Activating Democracy: Daily Podcast Brings Civic Engagement to Life
Election 2024: 100 Days of Making Your Voice Heard
In a time when the fabric of our democracy feels stretched thin, my podcast, The Lawyer’s Daughter Campaign Companion, reminds you that civic engagement is vital and incredibly empowering.
I strive to create daily content that is accessible to everyone — whether you’re a seasoned political junkie or just beginning to explore how you can make a difference. Each episode delves into the nuances of civic life, offering insights and practical advice on how to get involved, make informed decisions, and contribute to a healthier democracy.
I’m committed to doing this in a nonpartisan way. While you may hear my partisan enthusiasm leak through, I aim to bring my legal “orientation” to bear and encourage informed, safe voting for everyone. To boost civic engagement and share essential knowledge about civics, I’ve crafted this podcast to present multiple perspectives, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the issues.
Why a Podcast?
I started podcasting about my father and stepmother’s murder by the Golden State Killer. It was a powerful way to share a bizarre case from the inside. It’s a true crime banger, as it were.
I grew up in politics. My parents were very active. As a result, I love the democratic process and the promise of every citizen having a private vote. My mom unexpectedly died in April, and she used to be my “ride or die” every election. Without her, I’ve been feeling isolated and thought, why not tap my parents’ energy around elections and help people remember what we learned (or didn’t learn) in school? So boom! The Lawyer’s Daughter Season Five was born.
I’m doing this Campaign Companion daily, which includes about 20 minutes of civics to remind us why the Great American Experiment is worthy of participation: my contribution to the American zeitgeist — a way to help keep our democracy alive and well.
Civic engagement isn’t just about voting every four years; it’s about actively participating in the ongoing dialogue that shapes our nation.
The podcast focuses on fostering this engagement by offering a space that’s both informative and welcoming. I strive for nonpartisanship, working to ensure our discussions are fair and balanced so that you can form your opinions.
I’m particularly mindful of the challenges women face who may feel isolated or disconnected from these civic discussions.
Topics covered so far:
Remembering Our Norms. Many great things support our elections, such as behavioral norms that help hold us together when things get tough. We review the greatest hits. I wonder if you remember these norms and still support them.
Understanding the Electoral Process. I explain the complexities of the Electoral College, voting rights, and how each vote contributes to the broader democratic process. I suspect we will hear more about this as voting day approaches.
Is Your Vote Truly Secret? Women have long had their votes controlled by others. What part of our election process is private, and what part isn’t? I examine the truth and encourage women to work together to support each other.
The Role of the Vice President. I explore one of the most misunderstood positions in the American government, exploring its evolution and modern significance. This job is not as insignificant as you might think!
The Art of Code Switching. We all know how to calibrate our messaging and behaviors based on context. Or do we? Are there rules? Learn more about code-switching and its value. Both parties use this technique with different outcomes.
Protecting Your Vote. In today’s digital age, safeguarding your vote from misinformation and data mining is crucial. For example, concerns over election security have risen with the increasing use of digital platforms and the threat of misinformation. We discuss practical steps to ensure your vote is secure and informed.
Grassroots Movements. Learn about the power of grassroots organizing and how local efforts can lead to significant change at the national level. For instance, the Civil Rights Movement and recent climate change activism are potent examples of how grassroots efforts can create substantial political change. We’ve also seen the Tea Party Movement as a response to the 2008 financial crisis and the Moral Majority movement in the 1980s that mobilized Christian conservatives.
Top To-Dos for Engaging with Civic Life.
I publish a Companion Blog for each podcast with links to any sources cited. I want to ensure you know I’m doing my homework and citing reputable sources for any news I share. At the end of each Companion Blog, I offer a few to-do items to keep you on your toes.
Register to Vote: Ensure your voter registration is current and encourage others to do the same. Your vote is your voice — make sure it’s heard. If you do it online, make sure the form is submitted. For example, in Texas, you cannot register online. You must mail it in.
Check your voter registration. Compulsively. Visit https://www.vote411.org/check-registration.
Stay Informed. Make it a habit to read up on current events from reliable sources. Understanding the issues is the first step in making informed decisions. Be sure to check the sources of news to avoid misinformation.
Participate in Local Politics. Attend town halls, join community boards, or volunteer for local campaigns. Change often starts at the grassroots level.
Support Independent Journalism. Reliable journalism is the backbone of a healthy democracy. Support news outlets that prioritize accuracy and in-depth reporting.
Civic engagement is more critical than ever in these exciting yet challenging times. The podcast is here to guide you, provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge, and, most importantly, remind you that you are not alone in this journey. Together, we can build a more engaged, informed, and vibrant democracy.
Subscribe and share The Lawyer’s Daughter Campaign Companion podcast and follow me on Threads, Facebook, and Twitter. Let’s work together to strengthen our democracy!
