Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/women-talking-democracy Women Talking Democracy is a video podcast series hosted by Charlotte Yates featuring interviews that explore womenʼs leadership and their role in building democracy. Each interview examines the role women play in building democracy while unpacking assumptions surrounding women and democratic leadership. Through examining the diversity of perspectives and approaches women bring to leadership, the video podcast aims to spark conversations about democracy and its future challenges. 2026 Women Talking Democracy 0af9f3f0-804a-5a1a-930c-071d67c453c2 yes en Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:00:07 -0700 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:02:56 -0700 http://womentalkingdemocracy.com https://img.transistorcdn.com/PZygs1tUIRdLDyJL3BxoAr3T03SBzsS7jhCKtEjjAh0/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81OWU2/ZjYwNjkyYTk4MGFi/MjZkYzNlMWUwZjFh/NzcyYy5wbmc.jpg http://womentalkingdemocracy.com episodic Charlotte Yates Women Talking Democracy is a video podcast series hosted by Charlotte Yates featuring interviews that explore womenʼs leadership and their role in building democracy. Each interview examines the role women play in building democracy while unpacking assumptions surrounding women and democratic leadership. Through examining the diversity of perspectives and approaches women bring to leadership, the video podcast aims to spark conversations about democracy and its future challenges. Women Talking Democracy is a video podcast series hosted by Charlotte Yates featuring interviews that explore womenʼs leadership and their role in building democracy. Democracy, Politics, Canadian Politics, Feminism, Women, Conversation, Charlotte Yates No No 10 10 Kathleen Wynne full 7ae5ad98-5d03-4693-8e1b-cb38a34c5683 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ccb3b3c9 Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne reflects on a lifetime of political engagement, from local school board activism to becoming Ontario’s first woman premier and Canada’s first openly gay premier. Wynne argues that democracy depends on strong public institutions, meaningful civic participation, and a belief that people can shape the decisions that affect their lives. She traces her own political journey to a conviction that education, community engagement, and collective action are essential foundations for democratic society.

]]> Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne reflects on a lifetime of political engagement, from local school board activism to becoming Ontario’s first woman premier and Canada’s first openly gay premier. Wynne argues that democracy depends on strong public institutions, meaningful civic participation, and a belief that people can shape the decisions that affect their lives. She traces her own political journey to a conviction that education, community engagement, and collective action are essential foundations for democratic society.

]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:00:00 -0700 Charlotte Yates Charlotte Yates 3509 Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne reflects on a lifetime of political engagement, from local school board activism to becoming Ontario’s first woman premier and Canada’s first openly gay premier. Wynne argues that democracy depends on strong public institutions, meaningful civic participation, and a belief that people can shape the decisions that affect their lives. She traces her own political journey to a conviction that education, community engagement, and collective action are essential foundations for democratic society.

]]> democracy, public education, civic engagement, political leadership, inequality, youth participation, public institutions, women in politics, democratic renewal No 9 9 Jennifer Hollett full fd06420e-1ad2-49b8-99cb-6108bc6ac0bf https://share.transistor.fm/s/ecc41a5c Jennifer Hollett, Executive Director of The Walrus and former journalist, political candidate, and digital media leader, explores the relationship between media, civic participation, and democratic health. She reflects on why democracy feels increasingly disconnected from everyday life and why many people are losing faith in traditional institutions. She argues that economic insecurity, declining trust, and the fragmentation of information ecosystems have created fertile ground for democratic dissatisfaction and authoritarian appeals.

]]> Jennifer Hollett, Executive Director of The Walrus and former journalist, political candidate, and digital media leader, explores the relationship between media, civic participation, and democratic health. She reflects on why democracy feels increasingly disconnected from everyday life and why many people are losing faith in traditional institutions. She argues that economic insecurity, declining trust, and the fragmentation of information ecosystems have created fertile ground for democratic dissatisfaction and authoritarian appeals.

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:28:18 -0700 Charlotte Yates Watch on YouTube Charlotte Yates 2804 Jennifer Hollett, Executive Director of The Walrus and former journalist, political candidate, and digital media leader, explores the relationship between media, civic participation, and democratic health. She reflects on why democracy feels increasingly disconnected from everyday life and why many people are losing faith in traditional institutions. She argues that economic insecurity, declining trust, and the fragmentation of information ecosystems have created fertile ground for democratic dissatisfaction and authoritarian appeals.

]]> media, journalism, democracy, civic engagement, electoral reform, misinformation, participation, community, women in leadership, democratic innovation No 8 8 Raha Shirazi full d8ccc472-c87e-483f-b3af-243f2a8d1eff https://share.transistor.fm/s/eca72b0f Filmmaker Raha Shirazi discusses the creation of her documentary A War on Women, which traces more than four decades of feminist resistance in Iran. Drawing on her own experience as an Iranian-Canadian and the daughter of a women’s rights activist, Shirazi reflects on the power of storytelling, documentation, and film as tools for preserving history and amplifying voices that authoritarian regimes seek to silence. 

