Hot Spots

About Hot Spots

Democracy on Fire with Kay Brown, is an American political affairs program examining the most urgent pressures shaping democracy in real time. The program has evolved into a sharper, more focused examination of power, politics, and the institutions under strain in the United States and beyond. Each episode brings in-depth conversations and reporting-style analysis of the forces driving political instability, including government decision-making, military and foreign policy, media influence, and the shifting boundaries of democratic norms. Featuring voices from across the political and professional spectrum—including veterans, experts, and public commentators—the show centers on one core question: how power is being exercised, challenged, and reshaped in this moment. At a time of heightened polarization and institutional pressure, Democracy on Fire aims to provide clarity, context, and accountability in a rapidly changing political environment. New episodes focus on breaking developments and the deeper structural forces behind them, with an emphasis on objectivity and understanding—not spin.

Publisher

United America Network

Category

government · news · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Sept 2025

Latest episode

18 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

52 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Oct 2026

   Finding Hope Through Music: A Conversation with John Bayless

   On this episode of Democracy on Fire, Kay Brown welcomes renowned pianist, composer, and storyteller John Bayless for an inspiring conversation about music, resilience, spirituality, and overcoming extraordinary challenges. Bayless built an acclaimed international career before suffering a devastating stroke at age 54. After losing the use of his dominant right side, he found a way back to music—reinventing himself as a one-handed pianist and continuing to perform and share his story of hope and resilience. Bayless also discusses his spiritual journey, his relationship with Leonard Bernstein, his love of music, and his documentary Left Alone Rhapsody, now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. www.unitedamericanetwork.com

2. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Your Vote Is Your Voice: Why Your Vote Matters

   On this episode of Democracy on Fire, Kay Brown speaks with Lisa Middleton about the upcoming midterm elections and why participation matters now more than ever. Middleton, a former Palm Springs mayor and longtime California public servant, discusses voter turnout, threats to democratic norms, the importance of a free press, and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. She also shares her personal journey as a transgender woman and explains why visibility, inclusion, and standing up against discrimination are so important. Your vote is your voice, and participation is essential to democracy. www.unitedamericanetwork.com Mentioned in this episode: Leigh McGowan UAN Promo Stinger - Short -[2026]

3. 

   4 Oct 2026

   Alaska: On the Front Lines of a Worsening Climate Crisis

   On this episode of Democracy on Fire, Kay Brown speaks with Alaska Native leader Mita DeWitt about the accelerating climate crisis, melting permafrost, methane, black carbon, disappearing sea ice and the communities already being forced to adapt. They also discuss fossil-fuel development, the choices facing Alaska, and what citizens can do to push for meaningful climate action.www.unitedamericanetwork.com Mentioned in this episode: Leigh McGowan UAN Promo Stinger - Short -[2026]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Hot Spots

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.