Democracy Nerd Democracy Nerd

In this episode of "Democracy Nerd", host Jefferson Smith interviews Steven L. Herman--the Chief National Correspondent for Voice of America and the author of "Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist's Story of Covering the President--and Why It Matters"--about the importance of unbiased information to ensure a healthy and peaceful democracy.

Jefferson and Steven discuss the history and importance of Voice of America, a government-funded international broadcast platform, whose mission is to provide news and accurate information about the United States to global audiences, with an overall goal to promote understanding and goodwill between the U.S. and other countries.

To ensure Voice of America accomplishes its mission, a firewall is created to ensure political interference by presidential administrations on VOA's independent content doesn't occur. However, during the Trump presidency, attempts were made to politicize VOA's content. Steven emphasizes the importance of VOA to maintain independence from political influence and take the necessary steps to ensure its reporting remains objective and free from partisan bias.

Steven also discusses the difficulties faced by journalists who rely on social media to collect facts in an era of widespread disinformation and misinformation. Fact-checking and verifying info is an essential duty performed by journalists that fall by the wayside in a rush for breaking news or to spin events in support of a political agenda. Steven shared his experiences live Tweeting from Fukushima after the disastrous 2011 earthquake, and continued to regularly use Twitter for the next 15 years before receiving a lifetime ban in 2022.

Overall, this episode sheds light on the challenges journalists face in maintaining journalistic integrity, navigating social media, and ensuring accurate information reaches the public.

In this episode of "Democracy Nerd," Jefferson is joined by Andrea Grimes, an independent journalist whose writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Texas Observer, and DAME Magazine. The episode includes an in-depth discussion about the current state of American media and its role in safeguarding democracy, sparked by a recent statement from New York Times' Executive Editor Joe Kahn, who asserted that threats to democracy are "one" of the issues the Times will cover, though "not the only one."

Jefferson and Andrea critically examine whether the media is adequately fulfilling its democratic duty. They explore how the content of broadcast media often fails to reflect the true realities across the United States, highlighting the disconnect between what is reported and what is actually happening on the ground. This leads to a broader conversation about alternative media models that could better serve the public interest beyond the prevailing capitalist framework.

Andrea also provides an update of her home state of Texas, sharing stories of numerous engaged activists determined to drive change, embodying the spirit of "messing with Texas."

Jefferson and Andrea's discussion provides a thought-provoking dialogue on the intersection of media, politics, and grassroots activism, emphasizing the critical role that an informed and engaged citizenry plays in maintaining democratic principles.

In this episode of "Democracy Nerd," host Jefferson Smith is joined by David Gilbert, a senior reporter for WIRED magazine specializing in disinformation and online extremism. As the 2024 presidential election looms, their conversation delves into the profound implications of disinformation and misinformation on democratic processes worldwide.

Gilbert explains the core differences between disinformation (deliberately false information spread to deceive) and misinformation (false information spread without harmful intent), and how both differ from propaganda. The discussion highlights the alarming inaction of social media platforms in addressing disinformation and misinformation campaigns. Despite the evident threat these campaigns pose, platforms are criticized for their lackluster response and insufficient guardrails.

Gilbert contrasts the capabilities of different state actors in executing misinformation campaigns, noting that Russia has been particularly adept compared to others like China. He discusses how these foreign influences further complicate the information landscape.

The conversation underscores the potential consequences of unchecked disinformation and misinformation, including the erosion of public trust in elections. Gilbert and Smith stress that the continuous onslaught of lies could lead to a scenario where the public loses its ability to discern truth from falsehood, threatening the very foundation of democracy, bringing to mind the line from the TV miniseries 'Chernobyl': "What is the cost of lies? It's not that we'll mistake them for the truth. The real danger is that if we hear enough lies, then we no longer recognize the truth at all."

This episode provides a thorough examination of the current state of disinformation and misinformation, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 election, serving as a wake-up call about the urgent need for robust measures to safeguard the integrity of democratic processes against the backdrop of rampant online falsehoods.

