Social Norms Chat

TransformNorms

Social Norms Chat is a podcast for practitioners, funders, and changemakers eager to explore how social norms shape behaviors, how they can be shifted to drive meaningful change and how this translates into practice. Hosted by Cäcilia Riederer from TransformNorms this podcast goes through thematic deep dives on topics like mental health, violence, and gender dynamics, we blend research, case studies, and expert insights to uncover what works (and what doesn’t) in fostering deep normative change. With special guests and real-world examples, we provide actionable strategies for those working in policy, advocacy, and community development.

  1. S2E12: The Power of Social Norms in Government and Policy

    APR 14

    S2E12: The Power of Social Norms in Government and Policy

    Send us Fan Mail  How can governments work towards behavior change, using social norms frameworks?  In this season's finale, host Cäcilia Riederer seats with Gwen Dereymaeker and Cameron Cyster, former and current servants at the Western Cape Government. Together, they talk about how government decisions shape everyday life, challenges, good examples and the impact of social norms on health policy.  Recommendations by Gwen and Cameron:  Nudge - Richard Thaler and Cass SusteinBetter Politics PodcastInside the Manosphere (2026) Social Norms Chat is taking a break after this season where we welcomed amazing guests. During our break, don't hesitate to reach out via LinkedIn and listen to all 22 episodes available!  Use along the Transforming Social Norms Toolkit.  Follow us on LinkedIn - and message us if you have questions, suggestions or comments! Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer Special guest: Gwen Dereymaeker and Cameron Cyster Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich Editor: Tabussum Akter

    47 min
  2. S2E11: Rethinking Citizen Participation, Power, and Agency

    APR 1

    S2E11: Rethinking Citizen Participation, Power, and Agency

    Send us Fan Mail  How can collective action be triggered and maintained at scale and how can we use that for change?  In this episode of Social Norms Chat, host Cäcilia Riederer seats with Györgyi Galik, from Dark Matter Labs / Governing Together. Together, they talk about innovations at the local level, focusing on citizen participation and its importance.  Check Governing Together's summary introduction here.  Mentions and Recommendations made by Györgyi:  Caroline Lucas Kate CrawfordChris AndersonOlga Kusinskaya (2023) The Politics of Invisibility Public Knowledge about Radiation Health Effects after Chernobyl Holly Buck (2024) A Climate Disinformation Focus Takes Us the Wrong Way  More about relationality, one of the main concepts mentioned during this episode: Relationality refers to the underlying web of relationship dynamics, interactions, and exchanges through which governance actually happens. It is not an add-on to institutions or processes. It is the condition within which they operate. At its core, relationality recognises that: people, institutions, and systems are interdependent and entangledoutcomes emerge from patterns of interaction, not only from individuals, intentions, formal decisions, norms, or structuresgovernance is shaped as much by how we relate as by what we decideRelationality might include: Relationships between people and groups Trust, mistrust, care, conflict, reciprocityFlows and exchanges Information, resources, power, attention, legitimacyFeedback loops How we learn, iterate, and how signals travel, are interpreted, and influence present and future actionCollective sense-making How shared understanding is formed, contested, and stabilisedInstitutional arrangements The formal and informal rules that shape how interactions happenValue logics What is considered valid, important, or legitimate within a systemEveryday practices and enactment How daily practices are implemented and exercised through the design of ‘soft infrastructures’ – tools, processes, and practices that translate intentions and policies into institutional capacity Follow us on LinkedIn - and message us if you have questions, suggestions or comments! Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer Special guest: Györgyi Galik Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich Editor: Tabusum Akter

    39 min
  3. S2E10: the Path to Effective Leadership

    MAR 18

    S2E10: the Path to Effective Leadership

    Send us Fan Mail   What is the importance of supporting leadership development? In this episode of Social Norms Chat, host Cäcilia Riederer seats with Caren Wakoli, from Emerging Leaders Foundation. Together, they talk about the role of mentorship, value-driven leadership and TransformNorms, a fellowship programme that is co-hosted with Emerging Leaders.  Our Recommendation: TransformNorms Toolkit: in order to use it, download it and open it on a PDF reader in order to fill in the gaps. In case you fill it out and want to send us your final result or ask questions, feel free to reach out on transformnorms@betterpolitics.foundation. Caren's Recommendation:  The Impossible Dream - Man of La Mancha Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela Invictus (2009) Follow us on LinkedIn - and message us if you have questions, suggestions or comments! Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer Special guest: Caren Wakoli Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich Editor: Dora Ehrlich

    46 min
  4. S2E9: Engaging Boys and Men in Gender Equality

    MAR 4

    S2E9: Engaging Boys and Men in Gender Equality

    Send us Fan Mail   How can we engage boys and men for dialogue and gender norms change? In this episode of Social Norms Chat, host Cäcilia Riederer seats with Harish Sadani, from Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA). Together, they talk about the evolution of masculinity conversations over the years, the importance of addressing social norms and the need for long-term engagement with men and boys to foster change. Our Recommendation: Fraym's Gender Norms Resource Hub - Data Engine Harish's Recommendation:  The Mask You Live In, 2015 Miss Representation, 2011 The Macho Paradox, Jackson Katz Tough Guise, 1999 Use along the Transforming Social Norms Toolkit.  Follow us on LinkedIn - and message us if you have questions, suggestions or comments! Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer Special guest: Harish Sadani Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich Editor: Tabusum Akter

