FEB 20

S6 Ep3 Bridging research and practice to save democracy: Solidarity networks for the future

In this season, we dive into the question of how academics and practitioners can come together at a time in which democracy and rights are under attack in many places. What can we learn from those working across these spaces on doing this well? In this third episode we have a very inspiring guest that brings a unique perspective on these issues and "refuses to box herself in". Marina Slhessarenko Barreto is a political scientist and writer affiliated with the Law and Democracy cluster at CEBRAP, one of Brazil's largest research centers and a PhD student funded by the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung. Born into a Ukrainian family with a legacy of pro-democracy activism, it may not be a surprise that she ended up writing a book called The Path of Autocracy, which dives into the challenges that Brazilian democracy faces, ánd proposes ways out of the ongoing autocratic cycle across the globe. Marina is a regular contributor to media, including on geopolitical matters that are so high on the agenda today. We talk about the lessons from Brazil but also: Why is she so keen on bridging these different worlds and build networks of solidarity - especially as women in academia? What is borogodó and why is it relevant to 'speak to society' and collaborate well? And what gives her hope today? This and more in today's episode. So please grab a coffee, your tea, and listen in on the conversation! REQUEST: you are very welcome to share your reflections on this conversation with us via peoplevsinequality@gmail.com, as we are capturing this in a blog! For more about Marina's work: -The path of Autocracy EN summary https://laut.org.br/en/book-the-path-of-autocracy/ -Bloomsbury Handbook of Brazilian Democracy (feat 50 women scholars, forthcoming) https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/bloomsbury-handbook-of-brazilian-democracy-9798216392422/ -CCI-Cebrap https://cci-cebrap.org.br/en/about/ -Mapping autocratic actions https://agendadeemergencia.laut.org.br/en/ -Article on Ukraine https://ojs.uel.br/revistas/uel/index.php/seminasoc/article/view/51672/51585 About this podcast: In a time of crisis and fast change, the People vs Inequality podcast is a space to reflect and learn with changemakers on how to tackle inequality. The show is a co-production between Barbara van Paassen (host, creator) and Elizabeth Maina (producer), and edited by Charles Rigga. This series was funded by the Atlantic Fellowship for Social and Economic Equity Programme at the London School of Economics as part of an academic-practitioner collaboration project. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme, the International Inequalities Institute, or the London School of Economics and Political Science. More about the podcast: https://peoplevsinequality.blogspot.com/ More about the AcPrac project: https://afsee.atlanticfellows.org/academic-practitioner-collaborations

36 min

JAN 27

S6 Ep2 Bridging research and practice to save democracy: how academics can show up

Welcome to the People vs Inequality Podcast! In this season we dive into the question of how academics and practitioners can better collaborate at this time of great need. As more and more countries are facing democratic backlash, both civil society and academia are under attack. They are also in a unique position to defend civic space and human rights – especially if they find ways to come together. What can we learn from those working across these spaces on doing this well? How can academics show up for social movements and democracy alike? In this second episode we have another great example of someone who is very effective in bringing together knowledge and practice, and with a sharp eye for power. Harriet Bergman is a philosopher, writer and researcher based in the Netherlands with a long history in social movements and therefore a unique position to bridge these worlds. What does climate obstruction have to do with democracy and what can academia learn from activists? This and more in today’s episode, after which we will also invite you to share thoughts and experiences. So please grab a coffee or tea and listen in on the conversation! Resources: - Bergman’s reflection “Earth System Breakdown Does not Care about Tenure Track” https://krisis.eu/article/view/40990/37852 - About the ‘climate and emotions project’ of Stroomversnellers: https://www.stroomversnellers.org/nl/under-the-weather-reports-and-reflections-on-the-climate-and-emotions-project/ - (In Dutch): on anger, climate breakdown and whiteness: https://www.wetenschappelijkbureaugroenlinks.nl/tijdschrift/winter-2024/lauwwarm-witheet and about Climate Obstruction NL https://www.trouw.nl/duurzaamheid-economie/waarom-wordt-de-wereld-maar-niet-duurzamer-en-eerlijker-machtige-partijen-houden-een-omslag-tegen~b6c859bb/ About this podcast: In a time of crisis and fast change, the People vs Inequality podcast is a space to reflect and learn with changemakers on how to tackle inequality. The show is a co-production between Barbara van Paassen (host, creator) and Elizabeth Maina (producer), and edited by Charles Rigga. This series was funded by the Atlantic Fellowship for Social and Economic Equity Programme at the London School of Economics as part of an academic-practitioner collaboration project. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme, the International Inequalities Institute, or the London School of Economics and Political Science. More about the podcast: https://peoplevsinequality.blogspot.com/ More about the AcPrac project: https://afsee.atlanticfellows.org/academic-practitioner-collaborations

