Podcasts and Political Engagement

In 2022, the number of podcasts increased by 20%. This is a staggering number that no doubt indicates the future of an ever growing industry.

Another statistic? According to Pew Research, 29% of Americans listen to podcasts to stay up to date about current events.

So, what does this mean?

The point is that the rise of podcasts has had a significant impact on American politics, revolutionizing the way people consume and engage with political content.

Podcasts have the power to mobilize people, inform citizens, and educate all while filing the gaps that traditional media may lack.

They have also become a source of inspiration for individuals around the world seeking to engage in activism and advocacy. In terms of accessibility and convenience, podcasts allow more people to be reached and impacted.

Though some might argue that the podcast space is becoming oversaturated, our network sees this growth as an opportunity to change the way citizens consume news and create a better, more well informed society.

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‍Can podcasts save America? Politics in Question

‍In a cross-network collaboration, Mila Atmos, host of Future HIndsight joins Julia and James to discuss the impact of podcasts in American democracy and how podcasts are helping Americans stay involved in civic life.

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This is Megan Goldstein, The Democracy Group's Community Manager. This week I listened to a lot of podcast episodes and wanted to share my favorites with you!

Village Squarecast: A Braver Story: The Braver Angels Story of American Citizenship

‍Braver Angels is an organization that was created to help lessen the prevalent polarization in our country and I learned a lot about the organization through this episode. The leaders of Braver Angels shared the story of how they started the organization and just how far it has come.

Future Hindsight: Democracy in Texas: Beto O’Rourke

‍The guest on this podcast is what really made me want to listen. Texas politics have changed drastically in recent years and I was curious to see what Beto O’Rourke had to say about it. I learned about the importance of politics in Texas, Texas’ impact in presidential elections, and the challenges that Texas citizens encounter when voting. If you want to learn about these topics or hear from Beto, I highly recommend it!

Our Body Politic: Layoffs, Shutdowns, and Cancellations: The Latest News About the News

‍If you are looking for a quick update of what has been going on in news then this is the episode for you! For me, this episode was very informative and helpful as a listener who was looking to learn more. The episode discusses the recent layoffs and mismanagement of the news.

FEATURED EXPERTS

How Do we Fix it?: Bill Shireman on the silenced majority

‍Bill Shireman is the President & CEO of Future 500, where he focuses on overcoming America's polarization and creating solutions to climate change. In addition, he is the author of seven books, founder of Bridge USA, a college campus organization that works to create a healthy political climate, and a lecturer at the Berkeley Haas School of Business.

Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other: Jennifer Rubin on  speaking out against Trump

‍Jennifer Rubin writes reported opinion for the Washington Post and covers politics and policy, as well as covering the conservative movement, the Republican and Democratic parties, and more. She's had an accomplished career not only as a news writer but as a labor law attorney, an author, and now as host of the podcast Jen Rubin’s Green Room.