The Andrea Mitchell Center Podcast

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. Speech was central to the political success of both Barack Obama and Donald Trump, who each emerged through insurgent campaigns bolstered by the energy generated at mass rallies. CODY KEENAN, Director of Speechwriting for the Obama White House, argues that this is where the similarity ends, however. While Obama chose his words carefully in order to navigate the divisions in society and craft a hopeful story of America that foregrounded its ability to change in the face of fear and entrenched prejudice, Trump gives rein to America's reactionary id in a voluminous but largely unstructured stream...

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. If today's politicians, even and the state and local level, often seem more interested in scoring off ideological opponents to gain clicks than in working across party lines to solve problems, LEO SOLGA aspires to follow a different path. Solga is a recent Penn graduate in Political Science and a candidate in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House District 148. In his discussion with historian Matthew Roth, he describes his journey into politics and his positions on such issues as transit, education, reproductive rights, housing, and criminal justice. Above all, he argues that politics can and should...

Interviewer: JOSHUA ROSE. In this episode of the Andrea Mitchell Center podcast, Joshua Rose speaks with Penn Political Science Professor JULIA LYNCH about her book Getting Better: The Policy and Politics of Reducing Health Inequalities and the politics of public health. Drawing on case studies from the United States, Brazil, Germany, and the UK, the conversation explores how social inequality, democratic participation, and political will shape health outcomes - and why expanding political voice may be one of the most powerful tools for improving public health.

Interviewer: JOSHUA ROSE.  Host JOSHUA ROSE speaks with Dr. ADAM MOHR, Senior Lecturer in Penn's Critical Writing Program, about his 2023 book The West African Revival: Faith Tabernacle Congregation on the Guinea Coast, 1918–1929. Mohr traces how a Philadelphia-based divine-healing church became an unlikely catalyst for a mass revival across West Africa in the aftermath of the 1918 influenza pandemic—when medical systems faltered and religious healing practices took on new urgency. Mohr follows the revival's long arc into the present, including the Pentecostal traditions it helped seed—and the striking ways those West African churches have since returned to Philadelphia through migrati

Interviewer: JOSHUA ROSE. In this episode of the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy podcast, host JOSHUA ROSE speaks with Penn Law and History Professor SERENA MAYERI about her book Marital Privilege: Marriage, Inequality, and the Transformation of American Law. Mayeri unpacks how Supreme Court decision-making around family and privacy can defy ideological expectations, why challenges to marriage's legal primacy were often fragmented rather than movement-coordinated, and how today's "traditional family values" revival intersects with longstanding conservative legal projects and post-Dobbs uncertainty.

Interviewer: RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN. Over the past decade we have witnessed an unfolding global crisis of democracy, in its liberal-democratic, representative, capitalist form. As elite power has continued to grow without constraints, classical democratic theory has struggled to keep pace with these momentous changes. In this episode, political theorist SAMUEL BAGG sat down with RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN to discuss how elites gain systematic advantages in modern society, and why resisting this state capture is crucial for thinking about the future of democracy.

Episode recorded in February 2025.

Interviewer: MATT BERKMAN. Journalist and anti-corruption investigator JOSH STANFIELD joins host MATT BERKMAN to unpack Virginia's feverish election season, discussing campaign cash, a runaway data-center boom, and ethics enforcement. Drawing on his FOIA work, Stanfield details lawsuits over nondisclosure by statewide officials, ICE activity, and government surveillance, reflecting on what all of this means for democracy in Virginia today.

Interviewer: RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN. Philosopher SCOTT SEHON joins the podcast to discuss his book Socialism: A Logical Introduction (Oxford University Press). Sehon presents a "master argument" for socialism and defines socialism along two axes: collective economic control and egalitarian distribution. He addresses common critiques of socialism based on rights, the sanctity of private property, and concerns about exploitation. The discussion spans Hayek and Friedman, climate change as the clearest market failure, and how logical reasoning can cut through today's polarized debates.

*This episode was recorded last year.

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. Anti-vaccine rhetoric is on the rise in the U.S., encouraged now by MAHA-dominated health policies emerging from Washington. It is tempting to paint this as a top-down process, but neonatologist and immunologist BENJAMIN A. FENSTERHEIM argues that the problem runs deeper and is rooted in the institutional arrangements of our healthcare system. In his conversation with historian Matthew Roth, he describes his work caring for newborns, the increasing pushback by parents against routine preventive measures, and his reflections on how the relationship between doctors and patients must fundamentally change to ensure that the best medical...

