On Democracy with FPWellman

Fred Wellman
  • 4.8 (217)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Multiple shows and interviews that feature engaging discussions with leading voices ranging from politics to comedy about the state of democracy in the U.S., the threats to its future, and how we can fight back to preserve our nation as well as lighter takes on the news and culture. From our 'OG' podcast featured on the MeidasTouch Network to 'Too Late to Cancel' every Sunday on the On Democracy Channel and stand alone interviews with newsmakers, candidates, and leaders. On Democracy is dedicated to informing, challenging, and growing our community of like minded freedom lovers.

  1. 5d ago

    Constant lies don't pay the bills

    Working Americans know the truth: the economy is in freefall and getting worse. Costs for gas, food, healthcare, and energy keep climbing while our wages stay flat and jobs dry up. All of this is only made worse because the Trump Administration and the Republican Congress only worsen this situation by lying to our faces daily about the causes, deflecting blame onto anyone but themselves. They deny that Trump was already President for four years, deny the global pandemic, and promote absolute delusions about the Iran War to avoid any accountability for passing the Big Billionaire Bill and starting this unplanned conflict. To make matters worse, we can't even trust whether the statistics they are issuing are real or fabricated. Fred is solo this week to discuss the economic reality and the unhelpful lies.  Sponsor: Chapter"For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial  937-507-8644 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to www.askchapter.org/ondemocracy *Paid Partnership*Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don’t directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Subscribe to Fred's Substack at fpwellman.substack.com

  2. Aug 14

    Christian Nationalism and the Fight for American Democracy

    Christian nationalism has moved from the political margins into the center of American political power. As religious movements increasingly influence government, public policy, and the Republican Party, a growing debate is emerging over what that means for the future of American democracy and the constitutional separation of church and state. Fred is joined by Congressman Jared Huffman, author of the new book No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism, to discuss the roots of Christian nationalism, its role in the January 6th insurrection, its growing influence inside government, and what it will take to build a broad coalition capable of defending secular democracy and religious freedom. Stay to the end as Fred dives into the growing wage gap and how close we are to disaster if we don't make real change soon. Learn more about Jared Huffman at jaredhuffman.com Sponsor: Chapter"For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial  937-507-8644 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to www.askchapter.org/ondemocracy *Paid Partnership* Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don’t directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

  3. Aug 7

    It's not the factions...it's the actions

    Young voters could once again play a decisive role in the 2026 midterms, but campaigns can't simply assume young people will show up at the polls, nor can they assume we will keep them engaged if campaigns don't deliver quickly. Following Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, questions are growing about what motivates younger voters, how campaigns can actually reach them, and whether Democrats are finally figuring out how to turn Gen Z engagement into votes. More importantly many are misreading what his election, Mamdani's, and others mean. It's not the factions; it's the promises of delivering on their ideas. Voters are looking for change and they want it now not ten years from now. Fred is joined by Santiago Mayer, Executive Director of Voters of Tomorrow, the nation's largest Gen Z-led voter engagement organization. With more than 11,000 members across 25+ states and 32 million voters reached during the 2024 cycle, Santiago has a unique perspective on what young Americans care about, what they're responding to, and what it will take to make Gen Z a powerful force in November. Learn more at votersoftomorrow.org Sponsors:CHAPTER: "For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial  937-507-8644 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to www.askchapter.org/ondemocracy *Paid Partnership*”Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don’t directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.SMALLS: Try Smalls and get 60% off your cat’s first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you go to Smalls.com/FRED

  4. Jul 31

    Trump has no way out of Iran debacle

    The United States once again finds itself confronting a never ending conflict in the Middle East following President Trump's continued military escalation in Iran with no end in sight and no good options to end the war. As lawmakers debate the President's authority, America's role in the region, and the potential costs of another prolonged conflict, many are asking whether history is repeating itself and what comes next? Fred is joined by renowned historian and American University professor Dr. Allan J. Lichtman, creator of the "Keys to the White House" forecasting system, to discuss the historical parallels between today's wars and past presidents, the constitutional balance of war powers, and the 2026 midterm elections in light of his upcoming book, "Great American Presidents: The Twelve that Transformed the Nation," available for pre-order now! Dr. Lichtman is a preeminent American historian, political analyst, and the Distinguished Professor of History at American University in Washington, D.C., where he has educated students and shaped historical discourse since 1973. Recognized for his scholarly rigor and media acumen, Dr. Lichtman has established himself as one of the nation’s most authoritative voices on the American presidency and political history. Dr. Lichtman is perhaps best known globally for developing "The Keys to the White House," a pioneering election prediction system created in collaboration with geophysicist Vladimir Keilis-Borok. Focusing on historical patterns and the stability of the incumbent party rather than transient polling data, this model famously allowed Dr. Lichtman to accurately forecast the winner of nearly every U.S. presidential election from 1984 through 2024, including the upset victory of Donald Trump in 2016. Sponsor: Smalls Try Smalls and get 60% off your cat’s first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you go to Smalls.com/FRED

  5. Jul 24

    Are you sick of it yet?

