Best Deliberative Democracy Podcasts (2025)

1
Deliberative Democracy and AI with Claudia Chwalisz 1:08:49

Play Pause

12d ago1:08:49

1:08:49

DemocracyNext founder and CEO Claudia Chwalisz returns to the Denizen podcast to explore the intersection of deliberative democracy and artificial intelligence. Here we are particularly interested in how we might crease democratic resilience by leveraging AI to scale deliberative processes. Governance innovation is the AI application we're most ent…

1
#108-Teaching Critical Thinking to Kids-with guest Stephanie Simoes 58:46

6d ago58:46

58:46

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, and experience as a teacher, our guest for this episode, Stephanie Simoes, developed Critikid, a website for kids, teens, teachers and others. Critikid offers instruction in: emotional intelligence (Learning to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions), safe and effective …

1
Susan Brison on the Aftermath of Sexual Violence and the Remaking of the Self 1:30:48

12d ago1:30:48

1:30:48

**Content Warning** This episode includes discussions of sexual assault and attempted murder, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please listen with care. On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins speaks with Susan Brison, author of Aftermath: Violence and the Remaking of a Self (Princeton University Press, 2002; 20th Ann…

1
#107-How Institutionalizing Deliberative Political Processes Can Lead to Deliberative Democracy and Reduce Polarization-with guest Jim Fishkin 58:54

1M ago58:54

58:54

James Fishkin, Stanford University Professor (and Director of the Stanford Deliberative Democracy Lab) discusses his extensive research and development focused on the process of "Deliberative Polling" and clarifies its relationship to Deliberative Democracy—a form of democracy in which deliberation is central to decision-making. Professor Fishkin s…

1
Deva Woodly on Civil Society and the Politics of Care 1:32:07

1M ago1:32:07

1:32:07

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Deva Woodly on her book, Reckoning: Black Lives Matter and the Democratic Necessity of Social Movements (Oxford University Press, 2021), which draw from on-the-ground interviews with leaders in the Black Lives Matter Movement to comment on social movements and their role in demo…

1
Collaboration with Robert Gilman 50:02

1M ago50:02

50:02

In this final episode of a three-part series on essential capabilities for a regenerative future with Robert Gilman, founder and president of The Context Institute. Robert and Jenny tie the first two episodes of the series together to bring you this conversation on collaboration. We’ve all heard the term “omni-win” and talked about needed paradigms…

1
Modes of Cognition with Robert Gilman 50:06

2M ago50:06

50:06

This episode explores the importance of understanding and integrating various modes of cognition. It is the second in a three-part series with Robert Gilman, founder and president of The Context Institute, covering essential competencies for the regenerative era. Jenny and Robert discusses the limitations of object perception and categorical thinki…

1
Psychodynamics with Robert Gilman 59:10

2M ago59:10

59:10

This episode on psychodynamics is part one of a three part series on essential skills for a regenerative future, in honor of Rober Gilman's 80th birthday. Robert is the founder and president of The Context Institute and a pioneer in the sustainability movement. The conversation dives deep into psychodynamics and the importance of understanding our …

1
#106- The Role of Logic in Acquiring Knowledge and Forming Beliefs-with guest Patrick Hurley 59:16

2M ago59:16

59:16

Patrick Hurley, Philosophy Professor Emeritus at University of San Diego and author of the widely acclaimed textbook: A Concise Introduction to Logic, joins us to discuss: the role of logic in acquiring knowledge and forming beliefs; the most important aspects of logic for critical thinkers to master; what can be done to encourage better practices …

1
Alice Siu on Deliberative Polling and the Future of Democratic Dialogue 1:22:12

2M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Alice Siu on how deliberative polling fosters informed, respectful public dialogue. They discuss the method’s use in both in-person and on AI-assisted virtual forums, its role in shaping policy, and its potential to reduce polarization. Alice highlights the importance of teachin…

1
White Work with Julia Rhodes Davis 1:02:49

3M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

In this episode of the Denizen podcast, host Jenny Stefanotti and activist Julia Rhodes Davis delve into the concept of 'white work,' which goes beyond confronting and dismantling racialized identities. They discuss the importance of understanding personal legacy, taking accountability for ancestors' actions, and taking actions individually to repa…

1
Hannah Gais on the Far-Right Rallies and Social Media Presence 1:20:34

3M ago1:20:34

1:20:34

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Hannah Gais on the far-right rallies and social media presence on platforms like Telegram and X. Hannah explores the events of the Unite the Right rally, the storming of the capital on January 6th, the far-right in the wake of the first and second Trump presidencies, and the dan…

1
#105-The Epidemic of Political Lying and the Importance of Fact-checking-with guest Bill Adair 58:42

3M ago58:42

58:42

Early in his career our guest, Bill Adair, worked as a journalist, author, and later founded the fact-checking organization Politifact. And in 2013 he accepted a position at Duke University as the Knight Professor of the Practice of Journalism and Public Policy, where he now teaches journalism in the Sanford School of Public Policy and directs the …

