Direct Democracy Diaries is a podcast exploring ballot measures from grassroots campaigns to transformative victories. Hosted by Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian from the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, this show brings you stories of activists and organizers who’ve harnessed direct democracy to create change. Whether you’re a seasoned ballot measure leader or a newcomer, tune in as we break it all down. Each episode features compelling stories from leaders, covering coalition building, signature gathering, defending victories, and showing how democracy works from the ground up.

In our premiere episode, Desmond Meade joins us to share his story of redemption, explore the power of ballot measures, the strategy behind Florida’s Amendment 4, and why people-powered democracy matters now more than ever.