But that description does not apply to Jami Floyd who is running for Congress in New York City’s 12th Congressional district. This is not just any race but the highly coveted seat that has been held for decades by Jerry Nadler. Nancy recently met Jami and was so impressed with her intelligence, background and authenticity that she wanted to introduce her to podcast listeners as well. In this lively yet insightful conversation, Nancy and Jami speak about being a native New Yorker who knows how to fight, bringing the Democratic party together, and actually listening to voters to deliver what they need. Whether or not you’re a New Yorker, the fact that people like Jami are willing to step up and fight for democracy will give you hope for the future of our country.Jami Floyd was born and raised in New York City, and by age 15, she was working in restaurants and retail around the district, building the grit that carried her through college and law school. After practicing law, Jami served as a White House Fellow in the Clinton Administration. She then traded DC politics for journalism to elevate the voices of real people in NY. Jami went on to cover their challenges for national news outlets like MSNBC, ABC News, and WNYC, where she hosted All Things Considered. She’s still focused on helping her neighbors and today serves on Manhattan Community Board 7 where she sits on the Transportation Committee and chairs the Public Safety Task Force. You can learn more about Jami on her campaign website, jamifloydforcongress.com.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

This episode features Heather Cronk, founder of Project 21:12, a group that helps ex-evangelical Christians, or exvangelicals as they are known, find community with others like them, and take action to diminish the power of rising Christian Nationalism, fueled in part by evangelical leaders. Heather and Nancy speak about the power of community within the church and the importance of creating a new community for people leaving it; Evangelicals’ transactional alliances with unlikely partners to pursue their end goals; and how secular progressives are reading the room wrong when it comes to strategically pushing back on the church’s agenda. You won’t want to miss this episode for Heather’s fascinating insights into the evangelical mindset and the very real dangers that it poses to our democracy.Project 21:12PRRI, “Exvangelicals: Who They Are, Why They Left, and What They Believe”Matthew D. Taylor, The Violent Take it By Force: The Christian Movement That is Threatening Our DemocracyThank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

On this episode, Nancy is joined by guest co-host Betsy Morgan to speak with award- winning documentary filmmakers Kim Snyder and Maria Cuomo Cole about their recent documentary The Librarians. The film is a moving portrayal of the school librarians on the front line in the battle against book bans and censorship. In the film, Kim and Maria deftly explore how the rightwing political movement that started with parental rights evolved into an attack on librarians, traditionally viewed as valued and apolitical members of our society. Their conversation touches on the dark forces behind the book bans, the bravery and conviction of the librarians who have stepped outside their comfort zones to fight these bans, and the bipartisan movement that has been sparked by the film, giving voice to everyday Americans who oppose censorship and believe deeply in intellectual freedom. To learn more about how you can watch The Librarians or even host a screening, go to thelibrariansfilm.com. The film will also be broadcast on February 9th, 2026 on PBS, check your local station for details.Kim A. Snyder is an Academy Award® nominee and Peabody Award-winning Director / Producer whose latest feature, THE LIBRARIANS, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is now released globally in 160+ cities. Her Oscar-nominated short DEATH BY NUMBERS, co-created with gun-violence survivor Sam Fuentes, has won multiple awards. Snyder’s acclaimed films include US KIDS (Sundance 2020), LESSONS FROM A SCHOOL SHOOTING (Netflix Original), and NEWTOWN (Sundance 2016, Peabody Award, PBS). Her earlier work includes WELCOME TO SHELBYVILLE (PBS) and I REMEMBER ME (Zeitgeist Films). She also associate produced the Oscar-winning short TREVOR, which spawned The Trevor Project. Snyder holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins SAIS and lives in New York City.Peabody and Emmy Award-winning producer Maria Cuomo Cole’s credits include the Oscar-Nominated DEATH BY NUMBERS (2024, Montclair - Best Short Doc), US KIDS (Sundance 2020), LESSONS FROM A SCHOOL SHOOTING (Netflix), NEWTOWN (Sundance 2016) and Oscar-shortlisted Living for 32 (2010), EP: THE HUNTING GROUND (2015) and Oscar-nominated THE INVISIBLE WAR (2014)Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.Photo credit: Tessa Belle Dillman Photography

On this episode, Nancy is speaking with former governor, former presidential candidate and former Democratic National Committee chair, Howard Dean. When Governor Dean served as the DNC chair, he implemented what he called the “fifty state strategy,” a radical idea at the time with a goal of supporting Democrats in every state in the country, be it red, blue or purple. Governor Dean and Nancy discuss how the strategy worked two decades ago, what a robust version of it could look like today, and how to keep the grassroots growing and not left to wither in the sun. Don’t miss this refreshing conversation with a person who has seen the inner workings of government at the highest levels and speaks with refreshing candor about how things played out then and what we need to be doing now.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

