Activism Academy

Activism Academy
Activism Academy Podcast

Activism, important causes and outspoken changemakers - welcome to the Activism Academy podcasts where Khalifa Ihler Institute researchers Miriam Fanin and Hella Grichi invite activists and changemakers to discuss burning topics: politics, human rights and so many more issues that need to be addressed. Join us for exciting episodes with guests who will help you widen your horizon and get you thinking about what matters and why. If you have a topic or a guest suggestion, the activism academy would love to hear about it. Head to activismacademy.com and send us YOUR burning topic.

  1. 11/02/2022

    #11 Listen to the Other Side: Trina Talukdar & Jahnavi Jayanth on rebuilding dialogues

    Today we are joined by the founders of Bolti Bandh, Trina Talukdar and Jahnavi Jayanth. Bolti Bandh is an organization that aims at building a new type of dialogue, through which we can really listen to the side that is "unlike" us. "Dialogues with people 'unlike us' invariably turn into uncomfortable, hateful and aggressively alienating debates; where each person is trying to prove they are right and the other is wrong. Regardless of what side we stand on, we are getting weary of the polarisation of political opinions and extreme reactions towards those who are different or believe differently from us." "We think the answer is to have a new kind of conversation that is not only about making oneself heard, but making the 'other' feel heard, and not about what you or they believe in, but 'why'. The human ability to do this isn't new or unnatural; we are merely  reactivating what has been educated out of us to become a long-forgotten lost tendency. the inherent curiosity in human stories that we are born with, the inherent craving we have for making human connections. So, in trying to build this new kind of dialogue with you, Bolti Bandh is a tiny team of writers, illustrators and dialogue enthusiasts bringing to you vivid stories and candid conversations that all explore one thing. Listening to the other side." Visit Bolti Bandh here: http://boltibandh.org Disclaimer: The opinions, views and statements expressed in this podcast belong to the invited guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Activism Academy or the Khalifa Ihler Institute.

    46 min
  2. 12/01/2022

    #10 Millions Missing: Scott Simpson on the uphill battle of myalgic encephalomyelitis patients

    Welcome to another episode of the Activism Academy. Our guest today is Scott Simpson. This episode is about myalgic encephalomyelitis, a chronic, multi-system condition characterized by post-exertional malaise, an exacerbation of symptoms following ordinary physical or cognitive activity with prolonged recovery that may result in a permanent decrease in functioning. The effects of ME are devastating enough to leave 25% of patients housebound or bedbound and an estimated 75% unable to work. ME affects 15 to 30 million women, men and children around the world.  Scott Simpson is a Canadian patient living with HIV since 1998 but "suffering a lot with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) since August 9, 2012."Scott is on the core team of Millions Missing Canada. Millions Missing is a global campaign for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) health equality. They demonstrate around the world for equitable research funding, clinical trials, medical education and public awareness for ME. Scott is a medal-winning triathlete who is a three-time member of the national triathlon team in his age group. But now, on good days, he says he can walk for 10 minutes on flat ground. He says he can accept his ME diagnosis with its bleak prognosis, but not the harms the Canadian health care system perpetuates on its citizens suffering with ME. He has experienced the very best research and treatment of HIV to non-existent research funding and either no or harmful treatments with ME. In addition to our conversation with Scott, we will also feature two testimonies by Nevra Elis Ahmed from Pakistan and Gigi Joseph Garrison from the UK who suffer from ME and will share with us their experience as ME patients, as well as their worries but also their hopes. Definition and statement sources: Millions Missing website Disclaimer: The opinions, views and statements expressed in this podcast belong to the invited guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Activism Academy or the Khalifa Ihler Institute. Trigger warning: this episode may contain sensitive language.

    40 min
  3. 06/08/2021

    #5 Understanding July 25th and Kais Saied's Measures through a Tunisian Lens

    On July 25th, Republic Day in Tunisia, non-partisan protests erupted in various cities, calling for the dismissal of the government and corrupt political parties that have been stalling progress in parliament and failed to address the COVID-19 crisis adequately. That night, president Kais Saied invoked Article 80 of the Tunisian constitution that allows him to implement exceptional measures “in the event of imminent danger threatening the nation’s institutions or the security or independence of the country, and hampering the normal functioning of the state” quoting the constitution. These exceptional measures included the dismissal of the Head of Government, Hichem Mechichi, the suspension of parliament and lifting immunity off all parliamentary representatives. Many Tunisians took to the streets and celebrated the announcement with song and dance, while others were rather skeptical. We have invited three Tunisians to discuss what happened and how they perceive the events: Belkiss Anane, Heythem Guesmi and Habib Sayah. Belkiss Anane is a Washington, DC- based Tunisian consultant. Mathematician by training, she holds a minor in MENA studies from Northwestern University and has pursued African Studies at the African Leadership Academy. Belkis has been active with several NGOs in the U.S. and Tunisia, largely focusing on the Arab region and specifically on women empowerment and Palestinian affairs. Heythem Guesmi is a 30-year-old researcher in rural politics and peasants struggles. He belongs to the "Youth of the Revolution", is interested in the history of transitions and the establishment of cultural hegemony. Habib Sayah is a Tunisia-based consultant and researcher. His recent work has focused on security sector reform as well as the effects of disinformation and propaganda on social cohesion, community resilience, and polarisation. He holds a Master’s degree from the War Studies department at King’s College London.

    1h 20m

About

Activism, important causes and outspoken changemakers - welcome to the Activism Academy podcasts where Khalifa Ihler Institute researchers Miriam Fanin and Hella Grichi invite activists and changemakers to discuss burning topics: politics, human rights and so many more issues that need to be addressed. Join us for exciting episodes with guests who will help you widen your horizon and get you thinking about what matters and why. If you have a topic or a guest suggestion, the activism academy would love to hear about it. Head to activismacademy.com and send us YOUR burning topic.

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