1
White Supremacy Culture with Tema Okun 55:48

4M ago55:48

55:48

We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Tema Okun to the Denizen podcast for this important conversation. Tema is the author of the influential 1999 paper "White Supremacy Culture" and has been a leader in the racial justice movement for over 35 years. In this insightful episode, Jenny and Tema explore the pervasive influence of white supremacy cult…

1
Yarn with Tyson Yunkaporta 1:05:48

4M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

This conversation features Tyson Yunkaporta, academic, arts critic, researcher, and member of the Apalech Clan in far north Queensland. Tyson is the author of Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World; Right Story, Wrong Story: How to Have Fearless Conversations in Hell; and Snake Talk: How the World’s Ancient Serpent Stories Can Guide …

1
Eileen Hunt on Mary Shelley's "The Last Man" 1:18:54

4M ago1:18:54

1:18:54

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Eileen Hunt on her latest book, The First Last Man: Mary Shelley and the Postapocalyptic Imagination (2024), which focuses primarily on Mary Shelley's 1826 novel, The Last Man, the first major modern pandemic novel. Hunt explains the tragic life events that motivated Mary Shelle…

1
#104-The Importance of Trust in Information and Institutions-revisited 59:15

4M ago59:15

59:15

Untrue information is called misinformation, and intentionally spread misinformation is known as disinformation. When one uses disinformation to further one’s own agenda, especially in the political realm, then the information has been weaponized. And the continued acceleration of weaponized information further erodes our trust in experts, media, a…

1
Financial Activism with Jasmine Rashid 1:05:14

5M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

In this conversation Jenny and Jasmine discuss: Four common internalized stories we have about money Money trauma The importance of talking about money Jasmine's analogy of a water supply Philosophical questions of enough and fairness Banking: extractive vs. sustainable and community-oriented options Public banking Consumption decisions and Jasmine…

1
Decolonization and Consciousness with Ashanti Kunene 1:00:26

5M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

This powerful conversation explores the relationship between decolonization and consciousness. Ashanti is a systems change agent focused on helping organizations deconstruct dominant narratives of colonization and replace them with life affirming narratives that support a regenerative future. She believes that true transformation must begin within,…

1
Roos Slegers on the Uncanny Valley, Freud, and Cyborg Science Fiction 1:31:59

5M ago1:31:59

1:31:59

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Roos Slegers on the uncanny valley, Freud, and cyborg science fiction. They explore the uncanny valley and Freud’s concept of the uncanny, connecting them to ETA Hoffmann’s “The Sandman”, Donna Haraway’s “Cyborg Manifesto”, and contemporary AI debates. While Mori’s uncanny valle…

1
#103-Worldview-The Elephant in the Room of Critical Thinking-updated for 2025 58:44

5M ago58:44

58:44

This episode looks back to the previous episode: # 22- Worldview-The Elephant in the Room of Critical Thinking, and updates it from the perspective of 2025.By Bob Froehlich-Retired Chemist, Counselor, Psychology Professor and Julia Minton-Technology Consultant

1
Conscious Leadership with Diana Chapman 1:08:38

6M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

This episode builds on many prior conversations exploring work that we can do on ourselves, including living authentically, trauma and the nervous system, nonviolent communication, transforming relational conflict, and optimal zone resilience. It demonstrates how the work on ourselves extends upwards into the organization context, and further ampli…

1
Ethnocide and American Politics with Barrett Holmes Pitner 1:14:46

6M ago1:14:46

1:14:46

Ethnocide is a word Barrett both coined and resurrected, referring to the destruction of a people’s culture while keeping the people. From Barrett’s point of view, Trump’s re-election is not cause for disbelief, but a glaring reminder of what America has been since its inception: a country founded by white men for the purposes of wealth accumulatio…

1
Kris Rose on Deliberative Democracy and Meta's Community Forums 1:12:33

6M ago1:12:33

1:12:33

Season 3 is here! On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins interview Kris Rose on deliberative democracy and Meta's community forums. Kris discusses Meta’s efforts to incorporate public input into decision-making through the Oversight Board and Community Forums. The Oversight Board, an independent body with binding authority over…

1
#102-Worldviews and How they Guide our Beliefs-with guest Annick de Witt 59:12

6M ago59:12

59:12

This episode takes a deep dive into the concept of “worldview”, based on the research and work done by Annick de Witt: researcher, writer, teacher, and founder of the organization Worldview Journeys. Topics discussed include: conceptualizing the idea of worldview; how our worldview might affect our beliefs and behaviors; examples of types of worldv…

1
#101-The Virtues of Evidence-Based Policy Making-with guest Robert MacCoun 59:06

7M ago59:06

59:06

Even though they affect all of our lives, most of us know almost nothing about how policies are made, especially policy made by our state and federal governments. So, Julia and Bob learned a lot from this conversation with guest: Robert MacCoun, Law Professor at Stanford University. With a Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degree in Psychology, professo…

1
Post Growth Entrepreneurship with Melanie Rieback 1:08:46

8M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Melanie Rieback is a cybersecurity entrepreneur and the founder of Nonprofit Ventures, an organization dedicated to supporting post growth entrepreneurs. She runs an incubator to support post growth entrepreneurs and teaches a course at the University of Amsterdam on post growth entrepreneurship. Her lectures are available on YouTube, linked below.…

