Saru Jayaraman, long-time activist and leader of One Fair Wage, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss the historical origins of the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers in the US and the power of that community to drive higher wages. The movement has now expanded beyond tipped workers to a broader coalition fighting for a living wage for all. Saru emphasizes that any political platform that focuses on affordability must also include raising wages to be effective.  Deepak and Saru talk about: Organizing restaurant workers dating back to the response to 9/11 How COVID empowered restaurant workers to demand higher wages The composition of the workforce most impacted by low minimum wages   Why addressing affordability requires policies that drive living wages in more states  #TheDemLabs #OneFairWage #FairWage #LivingWage #RestaurantWorkers #LaborRights #EconomicJustice #Affordability #WorkersRights #TippingCulture #SocialJustice #OrganizingMatters #DigitalPolitics OneFairWage.org TheDemLabs.org  

Javan Van Gronigen, Founder of Donately considers 2025 as a year of testing the water for peer-to-peer and crowdfunding for political and advocacy campaigns. AI is enabling organizations to create and deploy fundraising content more quickly and target specific audiences. Increasingly, digital tools are showing effectiveness for all donor levels, whether turning a small-dollar donor into a recurring one or engaging a major supporter. We talk about Digital outreach to mobile-first donors Common mistakes on donation pages, including overly complicated forms Value of fundraising appeals tied to rapid response to current events Need to create compelling stories about real people to motivate donors #Donately #DigitalStrategy #OnlineGiving #NonprofitMarketing #DataDrivenNonprofits #DigitalFundraising #NonprofitTech #DonorEngagement #AIForGood #MobileFirstFundraising #AdvocacyTech #SocialImpactTech #StorytellingForChange Donately.com

John Fitch, The Fitch Law Firm, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss the importance of victims reporting sexual abuse not only for their own justice but to break the cycle and prevent perpetrators from harming others. John warns that delayed reporting can lead to the loss of essential physical evidence, making the case harder to pursue.  Deepak and John talk about: The staggering widespread prevalence of sexual abuse in small towns to big metropolitan cities Behavior of sexual predators Lifelong trauma victims endure Challenges victims face in seeking justice #TheDemLabs #FitchLawFirm #SexAbuse #Lawyer #Ohio #NewYork #SexualAbuseSurvivors #Justice #LegalAdvocacy #BreakTheSilence #ChildProtection #LegalRights #SexualAbuseAwareness #LegalSupport #EpsteinFiles JohnFitch.com TheDemLabs.org  

Behdad Jamshidi is the Founder of CJAM The Marketing Connector, which has vetted over 1,000 marketing agencies to identify those most qualified to deliver on their promises. The idea of a single agency handling all political and advocacy campaign needs is no longer realistic, as there are an increasing number of channels to reach voters and supporters. We talk about: The vast majority of agencies are execution focused while clients often expect high-level strategic thinking Red flags of agencies noted during the vetting process and from their work with clients The need for constant testing and adjustment to messages in this rapid response environment If a marketing firm is not using AI, it is falling behind the competition #CJAMMarketing #PolitcalCampaigns #Advocacy #MarketingAgencies #DigitalPolitics #CampaignStrategy #PoliticalMarketing #MarketingROI #DigitalStrategy #CampaignManagement #PoliticalConsulting #MarketingPartners #ElectionMarketing CJAMMarketing.com

Ivan Pardo, Founder of Solidarity Tech used his organizing platform to successfully manage the over 100,000 volunteers for the campaign of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York. This platform was originally designed to be multilingual from its inception to organize non-English-speaking rideshare drivers. While technology was key to the Mamdani success, the authenticity of the candidate and message discipline were key to connecting with volunteers and voters. We talk about: Deep organizing at scale focusing on getting volunteers to commit and show up for shifts, re-engage and recruit their friends Converting social media engagement into volunteer sign-ups Why multilingual capabilities are essential for reaching diverse communities Bridging online enthusiasm with offline action  #ZohranMamdani #ZohranforNYC #CRM #LaborOrganizing #CampaignVolunteers #GrassrootsTech #PoliticalInnovation #CommunityOrganizing #CivicTech #Democracy #VolunteerManagement #PoliticalCampaigns #NYC #SocialImpact #TechForGood Solidarity.tech      

