Ishaan’s Interview

How does a decade in a democratic school shape your outlook on life? In this episode, Ishaan (20) shares his journey from the Freie Schule Leipzig to Berlin, reflecting on the freedom to choose his path, the value of real student voice, and the power of deciding for yourself when—and how—to learn. Ishaan discusses the […]

Mali and Piet’s Interview

What’s it really like to experience freedom and responsibility in a democratic school?  In this episode, Mali and Piet from Berlin offer a candid look at their daily routines, the ups and downs of learning without grades or exams, and the unique motivation that comes from wanting to keep up with friends in class. They […]

Iris’s Interview

What’s it like to board at a democratic school on the other side of the world?  In this episode, Iris from Taiwan shares her experiences at a holistic democratic boarding school, reflecting on the freedom to choose classes, express opinions, and shape her own path. She discusses the challenges and benefits of living away from […]

Disco’s Interview

What does true freedom in education feel like? In this episode, Disco shares their eye-opening experiencediscovering democratic education after years in a traditional school system. Hear how finding a safe space to grow, make choices, and be treated as an equal transformed Disco’s perspective on learning—and on life itself. From breaking with old hierarchies to […]

Aine’s Interview

Curious about what it’s really like to attend a democratic school?  In this episode, Aine shares her personal journey of joining a democratic school at age 15 and discovering the freedom, responsibility, and sense of community it brings. She talks about learning to communicate respectfully, the unique culture of hand signals, and the challenges of […]

Krysia’s Story

What happens when a new student enters a democratic school? In this animation, Krysia shows us that while everything may seem wide open at first, it can also feel strangely limited. Without pressure or push, curiosity awakens, and the idea of learning transforms, becoming broader, more personal, and far more exciting than expected. This quiet, […]

Brophy’s story

The Day I Stopped Fearing Teenagers” I used to be scared of teenage boys…until I ended up working with a particularly troublesome group of them. This story’s about a surprisingly wholesome trip to the supermarket that completely changed how I view youth work and value democratic education. It’s funny, chaotic, a bit heartwarming, and involves […]

Pierre’s story

More than media, this project is a movement—challenging stereotypes, preserving memory, and forging solidarity. From oral histories to youth activism, each episode sparks dialogue and imagines a future of empathy and equity. Created as a resource for educators, researchers, and youth groups, Roma Voices centers on young Roma leaders in shaping inclusive public life across […]

Bo and Rada’s story

In this podcast episode, Boyan and Rada, students at a democratic school in Bulgaria, share how being trusted with real choices, from changing the lunch menu to shaping school life, helped them grow. They contrast this with painful experiences in conventional schools, where support was lacking, and reflect on how democratic education helped them rebuild […]