Democrats Abroad: The Blue Vote Café

Democrats Abroad
  • 4.3 (7)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Every American living abroad can vote in the U.S., and can engage politically back home through Democrats Abroad, an official arm of the Democratic Party. Brought to you by David Schellenberg and Rachel Eugster (co-chairs of the Canada's Capital Region chapter of Democrats Abroad) this podcast is about Americans living outside the U.S.--who we are, what we stand for, how to get engaged back home, and how to make sure your vote is counted, Because when Democrats vote abroad, Democrats at home win. For more info: democratsabroad.org To register and request your ballot: votefromabroad.org

  1. 13h ago

    Freya Proudman: Bringing DA UK's Youth Caucus to Life (Season 13, Ep17)

    Freya Proudman drops into the café to talk about building a youth caucus from the ground up. Rejecting the notion that youth engagement is just about free pizza, Freya underlines the importance of offering young people the opportunity to get involved and contribute in myriad ways to the effort of reclaiming the America we love. This conversation touches on: The current dearth of DA leaders under the age of 30. Why young people are not just our future, but our active present. The zine and other grassroots organizing efforts undertaken by DA UK. The realities of aging out of—or into—different classifications and leadership opportunities. Listen & Take Action: Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at bluevotecafe.com. Register and request your ballot every year at VoteFromAbroad.org!

    50 min

  2. 6d ago

    Richard Sack: Trump's 160 Fascist Acts (Season 13, Ep16)

    Are we watching history repeat itself? In this episode of Blue Vote Café, we sit down with Dr. Richard Sack to discuss the creeping shadows of 1930s Europe in today’s political climate and what we can do to fight back. About Our Guest:Dr. Richard Sack is an independent researcher, consultant, and the former Executive Secretary of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA). Holding a Ph.D. in International Development Education from Stanford University, his decades-long career has spanned academic and operational work across the globe, evaluating policies and shaping education systems in developing nations. Now, he brings his rigorous, systemic analytical lens to a different kind of global issue: the mechanics of authoritarianism. In This Episode:Obsessed with understanding the modern rise of fascism, Dr. Sack has meticulously inventoried the actions of the Trump administration, sorting them into 13 distinct categories of fascist behavior. We explore his comprehensive list, draw stark parallels between our current political reality and the 1930s, and discuss actionable ways to turn the tide. As Dr. Sack reminds us: despair is the enemy of the people. This conversation isn't just about identifying the threat—it's about finding the strategy and resolve to overcome it. (Note: A link to Dr. Sack's 13-category inventory will be added here soon!) 🎧 Explore More Episodes:Find the full audio library and stay up to date with the Blue Vote Café at:http://bluevotecafe.com 🗳️ Make Your Voice Heard:Your vote matters, no matter where in the world you are. Register and request your absentee ballot every year at:https://www.votefromabroad.org/

    52 min

  3. Jun 1

    Drs. Jeremy Berg & Jennifer Troyer: Why DOGE targeted the NIH (Season 13, Ep15)

    Former NIH scientists Drs. Jennifer Troyer and Jeremy Berg join the show to discuss the history and accomplishments of the National Institutes of Health, highlighting how investments in basic scientific research support the health and well-being of the entire nation. They examine why it made political sense for the administration to attack the NIH immediately upon taking power, and break down the resulting damage. The conversation also touches on statement shirts, featuring shout-outs to 27Unihted (https://27unihted.substack.com/), Stand Up for Science and the Bethesda Declaration (https://www.standupforscience.net/), and the Union of Concerned Scientists (https://www.ucs.org/). 🎧 Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at http://bluevotecafe.com.🗳️ Register and request your ballot every year at https://www.votefromabroad.org/.

    1h 14m

  4. May 15

    Michelle Samson: All issues are women's issues (Season 13, Ep14)

    Michelle Samson, the newly appointed spokesperson for Democrats Abroad’s Global Women’s Caucus (GWC), discusses the fight against cultural pressures to be "small, thin, and quiet," alongside broader issues that disproportionately impact women. She highlights key GWC initiatives, including the Feminist Hackathon and an upcoming scavenger hunt spanning five cities with a history of resisting fascism. Michelle also shares insights from the intensive press training required for her new role. Listen: Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at bluevotecafe.com. Take Action: Register and request your ballot every year at votefromabroad.org.