On this episode, Nancy is joined once again by guest co-host Betsy Morgan for a conversation with Robert Hubbell of Today’s Edition newsletter, the ultimate resource for grassroots Democrats who can’t face the news. In Today’s Edition, Robert provides a digest of the day’s news, couched in hopeful realism. In other words, Robert spends his days immersed in the media landscape so you don’t have to. And on this episode he is giving us a much needed pep talk. Robert, Betsy and Nancy talk about how to keep on keeping on during dark times, the importance of perspective, how to find joy in activism, and becoming the leader you want to see in the world.  You can subscribe to Today’s Edition (for free if you want!) on Substack.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here. If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

If you’re listening to this podcast, you’re probably no stranger to the postcard writing groups that have blossomed since the 2016 election. In fact, you may have written some of them yourself. But Nancy’s guest on this episode, Erin Miller, has come up with a different take on the postcard concept with her new group, Cartoons for Democracy. Instead of writing to Democrats to get out the vote as existing groups do, she is targeting Republican and independent voters with postcards featuring political cartoons in an effort to break through corporate media bubbles and get people thinking for themselves. Erin and Nancy talk about the power of political cartoons, why postcards are uniquely well suited for this kind of messaging, and the current postcard campaign going on in Virginia where you can have an impact in the upcoming elections there. To learn more about Cartoons for Democracy or make a donation, visit their website here or you can order postcards for their current campaigns here.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

On this episode, Nancy is joined once again with guest co-host Betsy Morgan for a conversation with Brian Derrick, of the online Democratic fundraising platform, Oath.Vote. Brian last came on the podcast in July 2024 when many of us were still nervously hopeful that a Democrat might win the election. Now a year later, but feeling like worlds apart from the American democracy as it existed back then, Nancy and Betsy talk to Brian about Oath’s impact in 2024, their big goals for Virginia this fall and bigger goals for the midterms, the difference between witnessing and action, and so much more. Listen to the end for some great actionable suggestions for you or anyone else trying to figure out how to get more involved. And a direct link to their most impactful ways to give, updated in real time, is here. At a time where there is woefully little to feel good about, this conversation is like a ray of political sunshine.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

Nancy is joined by guest host Betsy Morgan on this episode featuring superstar activist Jess Piper speaking about how Democrats can win with rural voters. Jess has become a prominent voice for rural Democrats and in her work at Blue Missouri, she and her colleagues are working to run a Democrat in every race in the state. Jess, Betsy and Nancy talk about the desperate state of affairs in rural Missouri where infrastructure has been gutted by the Republican state supermajority; what Democrats get wrong when it comes to rural voters; and how a relatively small increase in Democratic turnout in those areas can have outsize impacts on top of ballot races.To learn more about Jess and her work, check out her Substack newsletter and to support Blue Missouri, you can do so here.The University of New Hampshire study that Jess refers to in the podcast can be found here.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

This episode features Jackie Payne of Galvanize Action, an organization that focuses on moderate women living in rural, small town and suburban areas. These women want progress on key issues but aren’t reliably playing a role to get us there. Galvanize Action helps them connect with their values in a way that impacts their civic behavior. Nancy and Jackie talk about the neuroscience and behavioral psychology underlying the work at Galvanize Action; the nuanced concerns of this group of women that constitute the largest voting bloc in the country; and the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation. To learn more about Galvanize Action and see examples of their top-performing messaging, check out their highlights page.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

This episode features a conversation with Sarah Curmi, Executive Director of Sister District. Founded in the aftermath of the 2016 election, Sister District is a women-led grassroots political group that is dedicated to building lasting Democratic power in state legislatures. The group is powered by volunteers in blue districts that pair or “sister” up with key swing districts where their efforts can really move the needle. Unlike some other groups that have petered out over the years, the folks at Sister District have taken their mandate and run with it, expanding their operations to much more than just elections. Sarah and Nancy talk about the secret sauce that makes Sister District different, their work with local grassroots groups, and the community that people can find within the local chapters. Sister District is doing really interesting, smart and multifaceted work; you can check out their website to learn more and get involved.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