40 min

12/11/2025

S6 Ep1 Bridging research and practice to save democracy: being brave & stepping into the unknown

Welcome to the People vs Inequality Podcast! In a time of crisis and fast change, this podcast is a space to reflect and learn with changemakers on how to tackle inequality. In this season we dive into the question of how academics and practitioners can better collaborate at this time of great need. As more and more countries are facing democratic backlash, both activists and academics are under attack. They are also in a unique position to defend civic space and human rights - especially if they come together. What can we learn from those working across these spaces on doing this well? In this first episode we speak to someone who is particularly effective in bringing together knowledge and practice for real change. Liza Mügge is a political scientist at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands who was recently nominated for a prestigious gender equality price. She’s well known for groundbreaking research ánd media impact in her field of gender and democracy. It's a great kick-off to the series that will hopefully leave you inspired to be brave and step into the unknown - because where else would change happen? So please grab a coffee or tea and listen in on the conversation! Resources: More about Liza: https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/m/u/l.m.mugge/l.m.mugge.html#Ancillary-activities More about the research group https://politicsofdiversity.eu Cartoons: https://pushbacklash.eu/dissemination/cartoons/ Toolkit theatre of the oppressed: Tools of Resistance – Participatory Theatre against the Anti-Gender Backlash: A Toolkit for Universities and NGO’s Men4dem project and reports: https://men4dem.eu/ Short summery of theatre experiment: https://men4dem.eu/news-events-in-the-media/radical-immersion-a-theatre-experiment-at-oerol See also Instagram: @pushbacklash @beldan_sezen @MEN4DEM ** See https://afsee.atlanticfellows.org/academic-practitioner-collaborations for previous work of the podcast host on 'AcPrac collaboration' as part of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity Politics of Inequality project that also supported this podcast series. Credits: The People vs Inequality Podcast is a co-production between Barbara van Paassen (host, creator) and Elizabeth Maina (producer). This episode was edited by Charles Righa. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme, the International Inequalities Institute, or the London School of Economics and Political Science.

37 min

09/03/2025

SPECIAL: Worldmaking (or how we get more feminist narratives for a caring economy)

Join us for a special episode in which we explore the role of arts and imagination in changing the script towards a more just and caring economy. It is increasingly recognized that narratives play a key role in how we understand and navigate the world, ánd in how decisions are taken that affect us all. As our economies favor the few and are increasingly unsustainable: How can we challenge the dominant narratives that hold us back (such as "economic growth is THE way")? How can we build and amplify alternatives that work for women and all living species? What are the conversations and approaches that could help us move towards a shared sense of what is also possible, based on diverse voices and knowledges? Building on recent action research for Oxfam GB and decades of experience, Njoki Ngumi (artist, writer and feminist thinker), Rachel Walker (multimedia artist and campaigner), Elizabeth Maina (cultural practitioner and podcast producer) and Barbara van Paassen (strategic advisor and podcast host) dive into these questions. They make a case for more worldmaking and 'going deep, not wide', meeting every day people where they are at and localising the big shifts we would like to see. Why and how? Please grab a coffee or tea and listen in on the conversation! Credits: The People vs Inequality Podcast is a co-production between Barbara van Paassen (host, creator) and Elizabeth Maina (producer). This episode was edited by Charles Righa and is the result of a project Barbara and Elizabeth did for Oxfam GB. In that project they explored how conversations can help us shift narratives on the economy and mapped inspiring practices and conversations from across the globe. Resources and bios: Report "Mapping Feminist Economic Justice Narratives": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VGzQrtEHNidjqagkY-9BpjqJrsB23BPG/view More about Rachel and her work: https://rachelwalkerkonno.com/ More about Njoki: Dr. Njoki Ngumi is a non-clinical general practitioner and African feminist artist, writer, filmmaker, thinker and researcher whose wider health knowledge and related expertise has been critical in the creative sector and connected arenas, core among these being sexual and reproductive health, to enhance socioeconomic equity, and advancement for all, especially youth, women, and marginalised people.