Interviewer: CARRIE WELSH. Why does the American criminal justice system produce unreliable knowers? In this episode, host CARRIE WELSH is joined by philosopher and prison education director JOHN FANTUZZO and re-entry consultant and executive director RAYMOND POWELL for a conversation about the epistemological foundations of mass incarceration. Drawing on a forthcoming paper and lived experience, they unpack how the prison's economy of credibility systematically undermines the efforts and perspectives of incarcerated people and extends punishment far beyond prison walls. Their conversation ends with a call to center the knowledge of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people in efforts to reduce society...

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. In their 2024 book Ungoverning: The Attack on the Administrative State and the Politics of Chaos, Professors RUSSELL MUIRHEAD (Dartmouth) and NANCY ROSENBLUM (Harvard) analyze the emergence of "ungoverning," a political trend aimed at limiting or dismantling key functions of the administrative state. They situate this development within broader shifts in American politics, tracing its roots to earlier debates over the role of government and examining how it has been intensified in the Trump era.  In conversation with historian Matthew Roth, they reflect on what makes this movement distinctive, the challenges it poses for democratic governance, and the...

Interviewer: JOSHUA ROSE.  Historian and Penn Professor SOPHIA ROSENFELD discusses her new book The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life, exploring how choice became central to modern ideas of freedom — and why our obsession with it can leave us anxious, overwhelmed, and divided. From the rise of shopping and religious freedom to romance, politics, and reproductive rights, she traces the surprising history and complicated legacy of living in an "age of choice."

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. When the Sars-CoV-2 spread across the world in the spring of 2020, it triggered unprecedented lockdowns in nearly every country, including democracies where such drastic measures were previously considered unlikely to be feasible. The hope was that the virus could be stopped and eventually eliminated, and that deaths could be minimized in the meantime. In their new book, In Covid's Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us, political scientists FRANCES LEE and STEPHEN MACEDO examine the sequence of decisions that led to these policies and conclude that not only did they not work as envisioned, but that the...

Interviewer: RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN. In this episode, host Rafael Khachaturian speaks with sociologist and political theorist NARA ROBERTA SILVA about the trajectory of Brazil's left over the past two decades. Together, they unpack the rise and contradictions of the Workers' Party (PT), Brazil's role in the Latin American "pink tide," and the tensions between grassroots mobilization, state power, and neoliberal constraint. From participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre to Lula's turn to pragmatic governance, Silva offers a sharp, historically grounded reflection on the promises and limits of leftist rule in the Global South. The conversation also turns to the reactionary surge...

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. In an era that has seen the rise of right-wing populism, which has often pitted itself against the institutions of liberal democracy, recent election outcomes in Canada and Australia hint at a counter-trend. Political scientist LORI TURNBULL, an expert on not just Canadian politics but of the nuts-and-bolts of Canadian democracy, guides us through her country's recent election, which in many ways was similar to that of the 2024 US election. A highly unpopular leader was dragging down the electoral prospects of his party as it was challenged by an insurgent conservative movement. The outcome, however, was...

INTERVIEWER: RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN. In this episode, Rafael Khachaturian speaks with IRA ALLEN, Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Writing, and Digital Media Studies at Northern Arizona University, about his latest book, Panic Now: Tools for Humanizing. Allen explores panic as a vital, practical response to the unfolding crises of climate, capitalism, and colonial legacies. He argues for embracing panic as a catalyst for solidarity, novel social forms, and collective resilience in the face of civilizational collapse—offering a provocative rethinking of how we might navigate and even thrive amid uncertainty.

INTERVIWER: YARA DAMAJ. Author SARAH TOWLE discusses her book, Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands.

INTERVIEWER: CATHY BARTCH. In this episode of the Andrea Mitchell Center Podcast, host Cathy Bartch is joined by environmental experts CAROLINA ANGEL BOTERO and FERNANDA JIMENEZ to explore innovative approaches to democracy that extend beyond traditional, human-centered perspectives. Together, they discuss the Rights of Nature movement emerging from Latin America, the complexities of recognizing ecosystems as democratic participants, and how redefining our relationship with the natural world could shape a more inclusive and equitable democratic future.

INTERVIEWER: MATT BERKMAN. In this episode, Matt Berkman speaks with OSMAN BALKAN, Associate Director of the Huntsman Program at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Dying Abroad: The Political Afterlives of Migration in Europe. Their conversation delves into the profound yet often overlooked decisions migrants face around death and burial—choices that reflect deeply contested questions about belonging, citizenship, and identity. Drawing from Balkan's firsthand experiences as an undertaker and extensive research in Berlin and Istanbul, this discussion sheds light on how death becomes a site of political struggle and a poignant measure of what "home" truly means in...