This episode features a conversation with Amanda Carpenter of Protect Democracy, a cross-ideological nonprofit devoted to stopping authoritarianism. Nancy first featured Protect Democracy on this podcast four years ago, shortly after the January 6th insurrection. Given the rollercoaster that we have been on since then, and the new and dangerous threats that we face as a country, this seemed like a good time to check back in. Amanda and Nancy discuss the challenges of imposing political consequences without political power, and how the pro-democracy coalition must channel the energy and anger of the current moment into meaningful pressure from the outside in and the bottom up. They also talk about he ways in which Trump is following the authoritarian playbook to dismantle democratic institutions, as well as specific, concrete actions that we can all do to protect democracy.Mentioned in the episode:Sign up for the If You Can Keep It newsletterThe Authoritarian Playbook for 2025How *You* Can Protect DemocracyHow to Pay AttentionThank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

Is registering Democrats the key to saving the world? That’s the premise behind Field Team 6 whose founder Jason Berlin is Nancy’s guest on this episode. Jason and Nancy first spoke five years ago when Field Team 6 was registering voters in parking lots. Now the group has grown into a grassroots powerhouse that is reaching millions of unregistered voters online and in person and getting out the vote in swing states and districts around the country. Jason and I talk about the massive volunteer army that powers his organization, with teams of experts in their fields; and the measurable impact of their work in winning elections with the slimmest margins of victory; and their initiative to combat ballot rolloff. In a time when it feels hard to smile, Jason and his great sense of humor make resistance fun. And one last thing – we are excited to announce that New Faces of Democracy is now a member of the Democracy Group, a network of podcasts and organizations that create educational content about democracy, civic engagement, and civil discourse. Check it out! Here is the New Faces of Democracy profile of Jason from 2020.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here. If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!Follow New Faces of Democracy on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.

This episode features a conversation with Dana Castner, founder of Choice Tracker, a new and important tool in the fight for reproductive freedom. When the Supreme Court ruled in June 2022  that abortion laws must be decided by the states, that put a lot of power in the hands of our state legislators, many of whom we had never heard of, let alone knew their stances on abortion. That’s what Dana discovered and led her to start the all-volunteer group Choice Tracker just two weeks after the Dobbs decision. Nancy and Dana discuss the value in providing voters all the available information on their state representatives in one place; what actions people can take both in election cycles and off years; and why constitutional abortion protections are not enough to save us on their own. Listen to the end if you want to know how to bring Choice Tracker to your state and other ways you can help now, not just right before the next election.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here. If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!

This episode features a conversation with activist Jess Craven of Chop Wood Carry Water. With close to half a million followers on TikTok and 53,000 subscribers to her substack, Jess is a fierce and passionate warrior for democracy. On this episode, Jess shares with Nancy her view of what it means to be an activist at this time full of so many unknowns, how to find hope through action, some of her favorite organizations right now, and so much more. Tune in for a dose of sanity and humanity, and you will leave both calmed and energized for whatever it is that lies ahead.Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!

This season is dedicated to helping you get your head out of the sand after a brutally disappointing election, finding strength through community and taking action that helps real people in palpable ways. If you’re looking for rage, this may not be the place for you, but if you seek inspiration, and maybe even hope, then tune into to Season 5 of the New Faces of Democracy podcast.

This episode features a conversation with Grace Cowan of Frogmore Stew, a podcast focused on South Carolina politics. Nancy and Grace thought it would be interesting, on the cusp of this momentous election, to see how life looks like on the other side of our red state and blue state fences. They talk about how when it comes down to everyday issues there really is a lot more blurring of the partisan lines than the media and national party propaganda would have us believe. They also discuss how certain issues like climate change can transcend party, and that, in the end, there is much more that unites us than divides us. Sure, we have different opinions, but in a nation dominated by an us vs. them mentality, this conversation will make you feel better about the prospect of coming together as a country again. We just have to keep talking. Frogmore Stew is a podcast about South Carolina politics, political history and political culture.  Grace and her guests talk through the intersection of national and state politics, she feature guests that give deep insight into a variety of topics, and she looks at how pop culture has become intertwined in our political vernacular.  Frogmore Stew is a realistic and educated approach to the policy issues that affect South Carolinians everyday.  Thank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here. If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!

