A Sociological Perspective for Public Audiences
In keeping with the mission of the American Sociolocial Association, Dr. Stokes brings sociological expertise to conversations about politics, inequality, crime, social institutions, and contemporary public affairs. His commentary connects larger social forces to the events and controversies shaping public life.
Broadcast & Television
Expert commentary for television news, documentaries, and public-affairs programming.
Radio & Podcasts
Analysis and discussion for radio programs, podcasts, and interviews.
Print & Digital
Sociological analysis for journalists, publications, and digital media.
ASA: Public Sociology & Public Understanding
Public engagement is an established and valued dimension of sociological scholarship, education, and practice.
“ASA’s mission is to advance the discipline of sociology by supporting a diverse and inclusive community of sociologists, increase public knowledge and understanding of society through sociology, and promote the use of sociological insights … [and] … disseminating sociological scholarship to a public audience.”
“Use Sociological Knowledge to Inform Policy Debates and Promote Public Understanding.”
— Sociological Literacy Framework, American Sociological Association
Featured Documentary
BBC World News
Dr. Stokes discusses presidential rhetoric, political communication, and contemporary political affairs.
Watch the Interview →This featured segment from BBC World News is broadcast internationally and translated for global audiences. Dr. Stokes' expert analysis begins at 15:48. (Translated into Arabic)
Looking for a Sociologist for Your Program?
Dr. Stokes is available for interviews, expert commentary, documentaries, radio, podcasts, and other public-affairs programming.
Selected Public Scholarship and Media Engagement
Dr. Stokes' sociological expertise and commentary have appeared across news media, public affairs programming, documentaries, and public publications. His public scholarship examines inequality, power, politics, crime, and contemporary social issues.
Selected appearances, interviews, commentary, and publications are archived below.
Broadcast Television Appearances
International and National Television
BBC World News
Discussion of presidential rhetoric, media discourse, and political communication.
January 18, 2018
Sky News Tonight (UK)
Discussion of the 2024 U.S. election, political polarization, gun violence, and prospects for national unity following the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump.
July 13, 2024
Sky News Tonight (UK)
Discussion of congressional responses to gun violence, public policy, and presidential messaging surrounding mass shootings.
September 4, 2019
Sky News Tonight (UK)
Discussion of the global March for Our Lives demonstrations, social movements, gun violence, and implications for the 2018 U.S. midterm elections.
March 24, 2018
Sky News Tonight (UK)
Discussion of the Florida school shooting, presidential response, political division, and the broader politics of gun violence in the United States.
February 15, 2018
MSN.com
Discussion of anticipated Boy Scouts of America policy changes, institutional inclusion, and LGBT social issues.
July 27, 2015
Regional and Local Television
NBC/WPXI
Discussion of Boy Scouts of America policy changes, institutional reform, and LGBT inclusion.
July 27, 2015
CBS/KDKA
Discussion of anticipated Boy Scouts of America membership policy changes and public debates surrounding equality and inclusion.
July 27, 2015
Radio and Public Affairs Programming
International and National Broadcasts
BBC Radio 5 Live
Discussion of Vice President Kamala Harris's prospects for the 2028 presidential election, trade tariffs involving Canada, and President Ronald Reagan's 1987 radio address on free and fair trade.
October 25, 2025
BBC Northern Ireland
Discussion of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, political polarization, and electoral dynamics.
November 6, 2024
BBC Radio 5 Live
Discussion of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, political division, and voter behavior.
November 5, 2024
BBC Radio 5 Live
Discussion of the president's address to the Boy Scouts of America.
July 25, 2017
NPR - The Takeaway
Discussion of the president’s address to the Boy Scouts of America, political discourse, and institutional controversy.
July 25, 2017
Progressive Voices
Discussion of prejudice, inequality, and the impact of discrimination on American foster children.
Broadcast nationally. November 10, 2015
Native America Calling
"Fight Over Eagle Feathers." Discussion of Native American religious freedom, law, and conflicts surrounding eagle feather protections.
Broadcast across the United States and Canada. February 18, 2015
First Voices Indigenous Radio
"The Eagle Feather Law: How Religious Freedom in America is Restricted for Native Americans." Discussion of Native American religious freedom, law, and institutional restrictions involving eagle feather policy.
March 1, 2007
Native America Calling
"The Sanctity of Eagles." Discussion of Native American religious freedom, spirituality, and eagle feather protections.
Broadcast across the United States and Canada. December 19, 2006
Regional and Local Programs
Out Chicago
Discussion of the Boy Scouts' membership policy, institutional discrimination, and LGBT inclusion.
August 7, 2016
This Show Is So Gay
Discussion of the Boy Scouts' membership policy, Native American religious freedom, ethnic team names, and public debates surrounding identity and inclusion.
Broadcast regionally. June 4, 2015
Out Chicago
Discussion of Boy Scouts membership policy, institutional discrimination, and LGBTQ inclusion.
April 12, 2015
Uprising Radio
"Erasing the 'R' Word from Our Lexicon." Discussion of disability language, stigma, and cultural attitudes toward marginalized groups
May 27, 2014
The Beat of Sports
Discussion of sports culture, Native American representation, and controversies surrounding the Washington Football Team name.
April 22, 2014
South Dakota Public Radio
Discussion of Leonard Peltier, Native American issues, political conflict, and historical injustice.
April 4, 2000
Essays and Front-Page Features
The Huffington Post
"Coming Out in the Midst of the Orlando Massacre"
Autobiographical essay examining identity, violence, and public discourse following the Orlando nightclub shooting. Featured on the front page of The Huffington Post.
June 18, 2016
"What Accidentally Discovering I Was Adopted Taught Me About Religious Freedom"
Autobiographical essay reflecting on adoption, identity, and religious freedom in the United States. Featured on the front page of The Huffington Post.
September 25, 2015
"A Life in America Without Religious Freedom"
Autobiographical essay discussing religious freedom, identity, and institutional inequality. Featured on the front page of The Huffington Post.
September 24, 2015
Newspaper Front-Page Feature
Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan
Front-page feature.
March 29, 1999
Quotes in Books, Scholarly Journals, Newspapers, and Magazines
Dr. Stokes' commentary, writing, and public statements have been quoted in national and international media outlets including USA Today, Newsweek, The Hill, Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, and other print and digital publications. His work has also been quoted in scholarly journals and dozens of published books.
Looking for a Sociologist for Your Program?
Dr. Stokes welcomes invitations for interviews, expert commentary, documentaries, radio, podcasts, and other public-affairs programming.
For media inquiries, please email media (at) dashannestokes (dot) com.