Democracy Does
Democracy Does is your go-to podcast for understanding what’s really happening in the world—and what you can do about it. We cut through the noise to break down the policies that matter most, featuring candid conversations with experts who know how the system \works. But we don’t stop at analysis.
Each episode leaves you with clear, practical steps you can take—from writing powerful letters to your representatives to showing up for your community. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just starting to pay closer attention, Democracy Does gives you the tools to turn concern into action.
Because democracy works best when we all participate.
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
When Global Conflict Hits Your Wallet?
What does a conflict thousands of miles away have to do with your daily life? More than you might think.
In this week’s episode of Democracy Does, I sit down with Severin Borenstein to unpack why rising tensions in the Middle East—especially around the Strait of Hormuz—are driving up gas prices here at home.
The key takeaway: oil is a global market. Even though the U.S. produces a significant amount of oil, prices are set worldwide. When supply is disrupted—like the estimated 10–15% currently affected—costs rise everywhere, and those increases show up at the pump within weeks.
So what can you do? Start small: shop around for gas, consider fuel efficiency in your next car, and be mindful of travel choices.
Understanding these connections is your civic power.
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
Do You Know the Rules of the Democracy Game?
In this week’s Democracy Does, I sit down with Dr. Colleen Shogan—the first woman to lead the National Archives and now the CEO of In Pursuit, a national civics initiative from More Perfect.
She shared a powerful idea:
Democracy is like a game—but many Americans don’t know the rules.
From low civics proficiency rates to adults struggling with basic government questions, there’s a clear gap. And as Dr. Shogan put it, we can’t expect people to fully participate in democracy if they don’t understand how it works.
That’s where In Pursuit comes in—offering short, accessible stories about U.S. presidents and first ladies, designed to make history engaging, human, and easy to fit into your day.
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
How the SAVE Act Could Threaten Your Vot
In this week’s Democracy Does, I sat down with Greta Bedekovics of the Center for American Progress to break down the proposed SAVE Act—and what it could mean for everyday voters.
At its core, the SAVE Act would dramatically change how Americans register to vote. Instead of the current, accessible system—often online or through the DMV using a driver’s license or Social Security number—the bill would require in-person registration with documents like a passport or certified birth certificate. For millions, that’s not simple. Nearly half of Americans don’t have a passport, and many—especially married women—may not have documentation that matches their legal name.
The result? New barriers that could disproportionately impact working families, rural communities, and communities of color. And all of this in response to voter fraud rates that are statistically negligible.
Here’s the bottom line: voting is how we hold power accountable. Policies like this reshape who can participate—and who cannot.
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
A Critical Moment for Workers’ Rights – And Why You Should Care
What happens in Washington doesn’t stay in Washington—especially when it comes to the workforce. In my latest Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook conversation with Professor Adia Harvey-Wingfield, professor of sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, we unpack the ripple effects of recent labor policy changes and why they deserve your attention.
One major concern is the widespread cutting of federal jobs across agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Education. These positions aren’t abstract bureaucratic roles—they’re the workers ensuring our food is safe, veterans receive care, and companies follow regulations. Because the federal workforce includes a disproportionately high number of Black workers, these cuts also risk increasing unemployment and inequality in communities already facing barriers.
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
Civic Education is the Missing Link – And March Matters is Rebuilding It
What if the biggest barrier to civic participation isn’t apathy—but confusion?
That’s the insight communications expert Marjorie Clifton shared in my recent Democracy Does conversation. As the co-founder of March Matters, Clifton is working to close a civic knowledge gap that many Americans don’t even realize exists.
The idea behind March Matters is simple but powerful: make civic participation understandable. Clifton describes the initiative as a “communications toolkit in a box,” designed to help organizations explain elections—especially primary elections—in clear, accessible language.
Season 2:
As we head toward another pivotal election season, I sit down with Robert Boatright, professor at Clark University and director of research at the National Institute for Civil Discourse, to talk about what’s really happening in American elections — and what’s not.