What if Trump wins? On this episode, Nancy has a conversation with Mark Bergman about something none of us want to think about: what would happen to the rule of law and American democracy in a second Trump term. Last spring, Mark was an observer at a series of large scale simulated exercises (aka war games) stress testing democracy under an authoritarian ruler. Hosted by the Brennan Center, a nonpartisan think tank at NYU Law School, the exercises were conducted as part of theDemocracy Futures Project. Nancy and Mark discuss the outcome of the games, our lack of preparedness for an unfettered Trump, a few positive takeaways and important groups defending democracy that need our support. The number one most important lesson of these exercises? Elect Kamala Harris on November 5th.Mark S. Bergman is a former international corporate lawyer who, through 7Pillars Global Insights, LLC, comments, briefs and convenes on a range of political, geopolitical and democracy-related topics. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the International Crisis Group, a Director of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to reversing the rising tide of polarization, extremism, weaponization of hate and disinformation worldwide), a Director of Bellingcat US and a Director of TIM Cooperative (an NGO focused on information quality). Mark is also a member of the National Finance Committee of the Democratic National Committee.Pro-Democracy Organizations Recommended by MarkProtect DemocracyDemocracy ForwardPrinciples FirstState Democracy Defenders ActionACLUThe National Immigration Law CenterThank you for being a listener!Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here.If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] you like this podcast, please subscribe/rate/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!

This episode features a conversation with Nimit Sawhney of Voatz, a mobile voting app that uses cutting edge technology to make voting more accessible, secure and auditable. Spelled V-O-A-T-Z, the app is already in use in elections around the world and has the potential to transform our electoral system here in the U.S. Nimit and Nancy discuss the app’s blockchain-based technology; they do a deep dive on security concerns; and Nimit explains how Voatz has the potential to restore public trust in the voting process. This episode is the third in a series on the transformative power of mobile voting. The first was Episode 47 with Ramon Perez of the Digital Democracy Project, followed by Jocelyn Bucaro of the Mobile Voting Project in Episode 48. Taken together, these three conversations address the security of mobile voting, different applications for the technology, and why making it easier for people to vote may be the key to reinvigorating American democracy. You can try out the Voatz app for yourself by participating in the Digital Democracy Project, where you can tell your legislators how you want them to vote on upcoming legislation. It’s currently available for Florida residents only but will soon expand nationwide. Stay up to date on New Faces of Democracy by signing up for the newsletter here. If you like this podcast, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!

This episode features a conversation with Nathaniel Stinnett of the Environmental Voter Project, a nonprofit that is building political power for climate issues not by changing minds but by changing behavior. As a political campaign veteran, Nathaniel noticed that an enormous number of registered voters lists the environment as a top priority but does not vote. So he came up with the brilliant idea of turning them into consistent voters to build the political power to fix the climate crisis. Nathaniel and Nancy discuss the highly accurate predictive models that they use to identify these voters; how to turn these super environmentalists into super voters using behavioral science; and how once this environmental electorate is in place, politicians will have no choice but to act on climate and the environment. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to have a big impact on elections, including the ones right around the corner, there are many ways to get involved.To volunteer for or donate to the Environmental Voter Project, go to www.environmentalvoter.org.Sign up for the New Faces of Democracy newsletter here.If you like this podcast, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It makes a huge difference!

Nancy catches up with activist Margie Stein of 140 Florida Blue who continues to work tirelessly to make Florida blue again. Nancy and Margie speak about why she is once again recruiting and funding Democrats to run in every single Florida district, even where Democrats don’t normally win; the reverse coattails effect; the abortion amendment on the ballot; and the path to making Florida a swing state once again. It does cost money to help a candidate run, but the long term impact could be priceless. Click here to donate and click here to watch David Pepper’s video on 140 Florida Blue. 

This episode features a conversation with Jason Springer about how the Education Truth Project, a New Jersey super PAC, is keeping school boards free of extremist voices. Jason and Nancy discuss how, in recent years, out of state groups have been infiltrating  local school boards, using children as pawns to advance political agendas; how we need to return to dialogue versus the “my way or the highway” mentality; and the importance of local solutions to local issues. For more information on the Education Truth Project, visit their website.

On this episode, Nancy speaks with Drew Kromer, Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party in North Carolina. Could Mecklenburg County hold the key to flipping North Carolina blue?  According to Drew, the answer is yes. Nancy and Drew talk about the huge numbers of Democrats in the county and the slim margins needed to win state-wide races; why people have historically not shown up to the polls; and how to scale up their volunteer operation in time for November and create lasting Democratic infrastructure for the future. To donate or volunteer, see the links below.https://www.meckdems.org/https://swingbluealliance.org/northcarolina/

This episode features a conversation with Jocelyn Bucaro of the nonprofit, nonpartisan Mobile Voting Project. Could mobile voting save democracy? Jocelyn and Nancy speak about how it’s already being used in many jurisdictions in the US and around the world; creating public trust in the technology; and how it has the potential to transform our hyper partisan political landscape and help our democracy work better for us all. For more information, go to the Mobile Voting Project website where you can also sign up to volunteer or follow them on social media.

