On The Basis Of Democracy

Lisa P. Singer
On The Basis Of Democracy

Our mission at "On The Basis Of Democracy" is to explore current national and international issues from an American Jewish perspective. We aim to challenge divisive narratives, champion democracy, and promote a more cohesive society through engaging interviews, historical insights, and reflections. Upholding democratic principles and institutions is crucial in our American journey, where we face obstacles and strive for progress. We believe that democracy has the potential to promote life, liberty, and happiness, but it requires continuous effort, dialogue, and engagement from each of us to fully realize these rights. As we navigate the resurgence of Antisemitism, we aim to comprehend the underlying factors driving this hate and address the vulnerabilities and threats to our institutions and core values.

Episodes

  1. Episode 8: Goebbels and the Führer: Unpacking the Mechanics of Hate

    OCT 27

    Episode 8: Goebbels and the Führer: Unpacking the Mechanics of Hate

    In this episode, we delve into the propaganda machine crafted by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, which normalized his hateful rhetoric on the global stage. This manipulation was so effective that it earned Hitler the title of Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1938. We look in-depth at the newly released film: "Goebbels and the Führer," available on Amazon Prime. This compelling film features gripping performances and serves as a vital reminder of the atrocities, masterfully illustrating how the Nazi regime manipulated the media to control public perception—with devastating consequences. We are honored to welcome our esteemed guest, Professor Thomas Weber, the film's official historian. A prolific author and expert on Adolf Hitler’s life in politics, Professor Weber’s research investigates how propaganda shapes public perception during pivotal historical moments, including the rise of Nazi Germany. His insights are especially relevant in today’s era of heightened political polarization and rampant misinformation. In our conversation, Professor Weber noted that "it wasn’t just the cult of personality; Hitler managed to create a persona that allowed different people to project their hopes and aspirations onto him. This ambiguity created a platform for Hitler to pursue policies that diverged from why many supporters believed they were backing him." Join us for this enlightening discussion with Professor Thomas Weber! - Goebbels and the Führer IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30467885/ Trailor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIqeLlET_LQ Screening: https://ces.fas.harvard.edu/events/2024/10/goebbels-and-the-fuehrer   Professor Thomas Weber: University of Aberdeen  https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/t.weber   Publications: Hitler's First War https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hitlers-first-war-thomas-weber/1100156053?ean=9780199226382   Becoming Hitler: The Making of a Nazi https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-hitler-thomas-weber/1125896143?ean=9780465032686   Our Friend "The Enemy" https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-friend-the-enemy-thomas-weber/1112772802?ean=9780804700146   Henryk Ross: Lodz Ghetto Album https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/memory-unearthed-bernice-eisenstein/1128695311?ean=9780300264111

    50 min
  2. Episode 7: Divided Perspectives: Antisemitism, Trumpism, and the Jewish Vote

    OCT 16

    Episode 7: Divided Perspectives: Antisemitism, Trumpism, and the Jewish Vote

    Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Charlie Spickler, a seasoned filmmaker who has dedicated the last 30 years to creating impactful cinema. Charlie is best known for his recent documentary, “Trumpism & The American Jewish Community,” which explores the alarming rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic incidents during the Trump administration. The film delves into the complexities of the Jewish community's political landscape, revealing that despite the culture of hate and intolerance, 30% of Jewish voters supported Trump. Charlie’s journey in filmmaking began in 1997 with the award-winning short film “Whacked. " Since then, he has expanded his portfolio to include feature films, documentaries, pilot episodes, and music videos. In 2012, he founded Reel Brooklyn Films, a production company focused on capturing the vibrant stories of New York City. Join us as we discuss the themes of “Trumpism & the American Jewish Community,” the nuances of Jewish identity in contemporary politics, and Charlie’s insights on the power of storytelling in creating change. Please tune in to hear what drives Charlie's passion for filmmaking that matters and how he strives to make a difference through his work. Adler and Associates Entertainment currently distributes the documentary, and it is available to stream on Amazon Prime and TubiTV.   Key Topics Discussed Opening Monologue by Host Lisa Singer:  Lisa pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, celebrating their impact on movie criticism and the film industry. Background Footage of the Unite The Right Rally: This segment features powerful video footage covering the events leading up to the 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. It includes vital interviews, captures the rally's atmosphere, and President Trump's controversial responses to the marchers and the ensuing violence. The Power of Filmmaking: Charlie Spickler shares his insights on the importance of filmmaking as a medium for confronting complex and painful issues. He discusses what motivates him to create films that tackle complex subjects, highlighting the role of storytelling in fostering understanding and sparking dialogue. Closing Thoughts by Host Lisa Singer: Lisa reflects on the key takeaways from the episode, emphasizing the themes of forgiveness and growth. She encourages listeners not to let their past define their future, promoting a message of hope and resilience.   Resources Mentioned: Charlie’s Website: https://reelbrooklynfilms.net/ Charlie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelbrooklynfilms/ Amazon Link to “Trumpism & The American Jewish Community” https://www.amazon.com/Trumpism-American-Community-Charlie-Spickler/dp/B0B65278GL TubiTV Link to “Trumpism & The American Jewish Community” https://tubitv.com/movies/707819/trumpism-the-jewish-american-community

