Vital Signs of Democracy

by Debilyn Molineaux & David Riordan

Every news story we hear on cable television, online news feeds or as a social media meme about democracy in America influences the future we create. That's what Vital Signs of Democracy is -- a quick indicator based on our unique narrative analysis that lets us quickly assess how we in the USA are weakening or strengthening our collective story about our democratic republic. Are the stories we are telling supporting democra ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • What does it take to "do democracy?"

    What does it take to "do democracy?"

    S01 E11
    42:01

    In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan interview Julia Roig, Founder and Chief Network Weaver at Horizons Project. Julia is a peace worker with thirty years of experience in democratic change and conflict transformation in war torn countries around the globe. She has a special passion for narratives, collaborative partnerships and connecting diverse groups of activists that she is now pursuing here in the United States. On a scale of 1-10, 1= autocracy and 1= democracy, she feels America is currently at a 4. Read more about Julia's organization here: https://horizonsproject.us

  • The MAGA Bubble, Bidenonmics and Playing the Victim

    The MAGA Bubble, Bidenonmics and Playing the Victim

    S01 E10
    29:31

    In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan explore the narrative themes emerging from the first MAGA Republican debate, the Democrats intention to run in 2024 on the strength of Bidenonmics and the tendency in times of crisis for all of us to play the victim card. These narratives are the first indications of what the MAGA Republicans and Biden Democrats are going to run on for the 2024 Presidential election. The question remains… will our democracy be served by the result? In this podcast, we referenced the plan that has been created should Trump be elected again. We provide the link so you can decide for yourself if this is the future you'd like to see. Project 2025, is presented by The Heritage Foundation. Their headline is Building now for a conservative victory through policy, personnel, and training.

  • Zombie Democracy Epic Times

    Zombie Democracy Epic Times

    S01 E09
    31:31

    In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan explore how they are managing their growing depression and anxiety based on the seeming uncertainty about the health of democracy in America. Trumps new indictments, 75% of MAGA Republicans still believing the 2020 election was stolen by Democrats, and unprecedented climate change heat waves all add up to lots of questions as the 2024 election cycle begins with 70% of Americans desiring someone different than Trump or Biden for President.

  • The Imperial Supremes and Rights for Whom?

    The Imperial Supremes and Rights for Whom?

    S01 E08
    25:09

    In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan look at the latest rulings from the Supreme Court and check on the status of abortion rights one year after the Dobbs decision overturned the rights awarded in Roe v. Wade. Given all the narratives promoted by both sides of the abortion rights issue, Debilyn and David explore a hidden narrative in the continuing debate that could become the real threat to democracy in America - whose rights get protected in the judiciary?

  • Indictments & Big Lie #2

    Indictments & Big Lie #2

    S01 E07
    28:37

    In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux and David Riordan conduct a first analysis of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago documents indictment in Florida. They also look at the potential threat to democracy that is emerging from the debt ceiling deal and the other BIG LIE it suggests the Biden Democrats, MAGA Republicans and the media are all promoting.Chris Hayes reporting referenced in podcast.