SideBar podcast adds David F. Walbert ahead of new book on election integrity

SideBar: Optimism in Action will feature David F. Walbert as the podcast expands KAZU’s digital programming. The episode arrives ahead of Walbert’s September book release, which argues that election manipulation in the United States has historical roots and continues through voter suppression and rule-rigging.

Why it matters: - David F. Walbert’s new book, Stealing Elections, American Style, lands as public debate over election integrity and democracy remains intense. - The SideBar: Optimism in Action episode gives the book a platform before its release and adds a locally produced podcast to KAZU’s digital offerings. - The podcast’s placement on KAZU’s website and mobile app makes SideBar the first non-newscast, locally produced podcast featured there.

What happened: - SideBar: Optimism in Action, a collaboration of KAZU 90.3 and Monterey College of Law, announced an episode featuring David F. Walbert. - The episode goes live Tuesday, August 4, 2026 on KAZU’s SideBar page. - Walbert’s book, Stealing Elections, American Style, will be available September 3, 2026 and is available for pre-order through Bloomsbury.

The details: - Walbert draws on decades of litigating election cases, arguing before the Supreme Court and teaching constitutional law. - The book traces voter suppression and stolen elections from the country’s founding to the present. - Walbert pairs historical examples of election fraud with an explanation of how elections can be manipulated by disqualifying voters and rigging the rules. - Walbert’s background includes a physics degree from Stanford and a master’s degree in physics from the University of Michigan. - Walbert originally planned to work as a physicist before moving into law because of an interest in social justice. - SideBar: Optimism in Action is hosted by former law dean Mitch Winick. - David Eakin produces the podcast, and Dena Dowsett handles promotion. - Winick said the podcast features nonprofit leaders, advocates and community members whose work improves humanitarian, public policy and charitable needs. - Winick said the current season focuses on people pursuing positive change during challenging times. - New SideBar episodes publish on the first and third Tuesdays of each month on KAZU’s SideBar page. - Listeners can preview and hear more than 90 previous episodes through SideBarMedia. - More information about Walbert is available at his book page.

Between the lines: - The booking fits a broader editorial theme: connecting current election disputes to long-running patterns in U.S. history. - KAZU’s move to feature SideBar more prominently suggests growing institutional support for locally produced, non-newscast audio programming. - Walbert’s mix of legal experience and historical storytelling positions the book as both a civics argument and a narrative history.

What's next: - The SideBar episode with Walbert will be published August 4, 2026. - The book’s full release follows on September 3, 2026. - SideBar will continue its first- and third-Tuesday publishing schedule through KAZU’s digital platforms.