BGSU students produce new podcast as part of experiential learning with the Democracy and Public Policy Research Network

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – This fall, the Democracy and Public Policy Research Network in the Department of Political Science at Bowling Green State University focused on nonpartisan data collection and civic engagement, conducting web-based polls in the months leading up to the presidential election.

With the election now over, the network – comprised of BGSU researchers and students – has launched a new podcast to continue its nonpartisan work in promoting democracy through education.

"There was a real hunger that students articulated for young people to have a space to bring awareness to issues in the world and explore those in a place where students can ask questions and learn something," said Dr. Robert Alexander, professor of political science and the network’s founding director. "To meet that need, students have started the 'Democracy Exchange: With the DePo' podcast."

Developed, hosted, produced and managed entirely by BGSU students, the "Democracy Exchange" podcast has already published five episodes.

The podcast covers various topics and features discussions with guests, including BGSU researchers and prominent alumni like Randy Gardner '81, '87, who previously served as a member of the Ohio House and Senate and as chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

"It has been an amazing opportunity to help start an organization from the ground up and to be given the chance to get the perspectives of people who are experts in their field," said BGSU political science student Samantha Conrad. "As the podcast host, I work with a team to develop discussion topics, find guests, record the podcasts and post them to social media."

Since its launch, the podcast has provided students like Conrad with the opportunity to develop relevant skills in organization operations, media management and content creation.

"I've learned that it takes a lot to start an organization," Conrad said. "This experience has given me a glimpse into what public administration and nonprofit work may be like. We are doing something that will have a permanent, lasting impact in the community and here at BGSU."

Beyond the podcast itself, Alexander and faculty members are also helping students build their resumes and portfolios through additional experiential learning opportunities.

"Following the two polls we put out earlier this fall, we now have a lot of data to analyze and conduct future research on," Alexander said. "There are opportunities to work with students on research papers, political journal publications, academic publications and maybe some op-ed columns. We can inform the public and work toward a better understanding of the public good."

The "Democracy Exchange" podcast is available on many platforms, including Spotify and YouTube. Episodes can also be found on the Democracy and Public Policy Research Network's social media pages.