Power of Art and Visual Storytelling to Reframe Political Narratives with Bill Moyer Backbone Campaign
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Release Date: 07/09/2025
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 ...
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How StoryMaps Humanize Data and Drive Action with Allen Carroll Esri
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Allen Carroll, cartographer and lead of the Story Maps team at Esri, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss the power of maps and the visualization of GIS data to tell a compelling story. The StoryMaps platform combines multimedia elements to create richer and more engaging maps to spark empathy, raise awareness, and potentially inspire change. Deepak and Allen talk about: Why maps and StoryMaps are a highly efficient and effective way to convey complex information The role of heroes in telling a story and humanizing data Using maps to advocate and educate ...
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Reporting on Abby Hoffman to Military Action Against Iran with Lucian Truscott IV
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Lucian K. Truscott IV, journalist, author, and screenwriter, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to shine a light on the challenges of writing about and reporting on current events, political voices, and cultural trends. Lucian started working for the Village Voice while still a cadet at West Point in the 1960s and comes from a long line of military leaders and political figures. He is currently covering politics on his Substack newsletter, Lucian Truscott. Note that this interview was recorded a few days before the US dropped bombs on Iran. Deepak and Lucian talk...
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Charley Chatbot Revolutionizing Access to Abortion Information and Services with Nicole Cushman
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Nicole Cushman joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to talk about Charley. This private, secure abortion focused AI chatbot was created in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The goal of this project is to provide personalized, accurate, up-to-date information about abortion services while protecting the privacy of those looking for resources. Deepak and Nicole talk about: Abortion access in America Databases powering Charley to track changes in clinic locations and state-level abortion policies The power of combining healthcare experts, lawyers, and...
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How Constituent Pressure Can Influence Congressional Budget Decisions with Catherine Rowland Congressional Progressive Caucus Center
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Catherine Rowland, Legislative Affairs Director at the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to explore the current budget reconciliation process in the US Congress. Regardless of the method, Catherine emphasizes that the voice of constituents can make a difference in the outcome and influence budget decisions. Deepak and Catherine talk about: The reconciliation process and rules that determine what provisions can be included in the budget The priorities of the Big Beautiful Bill and the competing priorities and interests at...
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How the Working Class Story Can Lead to Social Change with Gwenn Fulton Addition Project
Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda
Gwenn Fulton from the Addition Project joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to explore how storytelling is a powerful way to translate personal experiences into public dialogue, building shared understanding and action around common challenges. Stories of the working class are particularly needed so that their concerns and aspirations are told in their own voices. Deepak and Gwenn talk about: Effective storytelling balances facts with emotional expression to allow listeners to see themselves as part of the story How storytelling can drive grassroots organizing and...
info_outlineBill 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
- Impact of large visual props and light projections
- Providing training, tools, and support to activists
- Need to drive conversations and build emotional connections
#TheDemLabs #BackboneCampaign #Activism #GrassrootsActivism #Organizing #Protests #PoliticalProtests