Here’s the headline: Professor Boatright is less worried about the mechanics of voting than about the erosion of public trust.
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
Why Food Policy is Everyone’s Business?
In this episode of Democracy Does, I sat down with Professor Andrew Flachs of Purdue University to unpack how agriculture policy affects far more than farmers—it touches all of us. Dr. Flachs, an environmental anthropologist and author of Feeding the World as If People Mattered, breaks down how tariffs, trade wars, labor shortages, and consolidation in agribusiness ripple through the economy, from grocery store prices to the survival of rural communities.
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
Who’s Protecting Your Wallet Now?
During National Consumer Protection Week, the host Robin Hamilton interviews University of Michigan social work professor and consumer protection expert Terri Friedline about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), why it was created.
Friedline explains how higher credit card interest caps can accelerate debt and harm health, how rewards programs can shift benefits to wealthier users, and why reduced oversight enables predatory payday lending with rates averaging 400% and sometimes reaching 1000%, often filling gaps where bank branches close in Black and brown communities. Her power plays: know it’s not your fault, ask questions and learn how financial products work, and get connected. Consumer protection has always been collective work—and it can be again.
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
Your Mail May Be Delayed-
And No One Told You
This week on Democracy Does, I sat down with Doug Carlson—an attorney and longtime postal policy watchdog—to talk about a little-known change at the U.S. Postal Service that could affect every one of us.
In many parts of the country, the USPS has quietly eliminated same-day mail dispatch. That means a letter or ballot you drop off today may not be postmarked—or even start moving—until tomorrow or later. The change, called Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO), creates automatic delays that can impact tax filings, insurance claims, prescription refills, and vote-by-mail ballots. Listen in for a good conversation. Plus, you can take a deep dive at the Postal Regulatory Commission – www.prc.gov.
Listen in!
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
Caregiving is Essential Work –
So Why Don’t We Treat it That Way
On this episode of Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook, I spoke with public health expert Dr. Maggie Ornstein about the hidden realities of family caregiving — and why current policy cuts are pushing families to the brink.
Family caregivers — often unpaid — provide billions of dollars in labor each year. In New York State alone, that number reaches $40 billion annually. Yet many receive no compensation, no pension credit, and little structural support. Medicaid cuts and threats to home-care protections are making an already fragile system even more unstable.
Dr. Ornstein, who has cared for her mother for 30 years, calls for transformative change: fair wages for home-care workers, paid family caregiving options, housing stability, and stronger consumer-directed programs that allow families to be compensated for their labor.
Listen in!
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
Freeda Cathcart Talks Common Sense
In this episode of Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook, host Robin Hamilton speaks with grassroots organizer and advocate Freeda Cathcart, founder of the Common Sense Coalition Guide. Freeda shares the personal and political journey that led her to create a community-based framework for bringing people together across differences to address real-world policy impacts.
The conversation explores how in-person dialogue can counter isolation, polarization, and fear driven by modern political discourse. Freeda describes her workshops, which bring together farmers, teachers, healthcare workers, faith leaders, and small business owners across party lines to uncover shared values and lived experiences.
The episode highlights the power of listening, relationship-building, and showing up together as a foundation for restoring trust, strengthening communities, and creating solutions that reflect the needs of real people.
Listen in!
Season 2:
Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook
A Conversation with Les Leopold
In this episode of Democracy Does The Civic Power Playbook, host Robin N. Hamilton talks with labor researcher and author Les Leopold about why mass layoffs are often a policy choice, not an economic necessity. Les explains how worker representation at companies like Siemens in Germany helped prevent forced layoffs, and argues that U.S. corporations receiving taxpayer money should face similar limits on involuntary job cuts.
He shares polling that shows strong public support for tying government contracts to job protection – and the answers may surprise you. Tune in.
Listen in!
Gratitude for Season 1 and New Conversations on the Horizon
Thank you for listening to season one of Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook. This season focused on how policy decisions affect everyday life, featuring voices of single parents, veterans, advocates, and experts who shared real stories and practical insights beyond political theater. As we take a brief hiatus before season two, this episode reflects on why staying informed matters—and how democracy works best when we all participate.