This episode features a conversation with Ramon Perez of the Digital Democracy Project. Imagine a world where you have the same access to your representatives as a lobbyist or a wealthy donor, where you get to say how you would like them to vote on a bill and see how they vote in real time. And it’s all on an app on the phone in your pocket. That’s called the Digital Democracy Project, and it’s currently a reality in Florida with plans to expand to all 50 states. Ramon and Nancy speak about how tools like blockchain keep the app safe and secure; how most people are more nuanced than our partisan system would have you believe; and why we shouldn’t have to wait four years to have a say in the running of our government. To learn more about the Digital Democracy Project or watch Ramon’s TED talk, visit their website.

Who among us isn’t feeling at least a tinge, if not a tsunami, of panic right now, with a disastrous debate, dystopian Supreme Court decisions and Project 2025 lurking in our nightmares? I’m not good at sitting with anxiety, so my reaction is always to get to work – and right now that means more new episodes of the New Faces of Democracy podcast. So if you’re looking for a balm for your frazzled soul, check out the new season that’s well underway featuring conversations with people who are nothing short of warriors for democracy.

What to do after a disastrous presidential debate and devastating Supreme Court rulings? This episode features a conversation with Brian Derrick of Oath, who has one solution: smart, impactful giving to candidates up and down the ballot who will protect democracy and defend our most cherished rights. Oath is an online fundraising platform that helps Democratic donors identify where their money is most needed in the races that mean the most to them, whether their focus is flipping the House, state legislatures, reproductive rights and more. Nancy and Brian talk about the problem of wasted donations to long shot candidates; the nimble, data-driven scoring system they use at Oath to make their recommendations; and one side benefit of using Oath which is ending the nonstop barrage of emails and text messages from campaigns. Listen to the end to hear how to stay positive during what’s shaping up to be a challenging summer. To learn more about Oath, check out their website at oath.vote. 

This episode features a conversation with Emily White of #iVoted Concerts. For all the technology in our world today, voter turnout tactics, like door knocking and phone banking, have seen remarkably little innovation in decades. But when, in 2016, Wisconsin native and music industry insider Emily White first heard about the narrow vote margin that helped Donald Trump win the White House in her home state, she thought, “Wait a minute, that’s the size of a concert venue!”. That was the lightbulb moment when Emily came up with the idea of organizing election night concerts with free tickets for people who show a selfie in front of their polling place. The result has been a beautiful marriage of music and data to engage more voters and strengthen democracy. Emily and Nancy talk about the fact that young people are twice as likely to attend a concert than vote; the MIT analysis showing the remarkable increase in voter turnout that resulted from #iVoted Concerts; and the highly targeted, data-driven events planned for this year around the country, particularly in swing states. If you want to learn more about #iVoted Concerts or to support their work, check out their website where you can donate and find links to their social media.

This episode features a conversation with Claire Atkin of the ad tech watchdog Check My Ads. Our online world has become incredibly complex, bringing with it myriad opportunities for bad actors to manipulate opinions, ideas and ultimately our political system. You may not know what ad tech is or why we need a watchdog, but the bottom line is that Claire and her colleagues at Check My Ads have ventured deep into the weeds to defund online platforms that promote hate and disinformation by taking away their revenue sources: ads. Claire and Nancy talk about the “donut of grifters” on the internet who have monetized the politics of hate through digital advertising; the intentional opacity of the ad tech industry that keeps advertisers from knowing where their online ads are placed; and the great successes that this small but mighty team at Check My Ads have had thus far. If you want to learn more about Check My Ads, you can check out their website where you can make a donation or sign up for their newsletter with regular calls to action. 

Four years ago, Jordan Zaslow was busy with her life running an advertising and entertainment production company, but when things shut down during covid in 2020, she found herself with time on her hands and lots of worries about the upcoming election. So she and her team decided to channel that anxiety into making pro bono campaign ads for female Democrats running for office, and Her Bold Move was born. Her Bold Move is now in their fourth election cycle and dedicated to electing more “pro-women” women who will influence policy on issues that matter to women, like reproductive rights and affordable childcare. Jordan and Nancy speak about the unique challenges and pressures women face when running for office, why we can’t leave behind women running in red state races, conquering imposter syndrome, and much more. If you want to learn more about Her Bold Move and help get more women into the rooms where it happens, check out their website, www.herboldmove.org, where you can also find links to their social media.