    58 min

  5. May 9

    Terrell Jermaine Starr: How Race Informs Politics (Season 13, Ep13)

    Independent journalist Terrell Jermaine Starr discusses expanding the definition of race and how racism informs politics both in the U.S. and abroad. He explores the relatively brief period of American history dedicated to "getting things right," explains why he dislikes comparisons between the modern U.S. and Nazi Germany, and shares his experience being embedded with Ukraine's territorial defense forces during the Russian invasion. Additionally, Terrell breaks down the Russian word for "Black," reveals what he would ask Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview, and offers a unique perspective on "woke culture." Support and follow his work: Patreon: patreon.com/Terrelljstarrofficia Substack: terrellstarr.substack.com Contributions: venmo.com/u/Terrell-Starr or paypal.me/terrellstarr Websites: terrellstarr.com and blackdiplomats.net Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at bluevotecafe.com. Remember to register and request your ballot every year at votefromabroad.org.

    58 min

  6. Apr 20

    Arthur Milnes: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? It’s Jimmy Carter! (Season 13, Ep 12)

    Recorded live in Kingston, Ontario, Canada! Historian, speechwriter, and author Arthur Milnes regales us with tales of the U.S. presidents and Canadian prime ministers he has known. In this episode, Arthur shares: The Nixon Connection: Why he ended up "chaining up" Richard Nixon in his backyard (it’s not what you think!). A Living Legacy: His unique garden filled with trees planted by presidents and prime ministers. The Carter Surprise: What happened when his wife discovered he’d offered to host Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter overnight—and the unexpected gift Dan Aykroyd sent for the occasion. Beyond the anecdotes, Arthur reminds us that the office and the individuals who hold it are worthy of respect, even when we find ourselves at odds with their political positions. Listen: Find the full audio library of Blue Vote Café episodes at bluevotecafe.com. Vote: Register and request your ballot every year at votefromabroad.org.

    1h 14m

  7. Apr 8

    Jill Nash: Women Forward (Season 13, Ep11)

    Jill Nash, founder of Women Forward, joins us to discuss how candid conversations with residents in "red states" inspired her to launch the organization. Throughout the episode, she shares poignant stories from those early dialogues and the creative campaigns that followed—including a unique competition between the Broadway casts of Waitress and Wicked. Key Topics Grassroots Advocacy: Discover the diverse ways women are driving change, from writing letters to the editor to "guerrilla" tactics like painting messages on rocks and leaving Post-it notes in public restrooms. The Road Ahead: Jill outlines Women Forward’s upcoming initiatives, focusing on artistic activism and strategic economic boycotts. Expect the Unexpected: The discussion touches on everything from Blue Bunny ice cream and autonomous vehicles to a visionary "sister city" program designed to bridge national divides. Resources & Links Engage: Learn more at ⁠womenforward.us⁠Listen: Explore the full audio library at ⁠bluevotecafe.com⁠Act: Register and request your ballot at ⁠votefromabroad.org⁠

    57 min

  8. Mar 29

    Dr. Joel Westheimer: Democracy and Education (Season 13, Ep 10)

    What is the true purpose of education, and why do fascists always go after universities first? Dr. Joel Westheimer tackles these questions, shares early warning signs from his career, and explains how protest strengthens our citizenship. From comparing AI to CliffsNotes to finding signs of hope in dark times, this is a deeply personal and timely conversation. Listen to the full Blue Vote Café audio library at bluevotecafe.com and remember to request your ballot at votefromabroad.org.

    53 min
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4.3
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Every American living abroad can vote in the U.S., and can engage politically back home through Democrats Abroad, an official arm of the Democratic Party. Brought to you by David Schellenberg and Rachel Eugster (co-chairs of the Canada's Capital Region chapter of Democrats Abroad) this podcast is about Americans living outside the U.S.--who we are, what we stand for, how to get engaged back home, and how to make sure your vote is counted, Because when Democrats vote abroad, Democrats at home win. For more info: democratsabroad.org To register and request your ballot: votefromabroad.org

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