Blueprints of Disruption

Rabble Rousers' Cooperative
  • 4.3 (6)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Blueprints of Disruption is dedicated to amplifying the work of activists, organizers and rabble rousers. This weekly podcast, hosted by Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero, features in-depth discussions that explore different ways to challenge capitalism, decolonize spaces and create movements on the ground. Together we will disrupt the status quo one episode at a time.

  1. "The Cultural Expression of Our Politics" - 100 Years of the United Jewish Peoples Order

    1d ago

    "The Cultural Expression of Our Politics" - 100 Years of the United Jewish Peoples Order

    The United Jewish Peoples' Order is in the midst of celebrating their 100th year as a secular, leftist Jewish organization in Canada. Three of UJPO's staff join Blueprints to share some of what they've learned working for the century-old organization, and reflect on how they might build for the next 100 years. What UJPO does is largely a reflection of their origin story as outsiders: "We began in the 1920s out of a need for mutual aid between secular, leftist Jews - the majority of them factory workers. They needed community." - Shayle Kilroy, UJPO Operations Manager gives a brief history of how socio-economic conditions led to the creation of a versatile network that understands the importance of collective liberation.We hear how UJPO has navigated through extraordinary times, both globally and internally - and how they've remained Leftists through it all; Embracing change, and inclusivity, while holding onto their core values. UJPO have a big event coming up on June 11th, titled "Joy and Struggle". Its an example of how the organization seeks to blend the cultural (the communal) with the political - an approach Executive Director Sarena Sarain and Cultural Director David Wall say have been critical to the longevity of the group. The three guests also talk a lot about what solidarity means, how they practice collective liberation and the other elements that have made them what they are today. Hosted by: Jessa McLean Get Tickets to the 100th Celebration: Joy and Struggle Related Episodes: Jews Say No to Genocide (Dec 2024) Serena Sairan and Lauren Moses-Brettle on the identity crisis being purposely crafted by the Israeli lobby to thwart the work being done to liberate Palestine. Return and Liberation (Oct 2022) A discussion with the Palestinian Youth Movement on how they organize as a diaspora, both culturally and politically, in an environment hostile to their existence. More Resources: UJPO on YouTubeOur History – Morris Winchevsky Centre | Secular Jewish Toronto Get ALL our content through our SUBSTACK. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

    43 min
  2. Setting Precedent: The Right to Protest on Campus, Charter Violations (Part 3)

    Jun 3 ·  Bonus

    Setting Precedent: The Right to Protest on Campus, Charter Violations (Part 3)

    This is Part 3 of our series that tells the whole story behind the lawsuit activists have launched against the University of Calgary and the Calgary Police in response to an encampment eviction on the campus back in May 2024. Legal Counsel for the nine Plaintiffs, Chris Weibe joins us to talk about the merits of the case, and just how people's Charter Rights were violated. We ask him what a victory in this case would look like, for the Plaintiffs AND other activists facing similar situations. Weibe also gives some insight on what its like going after the state on behalf of activists. Be sure to also check out... Part 1: Raheleh's Story - Dr. Tarani tells her story of participating in the peaceful protest with her son one minute, and being pinned by police the next. We heard about the impact that had on her, and how she's reclaiming power through the court. Part 2: Liaising with Police - Calgary based activist Wesam Cooley talks about his role as the encampment's police liaison, and what its been like trying to hold police and other parties accountable in Alberta. Hosted and by Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero Call to Action: DONATE TO THE LEGAL FUND FOR THE PLAINTIFFS Other Related Episodes: Student Suppression by Any Means with Jeremy Appel (March 2025)Student Encampments (May 2024) a look at their demands for divestment, the responses from the Universities, the police and the public. More Resources: Calgary Police, City of Calgary and University of Calgary sued by demonstrators - via DrugDataDecoded.ca(REFERENCED) Statement of Claim: May 2026 More of our content is available on our SUBSTACK. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

    34 min

  3. May 25 ·  Bonus

    Setting Precedent: The Right to Protest on Campus, Liaising with Police (Part 2)

