In the first episode of the Better Politics Podcast of 2026, host Lisa Witter is joined by Damian Boeselager, a German Member of the European Parliament and the co-founder of Volt Europa, the first pan-European political party.

With a background in philosophy and economics, Damian began his career in strategy consulting and social impact work before an unexpected turn during his graduate studies in public policy drew him into politics. Confronted with a changing political climate in 2016 and growing concerns about the future of European democracy, he chose action over disengagement and helped build a new political movement grounded in the belief that Europe’s challenges require European-level solutions.

Together, Lisa and Damian unpack why political parties remain essential to healthy democracies, what it actually takes to build a political party from scratch, and how citizen agency can drive meaningful change. They also explore innovation in party structures, the skills and traits needed for effective political leadership today, and why “hard hope” is rooted in active participation, not passive optimism.

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In this year-end edition of the Better Politics Podcast, Lisa Witter is joined by colleagues Kimberly McArthur and Suki Capobianco for a candid reflection on a pivotal year for politics globally, and for the Better Politics Foundation.

Together they unpack the challenges and opportunities shaping the field of political leadership innovation, from representation and trust to systems change. The conversation dives into the launch of the Better Politics Index, why empowering underrepresented voices is essential for healthier democracies, and the importance of meaningful, long-term support for political leaders.

At its core, this episode is about people: the power of human connection to drive change, and the urgency of mobilizing resources to fuel political innovation. A thoughtful close to the year, and a hopeful look at what’s ahead for better politics.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Report: Mere Mortals - The State of Politicians' Mental Wellbeing
2. Political Leadership Impact Path
3. Better Politics Index
4. Political Leadership Entrepreneur Network (PLEN)
5. Safety in Office: 21st Century Skills for Political Leaders

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We speak with global extremism expert and author Cynthia Miller-Idriss about the rising tide of political violence, the gendered roots of radicalisation, and why misogyny has become one of the most powerful accelerants of extremism.

Drawing on her career studying far-right movements, online recruitment and youth vulnerability, Cynthia unpacks how algorithms shape belief, how violence is becoming culturally normalised, why young men feel unseen, and what this means for democracy.

Together they explore how threats, harassment and attacks are driving good people — especially women — out of politics, amplifying the urgency of safeguarding leaders’ mental wellbeing.

The Better Politics Foundation published a groundbreaking study on the mental health of politicians and its implications for reform.

This podcast offers hopeful pathways — from community-based prevention tools to cultural and policy shifts that can disrupt extremism and renew leadership — making this one of our most timely conversations yet.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and visit our website to stay up to date with our latest news. Subscribe to the Better (Political) Leadership Substack and sign up to our bi-weekly briefing for insights and inspiration on how to build better politics.