The Democracy Group's Best Of 2025 series is back for another year!
As in previous years, we invited hosts from our network to share their favorite episodes from 2025 and why these conversations stood out from the many others they released this year.
Whether diving into the rise of autocracy, supporting a third political party or keeping on during dark times, these episodes help you understand what's missing from the current state of our democracy and how everyday people are working together to fix it. We hope you enjoy these conversations.
This is our final newsletter of the year. Newsletters will resume on Jan.12 — we have more amazing democracy content coming your way. Stay tuned!
From our entire team, happy holidays and we'll see you in 2026!
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From the latest season, this episode explores how presidential power has expanded far beyond what the framers of the Constitution envisioned.
"I hope you'll take the time to give this episode a listen as the concepts in it are key to understanding what comes next for American democracy," said host Simone Leeper.
Is now the time for a third political party to enter American democracy? This episode may convince you to say yes.
Political activist Maurice Mitchell gave listeners an overview of the Working Families Party and fusion voting on the national stage. Give this a listen!
This episode won a silver medal at the 2025 Signal Awards!
Author Jeff Shalet joined the episode to discuss findings from his book, "The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War."
"It's one of the best books I've read -- actually, (one of) the best pieces of writing I've read -- exploring the MAGA movements and elements of the far right," said host Jenna Spinelle.
Former Rep. Stacie Abrams (D-Georgia) discussed the state of American democracy post-Nov. 4 general elections. Abrams provided insights into voters' multi-dimension issues, how civil resistance can sustain democracy and the difference between autocracy and authoritarianism.
Canadian sports writer Dean Blundell joined the episode to discuss the state of politics and media in both Canada and the U.S., how recent policies -- like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts -- are hurting millions of Americans and MAGA values.
This episode is an in-depth discussion on the state of the judiciary system and the role of the courts in safeguarding checks and balances. The guest panel, including The New York Times writer Jeffrey Toobin, also provided insights on how the Trump administration affects the Supreme Court.
Robert Hubbell, author of Today's Edition newsletter, joined the episode to give listeners a much-needed pep talk. He reflected on today's political climate and discussed the importance of perspective, finding joy in activism and how to keep on keeping on during dark times.
While the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is familiar to some, many may not know that it is one of the founding institutions of American democracy, having begun just four years after the Declaration of Independence and during the Civil War.
"With the big, audacious mission to develop and communicate knowledge in service of this new idea that diverse people could self-govern, you won't be surprised that their current president makes a truly extraordinary interview," said The Village Square founder Liz Joyner.
In this year-end look-back episode, The Context takes a look at the best, actionable advice from expert guests about how ordinary people can join the fight to preserve democracy. From political scientist Steven Levitsky to attorney John C. Yang, tune in to hear from democracy leaders about how you can get started and fight authoritarianism.
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We welcome a new show to The Democracy Group! 🎉
Host Dave Martin talks about “good government” stories, why they’re absent from mainstream media and what the show has planned for 2026.
What is a lobbyist—and how does lobbying really work? Explore direct, indirect, and shadow lobbying through real-world examples to understand how power, money, and citizen action shape public policy in American democracy.
Engaging in civil discourse. Inspiring civic engagement. Exploring the future of our democracy.
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