INTERVIEWER: YARA DAMAJ. The collapse of the Assad regime has reshaped Syria's political landscape, bringing both significant opportunities and deep uncertainties. This episode unpacks the factors behind Assad's downfall, the power struggles within the opposition, and the ongoing fight for justice after years of repression. As regional dynamics shift, the future of Syria remains uncertain, with major implications for governance, security, and diplomacy. Penn PhD Candidate YARA DAMAJ interviews IBRAHIM BAKRI, Associate Director of the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy.

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. Since it was overturned in 2022, Roe v. Wade has continued to represent to many what the restoration of abortion rights would look like. As philosopher BERTHA ALVAREZ MANNINEN has long pointed out, however, Roe itself was vulnerable to challenges from the fetal personhood movement. Two years before Roe, on the other hand, an essay by Judith Jarvis Thomson presented a defense of abortion robust enough to withstand the claims of fetal personhood in an essay that is both famous and strangely ignored in the legal wranglings over abortion. In her discussion with historian Matthew Roth, Manninen...

INTERVIWER: JEFF GREEN. AMC Director Jeff Green is joined by Slavoj Žižek, renowned Slovenian philosopher and cultural theorist whose work spans psychoanalysis, politics, and popular culture. Known for his sharp wit, provocative style, and ability to blend complex theory with humor, Žižek has been a major voice on the Western intellectual left since the 1990s. As one of the most influential public intellectuals of our time, his insights continue to challenge and inspire debates on ideology, power, and society.

To watch the full Zoom interview with both speakers visible and subtitles included, use the following link...

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. In late 2020, in the midst of COVID lockdowns and the national election, speechwriter and opinion columnist FRANCIS BARRY bought an RV and, with his wife Laurel, traveled across from New York to San Francisco via the Lincoln Highway, interviewing citizens along the way to explore what still bound the nation together in divisive times. In his discussion with historian Matthew Roth, he focuses on two possibilities: our history, as memorialized by the monuments that marked his journey, and our democratic tradition. As monuments linked to white supremacy were being torn down in the wake of the...

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. In theory, the US Constitution established a system by which the three branches of government keep each other in check. Political scientist and constitutional scholar COREY BRETTSCHNEIDER argues that, in fact, it has more often been citizen pressure – not the courts or the legislature – that has rescued us from the anti-democratic exercise of presidential power. In his discussion with historian Matthew Roth, he describes how the core democratic principles of the Constitution, beginning with the opening phrase of the preamble, have inspired citizens to oppose autocratic presidents from John Adams to Richard Nixon and to push agai...

Interviewer: RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN. In this episode, Professors MARC MEREDITH and MICHAEL MORSE from the University of Pennsylvania unpack Pennsylvania's pivotal role in the upcoming U.S. election. They explore Pennsylvania's unique political geography, its electoral laws, and the critical implications of mail-in ballots. The discussion dives into the evolving demographics and the shift in political messaging from both parties since 2016, particularly around issues resonating with Pennsylvania voters, from economic concerns to the broader narrative of defending democracy. They also examined how education and class nuances influence party support, and consider how early returns on Election Day might shape the...

Interviewer: MATTHEW BERKMAN. Penn Professor (emeritus) IAN LUSTICK, who has been teaching on the Israel-Palestine conflict at Penn since 1991, returns to the podcast to share his thoughts on the ongoing crisis.

In this episode, MIRANDA SKLAROFF is in conversation with PETER FRASE, editorial board member of Jacobin magazine and author of Four Futures: Life After Capitalism. Frase presents a case for socialism as a superior alternative to liberal democracy, delving into the critical differences between socialists and social democrats. The discussion also explores the stagnation of electoral socialism in the U.S. since the 2016 election, the reasons behind social democrats' loss of momentum, and the potential pathways to a socialist future

Interviewer: JOSHUA ROSE. In her book, Hailing the State: Indian Democracy Between Elections, Professor LISA MITCHELL explores the various methods of collective action used by people in India to hold elected officials and government administrators accountable. Moving beyond an exclusive focus on electoral processes, Mitchell argues that to understand democracy — both in India and beyond — we must also pay attention to what occurs between elections.

Interviewer: MATTHEW BERKMAN. Anti-corruption activist JOSH STANFIELD returns to the AMC podcast. This discussion centers on the significant impact of data centers in Virginia, which currently hosts the largest data center market in the world. These massive facilities, crucial for the growing prevalence of AI and other technologies, bring economic benefits but also pose several serious challenges -- including noise pollution, infringement on natural and historic sites, and increasing the already considerable influence of tech corporations on local politics.