    Millions of Americans are losing health insurance. Rural and community hospitals are closing. Families are paying more while politicians in Washington continue to debate cutting programs that millions depend on and the billionaires and corporations get richer. Is healthcare simply another policy fight—or is it becoming one of the defining democracy issues of our time? Fred is joined by Brad Woodhouse, President of Protect Our Care, to discuss the nationwide healthcare crisis, the recent launch of the 'Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now' campaign, and why access to affordable healthcare may become one of the biggest issues of the 2026 midterm elections. They'll examine what's happening around the country, on Capitol Hill, who is being affected the most, and why holding elected officials accountable has never been more important.Sponsors: SMALLS - For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to Smalls.com/FRED.

  6. Jul 17

    Throwing Spaghetti at the Wall to Steal an Election

    Trump held another unhinged speech last night on the 2020 election but this time China was the nefarious actor meddling. Amidst the usual lies and smokescreens the path is emerging for how Trump will try to undermine the upcoming midterm elections and stay in power. We must take his threats seriously and groups like Fair Fight are stepping up to do just that. Fred is joined by Amir Badat, Southern States Director & Senior Advisor, Fair Fight. Amir also serves as Manager of Black Voters on the Rise and Voting Special Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where he leads year-round election protection, voter education, and election administration advocacy to defend and advance the political participation of Black voters. They discuss the speech and the implications of what Trump and his conspirators are trying to do to keep us from having our say in our elections and government.Sponsors: SMALLSFor a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to Smalls.com/FRED.

  7. Jul 10

    The Time for Ruthless Democratic Power is Coming

    One thing that Republicans have learned long ago is that when they have power to wield it ruthlessly to push through their agenda. They don’t care what anyone says or thinks to achieve their goals. The Democrats haven’t been so resolute. Norms and traditions are respected and taking the high road is the goal. That era must end. When the Trump disaster finally comes to its inevitable conclusion we will have to rebuild our government and our economy. How do we do that when both parties support many of the things that are obstacles to reform? What are the priorities? Wildly popular independent journalist Brian Tyler Cohen has a new book coming out that lays out how Democrats can take power and use it after Trump: ‘The Day After: How to wield power in a post-Trump world.’ It’s a playbook for populist reforms that millions of Americans are demanding. When a new Harris poll says that 95% of Americans feel we are in an affordability crisis, that time for aggressive change is upon us. Fred and Brian talk about his ideas, the path ahead, and more.  Sponsors: Smalls: For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to Smalls.com/FRED.

  8. Jul 3

    How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear

    Fear has crept into every corner of American life - but so has resistance. Investigative journalist Julia Angwin and former White House policy advisor Ami Fields-Meyer spent the first year of the Trump administration interviewing more than 100 dissidents across five continents to answer a question millions of Americans are now asking themselves: what can I actually do? Their new book, On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear, blends untold stories of resistance with history, spirituality, and movement research into sixteen practical lessons for taking principled risks under authoritarianism. From a civil rights lawyer who lost his job defending Dr. King's legacy, to a 73-year-old clinic escort in Virginia armed with a golf umbrella, to student activists in Hong Kong and Cairo - this is a guide to courage built from the people who've already lived it. Julia and Ami join the show to talk about what they learned, why isolation is authoritarianism's best friend, and how ordinary people build a "political home." On this important U.S. birthday we need to be prepared for how we will fight to keep it going. Sponsors: Smalls: For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to Smalls.com/FRED.

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4.8
out of 5
217 Ratings

About

Multiple shows and interviews that feature engaging discussions with leading voices ranging from politics to comedy about the state of democracy in the U.S., the threats to its future, and how we can fight back to preserve our nation as well as lighter takes on the news and culture. From our 'OG' podcast featured on the MeidasTouch Network to 'Too Late to Cancel' every Sunday on the On Democracy Channel and stand alone interviews with newsmakers, candidates, and leaders. On Democracy is dedicated to informing, challenging, and growing our community of like minded freedom lovers.

Information

  • Creator
    Fred Wellman
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    215
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 On Democracy with FPWellman
  • Show Website
    On Democracy with FPWellman

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