50 min

06/24/2025

S5 Ep4: Solidarity in times of autocratization

As democracy and civic space are under attack in many places across the globe we explore what solidarity means when basic rights are quickly eroded. In this final episode of the 'Let's talk about solidarity' series* we dive into what solidarity can look like when autocrats and anti-rights groups gain power, and some groups are hit harder or earlier than others? We do this with another two amazing guests, Akshita Siddula, community organizer and leadership coach from Baltimore, US, and Rafael Barrio de Mendoza Zavallos, researcher and Cambridge Phd candidate from Lima, Peru. What can we learn from what is happening in the US and Peru when it comes to who is affected and who is standing up? How can we foster solidarity and what role can it play in defending rights and possibly reimagining democracy altogether? As many look at today's political developments with great concern, this conversation is timely and full of good ideas. So please grab a coffee or tea and listen in on the conversation! Resources: More on Akshita's work: https://youtu.be/JoMbZVXogeo?si=kEzHxRxur1x6iy84 More on Rafael's work: https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/fellows/2021/rafael-barrio-de-mendoza Blog Rafael 'Peruvian civil society is under attack': https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/blogs/peruvian-civil-society-is-under-attack *This episode is part of the People vs Inequality season ‘Let’s talk about Solidarity’ and a project of Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) trying to understand, critique and reimagine solidarity in these challenging times. See https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/blogs/afsee-incubation-labs-lets-talk-about-solidarity and https://www.canva.com/design/DAGbiB8gN2Q/KfaoUMAKBy0bnqEUv6dCQg/view Credits: The People vs Inequality Podcast is a co-production between Barbara van Paassen (host, creator) and Elizabeth Maina (producer). This episode was edited by Charles Righa.

39 min

06/09/2025

S5 Ep3: Solidarity in times of genocide

What does solidarity mean to people facing occupation, war, genocide even? And what can we learn from the past 1,5 years when it comes to standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine, and people being oppressed across the globe? No easy questions, but we are exploring them in this episode with three amazing women. Rana al Qawasmi is a Palestinian nutritionist and public health specialist, Lyla Adwan-Kamara is a Palestinian-Irish disability rights activist and leader, and Michaela Rafferty is an Irish youth worker and activist with a longstanding solidarity bond with Palestine. The three of them will reflect on their experiences with solidarity both within Palestine and internationally, and what we can all do to strengthen our solidarity practice. From local to international realities, finding a moral compass to addressing fear, and small scale action to systems change – this is an opportunity to learn and reflect. So grab a coffee or tea and listen in on the conversation! *This episode is part of the People vs Inequality season ‘Let’s talk about Solidarity’ and a project of Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) trying to understand, critique and reimagine solidarity in these challenging times. https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/blogs/afsee-incubation-labs-lets-talk-about-solidarity Credits: The People vs Inequality Podcast is a co-production between Barbara van Paassen (host, creator) and Elizabeth Maina (producer). This episode was edited by Charles Righa. Resources - learn more about: Rana: https://healthequity.atlanticfellows.org/fellows/rana-al-qawsmi/ Lyla: https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/fellows/2023/lyla-adwan-kamara Michaela: https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/fellows/2019/michaela-rafferty Their work and references in this episode: Blog by Lyla https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/blogs/neutrality-solidarity-and-activist-sustainability-dialogue-for-palestine Atlantic Fellows for Palestine – Medium BDS Movement | BDS MOVEMENT https://gazasunbirds.org/ Solidarity action in Belfast Ireland; -Big Ride 4 Palestine The Big Ride for Palestine -Cycle for Palestine Ireland https://www.instagram.com/cycleforpal.ireland?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== -BDS Belfast https://www.instagram.com/bdsbelfast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== More about the Solidarity Incubation lab: Community reflections on solidarity - https://www.canva.com/design/DAGbiB8gN2Q/KfaoUMAKBy0bnqEUv6dCQg/view

