In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt sits down with immigration attorney and U.S. Senate candidate Anne Parelkar.

Drawing from her experience as an immigration attorney, mother, and Kansan, Parelkar explains what led her to enter politics and why she believes this moment requires ordinary citizens to become more involved in the future of their government. She reflects on her own evolution from arguing across political divides to recognizing how polarization, misinformation, and political identity can keep Americans fighting each other instead of addressing the forces shaping their lives.

Together, they explore what it would mean to “reset the standard” for elected officials, restore trust in government, and demand greater accountability, and put people back at the center of American politics.

Key Takeaways
- How has working as an immigration attorney changed Anne Parelkar's understanding of America?
- What does it mean to “reset the standard” for elected officials?
- Why does Parelkar believe trust in government has broken down?
- How do political polarization and culture wars keep Americans divided?
- What role do immigration policy, labor protections, and economic inequality play in one another?
- Why does Parelkar believe Americans need to stop viewing each other as enemies?
- What reforms could help reduce the influence of money and political parties?
- Why does democracy require citizens to remain involved after an election?
- What does it mean to put the power of government back in the hands of the people?

Learn more about Anne Parelkar and her campaign:
https://www.anneforkansas.com/

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In this episode of the Defense of Democracy podcast, host Addison K. Witt sits down with award-winning educator, speaker, and author Erin Jones for a deeply personal conversation about education, identity, race, leadership, and the power of honest dialogue to strengthen communities.

Drawing from her experience, Erin shares how empathy, truth, and human connection have shaped her life's work. Together, they explore the challenges facing today's classrooms, the lasting effects of the pandemic on young people, the importance of difficult conversations, and why education remains one of democracy's most powerful tools.

This conversation moves beyond political labels and educational policy to examine what it means to raise compassionate citizens, create spaces where difficult conversations can happen, and build bridges across differences. It is a thoughtful reflection on healing, leadership, civic responsibility, and the future of the next generation.

Key Takeaways

• How did Erin Jones' extraordinary upbringing shape her perspective on race and identity?
• Why does healing begin with honest conversations about history?
• What are schools revealing about today's young people that many adults overlook?
• How has the pandemic changed the way students communicate and build relationships?
• Why are empathy and belonging essential to effective education?
• What role should parents, educators, and leaders play in shaping school culture?
• How can communities move beyond division and create spaces for meaningful dialogue?
• What gives Erin Jones hope for the future of American democracy?

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For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org

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In this episode, Addison and Professor Bernd Feiter debate the future of democracy by looking at its origins, evolution, and potential solutions for growth and understanding. This conversation explains how history, culture, and global viewpoints influence our definition of democracy.

Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization!

For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org

Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "SUPPORT" to 845-208-9846

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