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Civics Break E-News
A roundup of civic education resources on the judiciary, courts, and the rule of law — compiled by staff and student research assistants at the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School.
Dear friends,
Welcome to the second edition of Civics Break E-News! My name is Mia, I’m a research assistant at the Bolch Judicial Institute, and I'm finishing up my final year of undergraduate studies at Duke. As a busy college student, I rarely find time to sit down and watch TV, and if I’m being honest, I haven’t cracked open an old-fashioned book since the summer. My entertainment of choice these days is podcasts.
I listen to podcasts, both for learning and fun, to fill the rare quiet moments in my day — driving to campus, cooking dinner, or folding laundry. And I’m not alone. According to a September 2025 Pew Research Center poll, 54% of U.S. adults say they listened to a podcast in the past year, up from 49% in 2022. Among young adults like myself, that number climbs to 67%.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of civics-themed podcasts for this edition of Civics Break E-News. I tried to include something for everyone: "Let’s Get Civical" combines civics and comedy, "Civics Bits" is geared toward children, and "We the People" features experts unpacking current constitutional issues. The next time you’re folding laundry, give one a listen!
Mia Penner
Research Assistant, Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law
Duke University, Class of 2026
P.S. If you know of civics resources we should share with our community of judges, lawyers, students, and others who care about the judiciary, please email your suggestions to bolchjudicialinstitute@law.duke.edu.
Featured Civics Podcasts
Disclaimer: Links to external sites and materials are provided for reference purposes. The Bolch Judicial Institute is not responsible for this content or its availability.
New Hampshire Public Radio
Civics 101
NPHR presents "Civics 101" — your audio crash course in how democracy really works. Updated weekly, each episode features engaging storytelling and expert interviews to unpack essential questions like “How do landmark Supreme Court decisions shape our daily lives?”
🎤 Favorite episodes: What are the rules for making fun of politicians?, How can Congress check the president?, and What is the Rule of Law?
National Constitution Center
We the People
Join National Constitution Center President & CEO Jeffrey Rosen each week for timely conversations about the constitutional questions behind today’s most hot-button debates. Rosen and expert guests break down key Supreme Court cases and hearings while diving into the history that shapes them. Find "We the People" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
🎤 Favorite episodes: Do Bans on Conversion Therapy Violate the First Amendment?, The History and Future of Partisan Gerrymandering in America, and The Oldest Constitutional Question
The Center for American Civics at Arizona State
Civics in a Year
"Civics in a Year" is a fast-paced podcast that delivers essential civic knowledge in just 10 minutes per episode, one question at a time. Across 250 episodes, the series explores the building blocks of American democracy: from the founding documents and branches of government to civil liberties, elections, and public participation. Released in celebration of America’s 250th birthday, new episodes are still rolling out — listen now!
🎤 Favorite episodes: Why the Bill of Rights Exists—and What It Really Limits, More Perfect, The Role of Compromise in the Constitution, and Beyond Failure: Rethinking the Articles of Confederation's Legacy
Lizzie Stewart & Arden Walentowski
Let's Get Civical
Equal parts civics class and comedy hour, “Let’s Get Civical” brings together comedian Lizzie Stewart and politics nerd Arden Walentowski for a crash course in American history and government. It’s sharp, hilarious, and surprisingly educational. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
🎤 Favorite episodes: Engel v. Vitale — Almighty God!, America's First Presidential Election — George Washington or Bust!, and The Constitutional Convention — A Gut Reno!
Kerry Irons
Civics Bits
It’s never too early to start teaching civics. "Civics Bits" makes big ideas approachable by breaking down complex concepts into manageable lessons designed for elementary-aged children. It's perfect for teachers or parents hoping to spark curiosity about democracy and community from an early age. Find on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
🎤 Favorite episodes: Civics Bits #6 What is the US Constitution (1)?, Civics Bits #11 Government-Part 1 (Federal), and Civics Bits #18 Voting and Elections
Upcoming Events & Webinars
Online Webinar – The National Constitution Center
Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters
Join Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Edward Larson for a conversation about his new book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters. Larson will explore how the events and ideas of 1776 shaped the American experiment and why they continue to resonate in modern democracy.
Monday, Nov. 24 at 12:00 p.m. ET • 1 hour
🔗 REGISTER HERE
Online Webinar – The National Constitution Center
Amending the Constitution and the Article V Project
Join the National Constitution Center for the launch of its Article V Project, a new initiative examining the founders’ vision for constitutional change and tracing how the Article V process has been used from 1789 to today. Project contributors and leading constitutional scholars will discuss the history, challenges, and future of amending the U.S. Constitution.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 12:00 p.m. ET • 1 hour
🔗 REGISTER HERE
Online Webinar – The National Constitution Center
The Constitutional Legacy of Justice Robert Jackson
Join the National Constitution Center for a discussion of Justice Robert Jackson’s influential concurrence in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, his unique approach to constitutional interpretation, and the enduring impact of his views on debates over presidential power.
Monday, Dec. 8 at 12:00 p.m. ET • 1 hour
🔗 REGISTER HERE
Support Civics Break
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