43 min

05/22/2025

S5 Ep.2: Solidarity in times of climate breakdown

In a time of great injustice and a burning planet: what can we do to strengthen or reimagine solidarity? From grassroots action in post-apartheid South Africa, to India’s, Brazil’s and global movements for land rights, fossil fuel phaseout and climate just alternatives: what can we learn on what works and what doesn’t? In this episode we hear from three wonderful climate justice activists and thinkers exploring this question. Najma Mohamed, Maduresh Kumar and Amanda Segnini bring a wealth of experience from different parts of the globe. They reflect on what it means when you move from local organizing to international science-policy spaces on development, nature and climate (Najma), Majority World alternatives building (Madhuresh) and global land rights campaigning (Amanda), and what we would hear if we would truly listen to grassroots movements. Tune in for unique perspectives on the question of solidarity in times of climate breakdown and key ingredients for a more just world: from remaining authentic and accountable, to the importance of emancipatory political education and global spaces that challenge historic power imbalances and build solidarity in heart and head: this conversation gets to the heart of what isn’t working and what solidarity could look like. So grab a coffee or tea and listen in on the conversation! Credits: The People vs Inequality Podcast is a co-production between Barbara van Paassen (host, creator) and Elizabeth Maina (producer). This episode was edited by Charles Righa and supported by the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity Programme as part of the Solidarity Incubation Lab aiming to unpack, critique and reimagine solidarity in these challenging times. Resources: Blog on solidarity between NGOs and social movements (referred to in the episode) – Madhuresh Kumar https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/transformation/ngos-and-social-movements-partnership-or-solidarity/ More on the project “Let’s talk about solidarity” https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/blogs/afsee-incubation-labs-lets-talk-about-solidarity More on Najma’s work: https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/blogs/uneven-earth-policies-and-governance-for-a-just-and-sustainable-world https://www.unep-wcmc.org/en/news/inspiring-a-whole-of-society-mindset-shift-on-water https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reconnecting-my-green-roots-najma-mohamed https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/fellows/2023/najma-mohamed More on Madhuresh’s work: National Alliance of People's Movements India https://napmindia.wordpress.com/ Global Tapestry of Alternatives https://globaltapestryofalternatives.org/ https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/fellows/2021/madhuresh-kumar More on Amanda’s work: https://www.landrightsnow.org/ https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/fellows/2021/amanda-segnini

43 min

05/09/2025

S5 Ep1: Let's talk about solidarity

Join us for a new season of the People vs Inequality podcast on one of the biggest themes when it comes to changemaking and tackling inequalities: solidarity. Is solidarity in crisis or booming? What do we actually mean when we say solidarity? How can we unpack, critique, rebuild or reimagine solidarity in these times of great need? One step is creating the space to talk about it, to share our doubts, fears, frustrations, hopes, learning and more. This is what a group of Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity did over the past two years, resulting in a heartwarming process, a publication with community reflections and this podcast. In this episode you hear what we did, why it felt so valuable and what we found along the way. Amanda Segnini (climate justice activist & co-lead of the Solidarity Project), Ruby Hembrom (Indigenous Publisher, Phd-student & member of the project) and Barbara van Paassen (host & co-lead of the Solidarity project) talk about what brought them to this space, what solidarity means to them and what they learned in this time together – amidst so much violence and injustice in the world. Of course they also share their hope in moving forward practicing solidarity and simply being human. In need of some inspiration? Please grab a coffee or tea and listen in on the conversation! Resources: PUBLICATION: COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS ON SOLIDARITY https://www.canva.com/design/DAGbiB8gN2Q/KfaoUMAKBy0bnqEUv6dCQg/view “LET’S TALK ABOUT SOLIDARITY” ATLANTIC FELLOWS LSE BLOG https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/blogs/afsee-incubation-labs-lets-talk-about-solidarity PEOPLE VS INEQUALITY BLOG AND TRANSCRIPTS https://peoplevsinequality.blogspot.com/ MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKERShttps://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/fellows/2021/ruby-hembromhttps://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/fellows/2021/amanda-segninihttps://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb/fellows/2020/barbara-van-paassen The People vs Inequality Podcast is a co-production between Barbara van Paassen (creator/ host) and Elizabeth Maina (producer). This episode was edited by Charles Righa and supported by the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity Programme as part of the Solidarity Incubation lab.

34 min

People vs Inequality Podcast

Episodes

S6 Ep3 Bridging research and practice to save democracy: Solidarity networks for the future

S6 Ep2 Bridging research and practice to save democracy: how academics can show up

S6 Ep1 Bridging research and practice to save democracy: being brave & stepping into the unknown

SPECIAL: Worldmaking (or how we get more feminist narratives for a caring economy)

S5 Ep4: Solidarity in times of autocratization

S5 Ep3: Solidarity in times of genocide

S5 Ep.2: Solidarity in times of climate breakdown

S5 Ep1: Let's talk about solidarity

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