I find these podcasts to be perpetually confusing. Of the three I’ve listened to, I abandoned 2 in disgust and held one to the end. I think my issue is that the host has a perspective on some key words or ideas that are far afield of how Americans like me take them. A big one is in how he and some of his guests use the words liberal, liberty and conservative. To him, the root meaning is all about 18th century philosophy (which is how the British use it) while to me it’s about 21st century life. One is all about blind rationalism (without humanity). The other is about humanism, society and our better nature. Our American term Bleeding Heart Liberal, which refers to Jesus’ heart impassioned with love for humanity (i.e., the Sacred heart of Jesus). It is that love for humanity that is largely absent here leaving many of the conversations sounding more like drunk libertarian screeds than anything esle.

Insightful conversations every week. A great resource for political scientists.

Brings in good interviewees and conducts fine interviews. But the host has limited understanding of social science research, which was most on display in the rather shallow “democracy measures” discussion that did not touch on the basics of measurement validity.

This is the perfect choice for anyone interested in learning more about the opportunities and challenges associated with democracy! Each episode is both informative and enjoyable.

While the content and moderator are engaging, the wording, topics and tone in the last 4 episodes (for example) seems to parrot autocratic talking points. Also, the website does not publish its donors or provide transparency on any potential conflicts of interest. Listen critically, if at all

This is simply one of the best podcasts on the study of democracy, made accessible to all and in response to current affairs. One of my favorites. Highly recommended.

This is a wonderful podcast. Justin is a really effective host, he knows how to lead the conversations and asks really good questions whilst also giving his guests enough breathing room to elaborate on their points and make further connections with other ideas—this is a rare and wonderful skill. Highly recommend.

I am going to continue checking this out based on the episode I heard. I am baffled by the choices humans make. Need all the smart help I can get.

At a current moment that is seeing the backsliding of global democracy, 'Democracy Paradox' is essential listening. Host Justin Kempf and his guests provide real value in advancing the fissures and theeats to democracy, and not merely assuming common understanding and commitment. This podcast should be listened by everyone committed to building a pro-democracy consensus.

The host does an excellent job moving the conversation along and guiding the guests toward the most important and interesting parts of their research. He also does a good job explaining or getting the guests to explain some of their academic jargon which might go over the heads of the average listeners. Overall, it’s an extremely informative and engaging podcast. A real gem that I’m glad I found.

One of the best podcasts on democracy out there! Kempf finds the most cutting-edge books and authors and asks them challenging and sharp questions. The conversation is always engaging and you will learn a lot each episode.

The Democracy Paradox podcast is engaging and thought provoking. Host, Justin Kempf, engages scholars from a range of disciplines to discuss democracy. I come away with new insights and ideas after each new episode. As an educator, the episodes that ask, “what is democracy” would be a great addition to high school government classes and grad political science classrooms alike. I personally enjoyed the episode #27, Landemore, Democracy without Elections Ashley, co-host of Growing Democracy Podcast

Justin Kempf’s ‘Democracy Paradox’ is a refreshing addition to a burgeoning set of podcasts on the social sciences. There is perhaps no more important topic and theme today than the health of democracies. And without engaging in democratic development, progress, and, in fact, regress squarely as a society or researchers or leaders we can’t collectively contribute to maintaining its health. This is what Justin helps to nurse. The podcast engages some of the leading academics and thinkers on the subject, and then goes further by posing and prodding tough but fair questions that make the authors go deeper on their work. Justin meticulously reads every book or article referenced and shows an authentic desire to grapple with - usually - unorthodox takes on democracy and the challenges that its systems of governance face. Highly recommend.

This is a great podcast. I find it useful, not only for academic reasons, but also, as a source of information for a concerned individual who worries a lot about the erosion of democracy as a social construct.

Great episode on authoritarian successor parties. Though, he was not mentioned, much of the topics that were mentioned reminded me of the politics of the former President. Some leaders in Latin America have only used parties to get elected and do not build them into real electable groups; when some Latin American parties can’t win on the issues they focus on culture; and some Latin American parties legitimize themselves with grievance politics. All of these topics could just as easily come up in a conversation about the current state of the conservative party in the United States. Though, as Loxton argues, we need a conservative party that represents the interest of the wealthy in order to have a healthy democracy, there’s no doubt that January 6th -- and all the events thereafter – have shown that in the wrong hands, this faction can also tear our democracy apart. Maybe this is why we should all be rooting for the true conservatives who are attempting to take the party back – even if we vehemently disagree with them on the issues

DP host Justin Kempf his a real gift for producing this podcast. His questions are incisive, and he encourages his guests to thoughtfully delve into deep subjects as they pertain to democracy and civic engagement. One standout episode is Justin’s interview with Ryan Salzman, author of “Pop-Up Civics in 21st Century America.”

In depth, insightful analysis of complex subjects with extremely qualified guests. Plus the child introducing the podcast is darling!

Only heard one podcast so far—German democracy—but picked up some insights—who knew that the reason parliamentary democracy failed was because it was seen as opposed to the common good, and supportive of the dominance of factions? Keep the deeper insights coming, I’ll keep listening...

This is my podcast. I’ve gotta at least give myself a good rating, right?