Democracy works best when we understand it, question it, and take part in it. Democracy, Explained breaks down the systems, rights, and ideas that shape our everyday lives.
Each episode dives into one of the five pillars of democracy—Participation, Information, Pluralism, Rights, and Elections—making complex ideas both accessible and engaging.
Together, we’ll explore how democracy works, where it falls short, and how young people can participate in making it stronger and more resilient.
What is democracy at its core, and how do institutions like schools, courts, and election bodies keep it alive? In this episode, we explore why institutions matter, how trust in them is changing, and how young people already interact with them—often without even realizing it. Understanding these systems is the first step to holding them accountable.
Participation is more than voting—it’s about who gets to take part, how accessible the process is, and why so many people feel left out. This episode explores the barriers to participation, the difference between theoretical and real access, and the reforms that could make engagement more fair, transparent, and inclusive for all.
Democracy depends on reliable information. But what happens when facts are harder to find, misinformation spreads quickly, and local news disappears? This episode unpacks how information flows through media, algorithms, and social platforms, why trust is declining, and what it means for young people trying to make informed decisions about their future.
Pluralism means living side by side with people who think, believe, and experience the world differently. In this episode, we explore what it takes to coexist in a time of polarization, why protests have become divisive, and how institutions, communities, and youth can help rebuild trust in a diverse society.
Our rights are not abstract—they shape everyday life. In this episode, we break down the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, why it matters, and how it evolves with society. We also explore what happens when rights are violated, and how young people can navigate the systems meant to protect them.
Canada’s elections are fair, but they aren’t perfect. In this episode, we explore what really keeps elections trustworthy, why people are dissatisfied with the system, and how reforms like fairer voting rules and campaign finance transparency could make elections more reflective of the public interest—and help restore confidence in democratic outcomes.
Leighetta (Lee) Kim (They/Them) is an interdisciplinary artist and communications professional with an obsession with all things art, food, and politics.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Treaty 1 Land), They have since taken root in Montreal/Tiohtià:ke/Mooniyang where they are an active organizer in Montreal’s Pan-Asian community.
Lee’s work in all disciplines aims to question and elaborate on the intersection between politics and aesthetics.
They are particularly interested in archives, histories of migration, and non-traditional forms of political engagement and community building
Sydney Penner (She/They) is the Research and Evaluations Lead at Apathy is Boring. Following her degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, she has worked in both clinical mental health and addictions and non-profit social sciences research.
Her clinical research has examined concurrent mental disorders and substance use, with an emphasis on sleep rhythms.In the non-profit sector, she has led studies examining the intersection between disability and workplace health and wellness, and emerging trends in Canada's young workforce.
She is passionate about Participatory Action Research (PAR) and interdisciplinary methods, and community-based knowledge translation and mobilization.
Sam Reusch (She/Her) is the Executive Director of Apathy is Boring, one of Canada’s largest non-partisan, democracy organizations. Since stepping into the role in 2020, she has led the organization through a period of growth and transformation, expanding its national reach and deepening its impact at the intersection of civic engagement, youth leadership, and democratic innovation.
With nearly a decade of experience in the democracy sector, Sam has been a leading voice on issues of participation, elections, and democratic resilience. She has spearheaded initiatives such as the Better Democracy Roadmap and the Canadian Democracy Endowment, positioning Apathy is Boring at the forefront of efforts to strengthen trust and accountability in institutions and build a democracy that is fit for the 21st century.
Beyond her role at Apathy is Boring, Sam serves as a board member with Volunteer Canada and is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to civic life in Canada. She regularly contributes to national conversations on democratic reform, youth engagement, and the future of civil society in Canada
Our guests span fields from activism, journalism, and law to pluralism, Indigenous governance, and youth leadership. They bring expertise from politics, media, academia, and community work, helping us make democracy real, relatable, and accessible. We thank each of them for sharing their knowledge and experience to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Aengus Bridgman (He/Him) is the Director of the Media Ecosystem Observatory and an Assistant Professor (Research) at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University.
He is one of Canada’s leading experts on misinformation, digital activism, and the politics of digital media. His research has been published in top journals including The Journal of Politics, Party Politics, and The Misinformation Review, and featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, CBC, Washington Post, Vox, and Radio-Canada.
Bridgman’s work explores how digital media shapes civic engagement and public discourse.
Russell Clarke (He/Him) is a politics researcher with expertise spanning political theory, philosophy, international relations, economics, and the intersection of society and digital technology.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Governance, with minors in Philosophy and Economics, from Toronto Metropolitan University and is completing a Master’s in Political Theory at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
With experience across fellowships, assistantships, and administrative roles, Russell combines strong research and analytical skills with a passion for learning, writing, and fostering understanding of complex societal issues.
