Professors Will Hitchcock and Siva Vaidhyanathan (history and modern media studies, respectively) are watching history repeat itself as autocratic leaders the world over chip away at representative democracy. On Democracy in Danger the two interview guest experts about relevant topics and discuss what can be done to course-correct. In true professorial form, the show notes come packed with links to sources, further reading, and transcripts. A surprising inclusion for a project produced out of a college media lab. 

While pure in its intentions, it’s worth noting Democracy in Danger is, at the end of the day, two professors discussing something firmly within their respective wheelhouses. A fantastic bona fide, but a side effect of that expertise is an unmistakably academic tone. A tone that’s blissfully sober compared to investigative journalism podcasts that attempt to make flowery prose out of every minute detail, as if the host is writing the next Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. As a not-student, I find the vibe nostalgic. That said, fair warning to any political science majors still in college: either you’ll feel like you’re listening to a recorded class lecture, or it’s possible DiD will be assigned as extra credit homework.

We were fortunate to talk with Jennifer Ludovici about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.

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DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

LUDOVICI: We are a collaboration among faculty members at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. When covid canceled our conference on the rise of global illiberalism and ongoing threats to democratic ideals and practices, we decided to take the conversation to a virtual platform, and the podcast was born!

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Democracy in Danger?

LUDOVICI: We are unique in that we take an academic approach to the issues of the day, but in a way that’s accessible and compelling. Our guests are experts with perspectives informed by their dedicated research, and our hosts are educators who can translate complex ideas for a general public. You don’t leave a show without learning something new or gaining a new perspectives on important issues.

DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?

LUDOVICI: We have a loyal following. Our fans appreciate the breadth of topics we cover and the overall positive message of the show – that democracy is fragile and imperfect, but with care it can be strengthened and improved. We’ve received some 59 reviews on Apple Podcasts, with an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5.

DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?

LUDOVICI: Like much of the podcasting world during the pandemic, we are all working remotely and have our own makeshift studios— Will often records in his closet and Siva is usually in his basement office. We plan to be back together in a recording studio in the fall. We use high-performance compressor mics, while tape-syncing our guests on iPhones, attachable mics or whatever their best-quality setup is. Our episodes are produced in a multitrack nondestructive workstation and frequently enhanced with news and archival tape, as well as musical scoring.

DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

LUDOVICI: Getting the word out. We are all really proud of the show and want more people to experience it!

DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?

LUDOVICI: We hope that people find the show educational as well as thought-provoking and fun, and will share it with students and fellow humans-of-a-curious-nature. We’d like to be the must-listen show of everyone’s week.

DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

LUDOVICI: We are a part of The Democracy Group, a consortium of podcasts associated with Penn State’s McCourtney Institute, and we really enjoy all of the shows in our consortium. You can find them at democracygroup.org. We also really love The New Yorker Radio Hour, The Pie and How to Save a Planet — the last two featuring two of our guests.

DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?

LUDOVICI: It’s a really fun show. Will and Siva have great rapport with each other and keep listeners engaged with challenging topics and fascinating guests. At around 30 minutes an episode, it’s a great length to digest on your commute, while taking care of things around the house, or going out for a walk.

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