On this episode, Nancy speaks with Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein, a Republican whose office is in charge of election operations and voter registration in the Pennsylvania city. Nancy and Seth talk about why, despite enduring threats and harassment in 2020 from members of his own party, Seth remains committed to his mission of ensuring free, secure and transparent elections for all voters. They also discuss the importance of bipartisanship, what it means to be a principled Republican today, and why Seth has recently become affiliated with the Forward Party. This conversation will leave you feeling reassured about the prospects for this year’s elections and the people who run them in Pennsylvania, where the thinnest of margins can have the largest of impacts.

On this episode, Nancy welcomes back Melissa Walker of the States Project (formerly known as Future Now). Melissa appeared on the very first episode of this podcast, when deep in Covid lockdown, she schooled us on why we should be focusing on winning state races versus focusing on big, expensive federal seats. On this episode, Melissa is back to talk about why state elections matter now more than ever, how tiny margins can create huge policy and power shifts, and why this year’s elections in Virginia are of vital importance. Melissa doesn’t sugarcoat the fight that lies ahead, but she will give you the inspiration and information you need to be a fierce and focused warrior. For more information about the States Project and how to join or start a giving circle, check out their website at statesproject.org.

This episode features a conversation with Lindsey Drath, CEO of the Forward Party, a newly formed political party that intends to bring power back to the majority of Americans and take it away from the fringes. Imagine a world in which the will of the plurality rules, where the 70-80% of Americans who support things like gun laws and abortion and climate action have their say, instead of being governed by extremists. With the support of political luminaries from both major parties, like Andrew Yang, Evan McMullin, David Jolly, and Christine Todd Whitman, the Forward Party promises to return power back to the people with a bottom up approach where communities dictate policy, not the parties. How? Through the transformative power of electoral reforms like ranked choice voting, open primaries and independent redistricting committees that motivate candidates to appeal to the majority of voters. Listen to Lindsey and decide for yourself if this is a utopian pipedream or a realistic path out of our broken and polarized political system. For more information on the Forward Party, visit their website at www.forwardparty.com.

This episode features a conversation with abortion rights activist Michelle Colon of SHERo (Sisters Helping Every Woman Rise and Organize), an organization dedicated to reproductive justice for black and brown women in Mississippi. While there’s no sugarcoating the dire state of abortion rights in our country right now, this conversation will help you pick yourself up out of your puddle of tears and start to take action. Michelle and Nancy talk about how Mississippi, with its myriad abortion restrictions, is virtually already in a post-Roe universe and how it will only get harder; the fraught history of bodily autonomy for black and brown women; and why we need to support local abortion organizations that are able to help women with the daunting amount of resources they will need when Roe is gone for good. You can donate to support Michelle's work at SHERo here. And below is Michelle’s list of other worthy grassroots groups that help women with those resources.ARC Southeast arc-southeast.orgIndigenous Women Rising https://www.iwrising.org/abortion-fundMississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund www.msreprofreedomfund.orgNew Orleans Abortion Fundwww.neworleansabortionfund.orgTampa Bay Abortion Fund tbafund.comNational Network of Abortion Fundsabortionfunds.orgYellowhammer Fundwww.yellowhammerfund.org

On the last episode with Stacy Kramer of Blueprint/Swing Left,  we got a bird’s eye view of why we should support grassroots groups in swing states. This week, Nancy is following up with a “boots on the ground” perspective from Diana Robinson, civic engagement director at Make the Road Pennsylvania. Diana discusses her group’s support of working class Latinx communities year in and year out, and how that translates into votes for Democrats when elections roll around. Nancy and Diana also talk about what life is like in a deeply divided battleground state like Pennsylvania, how the group’s advocacy is making a real impact, and why they need money now to knock on doors and educate voters before the elections.To make a donation or learn more about Make the Road Pennsylvania (a 501(c)(3) organization), go to https://www.maketheroadpa.org/donate.To make a donation or learn more about their electoral 501(c)(4) arm, Make the Road Action, go to www.maketheroadaction.org.

This episode features Stacy Kramer who first came on the podcast two years ago as a newly activated Democratic fundraiser who was making fundraising more Democratic. But after the disappointing down ballot results for Democrats in 2020, she took a hard look at what had gone wrong and realized that giving large amounts of money directly to candidates and campaigns is not a winning strategy. Now she has changed activist gears and is a consultant at Blueprint, a division of the political action group Swing Left. At Blueprint, Stacy is dedicating her time to building up local grassroots civics groups in order to build Democratic infrastructure so that Democrats can win. Stacy and Nancy talk about the law of diminishing returns when it comes to campaign giving, how Republicans have been successfully cultivating the grassroots for decades, and the expertise that Blueprint provides, giving donors the assurance that their gifts will have maximum impact. To learn more about Blueprint, go to blueprint.swingleft.org or email Stacy at [email protected] talks about the following resources on the podcast:The Losing Democrats who Gobbled Up Money by Michael Sokolove in The New RepublicKyle Spencer’s book Raising Them Right: The Untold Story of America's Ultraconservative Youth Movement--and Its Plot for Power will be published in the fall.

