Democracy Paradox - Podcast Rankings and reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.