    1h 36m
  3. Episode 5: Bridges of Understanding: Dr. Yehuda Stolov's Interfaith Mission

    SEP 25

    Episode 5: Bridges of Understanding: Dr. Yehuda Stolov's Interfaith Mission

    Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Yehuda Stolov, the director of the Interfaith Encounter Association. Dr. Stolov shares his profound insights on the importance of interfaith dialogue and how it fosters understanding and cooperation between diverse religious and cultural groups. Join us as we explore Dr. Stolov's experiences, the challenges faced in interfaith initiatives, and the transformative power of shared conversations.   Key Topics Discussed Opening Monologue by Host Lisa Singer Introduction to Dr. Yehuda Stolov and his interfaith journey The mission of the Interfaith Encounter Association Successful examples of interfaith collaborations Common challenges in initiating interfaith dialogues How listeners can support local interfaith initiatives Closing Segment Videos by Host Lisa Singer Resources Mentioned: Interfaith Encounter Association Website: https://interfaith-encounter.org/en/ Donate to the IEA: https://www.globalgiving.org/donate/614/interfaith-encounter-association-iea/   Recommended readings on interfaith dialogue and its significance: https://rabbisacks.org/book-indexes/the-dignity-of-difference/ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-history-of-god-karen-armstrong/1114862025?ean=9780345384560 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-upward-revised-and-updated-richard-rohr/1143606210?ean=9781394185696   For additional information, please visit our website:  https://onthebasisofdemocracy.org/   Thank you for listening!

    1h 22m
  4. Episode 4: Shoshana's Legacy: Love and Life Beyond Borders

    SEP 17

    Episode 4: Shoshana's Legacy: Love and Life Beyond Borders

    In this heartfelt episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Shoshana Axler, who made the bold move from Chicago to Israel five years ago to be with her children and grandchildren and fulfill her lifelong dream of making aliyah. Born and raised in Chicago, Shoshana dedicated her life to nurturing her family and her community. For over 50 years, she taught Sunday school, instilling Jewish values and traditions in countless students. As a founder of the non-profit Options for College Success, Shoshana tirelessly worked to support young adults facing challenges as they pursued higher education, empowering them to lead meaningful lives. Tragically, just two weeks ago, Shoshana fell gravely ill shortly after this interview was recorded and passed away last week. In this episode, we honor her legacy and the profound impact she made on everyone she encountered. Her daughter Neeli poignantly remarked during the week of shiva that she didn’t believe her mother operated within the confines of a 24-hour day, as there was simply not enough time for her to accomplish all the good deeds she did each day. Join us as we reflect on Shoshana's remarkable journey, her unwavering dedication to her family and community, and the blessing of her memory. May her legacy continue to inspire us all. For additional information, please visit our website: https://www.OnTheBasisOfDemocracy.org This conversation is on YouTube: / @basisofdem

    1h 4m
  5. Episode 1: Guardians of Democracy: Enduring Wisdom from Influential Voices

    SEP 10

    Episode 1: Guardians of Democracy: Enduring Wisdom from Influential Voices

    Please join us to watch these carefully selected excerpts from historical speeches on contemporary discussions about democracy and social justice. We hope this episode inspires you and clarifies the challenges we face in America and in democracies around the globe. Albert Einstein, renowned for his groundbreaking scientific contributions, was also a passionate advocate for civil rights and humanitarianism. He reminds us of the moral responsibility that accompanies living in a democracy. Rabbi Joachim Prinz, a prominent Jewish leader and civil rights activist, delivered compelling addresses that emphasized the necessity of standing up against injustice. His notable speech at the 1963 March on Washington, where he spoke before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., serves as a powerful call to action and highlights the integral role of faith and moral conviction in the struggle for democracy. Steven Spielberg, a legendary filmmaker, utilizes his platform to address complex social issues and human rights. His explanation of fascism precisely clarifies the dangers of an environment where hate is being normalized. In light of the rising antisemitism in America and worldwide, we are reminded of the need to protect all democracies. Thank you for joining us!   For additional information, please visit our website:  https://www.OnTheBasisOfDemocracy.org  This conversation is on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@BasisOfDem

    2 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Our mission at "On The Basis Of Democracy" is to explore current national and international issues from an American Jewish perspective. We aim to challenge divisive narratives, champion democracy, and promote a more cohesive society through engaging interviews, historical insights, and reflections. Upholding democratic principles and institutions is crucial in our American journey, where we face obstacles and strive for progress. We believe that democracy has the potential to promote life, liberty, and happiness, but it requires continuous effort, dialogue, and engagement from each of us to fully realize these rights. As we navigate the resurgence of Antisemitism, we aim to comprehend the underlying factors driving this hate and address the vulnerabilities and threats to our institutions and core values.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada