Introducing “Tracked and Traced,” a New Podcast from WDET and MSU’s Science Gallery

“Tracked and Traced” takes an in-depth look at surveillance technology and how it affects you. Join us as we watch the watchers. New episodes released every other week, starting early 2022.

tracked and traced web post

You are being surveilled. In the street, at home, on your phone. Police, governments, and corporations are collecting more data than ever before in the name of safety and security. “Tracked and Traced” asks: Is it worth it? Is it working?


Listen to the trailer and subscribe to the podcast to be alerted when new episodes come out:

Apple Podcast — Spotify — NPR — Stitcher — Google Podcasts


Hosted by Natasha T Miller and Antajuan Scott and featuring original reporting from WDET, this 10-episode series will explore the ways surveillance technology are integrated into our everyday lives, and the price we pay for safety, security, and convenience.

Episode topics will include:

  • The creation of the Patriot Act and Terrorist Watch List after the 9/11 attacks
  • Project Greenlight in Detroit
  • ShotSpotter audio surveillance
  • Police intelligence infrastructure
  • Video surveillance in schools
  • The risks of going viral
  • Profits and privacy
  • Drones and wildfire surveillance
  • Foster system databases in the U.S.
  • Street-level video surveillance

Tracked and Traced is the second podcast collaboration between WDET and MSU’s Science Gallery. The 10-episode series Science of Grief invited young adults to share their own stories of grief, and invited mental health professionals to offer tips and takeaways for listeners. Science of Grief is available wherever you get your podcasts.

Support for Tracked and Traced comes from the Pulitzer Center, MSU Federal Credit Union and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM).

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Author

  • David Leins is the senior producer of WDET’s daily news and culture program, The Metro. He has produced several award-winning podcasts and multimedia series at WDET including Tracked and Traced, Science of Grief and COVID Diaries, which earned a National Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Innovation. He previously led WDET’s StoryMakers program. David has an M.A. in Media Arts and Studies from Wayne State University, and a B.A. in anthropology from Grand Valley State University with a minor in Arabic. David teaches podcasting at Wayne State University and is an alumnus of the Transom Audio Storytelling Workshop.