Nicole Dunger, Vice President of Growth, and Ryan Davis, CEO of People First, highlight the value of integrating influencer content into paid media strategies, a practice becoming more common in the political and advocacy space. The use of micro-influencers is key for state and local races, and the paid amplification can promote authentic voices to hard-to-reach voters. Campaigns are planning their influencer strategies earlier in the campaign cycle and effectively using creator content to inform messaging to a broader audience. We talk about: The common practice of commercial brands to use creator content in paid advertising Why micro-influencers with 5,000-50,000 followers are the sweet spot for congressional races Measuring ROI from influencer campaigns Learning to cede creative control to influencers, trusting them to know how best to communicate to their followers  #PeopleFirst #Influencers #InfluencerCampaigns #InfluencerMarketing #PoliticalCampaigns #DigitalCampaigns #VoterOutreach #Election2026  peoplefirst.cc

Josh Justice, CEO of Peerly, highlights the new Video in Motion technology, an evolution of their previous HD video texting service. This next-generation tool allows for sending 4K high-resolution video to voters' phones via text message, bypassing the limitations of MMS protocols. This is a direct-to-voter messaging model that Josh argues is superior to traditional OTT and CTV advertising because it delivers a measurable interactive experience directly to voters. Josh and I talk about: The integration of AI for video captions and thumbnails using AMP AI to handle replies that text campaigns generate The benefits of delivering messages directly to a voter's phone versus paid advertising The value of the robust real-time metrics tracking 64 different points of engagement Need for campaigns to take a mobile-first strategy to meet voters where they are in motion and not just sitting in front of a screen #Peerly #VideoInMotion #CampaignTech #PoliticalInnovation #DigitalOutreach #VoterEngagement #MobileStategy Peerly.com    

Aram Fischer, Co-Founder and CEO of Change Agent, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss values-aligned generative AI and how it contrasts with mainstream AI platforms.  Aram warns about built-in societal biases and misinformation in tools like ChatGPT that need to be identified to better align data with proper action. Deepak and Aram talk about: Shortcomings in existing gen AI platforms related to data privacy and implicit and explicit biases Practical applications for AI for voter data analysis and fundraising Using AI to support campaign communications and messaging  Creating a library of pre-built workflows to improve campaign efficiency and automate time-consuming tasks  #TheDemLabs #TheChangeAI #ChangeAgent #Nonprofits #NonProfitTech #AI #GenAIinPolitics #PoliticalAI #EthicalAI #Activists #SocialJustice #Fundraising  Change Agent TheDemLabs.org  

Ellen Gavin, filmmaker and changemaker, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss her latest project, a short film titled "The People United," a collaboration with legendary activist Dolores Huerta that encourages nonviolent community intervention to protect neighbors from ICE.  Ellen drives home the point that effective activism must touch the heart to move the feet and be driven by a message of solidarity, rather than being motivated by fear-based tactics. Deepak and Ellen talk about: The use of films to tell stories that combat political disinformation and inspire action Need for urgency to fight threats to our democracy Parallels between the current political climate in the US and the historical rise of fascism  Drawing inspiration from Huerta #TheDemLabs #EllenGavin #DoloresHuerta #Protests #Autocrats #Resistance #Democracy #CivicEngagement #SocialMovements #PoliticalAction EllenGavin.com TheDemLabs.org  

Anne-christine d'Adesky, Founder of Resisting Project 2025, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss strategies to counter the agenda of Project 2025, guiding the Trump administration. She details the growth and significance of the No Kings protests, explaining the goal of reaching 3.5% of the US population — a figure identified as a tipping point for effective nonviolent resistance. Deepak and Anne-christine talk about: How the No Kings mobilization grew and who participated Lessons from international pro-democracy movements Why creative forms of resistance are critical for breaking down autocrats' projection of power Future actions that are being organized to build coalitions and identify community-specific priorities                    #TheDemLabs #ResistingProject2025 #Protests #ResistancetoAutocracy #Autocrats #Resistance #Democracy #CivicEngagement #SocialMovements #PoliticalAction Resisting Project 2025 TheDemLabs.org  