    This is Part 2 of our series that tells the whole story behind the lawsuit activists have launched against the University of Calgary and the Calgary Police in response to an encampment eviction on the campus back in May 2024. Activist and Plaintiff, Wesam Cooley, joins us to talk about the night in question, specifically his role as the encampment's police liaison, and the interactions that led up to sudden escalation of violence. He also talks about what its been like trying to hold police and other parties accountable in Alberta, and what he expects to get out of all of this. Part 1 featured Dr. Raheleh Tarani and her story of participating in the peaceful protest with her son one minute, and being pinned by police the next. We heard about the impact that had on her, and how she's reclaiming power through the court. Up Next (Part 3): An interview with legal counsel Chris Weibe on the merits of the case, what a victory would mean, and what its like going after the state on behalf of activists. Hosted and by Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero Call to Action: DONATE TO THE LEGAL FUND FOR THE PLAINTIFFS Other Related Episodes: Student Suppression by Any Means with Jeremy Appel (March 2025)Student Encampments (May 2024) a look at their demands for divestment, the responses from the Universities, the police and the public. More Resources: More of our content is available on our SUBSTACK. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

    35 min

  4. May 21

    Setting Precedent: The Right to Protest on Campus, Raheleh's Story (PART 1)

    This is Part 1 of a multi-part series that tells the whole story behind the lawsuit activists have launched against the University of Calgary and the Calgary Police in response to a violent encampment eviction back in May 2024. We start with Dr. Raheleh Tarani's compelling story; a mother from Iran who was on campus to support her son, and to speak up against what is happening in Gaza. Holding hands, singing, and then violently tossed to the ground, pinned and arrested. She talks about her shock, and the profound impact that night has had on her. But she also talks about how she is reclaiming her power by taking the Police who did this, and the University who called them, to court. Next UP: Part 2 - Another Plaintiff, Wesam Cooley, was the unofficial Police Liaison for the encampment that night. Hear his unique perspective on Monday May 25th. Hosted and Produced by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero Call to Action: DONATE TO THE LEGAL FUND for the Plaintiffs Related Episodes: Student Suppression by Any Means with Jeremy Appel (March 2025) Student Encampments (May 2024) a look at their demands for divestment, the responses from the Universities, the police and the public. More Resources: City of Calgary and University of Calgary sued by demonstrators - via DrugDataDecodedStatement of Claim - Court Filing 2601 08209 - May 4, 2026Calgary Police, City of Calgary and University of Calgary sued by demonstrators for excessive force, breach of rights in 2024 All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

    35 min
  5. Scaling Up: Toronto Tenant Union

    May 6

    Scaling Up: Toronto Tenant Union

    On April 18th, hundreds of tenants gathered inside a school cafeteria to help shape Toronto’s first city-wide tenant’s union – the TTU. There were elections, robust policy discussions and plenty of stories from tenants. Blueprints of Disruption was there to capture it all, and provide analysis afterwards. On-scene interviews from inside the Toronto Tenant Union’s founding Convention start off with Ricardo Tranjan, housing policy expert and author of The Tenant Class. Tranjan talks about his expectations for the day, and his excitement at the prospect of “taking another step” towards building the tenant class consciousness he wrote about in his book. There are also interviews with tenant organizers from different buildings across the city – including Jerry and Steve from 240 Markland. They talk about their saga with an REIT buying their building, applying for five consecutive above-guideline rent increases (AGIs) and trying to push legacy tenants out of the building. We also interview Bridgette, a resident of the Caseway building – outside of which convention participants rallied after the day’s more official proceedings. She talks about why its been such a battle with their landlord, and how she felt about being a part of something bigger. Organizers of the event, and leaders within the ‘parent’ organizations of the TTU also took time to speak with Santiago and Jessa as things wrapped up. Aniket Kali, formerly of Climate Justice Toronto, and Bruno Dobrusin of YSW Tenants Union talk about their new roles (both elected during the Convention), the scaling up of their models, and their vision for the TTU in the years to come. Hosted and Produced by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero Call to Action: Sign up for TTU Orientation on May 9th, 2026 Related Episodes: Blueprints of a Rent Strike (July 2023) Shifting Gears: Climate Justice Toronto (Sept 2024) CJTO on their decision to transition towards tenant organizing as a means to fight climate change.We also have a TENANT POWER PLAYLIST with more stories of neighbours organizing. More Resources: Can the new Toronto Tenant Union change the tired housing debate? – Ricardo Tranjan for Canadian DimensionWho Controls Toronto? The People or Developers? - ACORN ReportHamilton moves to strengthen renoviction bylaw - via CBCRent Strikes! - The Grind MagazineCanada: How Tenants Fought Back- via Progressive International All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