    50 min
  5. S2E8: Towards Digital Democracy in Latin America

    FEB 18

    S2E8: Towards Digital Democracy in Latin America

    Send us Fan Mail   How can we push for digital rights and protect politicians from online violence? What is the role of platforms, governments and civil society? In this episode of Social Norms Chat, host Cäcilia Riederer seats with Paulina Ibarra, from Fundación Multitudes. Together, they talk about work countering violence against politicians and the how the world we currently live in contributes or not for this phoenomena. Our Recommendation: Political Leadership Norms and Women in Politics In case you are interested in finding out more about Political Leadership Norms, how do they affect women in politics and what can be done to tackle negative norms and their impacts or to support new better norms, take a look at the resource above. For legal frameworks all over the world on the specific topic of violence against politicians and public officeholders, check the resource below. Safety in Office - Global Law Repository Paulina's Recommendation:  The Information Animal - Alicia Wanless Use along the Transforming Social Norms Toolkit.  Follow us on LinkedIn - and message us if you have questions, suggestions or comments! Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer Special guest: Paulina Ibarra Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich Editor: Dora Ehrlich

    39 min
  6. S2E7: Faith, Power, and Violence Prevention

    FEB 4

    S2E7: Faith, Power, and Violence Prevention

    Send us Fan Mail   How can we use faith leadership to change social norms? What happens when faith leaders challenge violence?  In this episode of Social Norms Chat, host Cäcilia Riederer seats with Uwezo Baghuma Lele, from Tearfund. They talk about faith leaders as potential agents of norms change, evidence of impact in conflict-affected contexts and the challenges of faith-based engagement. And more: with first-hand facilitation stories that can inspire your work too.  Our Recommendation: Deep Dive: A Country-Specific Exploration of Evidence Addressing Gender Norms through Programming with Men and Boys in Kenya More on Uwezo's research work Uwezo's Recommendation:   Changing Norms through Actions: The Evolution of Sovereignty by Jennifer M. Ramos Transforming Masculinities Use along the Transforming Social Norms Toolkit.  Follow us on LinkedIn - and message us if you have questions, suggestions or comments! Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer Special guest: Uwezo Baghuma Lele Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich Editor: Tabusum Akter

    38 min
  7. S2E6: Using Artificial Intelligence Tools for Behavior Change

    JAN 20

    S2E6: Using Artificial Intelligence Tools for Behavior Change

    Send us Fan Mail How can we smartly use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools at behavior change initiatives? In this episode of Social Norms Chat, host Cäcilia is joined by Sarah Osman, from Osman Advisory Services. They talk about the recent evolution of technologies, good practices and innovations.  Our Recommendation: AI uses in behavior change & social projects GRIT - Gender Rights in Tech Sarah's Recommendations: LeLapa Canva's AI data communication tools Lovable Farmer Chat, from Digital Green UNDP Panama - AI for cocreation Jakaranda Health Use along the Transforming Social Norms Toolkit.  Follow us on LinkedIn - and message us if you have questions, suggestions or comments! Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer Special guest: Sarah Osman Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich Editor: Dora Ehrlich

    42 min
  8. S2E5: Strengthening Capacities for Gender Norms Change

    JAN 7

    S2E5: Strengthening Capacities for Gender Norms Change

    Send us Fan Mail  How can we build and strengthen capacities in order to promote gender norms change? In this episode of Social Norms Chat, host Cäcilia is joined by Lori Heise, from Prevention Collaborative. They talk about gender norms, violence prevention, and how practitioners can effectively design programs for social change.  Our Recommendation: Transforming Gender Norms for Violence Prevention, an accessible and comprehensive course by Prevention Collaborative.  In the episode, we also mentioned the article Theory and practice of social norms interventions: eight common pitfalls, by Lori Heise and Ben Cislaghi. Lori's Recommendations: Book: The Bone People, by Keri Hulme.  Use along the Transforming Social Norms Toolkit.  Follow us on LinkedIn - and message us if you have questions, suggestions or comments! Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer Special guest: Lori Heise Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich Editor: Tabusum Akter

    41 min
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About

Social Norms Chat is a podcast for practitioners, funders, and changemakers eager to explore how social norms shape behaviors, how they can be shifted to drive meaningful change and how this translates into practice. Hosted by Cäcilia Riederer from TransformNorms this podcast goes through thematic deep dives on topics like mental health, violence, and gender dynamics, we blend research, case studies, and expert insights to uncover what works (and what doesn’t) in fostering deep normative change. With special guests and real-world examples, we provide actionable strategies for those working in policy, advocacy, and community development.

Information

  • Creator
    TransformNorms
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Social Norms Chat
  • Show Website
    Social Norms Chat