Dissidents and Dictators

Human Rights Foundation

“Dissidents and Dictators” is a podcast dedicated to bringing listeners stories and analysis from those on the frontlines of the fight for democracy. Hosted by Casey Michel and Elisha Maldonado, the podcast features democracy campaigners, investigative journalists, artists, musicians, scholars, and many more targeted by authoritarian regimes around the world. Guests share their personal histories and how they’ve dedicated themselves to standing up to dictatorship. Mixing news, commentary, and humor, the podcast provides impactful, unflinching conversations from those who’ve sacrificed everything to spread democracy — and who want to share their story with the rest of us.

  1. The Troublemaker with Mark Clifford

    01/29/2025

    The Troublemaker with Mark Clifford

    Casey and Elisha speak with Mark Clifford, author of a new biography of jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, about Beijing's brutality, the future of Hong Kong democracy, and how Jimmy became the face of a movement. They also talk about Jimmy's wide-ranging culinary tastes - and some of the most memorable meals Jimmy enjoyed before prison.  SHOW NOTES:  Link to Mark's new biography of Jimmy Lai: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Troublemaker/Mark-L-Clifford/9781668027691  Link to Mark's previous book on the history of Hong Kong: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250279170/todayhongkongtomorrowtheworld/

    37 min
  2. Is Bitcoin a lifeline for Africa?

    12/19/2024

    Is Bitcoin a lifeline for Africa?

    Casey and Elisha are joined by Togolese human rights activist Farida Nabourema to talk about her life growing up under the Gnassingbé dictatorships — Togo has been under single-family autocracy for more than 50 years — and the country's rampant crookedness. She also talks about how Bitcoin and blockchain offer solutions to Africa's longstanding issues with corruption and lack of trust in traditional financial institutions and how Bitcoin can offer a more transparent alternative.

    38 min
  3. How Consultants Became Dictators' Best Friends

    12/05/2024

    How Consultants Became Dictators' Best Friends

    Casey and Elisha talk about the latest revelations on how consulting firms in democratic countries became the best friends that dictators around the world could ask for. They discuss the recent news on how consulting firm McKinsey & Company opened its doors to clients in places like Saudi Arabia and China, and how these firms became allies for those trying to smother democracy. They also discuss the latest in the trial of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai. Related Links: 1. Inside the Secret World of McKinsey: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/nov/20/mckinsey-fossil-fuels 2. The American Consulting Firms That Live in Fear of Their Murderous Clients: https://newrepublic.com/article/178942/consulting-firms-saudi-arabia-hearing

    30 min
  4. Indonesia's Democratic Crossroads with Benedict Rogers

    11/21/2024

    Indonesia's Democratic Crossroads with Benedict Rogers

    Casey and Elisha sit down with Benedict Rogers, a well-traveled journalist and human rights advocate, to discuss his experiences and insights from across the globe. From his roots in London to his professional ventures in Indonesia, Burma, and China, Benedict shares his journey and the significant socio-political changes he's witnessed. We delve into major topics, such as Indonesia's democratic progress, the rise of religion-based intolerance, and Burma's ongoing humanitarian crisis. Ben also shares his thoughts on Prabowo Subianto's rise to power in Indonesia and the state of democracy in the region.

    30 min
  5. Exposing Modi's Authoritarianism with Raqib Hameed Naik

    11/07/2024

    Exposing Modi's Authoritarianism with Raqib Hameed Naik

    Casey and Elisha sit down with Raqib Hameed Naik, an Indian journalist currently in exile because of his reporting. They discuss how Modi has degraded India's democracy and how Indian authorities are now targeting — and even allegedly assassinating — critics abroad. They discuss Raqib's own stories from Kashmir and why the world must wake up to what's now taking place in India.

    46 min
  6. Remembering Hong Kong with Mark Simon

    10/20/2024

    Remembering Hong Kong with Mark Simon

    Casey and Elisha chat with Mark Simon, previously one of Hong Kong's most prominent media executives — and a man now wanted by Beijing for his work exposing the crimes of the Chinese Communist Party. They talk about how the Chinese government has smothered media freedoms in Hong Kong and the ongoing trial of democracy activist Jimmy Lai.

    39 min
  7. Hope and Heroism in Nicaragua with Felix Maradiaga

    10/17/2024

    Hope and Heroism in Nicaragua with Felix Maradiaga

    Casey and Elisha talk with Nicaraguan democracy activist Felix Maradiaga about his lifelong push against authoritarian forces in Nicaragua. They discuss how Felix survived solitary confinement, Nicaragua's place in the global axis of authoritarianism, and what gives him hope for the future of Nicaraguan democracy. They also chat about the role of family for democratic activists.

    48 min
  8. For the Love of Venezuelans with Leopoldo López

    10/10/2024

    For the Love of Venezuelans with Leopoldo López

    Casey and Elisha open Season 2 with Leopoldo Lopez, the prominent Venezuelan politician and activist who has made a name for himself by building peaceful movements opposing the Maduro regime. For his efforts, he spent nearly seven years in prison, four in solitary confinement, and now lives in exile. The three discuss Lopez's upbringing in Venezuela, the family history that compelled him to enter politics, and what he loves most about the country he didn't want to leave. Lopez provides an assessment of Venezuela’s current political landscape following the stolen election in July and how he’s advocating for reform at the World Liberty Congress. Extreme sports are also discussed.

    54 min
See All (159)

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

“Dissidents and Dictators” is a podcast dedicated to bringing listeners stories and analysis from those on the frontlines of the fight for democracy. Hosted by Casey Michel and Elisha Maldonado, the podcast features democracy campaigners, investigative journalists, artists, musicians, scholars, and many more targeted by authoritarian regimes around the world. Guests share their personal histories and how they’ve dedicated themselves to standing up to dictatorship. Mixing news, commentary, and humor, the podcast provides impactful, unflinching conversations from those who’ve sacrificed everything to spread democracy — and who want to share their story with the rest of us.

Information

  • Creator
    Human Rights Foundation
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Dissidents and Dictators