Using Stories and Music to Explore the American Dream and Drive Activism with Jennifer Appel
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Release Date: 04/28/2025
From MySpace to TikTok and Why Political Campaigns Must Adapt to the New Social Media Landscape with Scott Goodstein Catalyst Campaigns
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Scott Goodstein, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Campaigns, discusses the evolution and current state of social media strategies in politics in this interview, recorded on September 11 and the day after the murder of Conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Scott was the social media architect for the 2008 Obama campaign and contrasts the early, diverse social media landscape with today's video-dominated rapid-response environment, which is concentrated on a few major platforms. We talk about: Where and how voters are getting news and information Using social media for two-way engagement rather...
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Tips for Podcasters and Their Guests with Karen Jagoda and Deepak Puri
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
This is an interview conducted by Deepak Puri of The Democracy Labs, discussing the art of podcasting with me, Karen Jagoda. Being a podcaster since the early days, I have seen my share of great guests, reluctant guests, and unprepared guests. Listening to other podcasters has helped me understand both the great potential and limited value podcasts and podcasters can have. In addition to the Digital Politics Podcast, I am also the producer and host of the Empowered Patient Podcast, which has allowed me to interview scientists and medical professionals who are increasingly interested in...
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Life Science Leaders Call for Combatting Science Skepticism with Hamid Ghanadan LINUS
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Hamid Ghanadan, CEO at LINUS, reports on their recent State of Science research that tracks scientists' sentiment, funding expectations, and barriers to their work. Key findings reveal that the politicization of science and erosion of public trust in science threaten to slow innovation rates and negatively impact public access to accurate information. The survey also shows a direct negative impact on scientists' morale, job satisfaction, and creativity. We talk about: The growing perception of the public that science is not real Sources of public distrust of scientific information When...
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FastAlert Now App for Activists and Organizers with Deepak Puri The Democracy Labs
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, has developed the FastAlert Now app that allows organizers and non-profit organizations to send alerts to people without requiring their phone number, email, or downloading an app. This free app is a channel-based system that uses QR codes and URLs to enable users to subscribe to a specific channel and receive push notifications on their phone or computer while protecting the identity of the recipient. Deepak and I talk about: Need for privacy-centric communication technologies Advantages of precise targeting of messages while protecting...
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Impact of Healthcare Policy Changes and Need for New Models with James Keppel Sarana Health
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
James Keppel is the Founder and CEO of Sarana Health and a healthcare advocate for an integrated, wellness-focused approach to keeping people healthy instead of simply treating diseases. While the impacts of current policy changes and budget cuts in healthcare and medical research have yet to be seen, all indications point to widening gaps in serving rural populations and those with complex conditions. James encourages private industry to step up to innovate new models of healthcare delivery and financing, and to use AI and technology to support healthcare providers in providing personalized,...
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Fighting Political Cynicism by Sharing Authentic Conversations with Brian Rolling the MurMur Project
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Brian Rolling, Co-Founder of the MurMur Project, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss how individuals can engage more effectively through digital communication and social media, gaining a deeper understanding of political issues, campaigns, and elections, and have their own voices heard. Brian has a background in filmmaking and content creation, while his mother and co-founder has a long history in community organizing and running non-profits, making them a unique team to navigate the current political landscape. Deepak and Brian talk about: Overcoming cynicism and...
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The Johnson Amendment Under Fire with Rebecca Markert Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Rebecca Markert, Vice President and Legal Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State , joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss the fundamental American principle of the separation of church and state, as included in the Constitution. The Johnson Amendment, passed 70 years ago, is a critical law that prevents churches and charities from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Deepak and Rebecca talk about: Historical perspective of the Johnson Amendment and bipartisan support Efforts to inject more religion into public schools ...
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Empowering Local Organizers for Ballot Initiative Success with Chris Melody Fields Figueredo BISC
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, discusses the 2.5 Project, an initiative by BISC that provides early, flexible funding to support ballot initiatives focused on economic justice. Recent efforts in Nebraska and Missouri to support minimum wage and paid sick leave ballot initiatives yielded positive results, demonstrating the ability to frame the issues and collaborate with related efforts, such as reproductive rights measures. We talk about: The differences between political candidate campaigns and ballot initiatives Importance of...
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Humanizing Political Impact with Stories about Real-Life Consequences with Jim Lardner Good Trouble Podcast
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Jim Lardner, journalist, activist, and host of the podcast "Good Trouble," joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss the "We Are Your Neighbor" Project, which aims to collect and promote personal stories of people impacted by the Trump administration's policies. The goal is to promote these types of stories in a non-ideological way to reach out to Trump supporters and others who may be reconsidering their political support. Deepak and Jim talk about: The power of storytelling to connect voters across the political spectrum Growing number of people who are willing to...
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Power of Art and Visual Storytelling to Reframe Political Narratives with Bill Moyer Backbone Campaign
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Bill Moyer, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Backbone Campaign, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to explore the value of creative activism and visual props in promoting causes and values. The metaphor of the backbone is a symbol of moral power and strength that voters are encouraged to draw on to protest, drive awareness, and mobilize to bring about change. The Backbone Campaign is supporting organizers nationwide to help them collaborate and effectively convey their messages. Deepak and Bill talk about: The intersection of art and activism ...
info_outlineJennifer Appel, filmmaker, teacher, and activist, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss the American Dream and the need to provide a more complete and accurate portrayal of the American experience. Jennifer uses storytelling, music, and visuals to give voice to diverse perspectives, including those of Indigenous people and veterans, to rally the country and heal the divisions in American society. She reminds us of the Hopi Indian quote, "The one who tells the story rules the world."
Deepak and Jennifer talk about
- What drives Jennifer to use music and film to inspire change
- What kind of change is needed in this increasingly materialistic society
- The unrealized potential of the American Dream
- The Country Club Culture
- Bruce Springsteen
#SomewhereIRead​ #JenAppelCreates #TraitorFilm #TraitorMovie #TraitorAStoryOfPatriots #IndieFilm #Patriotism #Democracy #Democrats #GOP #Republicans #MusicInFilm #BruceSpringsteen #TheBoss #SpringsteenSongs #BornToRun #SpringsteenNation #MusicHeals #HealingTheNation #TruthOverTyranny #MikeAppelLegacy