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Unlocking Personal Worth and Connecting With Others
In this episode of Democracy Does the Civic Power Playbook, host Robin Hamilton sits down with Jeff Koziatek, keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and author of ‘Blueprint for Value.’ Jeff explains how understanding your intrinsic worth can help you connect more genuinely with people, even those with differing viewpoints. He shares his personal journey of shifting from a performance-driven life to one rooted in purpose, and offers insight into his four main pillars: Engage, Equip, Empower, and Encourage. Tune in to learn how recognizing your value impacts your interactions and fosters empathy.
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Democracy Does Goes on the Road
Join us for Part 2 of Democracy Does’ community conversation in Charleston, South Carolina, titled ‘We the People: A Conversation That Moves Us Forward.’ In this episode, host Robin Hamilton leads a discussion with local leaders and activists about the importance of grassroots initiatives, civic engagement, and fostering positive discourse in the community. Highlights include a recap of a recent senatorial debate, the role of youth and collaboration in activism, and the critical need for civil conversations across political divides.
Listen in!
Democracy Does Goes on the Road
Join Robin Hamilton as she takes the show on the road to Charleston, South Carolina. She sits down with inspiring local leaders, including Jimmy Bailey of YEScarolina, Audrey KS Lane of the E3 Foundation, and Mackie Krawcheck Moore of Silence Is Not An Option (SINO), to discuss into the impact of grassroots activism and civic engagement on local and national levels. Stay tuned to get empowered and learn how you can be part of the change in your community. This is part 1 on of 2 part conversation.
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Speaking with Impact:
How Authentic Communication Builds Connection
In this episode, we sit down with Allison Shapira, CEO of Global Public Speaking, who talks about the importance of choosing words wisely – and listening. Check it out and perhaps learn some tips and tricks when it comes to talking to someone with whom you think you can’t connect. True connection, she says, comes from authenticity and emotion.
Democracy Does: We the People – Conversations That Move Us Forward is hitting the road —and we have a powerful panel: Audrey KS Lane, Co-Executive Director for E3 Foundation, Mackie Krawcheck Moore, Co-Founder, SINO (Silence is Not an Option) and Jimm Bailey, Founder and former president, Yescarolina. It’s an opportunity to listen, learn and collaborate on change.
Bonus Episode
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Finding Purpose Out Of Darkness: A Veteran Explains Why We Need Empathy
Join us in this episode of Democracy Does the Civic Power Playbook as we welcome Retired Sergeant Douglas Brinker, a decorated veteran who has served in the Navy and the Army National Guard. Douglas shares his personal journey from serving in Beirut and Operation Iraqi Freedom to overcoming mental health challenges. Today, he is an author and speaker, advocating for veterans and inspiring others. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation on rediscovering kindness and hope.
Bonus Episode
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The Urgent Fight to Save Health Tax Credits –
And Why It Matters
In this episode, host Robin Hamilton welcomes Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Families USA, to discuss the urgent issue of expiring healthcare tax credits. Wright explains how the expiration of these credits will lead to skyrocketing healthcare premiums for over 22 million Americans, with some facing increases by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Wright calls for immediate advocacy and action to prevent these spikes and ensure affordable healthcare for all. Tune in to understand the stakes, the policy intricacies, and what you can do to help.
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Leadership and Service: Retired Commander Bobby Jones
In this episode of Democracy, Does the Civic Power Playbook, the host welcomes retired US Navy Commander Bobby Jones. The discussion centers on his distinguished military career, his inspiration to serve, and the leadership qualities fostered at the Naval Academy. Commander Jones shares insights on the challenges faced by veterans, the founding and importance of Veterans for Responsible Leadership, and the vital work they do.
