Built By Us

Democracy North Carolina
  • 4.7 (14)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Built By Us Media spotlights movement makers and shakers across North Carolina. Hosts Kai and Joselle sit down with organizers, activists, and working-class people who are fighting for justice, building power, and making sure our voices aren't just heard, but centered. Every episode connects you with someone who's putting in work for liberation, and gives you the tools to join them. Because the North Carolina we deserve is being built by us.  Learn more at democracync.org!

  1. 12/10/2025

    Racist Maps Make Racist Reps: Karen Ziegler on Speaking Truth to Power Pt. 2

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Democracy Out Loud co-founder Karen Ziegler, we delve deeper into the fight against gerrymandering in North Carolina and what's truly at stake for CD1, the historic Black Belt district that encompasses every Black-majority county in the state. Karen breaks down how North Carolina votes 50-50 but ends up with deeply unequal representation, and why the attempt to eliminate Black representation in Congress is not just unconstitutional but morally unconscionable. But this episode isn't just about maps and power grabs. It's about why Karen keeps showing up, keeps getting thrown out of the General Assembly, and keeps fighting. She shares what drives her moral center, how spiritual practice sustains activism, and why she believes we're part of an unstoppable movement for justice even when the house built on genocide and slavery needs to fall down around us. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms! Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

    38 min

  2. 12/03/2025

    Racist Maps Make Racist Reps: Mark Swallow on Speaking Truth to Power Pt. 1

    Fifteen organizers stood up in the NC Senate. Fifty people in the gallery joined them. Two million views later, "racist maps make racist reps" became a rallying cry against North Carolina's latest gerrymander. Mark Swallow leads Democracy Out Loud's Legislative Response Team, the organizers who show up every week to be the voice for North Carolinians who can't take time off work to testify. When the GOP advanced another map designed to help Donald Trump gain another congressional seat, Mark and his team made their voices heard the only way they could: from the gallery. In this episode, Mark shares what it felt like when the whole room stood with them, why getting kicked out "always feels good," and what keeps him going after nine years of this work. "If you don't say anything, the lie lingers," he says. "When you have your say, there's truth out there to counter that lie." Protest until something changes. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms! Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

    33 min
  3. Plugged In Pissed Off: Local Wins & Working Power

    11/07/2025

    Plugged In Pissed Off: Local Wins & Working Power

    In this episode of 'Plugged In & Pissed Off', Beatrice and Joselle bask in the post-election vibes of the 2025 municipal elections and dig into various races that happened across the country and in North Carolina. www.democracync.org/donate Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms! Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

    25 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    GOTV: Beyond the Ballot

    You voted awesome! But what happens next? Host Kai McNeil teams up with JP Grillet (Election Protection Research Manager) and Marques Thompson (Organizing Director) to demystify the post-election process. Learn how your vote gets counted, what county boards do to ensure accuracy, how to track the issues and candidates you supported, and most importantly—how to stay engaged long after election day ends. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms! Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

    20 min
  5. Plugged In & Pissed Off: Racial Gerrymandering in NC

    10/27/2025

    Plugged In & Pissed Off: Racial Gerrymandering in NC

    In this episode of 'Plugged In and Pissed Off', Beatrice and Joselle discuss the mid-cycle redistricting war that has taken over the country. They dig into the historical context of partisan and racial gerrymandering in North Carolina and the implications it has for Black communities in Congressional District 1.  Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms! Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

    29 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    GOTV: Your Ballot Blueprint

    You know you want to vote—but do you have a plan? Host Kai McNeil and Desmera Gatewood, Program Manager of Non-profit & Direct Service Engagement, walk you through creating your personalized voting strategy. Learn when and where to vote, how to find your polling place, what resources are available to help, and get a step-by-step guide to crush election day with zero stress. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms! Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

    10 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    Pass The Mic: The Impact of SB 153 & HB 318 on North Carolina's Immigrant Communities

    In this special Spanish-language episode, we partner with El Pueblo to examine how Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 impact immigrant communities across North Carolina.  Hosted by Eloy Tupachi (El Pueblo's Digital Strategy lead), featuring Helen Geleas (Policy Organizer at El Pueblo). We explore what SB 153 and HB 318 will actually do, how these bills moved through the legislature, their real-world impact on immigrant communities, how advocacy organizations are fighting back, and resources to stay informed and take action. Democracy works best when we create space for unheard voices. Big change happens when many people take small actions. Guests: Eloy Tupachi & Helen Geleas (El Pueblo) Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms! Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

    16 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    GOTV: Why Local Votes Hit Different

    Think local elections don't matter? Think again. Host Kai McNeil and Election Protection Research Manager JP Grillet break down why your mayor and city council have more impact on your daily life than you might realize. Learn what's actually on your municipal ballot, how these positions affect your community, and get the essential info on voter registration and deadlines in North Carolina. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms! Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

    19 min
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4.7
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About

Built By Us Media spotlights movement makers and shakers across North Carolina. Hosts Kai and Joselle sit down with organizers, activists, and working-class people who are fighting for justice, building power, and making sure our voices aren't just heard, but centered. Every episode connects you with someone who's putting in work for liberation, and gives you the tools to join them. Because the North Carolina we deserve is being built by us.  Learn more at democracync.org!

Information

  • Creator
    Democracy North Carolina
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Built By Us
  • Show Website
    Built By Us