SpeechMatters is the official podcast of the University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. The podcast features thought leaders tackling the most pressing issues impacting free expression and democracy on campus, and beyond. Hosted by the Center’s Executive Director, Michelle Deutchman.
Publisher
UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement
Description:
From state legislative mandates to media narratives, viewpoint diversity has become a defining issue in higher education policy. Former Center fellow and assistant professor of educational administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Milad Mohebali and Heterodox Academy President John Tomasi join the podcast to explore how the term viewpoint diversity has become polarizing and whether we can find common ground on the value of engaging with differing perspectives to foster student learning and the collective pursuit of truth.
Resources:
* Mohebali-Final-Report-08.03.2026-FINAL.pdf [https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Mohebali-Final-Report-08.03.2026-FINAL.pdf]
* Viewpoint Diversity: What It Is, Why We Need It, and How to Get It co-edited by John Tomasi & Bernard Schweizer – Heresy Press [https://heresy-press.com/product/viewpoint-diversity-co-edited-by-john-tomasi-bernard-schweizer/]
* Faculty Attitudes Toward Diversity in their Disciplines: A National Survey — Heterodox Academy [https://heterodoxacademy.org/reports/faculty-attitudes-toward-diversity-in-their-disciplines-a-national-survey/]
* Heterodox Academy [https://heterodoxacademy.org/]
23 Sept 2026
The Promise and Peril of AI for Democracy
How can artificial intelligence be leveraged to strengthen democracy and empower citizens rather than serve purely corporate interests? In this episode, Nathan Sanders and Bruce Schneier, authors of Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship, explore AI's evolving role in the democratic process and the importance of civic action in shaping the future of AI.
Resources:
* Rewiring Democracy [https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262049948/rewiring-democracy/]
* genz_democracy_report_2025.pdf [https://circle.tufts.edu/sites/default/files/2025-04/genz_democracy_report_2025.pdf]
17 Sept 2026
Ask Me Anything… About Student Voting
From dynamic state voter ID requirements to campus polling access, the rules around student voting are constantly shifting. This webinar gives you the opportunity to engage directly with experts navigating today's student voting access landscape:
Brianna Cea, Executive Director, GenVote;
Peter McDonough, General Counsel, American Council on Education; and
Clarissa Unger, Executive Director, Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.
Resources:
* Generation Vote [https://www.genvote.org/]
* Access the Local Election Engagement Guide [https://secure.everyaction.com/AG9dXLS1bkCk3p4c64OxtQ2]
* https://www.acenet.edu/Documents/Student-voting-and-college-political-campaign-activities-issue-brief.pdf
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
17 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 23 / 100
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