1
Sir Joh made me do it: Margo Kingston’s Whistleblower speech after her #SaveBulgaForest arrest 27:56

8M ago27:56

27:56

WHISTLEBLOWERS AUSTRALIA IS an advocacy and support group for people who buck the system to tell the truth, scary. WA’s Cynthia Kardell asked me to speak at its annual conference after reading my Saturday Paper piece last month on my arrest. I met Peter Fox and Jeff Morris when I happened to sit at the […] Author information Margo Kingston Co-publi…

1
Psychedelics and Storytelling with Rick Doblin and Nirvan Mullick 1:18:51

8M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

Consciousness is one of the six themes of the Denizen podcast and the role of psychedelics is an important subset of that inquiry. It's an honor to bring Rick Doblin to the podcast with this episode; he has been at the forefront of the movement since founding the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in 1986. Rick is joined b…

1
#100-Foundations and Future of Critical Thinking-with guest Kevin deLaplante 59:03

8M ago59:03

59:03

This discussion with philosopher, former tenured professor at Iowa State University, and now independent critical thinking educator and consultant, Kevin deLaplante, revisits the importance and benefits of critical thinking in today’s post-truth world, reviews the basic skills involved with critical thinking and understanding of human cognitive vul…

1
Currency Innovation with Ferananda Ibarra 1:03:04

9M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Ferananda Ibarra is the CEO of the Coventina Foundation, co-founder of the Metacurrency Project, and expert in utilizing the decentralized web to enable economic innovation, collective intelligence, and the commons. In this conversation we explore the role of currency innovation in economic innovation and regenerative economics. Fernanda has such a…

1
PODCAST: After our arrests, Susie Russell on the #SaveBulgaForest latest 52:39

9M ago52:39

52:39

Current episode Featured image by, Amber Trax. Previous episode Save Bulga Forest archive: https://nofibs.com.au/?s=%23savebulgaforest Author information Margo Kingston Co-publisher and editor-in-chief at No Fibs Margo Kingston is a retired Australian journalist and climate change activist. She is best known for her stint as Phillip Adams’ ‘Canberr…

1
Citizen's Assemblies with Claudia Chwalisz 1:06:16

9M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

This episode citizen’s assemblies, which are similar to jury duty, but for policy. Over the course of several months, a representative group of everyday citizens comes together to understand and deliberate issues, ultimately making policy recommendations. They’re very compelling as a compliment to traditional policy making processes, as citizens do…

1
PODCAST: Ken Henry’s plan to protect NSW State Forests from logging #SaveBulgaForest 45:36

9M ago45:36

45:36

Ken Henry and I reside in Comboyne, the village on the Comboyne Plateau north of the Bulga Plateau. Ken’s father was a logger and he grew up in Taree before becoming Treasury Secretary for Peter Costello and Paul Keating and chairman of the NAB. Ken, his wife Naomi and I joined citizen scientists in the […] Author information Margo Kingston Co-publ…

1
#99-How internet influencers, algorithms and crowds are altering our politics, our society and our very relationship to reality-with guest Renée DiResta.mp3 59:07

9M ago59:07

59:07

Researcher, author and former Research Manager of the Stanford Internet Observatory, Renée DiResta, discusses how numerous internet-savvy individuals (influencers) are causing a profound shift in power and influence over our politics, beliefs and behavior, as outlined in her recent book: Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality. She …

1
Redefining Progress with Alex Randall 1:10:25

10M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

Resources: Development in Progress: https://consilienceproject.org/development-in-progress/ To stay connected to all things Denizen, you can sign up for our newsletter at www.becomingdenizen.com. There we share our latest content alongside community events, educational opportunities, and announcements from our many partner organizations.…

1
#98-The Nature of Curiosity and it’s implications for Critical Thinking-with guest Jacqueline Gottlieb 59:13

10M ago59:13

59:13

Professor Jacqueline Gottlieb, Principal Investigator at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute and former head of the Research Cluster on Curiosity at Columbia University’s Center for Science and Society, brings her research experience and deep thinking about the human brain's higher cognitive functions—including decision making, memory, and at…

1
PODCAST: Dyson seeks to hoover up a funding fair go for #WannonVotes 41:40

10M ago41:40

41:40

Comedian and former Triple J Breakfast host, Alex Dyson is contesting the federal seat of Wannon for the third time and his support has been growing since his first run in 2019. Author information Wayne Jansson Chief reporter & photographer at No Fibs Wayne Jansson is an Australian citizen journalist and photojournalist and has been a contributor t…

1
Scaling a Progressive Economy with Chelsea Robinson and Jay Standish 1:04:30

11M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

If you’re wondering how we might reform capitalism to be less extractive and more regenerative, this conversation is for you. Our guests Chelsea Robinson and Jay Standish have just published a book, Assets in Common, sharing recent research on what is happening in the most progressive corners of the current economic landscape. We discuss shared and…