Rephonic
Artwork for The Context
Democracy
Voting Rights
Administrative Burden
Racism
Poverty
Evangelical Christianity
Bureaucracy
Poor People's Campaign
Reproductive Rights
Moral Fusion Politics
Donald Trump
Project 2025
Public Policy
Social Justice
Civil Rights Movement
Trump Administration
Civil Service Protections
Administrative State
NOAA
Child Tax Credit

"The Context" is a podcast about democracy—its past, present and future—brought to you by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation. History ripples and changes. From decisions at the dinner table to declarations from the Rose Garden; moments build upon one another informing our past, illuminating our present, inventing our future. History makes meaning, especially when it comes to the state of our demo... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes50Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsGovernmentNews

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Artwork for The Context

Latest Episodes

How did right wing voices take over podcasting? Media analyst Angelo Carusone joins host Alex Lovit to discuss how the online media ecosystem came to be dominated by anti-inclusive and authoritarian narratives and what that means for democracy. Angel... more

Nonviolent movements are more effective at combatting authoritarianism than violent resistance, according to research from today’s guest. Maria Stephan joins host Alex Lovit to discuss the implications of her research for the United States in this mo... more

YouTube

This week, we bring you an episode of the Disrupting Peace podcast, from the World Peace Foundation. In this episode, host Bridget Conley talks with two guests about how Gen Z Americans are—and aren’t—engaging in democracy and what people of all ages... more

Deva Woodly joins host Alex Lovit to discuss the importance of social movements for American democracy and the role they can play at this precarious moment in American political history. We need these networks of trust and coordinated action to push ... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Ruby Bell Booth
Researcher with CIRCLE at Tufts University, focused on youth civic participation and democracy
CIRCLE, Tufts University
Episode: Bonus: Gen Z is Taking Their First Steps onto the Political Stage (from Disrupting Peace podcast)
Alex Edgar
Youth engagement manager at Made By Us, focuses on civic participation among younger generations
Made By Us
Episode: Bonus: Gen Z is Taking Their First Steps onto the Political Stage (from Disrupting Peace podcast)
Deva Woodly
Political science professor at Brown University and research fellow at the Kettering Foundation.
Brown University
Episode: What Makes Social Movements Win
Erica Frantz
Expert on authoritarianism and political science at Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Episode: Why Democracies Unravel Under Leaders Like Trump
Arlo Washington
Founder and President of People Trust Community Federal Credit Union
People Trust Community Federal Credit Union
Episode: From Barber to Banker: The Man Fighting for Financial Justice in Little Rock
Sean Morales-Doyle
Director of the Voting Rights and Elections Program at the Brennan Center for Justice
Brennan Center for Justice
Episode: The US Doesn’t Have Fair Elections. What Can We Do?
Chase Strangio
Co-director of the LGBT & HIV Project at the ACLU and advocate for trans rights
American Civil Liberties Union
Episode: Trans Kids Are Under Attack. That Hurts Everyone.
Sarah Longwell
Founder and publisher of The Bulwark; host of The Focus Group podcast; co-founder and executive director of Defending Democracy Together; and senior fellow at The Kettering Foundation.
The Bulwark
Episode: Sarah Longwell: To Defend Democracy, Stop Talking about “Democracy”
Diane Ravitch
Historian and champion of public education, former Assistant Secretary in the US Department of Education
Episode: Diane Ravitch: What’s Democratic about Giving Tax Dollars to Private Schools?