This episode features Indian-American activist and racial justice leader Nisha Anand of Dream Corps. Once a radical grassroots activist arrested in Burma for passing out pro-democracy leaflets, Nisha’s expansive organizing experience and work with mentors like Van Jones, solidified her belief in the power of working with unlikely partners to find real solutions. As Dream Corps’ CEO, Nisha leads a diverse group of people who are learning, like her, the value of unconventional relationships. Nisha and Nancy speak about how we can and must work with people across the divide to come up with lasting solutions to our biggest problems; how these solutions are enriched, not compromised, when we find common ground; and an optimistic take on our ability to tackle the climate crisis. If you’re interested in learning more about Nisha’s journey from punk-rock protester to common ground champion, check out her TED talk, The Radical Act of Choosing Common Ground.

On this episode, Nancy speaks with Claire Ullman and Sandy Radoff of the voter outreach group Students for Justice. In 2020, Claire was a professor who was trying to help her students whose summer jobs had gone up in smoke during the covid lockdown. Sandy was an active volunteer with the Center for Common Ground. The two of them saw an untapped resource to help get out the vote of people of color in voter suppression states, and Students for Justice was born. Sandy, Claire and Nancy discuss repurposing skills from earlier careers to do good; the importance of giving students leadership and political organizing experience; building intergenerational bonds; and the very real impact that postcards, phonebanking, textbanking and social media outreach have on elections. If you liked my earlier conversation with Andrea Miller, founder of the Center of Common Ground, you’ll love learning about the ripple effects of her work here. And it’s easy for you to get involved by hosting a virtual house party to introduce your friends to Students for Justice. Just go to the “House Parties” link on their website. To learn more about Students for Justice, go to studentsforjusticevote.org.

And now for something completely different with this episode on plant based eating. This is the second in a two part environmental series on thinking globally and acting locally. In the last episode, Nancy spoke with Daniel Katz of the Rainforest Alliance about the global effect of rainforest destruction on climate change and that the main cause for this destruction is cattle raising. But it’s not just cattle in rainforests that are the problem. Worldwide, animal agriculture accounts for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions. That’s more than the entire transportation sector combined, which clocks in at 13%. This all means that eating a plant based diet has more of an impact on climate than driving an electric car. So this episode focuses on acting locally, and I mean hyper-locally because the most powerful personal action we can take to fight climate change is changing our diet.Our guides for this exploration of plant based eating are friends and veteran vegans, artist Gayle Kabaker and Suzette Moyer, design director at the Philadelphia Inquirer. Gayle, Suzette and Nancy are all at different stages of their plant-based journeys – Gayle has been a vegan for 8 years, Suzette for two and Nancy is the newcomer since a recent diagnosis of high cholesterol.  In this preach-free zone, Gayle, Suzette and Nancy talk about tips, tricks, hacks and recipes, the vegan glow and demystifying weird-sounding ingredients. And if Gayle’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she appeared on earlier episode of the podcast, speaking about her work at Vital Voices to raise up women leaders around the world.So if you want to lose weight, if you want to improve your overall health, if you’re just curious or if you want to change your diet to save the planet, then this episode is for you. And be sure to check out the website at newfacesofdemocracy.org for additional recipes and resources.

This episode with Daniel Katz of the Rainforest Alliance, is the first in a two part environmental series on thinking globally and acting locally. While you probably know that rainforests around the world are in danger, you may not know that rainforest destruction wreaks havoc on the climate and puts us all in danger. You also may not know that, here in the United States, we as consumers are culpable in aiding and abetting global rainforest destruction. Daniel and Nancy talk about the connection between rainforests and climate, why deforestation is taking place, and ways our personal choices can help save the rainforests to save the world. And if this episode gets you thinking, be sure to check out Part 2 of the series coming soon which will be a deep dive into plant based eating.To learn more about the Rainforest Alliance, go to www.rainforest-alliance.org.

This episode features a conversation with Andrea Miller, founding board member of the Center for Common Ground. The Center for Common Ground is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to turning out the vote of people of color in voter suppression states in the South. Nancy and Andrea talk about the most devious and extreme voter suppression tactics today; the tools and techniques to fight them; and the importance of teaching people how their government works. Andrea’s tireless work may ultimately make all the difference between red and blue in the coming elections, and you will learn how you can play a part in that too. For more information on the Center for Common Ground, visit their website.