]]> Filmmaker Raha Shirazi discusses the creation of her documentary A War on Women, which traces more than four decades of feminist resistance in Iran. Drawing on her own experience as an Iranian-Canadian and the daughter of a women’s rights activist, Shirazi reflects on the power of storytelling, documentation, and film as tools for preserving history and amplifying voices that authoritarian regimes seek to silence. 

]]> Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0700 Charlotte Yates Charlotte Yates 2242 Filmmaker Raha Shirazi discusses the creation of her documentary A War on Women, which traces more than four decades of feminist resistance in Iran. Drawing on her own experience as an Iranian-Canadian and the daughter of a women’s rights activist, Shirazi reflects on the power of storytelling, documentation, and film as tools for preserving history and amplifying voices that authoritarian regimes seek to silence. 

]]> Iran, women’s rights, democracy, activism, filmmaking, social movements, freedom, authoritarianism No 7 7 Ana Serrano full 99fbf071-6a18-42a8-b6c2-2dc8c04d99b7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/697072cf Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University and co-founder of the Democracy Exchange, explores the power of creativity and digital technologies in shaping the future of democracy. Ana Serrano’s passion for nurturing the creativity of others led her to become a university president.

]]> Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University and co-founder of the Democracy Exchange, explores the power of creativity and digital technologies in shaping the future of democracy. Ana Serrano’s passion for nurturing the creativity of others led her to become a university president.

]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0700 Charlotte Yates Watch on YouTube Charlotte Yates 2651 Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University and co-founder of the Democracy Exchange, explores the power of creativity and digital technologies in shaping the future of democracy. Ana Serrano’s passion for nurturing the creativity of others led her to become a university president.

]]> Keywords: democracy, exchange, civic participation, local democracy, universities, academic freedom, digital transformation, community engagement, pluralism, innovation, arts and culture No 6 6 Janet Ecker full 50fb10c2-0631-4c5b-a094-662a1384dadd https://share.transistor.fm/s/69cc8943 Former Ontario Minister of Finance and longtime public servant Janet Ecker reflects on democracy through the lens of political leadership, public accountability, and civic responsibility. She argues that democracy is sustained not only by institutions, but by citizens who are willing to participate, stay informed, and engage with differing viewpoints. Throughout the conversation, Ecker emphasizes that democracy is both a privilege and a responsibility – one that requires continual effort to maintain.

]]> Former Ontario Minister of Finance and longtime public servant Janet Ecker reflects on democracy through the lens of political leadership, public accountability, and civic responsibility. She argues that democracy is sustained not only by institutions, but by citizens who are willing to participate, stay informed, and engage with differing viewpoints. Throughout the conversation, Ecker emphasizes that democracy is both a privilege and a responsibility – one that requires continual effort to maintain.

]]> Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0700 Charlotte Yates Watch on YouTube Charlotte Yates 2536 Former Ontario Minister of Finance and longtime public servant Janet Ecker reflects on democracy through the lens of political leadership, public accountability, and civic responsibility. She argues that democracy is sustained not only by institutions, but by citizens who are willing to participate, stay informed, and engage with differing viewpoints. Throughout the conversation, Ecker emphasizes that democracy is both a privilege and a responsibility – one that requires continual effort to maintain.

]]> public service, democratic accountability, civic education, leadership, political participation, local media, democratic institutions, women in politics, public trust, citizenship No 5 5 Marci Shore full 412d5d70-5461-497b-9138-ba98036ca49d https://share.transistor.fm/s/98b26bf8 Historian and author Marci Shore reflects on the growing challenges facing democracies around the world, drawing on her research on authoritarianism, Eastern Europe, and democratic resistance movements. She explores why democratic erosion is often gradual and difficult to recognize, the role of education and universities in sustaining democratic culture, and the dangers posed by misinformation, inequality, and political scapegoating.

]]> Historian and author Marci Shore reflects on the growing challenges facing democracies around the world, drawing on her research on authoritarianism, Eastern Europe, and democratic resistance movements. She explores why democratic erosion is often gradual and difficult to recognize, the role of education and universities in sustaining democratic culture, and the dangers posed by misinformation, inequality, and political scapegoating.

]]> Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0700 Charlotte Yates Watch on YouTube Charlotte Yates 3601 Historian and author Marci Shore reflects on the growing challenges facing democracies around the world, drawing on her research on authoritarianism, Eastern Europe, and democratic resistance movements. She explores why democratic erosion is often gradual and difficult to recognize, the role of education and universities in sustaining democratic culture, and the dangers posed by misinformation, inequality, and political scapegoating.

]]> Democracy, authoritarianism, education, universities, Ukraine, democratic resilience, women and democracy No 4 4 Aline Nizigama full 13c1a555-4d1f-4854-be74-a224c57f445d https://share.transistor.fm/s/77773ea1 Aline Nizigama, CEO of YWCA Canada, reflects on democracy through the lens of lived experience, community leadership, and social justice. Drawing on her upbringing in the state of Burundi in Africa, her family’s involvement in the country’s first democratic elections, and her experiences as a refugee and advocate, she explores how democracy is sustained through participation, inclusion and strong public institutions.

