Keepers of Our Republic

Keep Our Republic
  • 5.0 (2)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Keepers of the Republic is a new podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Through thoughtful conversations with election officials, county clerks, legal experts, and retired federal judges, we explore how elections are really run, separate fact from fiction, and highlight why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic.  At a time of uncertainty and misinformation, Keepers of the Republic provides trusted, nonpartisan insights into how our democracy works—and how, together, we can keep it strong.

  1. 4D AGO

    Inside Michigan Elections: Early Voting, Absentee Ballots & Election Security Explained

    What's really happening in Michigan elections, and what's changed in recent years? In this episode of Keepers of the Republic, hosts Ari Mittleman and Kamryn Hoadley sit down with Lynn Henry, Deputy Clerk and Elections Director for Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. From implementing early voting to managing a surge in absentee ballots, Lynn shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run secure, transparent elections in a rapidly evolving system. They break down major changes to Michigan election law, how election equipment is selected and audited, and the real challenges local clerks face—from voter questions to long hours in the lead-up to Election Day. Whether you're a voter, student, or simply curious about how elections work, this conversation offers a practical, nonpartisan look at the people and processes that keep our democracy running. --- Welcome back to Keepers of our Republic, a new weekly podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Every week, Keepers of Our Republic features thoughtful conversations with election administrators and retired federal judges. We explore how elections are really run, discuss why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic, and separate fact from fiction in a fast-changing world. Learn more about Keep Our Republic, a nonpartisan nonprofit, at our website, https://keepourrepublic.org

    23 min

  2. MAR 20

    Disability Rights and Voting Access: What Election Officials Need to Know

    Voting is a fundamental right — but for many Americans with disabilities, accessing the ballot can still present real challenges. This week, Brooke sits down with former Cobb County, Georgia Elections Director Tate Fall to explore how accessibility shapes election administration. From ADA compliance at polling places to ensuring voters with physical and intellectual disabilities can confidently cast their ballots, Tate shares practical insights from her experience working at the local, state, and national levels, including how election officials can better prepare ahed of Election Day. Stick around until the end where Tate shares an exciting update about a new series highlighting the voices of election administrators across the country. --- Welcome back to Keepers of our Republic, a new weekly podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Every week, Keepers of Our Republic features thoughtful conversations with election administrators and retired federal judges. We explore how elections are really run, discuss why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic, and separate fact from fiction in a fast-changing world. Learn more about Keep Our Republic, a nonpartisan nonprofit, at our website, https://keepourrepublic.org

    39 min

  3. MAR 13

    Meagan Wolfe Knows Wisconsin Elections Are Built Different

    Wisconsin is one of the nation’s leaders in voter turnout — but how do its elections actually work? This week, Ari sits down with Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe to discuss how the state administers elections through nearly 2,000 local election officials. They talk about Wisconsin’s unique bipartisan commission system, the challenges of training clerks across the state, and some of the most persistent myths about election administration. Along the way, Wolfe explains how local officials and volunteers keep elections running smoothly, even during snowstorms and power outages. --  Welcome back to Keepers of our Republic, a new weekly podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Every week, Keepers of Our Republic features thoughtful conversations with election administrators and retired federal judges. We explore how elections are really run, discuss why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic, and separate fact from fiction in a fast-changing world. Learn more about Keep Our Republic, a nonpartisan nonprofit, at our website, https://keepourrepublic.org

    27 min

  4. MAR 5

    SCOTUS strikes down Trump's Tariffs: Federal Judges Explain What this Ruling Means

    The Supreme Court has issued a major ruling in the Trump tariffs case — but what does it actually mean? This week, Brooke sits down with former federal judges Philip Pro and Liam O’Grady to break down Learning Resources v. Trump in nonpartisan terms. They explain the constitutional issues at stake, how the decision reflects checks and balances at work, why Justice's Gorsuch and Barrett's position might not be the controversial surprise the media would have you believe, and why supporting an independent judicary is essential to our democracy.  --  Welcome back to Keepers of our Republic, a new weekly podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Every week, Keepers of Our Republic features thoughtful conversations with election administrators and retired federal judges. We explore how elections are really run, discuss why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic, and separate fact from fiction in a fast-changing world. Learn more about Keep Our Republic, a nonpartisan nonprofit, at our website, https://keepourrepublic.org