Host

Alex Lovit
Host of the podcast, engaging with guests to explore democracy and its implications across various contexts.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 30 ratings
  • Vital for these times

    I've been sharing this podcast because it's intelligent, includes things you can do about the crisis in our country, and doesn't go on and on. Alex, you have an outstanding radio voice, which doesn't hurt. Thanks for doing this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    marc usa
    United Statesa month ago
  • Excellent Discussions of Topical Pro-Democracy Concerns

    I luckily discovered The Context thru “The Democracy Group.” It’s an excellent podcast. The interviews with experts are intelligent. They try to provide some positive steps people can take to create a stronger democracy. Assuming, of course, we ever escape from our current authoritarian government.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DrDK2
    United States2 months ago
  • Superfood for the Soul

    The Context is an intellectual breath of fresh air. Each episode dives deep without ever feeling heavy or inaccessible. It avoids the usual superficial takes and instead offers thoughtful, well-framed insights that stay with you. No matter your place on the political or social spectrum, this podcast expands your thinking and nourishes your curiosity. It’s the kind of show that doesn’t just inform—it inspires. A powerful and essential addition to any podcast lineup.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Goldenrust
    Canada3 months ago
  • Excellent Show

    Where often shows can be “activating” like make you mad or angry or hate another perspective or group, this show is purely educational. I like how I can just listen and feel enlightened and form my own views and opinions based on expertise, not someone spinning information to get a reaction out of me.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cprestonra
    United States8 months ago
  • Well done

    Thank you for giving us, the public, this well thought out, highly informative, deep dive podcast.

    Example: Today’s interview with Stacey Abrams gave me information that’s complex, multi faceted, historically rich, and highly relevant to our issues today.

    More importantly, I know the work and reputation the “Kettering Foundation” has done to remain bi-partisan at every turn.

    And yet you’re still able to ask the hard questions, bring in highly respected, educated, knowledgeable people to addre... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LAGaffer
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the insightful discussions that often inspire critical thinking about democracy.
Feedback highlights the effective framing of historical and contemporary democratic challenges.
The format is commended for its depth and the caliber of guests, offering intellectual nourishment.
Reviewers frequently note the podcast's educational value in understanding complex political issues.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#149
Philippines/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Diane Ravitch: What’s Democratic about Giving Tax Dollars to Private Schools?
Q: Who is making curriculum decisions, and how does that intertwine with democracy?
State legislatures primarily make curricular decisions, and there is a concern that this can undermine democratic control, especially with charter and voucher schools that operate outside of this oversight.
Diane Ravitch: What’s Democratic about Giving Tax Dollars to Private Schools?
Q: Can we achieve educational reform without addressing poverty?
Yes, poverty has a significant impact on academic achievement, and solving education issues requires tackling the deeper social inequities that exist.
Diane Ravitch: What’s Democratic about Giving Tax Dollars to Private Schools?
Q: Are the initiatives from previous administrations an example of privatization impulses?
Yes, both Bush and Obama promoted policies that led to more privatization and a shift in how public education is perceived, moving towards a consumer choice model.
Diane Ravitch: What’s Democratic about Giving Tax Dollars to Private Schools?
Q: How do you understand the effort to close the Department of Education?
This idea has been around for many years and is rooted in a misunderstanding about the department's role in education.
Sarah Longwell: The Republican Party Has Abandoned Its Principles
Q: How do we get every major political party in the United States to commit to abiding by election results and free speech?
Longwell believes that electing leaders who value decency and principles is essential for restoring faith in democracy.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Context

What is The Context about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the multifaceted nature of democracy, this podcast offers in-depth discussions on historical contexts, current trends, and the future of democratic systems both in the United States and globally. The episodes feature interviews with a diverse array of experts including scholars, politicians, journalists, and public servants, all of whom provide insights shaped by their experiences in navigating the political landscape. Noteworthy topics frequently explored include the impact of racism, the role of government, the balance between social justice, and the implications of increasing authoritarianism. The approach emphasizes the necessity of understanding history and context to effectively engage with contemporary democratic issues, m... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Context?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Context:

1. The Daily
2. The Ezra Klein Show
3. Fresh Air
4. The Gray Area with Sean Illing
5. Throughline

How many episodes of The Context are there?

The Context launched 2 years ago and published 50 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Context?

Recent guests on The Context include:

1. Ruby Bell Booth
2. Alex Edgar
3. Deva Woodly
4. Erica Frantz
5. Arlo Washington
6. Sean Morales-Doyle
7. Chase Strangio
8. Sarah Longwell

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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