How to Save Democracy Meet Jon
Jul 1, 2025
One host shares how a decade in advertising shaped his view on identity and democracy. They discuss transforming citizenship through storytelling and fostering community engagement. The conversation also explores the mistrust between politicians and citizens, examining the appeal of movements like QAnon. Additionally, they highlight the struggle to shift from consumer politics to community empowerment, emphasizing the importance of collective action. Finally, the host recounts his journey from marketing to advocating for a hopeful democratic future.
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Jon's Advertising Breakdown
- Jon Alexander experienced a breakdown leaving advertising due to the overwhelming consumer culture messages.
- This led him to explore shifting from treating people as consumers to engaging them as citizens.
Irene's Push to Act
- Irene, Jon's co-founder, gained agency after losing sight in one eye by organizing patients.
- She pushed Jon to apply his ideas practically instead of pursuing prolonged academic study.
Evolution of Societal Stories
- Society has evolved through subject, consumer, and now collapsing consumer stories.
- The emerging citizen story invites collective involvement to solve crises caused by consumer individualism.