On this episode, Nancy speaks with Alex Kramer of Knock for Democracy. Alex is an actor/writer who discovered he had a talent for political organizing after the 2016 election. What started in a living room with a few dozen friends had grown by 2020 to more than 5,000 volunteers who had knocked on countless doors and dialed literally millions of numbers all in the name of, yes, democracy. Alex and I talk about how making the volunteer experience fun keeps people coming back for more; the power of community experience that feels joyous, connected and personal; and bringing back the lost art of civic and civil conversation with our fellow citizens. To learn more or donate, visit knockfordemocracy.org.

Welcome to Season 3 of the New Faces of Democracy podcast, hosted by Nancy Bynum. Are you pooped from too much politics and a polarizing pandemic? Season 3 of the podcast is here to help. Because to be an engaged citizen and to save our democracy, you don’t have to act like you're on cable news. Activism doesn’t have to be angry, depleting and exhausting. Activism can be uplifting and energizing. It can connect you with communities of like minded people who care about the things you care about. And if all you have is an hour or two a week, that’s all you need. Season 3 of the New Faces of Democracy podcast will introduce you to people engaged in vitally important work making our country and planet a better place. And it will also give you ideas of ways for you to get involved. These conversations will help you find a path to sustainable, restorative activism that, like a great yoga class, takes a little work but feels really good. Please join Nancy for Season 3, coming soon at newfacesofdemocracy.org or wherever you stream your podcasts.

This episode features Professors Melody Barnes and Laurent Dubois, co-directors of the Democracy Initiative at the University of Virginia. This interdisciplinary initiative brings together a diverse range of scholars, government leaders, practitioners and students to study the urgent challenges facing democracy today and advancing its prospects for the future. Nancy, Melody and Laurent discuss the threats to democracy from both Melody’s public policy and government background and Laurent’s historical perspective; the inherent conflict within democracies between disempowered groups voting for change and entrenched interests that seek to restrict access to the ballot; and while we have a lot of work to do, reasons to be optimistic.https://democracyinitiative.virginia.edu

This episode features a conversation with Manny Yekutiel, founder of San Francisco phenomenon, Manny’s, a civic gathering space that brings people together for coffee, bagels and discourse. In this comfortable and friendly space, people gather for debates, to hear candidates like Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, and for something increasingly rare in our country today: dialogue. Nancy and Manny talk about how people are craving in-person experiences in an increasingly digital world; how to heal our political discord; and how to make politics fun, accessible and exciting. https://www.welcometomannys.com

This episode features a conversation with Eliza Nemser, an earth scientist who is worried about the earth. So worried, in fact, that she pivoted from science to politics to found Climate Changemakers, a group of concerned citizens who take meaningful action to elect climate candidates and advance climate policies. Eliza and Nancy talk about how we can’t science our way out of climate change, it’s a political issue; why her group is defiantly non-partisan; and what we can achieve when we carve out just one hour a week for productive, collective climate action.To learn more, visit www.climatechangemakers.org.

This episode features Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices, and renowned artist Gayle Kabaker, talking about their artistic collaboration in the name of women’s empowerment around the world. Self-described as "two crazy women with bold ideas," this dynamic duo came together to create a book and exhibition entitled “Vital Voices: 100 Women Using Their Power to Empower.”  The project includes portraits of 100 global women leaders redefining power and celebrates Vital Voices’ mission to support women’s leadership to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Alyse, Gayle and Nancy talk about how women lead differently and how that leadership style is sorely needed right now; the power of art to transform the way we think about things and shift culture; and the gratification in creating art that makes an impact and inspires others. To purchase the book and learn more about Vital Voices and Gayle Kabaker, see the links below.https://www.vitalvoices.orghttp://gkabaker.com

This episode features a conversation with Elizabeth Fernandez of Movement Voter Project. Movement Voter Project is based on the ingenious concept of empowering local grassroots groups that work in and are trusted by their communities to bring home important wins for Democrats during elections. MVP provides local groups around the country with support and training and frees them up from time-consuming fundraising to focus on their important work helping and advocating for their neighbors. And when elections roll around, these organizers are perfectly positioned to get out the Democratic vote in ways that no outsider could replicate. MVP may fly under the radar but its reach is deep and wide, having raised $100 million in the last election cycle. Nancy and Elizabeth talk about MVP’s astonishing impact in 2020; why the key to lasting progressive change lies in empowering local community organizers; and why they need support all year, every year and not just during the big elections. https://movement.vote