Maresa Strano, Director of the Political Reform Program at New America, discusses the role and mechanics of ballot initiatives in the 23 states that allow for citizen-led statewide initiatives. These Initiatives are a tool for direct democracy and are an effective mechanism for achieving political and good governance reform. Once established in a state's constitution, ballot initiative-driven legislation is difficult to restrict, and typically, changes are unpopular with voters. Current research suggests an opportunity to expand the ballot initiative process to new states as a means to transcend partisan politics and foster meaningful civic engagement and democratic reform. We talk about: The complexity of creating and driving a successful citizen-initiated ballot measure Why initiative topics like raising the minimum wage frequently attract bipartisan support Ballot initiatives as a powerful tool for engaging members of a community especially the younger generation Identifying states ripe for adopting a ballot initiative process #NewAmerica #BallotInitiatives #PoliticalReform #DirectDemocracy #CivicEngagement NewAmerica.org  

Eva Posner, Founder of Evinco Strategies, focuses on the immense challenges facing political campaigns in this current environment of political violence, the 25-minute news cycle, and economic uncertainty. This climate has deterred qualified candidates from running and made it more difficult for campaigns to raise money, particularly from larger donors. We talk about: How the threat of political violence is impacting the physical safety and mental health of candidates and their staff While partisan outrage drives small-donor online donations, sustained funding from major donors has become harder to secure Why the nationalization of state and local campaigns sets unrealistic fundraising expectations for candidates The role of social media in amplifying campaign ground efforts and breaking through the noise #EvincoStrategies #PoliticalCampaigns #PolitcalViolence #Fundraising #PoliticalCandidates EvincoStrategies.com    

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 than broadcasting Need to break out of the partisan echo chambers Strategic differences between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to defining the narrative and storytelling The role of AI in creating sophisticated disinformation CatalystCampaigns.com https://www.thewrap.com/wsj-trans-ideology-charlie-kirk-bullets-false-report/  

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 discussing politics and advocacy related to healthcare and research. Deepak and I talk about: Preparation of guests about the format and host of the podcast to ensure key messages are expressed effectively Need for flexibility on the part of the host and guests to allow for natural and authentic conversations Keys to good storytelling, especially in an audio format Why commitment and consistency are necessary for a podcast to be effective TheDemLabs.org EmpoweredPatientPodcast.com  

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 scientists become politically active  Need for more direct communication from the scientists and life science leaders to make complex topics more understandable and relevant Opportunity for researchers, institutions, vendors, and advocacy groups to recognize these issues and take responsibility to improve the communication of accurate health and medical information to a broader audience #TheLINUSGroup #Scientists #MedicalResearchers #PublicTrust #PoliticizationofScience #HealthcareInformation #MedicalInformation  TheLINUSGroup.com

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 privacy Rapid alerts in emergencies and combating misinformation and rumors Why humor is a strategic weapon in advocacy #TheDemLabs #FastAlertNow #Advocacy #RapidResponse #Activists TheDemLabs.org    

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, continuous care. We talk about: Need to inform and influence the debate about healthcare policy Gaps in how traditional medicine addresses chronic conditions and preventative care Hot button issues like drug price transparency, telehealth, and nutrition benefit cuts How the smarter use of diagnostic tests to find early warning signs of disease benefits all stakeholders Growing frustration among healthcare providers and patients with the current healthcare system is creating an opportunity for innovative models to emerge #SaranaHealth #Healthcare #HealthcareCuts #RuralHealthcare #MedAI Sarana.Health

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 the lack of trust in traditional media Reasons to encourage more people to share information with friends and family Value of trusted sources of authentic information   Available tools and guidance for people to create and share content on social media Calls to action for 2026                        #TheDemLabs #AmericansUnitedforSeparationofChurchandState #AU #SeparationofChurchandState #JohnsonAmendment MurMur Impact Project Substack TheDemLabs.org  

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   The threat of religious beliefs being used to undermine democratic principles  The rise of White Christian nationalism and efforts to dismantle the separation between church and state Calls to action                         #TheDemLabs #AmericansUnitedforSeparationofChurchandState #AU #SeparationofChurchandState #JohnsonAmendment au.org TheDemLabs.org  

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 local coalitions  Need for ongoing communication to drive civic engagement and education about the potential impact of ballot initiatives Ballot initiative trends and coordination across states #BallotInitiativeStrategyCenter #BISC #BallotInitiatives #Organizing #LocalOrganizers  Ballot.org