Dr. Mason Ducharme (He/Him) is the Executive Director of the Centre for First Nations Governance and the National Community Research Director for the Rebuilding First Nations Governance project.
A proud Lil’wat Nation member, Mason has over a decade of experience in Indigenous governance, policy, and community-based research. He holds a PhD in Public Administration from UVic and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor.
Mason has published widely on Indigenous self-government and executive retention. He co-produces Inherent Rights, Informed Voices (launching Winter 2025) and hosts The IndigeDoctor: From the Reservation to Dissertation, a podcast grounded in his personal and academic journey.
Pearl Eliadis (She/Her) is an Associate Professor (Professional) at the Max Bell School of Public Policy and a practicing lawyer specializing in human rights, democratic governance, and national institutions.
She has led complex global projects with the UNDP and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, working in countries including Rwanda, China, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Timor Leste.
In Canada, Pearl has extensive public service experience and advisory roles, and her publications include the award-winning Speaking Out on Human Rights. She is recognized for her leadership with awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Harrison Lowman (He/Him) is the Managing Editor at The Hub, one of Canada's fastest growing digital media outlets.
With more than a decade in journalism, he's worked for TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin, CBC News, CTV National News, and The Literary Review of Canada. He's also produced for the BBC World Service, The Munk Debates, and CPAC, and served as Assistant Editor for Beyond the Hill Magazine.
He's an enthusiastic Scout leader in his West Toronto community.
Dave Meslin (He/Him) is a community organizer, urbanist, and author who has spent two decades using creative tactics to strengthen democracy and civic life.
He has founded numerous initiatives, including the Toronto Public Space Committee, Cycle Toronto, City Idol, the Ranked Ballot Initiative, and Spacing magazine.
His TEDx talk “The Antidote to Apathy” has reached audiences worldwide, and his book Teardown: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up inspired the 2024 TVO documentary Unrigged, nominated for a Canadian Screen Award.
Meslin’s work challenges top-down leadership by creating meaningful, collaborative opportunities for public participation.
Nonso Morah (She/Her) is a McCall MacBain Scholar and graduate student in the Faculty of Education at McGill University.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa and has previously held positions with the Senate of Canada, the 1834 Foundation, and the University of Alberta.
With a background in public policy, parliamentary procedure, and arts-based community development, her work explores the intersection of the arts, youth culture, and political imagination—particularly the role of artistic pedagogy in shaping civic consciousness. Beyond academia, she is a published poet and an award-winning spoken word artist.
Amanda Munday (They/She) the Executive Director of New Majority, a national non-partisan NGO advancing youth civic engagement and voter turnout among Canadians aged 18–34.
They are the founder of The Workaround, an innovative coworking and childcare centre in Toronto, and a TEDxToronto speaker advocating for employer-supported childcare, mental health, and equity. Amanda’s work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, Forbes, CBC, and more.
With a background in EdTech, non-profits, and social enterprises, Amanda is a queer parent of two and a lifelong advocate for inclusive policy, innovation, and social impact.
Meredith Preston McGhie (She/Her) is Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism, providing strategic leadership and representing the Centre as an ambassador for pluralism worldwide.
With over 20 years of experience in conflict resolution, she has worked across Africa and Asia, supporting UN missions and mediating complex negotiations in countries including Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan.
Formerly Africa Regional Director at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, she advised the Kenyan National Dialogue Panel led by Kofi Annan. Meredith contributes to global policy discussions, teaches peace process design, and speaks on pluralism and peacemaking, including in her TEDx Talk.
Amanda Sussman (She/Her) is a seasoned policy strategist and advocate with over 20 years of experience placing human rights at the center of government policy.
Through her firm, Art of the Possible Consulting for Social Impact, she helps organizations translate bold ideas into tangible policy initiatives.
Amanda has led global campaigns resulting in significant outcomes, including $3.8B for girls’ education through the G7, $7.3B for maternal and child health through the G8, and the UN’s creation of International Day of the Girl. She specializes in strategy, advocacy, and building lasting social impact.
Sarah Yaffe is a leader in public engagement with extensive experience in event management, program design, and community development.
She has designed and directed major democratic engagement initiatives, including the Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression, the Youth Assembly on Digital Rights and Safety, and most recently the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly.
At MASS LBP, Sarah has led strategic planning projects with institutions such as the University of Toronto and Toronto Public Library.
A graduate of McGill University and the National Theatre School of Canada, she also serves as Board President of YWCA Toronto, championing equity for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