AUDREY JAQUISS sits down with Penn Professor ERIC ORTS to explore the future of environmental regulation and politics in light of recent Supreme Court decisions. In the last two years, the Court has significantly curtailed the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to protect wetlands and regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. This year, the Court's decision to overturn the longstanding Chevron Deference Doctrine has further endangered numerous environmental regulations. Orts discusses what these rulings mean for the future of environmental policy and the implications for the ongoing battle against climate change.

TANJA PETROVIĆ, principal research associate at the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, discusses her recent book Utopia in Uniform: Affective Afterlives of the Yugoslav People's Army. Moderated by RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN.

ANNE NORTON, Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses her book Wild Democracy: Anarchy, Courage, and Ruling the Law with moderator and Penn alumnus JOSHUA ROSE.

DR. ROBIN S. BROOKS, career diplomat and former Special Advisor to the Vice President for Europe, Russia, Multilateral Affairs, and Democracy, delves into the intricacies of democracy. The discussion explores the pivotal role of elections and the alarming phenomenon of democratic backsliding, particularly evident in ex-Soviet States. Dr. Brooks sheds light on the influence of American foreign policy in the region and dissects the corrosive impact of corruption on democratic institutions. The term "democratic backsliding" is analyzed, pondering whether it signifies a shift towards new forms of authoritarianism. Additionally, the challenges facing the American liberal democratic system are explored...

This episode focuses on the recent passage of a foreign aid package by the House of Representatives, which includes aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The delay in passing the bill raised concerns about America's reliability in fulfilling its international commitments. The episode explores how partisan divides are reshaping views on foreign policy, with conservatives showing skepticism toward Ukraine but strong support for Israel, and some on the left adopting a critical stance toward Israel while backing Ukraine. Despite these divisions, bipartisan consensus prevailed in Congress, highlighted by overwhelming support for the aid packages. Representative MIKIE SHERRILL of New...

AUDREY JAQUISS interviews RHIANA GUNN-WRIGHT, Climate Policy Director of the Roosevelt Institute. They delve into discussions on the intersection of climate policy with issues such as white supremacy, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and economic concerns. Gunn-Wright explores the importance of universality in climate policy and strategies for navigating reactionary political landscapes. 

Barbara McQuade, a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, discusses her new book Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America. Barbara argues disinformation is a threat to democracy. However, the larger threat is not from foreign adversaries, but those within the country who use disinformation for political gain. Still, the even larger attack comes from within ourselves. She argues we need a moral reckoning to preserve democracy in an era where disinformation and misinformation is so widespread. Justin Kempf, host of the Democracy Paradox, interviews Barbara in a wide-ranging conversation about propaganda, social media, and democracy in t...

JONATHAN BLITZER, staff writer at The New Yorker, discusses his recent book Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis. According to Blitzer, immigration policy happens at the intersection of international relations and domestic politics. In this episode, he uses personal stories to help explain his points. JUSTIN KEMPF, host of the Democracy Paradox, interviews Blitzer about immigration, Central America, and the many people affected.

Episode in partnership with Democracy Paradox.

Join Secretary MARCIA LIMA and Penn Professor MICHAEL G. HANCHARD in a candid conversation on the pervasive nature of anti-blackness in Brazil and the United States. Lima currently serves as the Secretary of Affirmative Action Policies and Combatting and Overcoming Racism at the Ministry of Racial Equality in Brazil. This conversation examines parallels and disparities between the two countries in addressing systemic racism, as well as the ways in which the fight against racism is portrayed in the media and popular culture. The episode confronts the complexities of racial identity and governance as well as possibilities for global solidarity i...

Interviewer: AUDREY JAQUISS. Director of the Institute for Global Sustainability and Professor at Boston University, BENJAMIN SOVACOOL, delves into the crucial concept of energy justice. Sovacool unravels its definition and examines the demographics and locations where it is most pertinent. Distinguishing energy justice from climate or environmental justice, he offers insights into the nuances of this evolving field. Sovacool shares policy recommendations aimed at achieving energy justice and explores the unique roles that individuals and nations play in this collective endeavor. From the interconnectedness of social and environmental concerns to the responsibilities that we all bear in the pursuit...

Interviewer: JOSHUA ROSE. Associate Professor at Georgetown University, JOSHUA CHERNISS, explores the dynamic relationship between diversity of thought and democracy, acknowledging it as both a core element of democracy's existence while also a significant challenge to its sustenance. He challenges the assumption that democracy will endure, emphasizing the need for active reflection to safeguard its foundations. In this conversation, Professor Cherniss navigates the nuanced terrain of liberal democracy, delving into the depths of political philosophy and its implications for the future of democracy.