]]> Aline Nizigama, CEO of YWCA Canada, reflects on democracy through the lens of lived experience, community leadership, and social justice. Drawing on her upbringing in the state of Burundi in Africa, her family’s involvement in the country’s first democratic elections, and her experiences as a refugee and advocate, she explores how democracy is sustained through participation, inclusion and strong public institutions.

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:09:37 -0700 Charlotte Yates Watch on YouTube Charlotte Yates 3198 Aline Nizigama, CEO of YWCA Canada, reflects on democracy through the lens of lived experience, community leadership, and social justice. Drawing on her upbringing in the state of Burundi in Africa, her family’s involvement in the country’s first democratic elections, and her experiences as a refugee and advocate, she explores how democracy is sustained through participation, inclusion and strong public institutions.

]]> YWCA Canada, gender equality, democratic participation, civil society, community leadership, inclusion, inequality, women’s rights, anti-racism, democratic renewal No 3 3 Fae Johnstone full e53dd38c-f9ef-46b1-bfab-bb55daa1b0d0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3a006895 Fae Johnstone, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Queer Momentum, explores the relationship between democracy, human rights, and social movements through the lens of 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy. Reflecting on her own experiences as a trans woman and activist, she argues that democracy is strongest when it expands dignity, inclusion, and participation to those historically excluded from public life. She also discusses the rise of anti-trans politics in Canada and abroad as part of a broader challenge to democratic norms and institutions.

]]> Fae Johnstone, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Queer Momentum, explores the relationship between democracy, human rights, and social movements through the lens of 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy. Reflecting on her own experiences as a trans woman and activist, she argues that democracy is strongest when it expands dignity, inclusion, and participation to those historically excluded from public life. She also discusses the rise of anti-trans politics in Canada and abroad as part of a broader challenge to democratic norms and institutions.

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:07:28 -0700 Charlotte Yates Watch on YouTube Charlotte Yates 2747 Fae Johnstone, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Queer Momentum, explores the relationship between democracy, human rights, and social movements through the lens of 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy. Reflecting on her own experiences as a trans woman and activist, she argues that democracy is strongest when it expands dignity, inclusion, and participation to those historically excluded from public life. She also discusses the rise of anti-trans politics in Canada and abroad as part of a broader challenge to democratic norms and institutions.

]]> 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, democracy, social movements, activism, human rights, authoritarianism, social media, inclusion, civic participation, democratic resilience No 2 2 Ewa Krejewska full 94a5d624-0258-4f0c-a320-47871f8fb90d https://share.transistor.fm/s/12144b78 Ewa Krejewska, constitutional lawyer and partner at Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, reflects on the institutions that sustain democratic societies and the growing pressures they face. Drawing on her family’s experience fleeing communist Poland and her work on major constitutional cases, she argues that democracy is more than majority rule – it depends on constitutional protections, and an independent judiciary, a free press, independent universities, and a legal profession capable of challenging government power.

]]> Ewa Krejewska, constitutional lawyer and partner at Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, reflects on the institutions that sustain democratic societies and the growing pressures they face. Drawing on her family’s experience fleeing communist Poland and her work on major constitutional cases, she argues that democracy is more than majority rule – it depends on constitutional protections, and an independent judiciary, a free press, independent universities, and a legal profession capable of challenging government power.

]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:30:26 -0700 Charlotte Yates Watch on YouTube Charlotte Yates 3126 Ewa Krejewska, constitutional lawyer and partner at Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, reflects on the institutions that sustain democratic societies and the growing pressures they face. Drawing on her family’s experience fleeing communist Poland and her work on major constitutional cases, she argues that democracy is more than majority rule – it depends on constitutional protections, and an independent judiciary, a free press, independent universities, and a legal profession capable of challenging government power.

]]> constitutional democracy, rule of law, civil liberties, Charter rights, judicial independence, free expression, Emergencies Act, democratic institutions, legal advocacy, constitutional law No 1 1 Pamela Wallin full 4f1567f2-f0e2-4fd2-acba-9a6f175a7bbd https://share.transistor.fm/s/db18bc7c Former journalist, diplomat, and Independent Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin reflects on democracy through the lens of a career that has spanned media, public service, and politics. Wallin argues that one of the greatest challenges facing democracies today is the erosion of trust in institutions, governments, and shared sources of information. She explores how technological change, social media, and increasing political polarization have transformed public life and weakened common civic experiences.

]]> Former journalist, diplomat, and Independent Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin reflects on democracy through the lens of a career that has spanned media, public service, and politics. Wallin argues that one of the greatest challenges facing democracies today is the erosion of trust in institutions, governments, and shared sources of information. She explores how technological change, social media, and increasing political polarization have transformed public life and weakened common civic experiences.

]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:30:11 -0700 Charlotte Yates Watch on YouTube Charlotte Yates 3523 Former journalist, diplomat, and Independent Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin reflects on democracy through the lens of a career that has spanned media, public service, and politics. Wallin argues that one of the greatest challenges facing democracies today is the erosion of trust in institutions, governments, and shared sources of information. She explores how technological change, social media, and increasing political polarization have transformed public life and weakened common civic experiences.

]]> Democracy, media, trust, institutions, civic engagement, leadership, journalism, women in leadership, Canada No