In this episode of "Democracy Nerd," host Jefferson Smith discuses the intersection of insurance, entrepreneurship, and the American founding with guest Hannah Farber, a history professor at Columbia University and author of the book "Underwriters of the United States: How Insurance Shaped the American Founding."

Farber discusses how early American entrepreneurs, armed with a keen understanding of risk and opportunity, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's trajectory. Farber's research unveils the risks undertaken by visionary insurance underwriters, who bet on the fledgling United States despite its uncertain future. Through their investments, these individuals not only navigated the precarious waters of uncertainty but also amassed immense wealth, laying the groundwork for American prosperity.

Central to Farber's narrative is the examination of how the burgeoning insurance industry intertwined with the nascent American economy, particularly in the realm of international trade. With the birth of a new nation came unprecedented challenges and opportunities in importing and exporting goods. Farber's book illuminates the complexities and realities faced by merchants as they grappled with the intricacies of transatlantic commerce, shedding light on the indispensable role of insurance in mitigating risks and fostering economic growth.

The conversation further explores the symbiotic relationship between American insurance companies and merchant vessels during the tumultuous early decades of the 19th century. Against the backdrop of global conflicts, Farber explains how insurance underwriters thrived amidst chaos, capitalizing on the lucrative opportunities presented by wartime trade. As the world grappled with geopolitical turmoil, American insurers and merchants emerged as key beneficiaries, solidifying their status as indispensable pillars of the nation's economic landscape.

With Farber's insightful analysis, listeners are transported back in time to witness the dynamic interplay between risk-taking entrepreneurship, insurance innovation, and the forging of American identity. "Democracy Nerd" offers an exploration of the intricate tapestry of forces that shaped the foundation of American prosperity, inviting audiences to reconsider the often-overlooked role of insurance in the nation's historical narrative.

In this episode of "Democracy Nerd," host Jefferson Smith engages in a crucial discussion with Paul Smith, the Senior Vice President at the Campaign Legal Center, shedding light on the mounting legal challenges surrounding ballot access heading into the 2024 election year.

The conversation begins with the recent federal court action in North Dakota, where a judge dismissed a challenge regarding the validity of counting absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day. Smith provides insightful analysis on the significance of this ruling and its implications for preserving the integrity of the electoral process.

Other topics discussed include the alarming trend of voter purges, prompting Smith to offer guidance to listeners on what steps to take if they suspect they've been incorrectly removed from voter rolls, ensuring their ability to participate in the electoral process.

This episode also addresses the disturbing escalation in threats of violence targeting election workers. Smith addresses the implications of such threats and underscores the urgent need to ensure the safety and security of those tasked with administering elections.

Overall, Paul Smith from the Campaign Legal Center underscores the critical importance of upholding voter rights, combating voter suppression tactics, and fortifying the foundations of democracy in the face of mounting challenges.

In the latest episode of the Democracy Nerd podcast, host Jefferson Smith engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Eliza Jane Schneider, a renowned dialect coach and operator of the Internet Dialect Database. The focal point of their discussion revolves around the intricate concept of freedom of speech and its implications in contemporary American society.
Drawing from her extensive experience in the field of dialect coaching, Eliza sheds light on how Americans grapple with effective communication. She emphasizes the crucial role of listening as a fundamental component of freedom of speech, highlighting the challenges people face in truly understanding each other.
Eliza challenges the prevailing notion of "cancel culture" and positions freedom of speech as its antithesis. Drawing on her unique perspective gained from working with Matt Stone and Trey Parker as a voice actress on "South Park," she offers insights into how creative expression can thrive when free speech is embraced.
One fascinating aspect of the conversation is Eliza's one-person play, "Freedom of Speech," inspired by her extensive experience conducting over 7000 interviews spanning 30 years. Through this lens, she explores the nuances and complexities of free speech, providing a unique and compelling perspective on the subject.
Overall, the episode delves into the multifaceted nature of freedom of speech, examining its connection to effective communication, the challenges posed by cancel culture, and the influence of creative endeavors like "South Park" on shaping our understanding of this essential democratic principle.
Learn more about Eliza's play "Freedom of Speech" here 
If you are in the Portland, Oregon area on Saturday, January 4th, come and see Eliza perform at the Alberta Abbey