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Understanding Tariffs and Taking Care of Your Financial Future
In this episode of Democracy Does the Civic Power Playbook, host Robin Hamilton is joined by financial advisor and expert Thomas Sowanick. Thomas provides a comprehensive breakdown of what tariffs are, how they impact the U.S. economy, and what that means for the average consumer.
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The Scary Truth: Vital Role of Dental Health
A Conversation with Dr. Wenzell Carter
In this episode of Democracy Does the Civic Power Playbook, host Robin Hamilton discusses the critical importance of dental health with retired dentist and public health advocate Dr. Wenzell Carter. They explore Dr. Carter’s career journey, the challenges faced by lower-income populations in accessing dental care, and the dire consequences of recent legislative cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. Dr. Carter also provides practical tips for maintaining dental health and emphasizes the need for accurate information in public health policies.
Real Faces Behind the Cuts: How Policy Decisions Put Lives at Risk
In this week’s episode of Democracy Does, we bring you the story of Glen and his fiancée, Lynn — a couple living on the edge of a political decision that could cost Lynn her life. Glen and Lynn share what it’s like to confront the office of a lawmaker whose choice they believe is a “death sentence,” and why they refuse to give up. Their resolve? Stay resourceful, keep speaking out, and most importantly — vote.
We also speak with Joe White, community organizer for Affordable Virginia who explains why we need to hold elected officials accountable.
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Ballots and Blind Spots: The Importance of Being Informed
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. David Schein—bestselling author, professor, and political management expert—as we dive into the challenges facing American democracy today. Dr. Shein discusses the impact of term limits, the disconnect between politicians and the public, the influence of lobbyists, and the importance of civic engagement. We also explore the role of education, the need for government accountability, and practical steps for citizens to stay empowered and involved.
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How a Navy Vet Turned Civic Warrior Stays Fired Up for Change
Join us for an insightful conversation with Rochelle Kithcart, a former Navy servicewoman turned federal worker, as she shares her journey and the vital role of empathic listening in community activism. Rochelle explains how her experiences in the military and public service shaped her understanding of empathy, and why truly listening to others is essential for anyone seeking to make a positive impact.
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Empowering Communities, Combating Change: A Conversation with Jeff Rasley
In this episode of Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook, host Robin Hamilton interviews Jeff Rasley, a lawyer, author, and philanthropist. They discuss the importance of being environmentally responsible, politically active, and how to make an impact on community development.
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The Real Costs of Cuts: A Caregiver Gets Real
In this powerful conversation, Angel Pye, a union leader for caregivers, shares her first-hand experience of the sacrifices required to care for her son on limited Medicaid benefits.
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Why Staying Informed Matters: A Conversation with Amanda Pittman
This week on Democracy Does, I sat down with Amanda Pittman, Communications Director for Affordable Virginia, to talk about why staying informed on federal policy is critical—and how decisions made in Washington, D.C. are already being felt in Virginia communities.
In this conversation, Amanda reminds us, “Feeding kids and caring for seniors shouldn’t be political. These are values we all share.”
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Social Security Under Siege:
My Conversation with Martin O’Malley
In this edition of ‘Democracy Does the Civic Power Playbook,’ host Robin Hamilton travels to Virginia Beach to explore how federal policies impact local communities. Featuring an in-depth discussion with former Maryland Governor and ex-Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley, this episode focuses on the alarming state of the Social Security Administration.
Red Tape and Real Lives:
In this powerful episode of Democracy Does: The Civic Power Playbook, we sit down with Frederic Riccardi, President of the Medicare Rights Center, to break down how recent changes in federal legislation could affect millions of older adults and people with disabilities — and what you can do to protect yourself or someone you love.
Leadership:
Be the Change You Want to See
I’m excited to reveal or debut episode with an incredible guest – Chasity Wells Armstrong, former mayor, licensed social worker, and one of the most authentic public servants I’ve ever had the privilege to interview.
As a journalist for years, it’s easy to get jaded, but this conversation reminded me WHY I started “Democracy Does” – because real people need real answers about how to navigate these challenging times. Take a listen – and get inspired.