Max and Waverly speak with Dr. Julia Hellwege, USD professor and current director of the Chiesman Center for Democracy. They reflect on the first season of Dakota Dialogues, comments from guest Baratunde Thurston, and share their thoughts about what is next for democracy in South Dakota and beyond.

Waverly and Max review the season one episode about Citizen Satisfaction with Democracy including excerpts from SD Senator Liz Larson and SD Hall of Famer, Ted Meunster.

Waverly shares an interview with fellow USD student, Ellie Hart.

Max and Waverly reflect on comments from USD Professor Tim Schorn and Dr. David Law from the University of Virginia Law school, regarding a significant percentage of SD citizens' expressed openness to a system other than democracy.

Max and Waverly discuss the issue of civility with Season 1 excerpts from Dr. Cherie Strachan, SD Representative Will Mortenson, and the Ben Shapiro podcast.

Waverly and Max share an interview with Dr. Lisa Bryant conducted during the March 2025 Chiesman Center Conference at USD and reflect on the season one episode featuring Tammy Patrick and Dr. Mitchell Brown.

Hear from Max and Waverly about voting rights and security of our elections as they reflect on this season one episode.

Waverly and Max discuss comments from season one by Professor Sophia Rosenfeld, USD Provost Kurt Hackemer, and South Dakota News Watch CEO, Carson Walker. They examine differences between South Dakota and National data around confidence in higher education and speculate on how possibly to rebuild confidence in the Democratic Party.

Listen in as Waverly and Max share the most recent polling data collected by the Chiesman Center for Democracy during the 2025 conference.