    37 min

  5. FEB 26

    Good Troublemakers Make Elections Work in Shorewood, Wisconsin

    Shorewood, Wisconsin is bucking the trends: 90% of registered voters show up to vote in elections, and Village Clerk Toya Harrell has more volunteers than she knows what to do with. What's the secret to Shorewood's civic engagement? This week Brooke chats with Toya Harrell to discuss an unexpected career in public service, voting in Wisconsin, and a family legacy of protecting free and fair elections reaching back to Ms. Rosa Parks herself. -- Welcome back to Keepers of our Republic, a new weekly podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Every week, Keepers of Our Republic features thoughtful conversations with election administrators and retired federal judges. We explore how elections are really run, discuss why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic, and separate fact from fiction in a fast-changing world. Learn more about Keep Our Republic, a nonpartisan nonprofit, at our website, https://keepourrepublic.org

    19 min

  6. FEB 19

    Breaking Barriers and Building Trust: Green Bay City Clerk Celestine Jeffreys

    As Wisconsin continues to play a pivotal role in national elections, Green Bay City Clerk Celestine Jeffreys offers a local perspective on what keeps the state’s decentralized election system strong. As we honor Black History Month on Keepers of Our Republic, Celestine joins Ari to reflect on more than two decades of public service, including her historic election as Green Bay’s first African American city council member. Together they discuss how community bonds and local leadership sustain confidence in our democratic institutions, changes and unique rules in Wisconsin's elections and where you can, surprisingly, still visit an amusement park for less than a dollar.  -- Welcome back to Keepers of our Republic, a new weekly podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Every week, Keepers of Our Republic features thoughtful conversations with election administrators and retired federal judges. We explore how elections are really run, discuss why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic, and separate fact from fiction in a fast-changing world. Learn more about Keep Our Republic, a nonpartisan nonprofit, at our website, https://keepourrepublic.org

    27 min

  7. FEB 12

    Inside the Judicial Confirmation Process with Retired Federal Judge Lee Yeakel

    As partisan politics take center stage in the federal judiciary confirmation process, this week's guest, Retired Federal Judge Lee Yeakel, United States District for the Western District of Texas, talks us through the Senate confirmation process from an insider's perspective. Judge Yeakel and Keeper's host Brooke Bergen discuss the effects of injecting partisanship into the judiciary and why neutrality is necessary for an effective legal system. -- Welcome back to Keepers of our Republic, a new weekly podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Every week, Keepers of Our Republic features thoughtful conversations with election administrators and retired federal judges. We explore how elections are really run, discuss why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic, and separate fact from fiction in a fast-changing world. Learn more about Keep Our Republic, a nonpartisan nonprofit, at our website, https://keepourrepublic.org

    28 min

  8. FEB 5

    Trust and Transparency in Georgia's Elections with Bartow County’s Election Supervisor

    As Georgia's elections have come under increased scrutiny and national attention in recent years, Bartow County’s Election Supervisor Joseph Kirk has weathered the storm. This week on Keepers of Our Republic, Executive Director Ari Mittleman sits down with Joseph Kirk, current President of the Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials. Ari and Joseph discuss the many recent, and possible future changes to Georgia's elections, and the work of maintaining trust and transparency in elections, and educating and training election workers across the state.  -- Welcome back to Keepers of our Republic, a new weekly podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Every week, Keepers of Our Republic features thoughtful conversations with election administrators and retired federal judges. We explore how elections are really run, discuss why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic, and separate fact from fiction in a fast-changing world. Learn more about Keep Our Republic, a nonpartisan nonprofit, at our website, https://keepourrepublic.org

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Keepers of the Republic is a new podcast from Keep Our Republic that takes listeners inside the institutions at the heart of American democracy. Through thoughtful conversations with election officials, county clerks, legal experts, and retired federal judges, we explore how elections are really run, separate fact from fiction, and highlight why an independent judiciary is essential to a strong republic.  At a time of uncertainty and misinformation, Keepers of the Republic provides trusted, nonpartisan insights into how our democracy works—and how, together, we can keep it strong.

Information

  • Creator
    Keep Our Republic
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Keepers of Our Republic
  • Show Website
    Keepers of Our Republic