Welcome to my exploration of podcasting as a tool for strengthening democracy.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I must say that my interest in this topic stems from my
work at C-SPAN, the nationwide media network that provides unfiltered coverage of the U.S. Congress.

This project has three parts. First, my main story – a news piece for which I interviewed Sean Tubbs, Peter Levine, Rob Kennedy and Brian Lockman. Second, an audio montage of podcast excerpts – with the understanding that my use is fair use. And third, a commentary – my thoughts about podcasting.

Click on the play button below to hear the first installment.

I haven’t always bought into the idea of podcasting. At first, I was even a little opposed to it. But now? Just listen.

Officials at all levels of government are becoming podcasters. Some of the podcasts are cleaver; others are low-tech. What they have in common is their purpose: to be available for the people when the people want them.

An introduction to Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia with a reading by Bill Barker of two versions of part of Jefferson’s argument for religious tolerance and free inquiry from Query 17, Religion, of the Notes.

A reading by Bill Barker of Jefferson’s April 21, 1803 letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush in which he outlines the merits of the Christian religion and contrasts them with classical Greek and Roman philosophy and Judaism.

A reading by Bill Barker of Jefferson’s Jan. 1, 1802 letter to the representatives of the Danbury Baptist Association

A reading by Bill Barker of Query 17, Religion, from Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia.

A reading by Bill Barker of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, which Jefferson drafted in 1777 and was adopted by Virginia 1786.

A Brief introduction to five recordings of Jefferson documents on the subject of religion.

Long-time Charlottesville resident Rey Barry joined Coy Barefoot on the Thursday, May 4 edition of WINA’s Charlottesville–Right Now to talk about a plane crash in Albemarle County. Piedmont flight 349 went off course after missing Charlottesville Airport on October 30, 1959. Barry was a staff announcer for WCHV and assisted in the search to find the downed plane. Thirty-six hours later, he came across the lone survivor and the bodies of the 26 people who didn’t make it.