    1h 39m
  6. Not in Our Name: Divesting Pensions and Rejecting Carney's War Bank

    Apr 22

    Not in Our Name: Divesting Pensions and Rejecting Carney's War Bank

    How is Carney's War Bank and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP) connected? Through investments in weapons and genocide, as well as the activists and organizations fighting for a Free Palestine. Teacher and organizer with OTPP Divest, James Campbell gives an overview of the movement to get the OTPP to divest from weapons manufacturers. With a collection of success stories, it is clear the campaign resonates with teachers in the Province - with two of the largest unions overwhelmingly voting YES to divestment when given the chance. So where does the resistance come from? Where it usually does - Capital. But also from the CEO of the $300 billion OTPP, Joe Taylor, who has refused calls from the ranks to stop using their name to line the pockets of war profiteers. As it turns out, OTTP CEO Taylor is also a big supporter of the Defence, Security and Resilience Initiative (DSRB), or as second guest Tyler and his fellow activists with Stop the DSRB call it - the War Bank. What is it? Its a project of Carney's to get the G7 nations to sign on to this slush fund for the weapons industry. Its clearly stated purpose is to bypass popular (democratic) demands for social service spending and basic rights, in order to secure an endless supply of 'defence' funding. Its all being sold alongside Carney's Canadian militarism narratives, which has made it easier for him to line up supportive politicians from across the spectrum. This makes the job of activists harder, but not impossible. James and Tyler talk about the tactics they've deployed, and the alliances they are building along the way. There are accessible pressure points to be pushed, tarnishing the reputation of unethical investments being one of them. Another is opposing the pitch for Toronto to serve as the headquarters for the DSRB. Be sure to stay until the end to hear what else these activists have up their sleeve and learn more about the impacts divestment campaigns are having on the economic and political landscapes. Hosted by: Jessa McLean Call to Action: SIGN ON TO STOP THE WARBANK Related Episodes: UNIFOR's Hot Cargo: Labour Internationalism (Aug 2025) Labour for Palestine on their campaign to have any goods or services coming from, or going to Israel, declared 'hot cargo'.Nationalism and the Working Class (Mar 2023) Chris Fairweather, academic, activist and labour organizer, talks about the pervasiveness of nationalism and the impact is has on the working class No Arms in the Arts (Aug 2024) Hear how the successful campaign to pressure Scotiabank and the Giller Prize to do the right thing. More Resources: Pension Divestment FAQ - Google DrivePACBI: Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel | BDS MovementReferenced Report: Special Rapporteur Report on GazaVIDEO: World Beyond War Action Reel (IG)Ontario Government's Statement on Bid for DSRB HQTop 100 arms-producing and military services companies in the world, 2024 | SIPRIOur Call to Workers Everywhere – Stop the Genocide — Workers in Palestine For more content from these creators, be sure to subscribe to the Blueprints SUBSTACK. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

    1h 10m
  7. Organizing in a Fascist Canada with the Atlantic Regional Communists

    Apr 16

    Organizing in a Fascist Canada with the Atlantic Regional Communists

    The Atlantic Regional Communists return to Blueprints to talk about their growth as political organization, and share some of the methodology that unpins their work. They obviously take some of their cues from Marx, but also from the Black Panthers. "We're here to learn from people. We're here to serve people. And we're here to help people organize towards a revolution." - Comrade MOne of the things they think sets them apart from other political groups, is the work they do in their communities, and how that work continuously shapes their own organization. A large part of what they do is also centred around building knowledge. To that end, Comrades M and E give us a quick study on how fascism presents itself here in Canada. They cover class collaboration, the labour aristocracy and the different phases of fascism that co-exist with our so-called democratic state. Seeing our typical relationship with the state as being one of "fascist minutemen" - helping to legitimize its domination - their take on 'reforming' the federal NDP, and electoral politics in general, is to be expected. It also builds on our first discussion with ARC, where they went into more about how they've structured themselves, and why. Hosted by: Jessa McLean. Produced by: Santiago Helou Quintero Related Episodes: Reimagining Politics and Demystifying Communism (Jan 2025) Our first discussion with the Atlantic Regional Communists;Canada's Colonialist Imagination (Oct 2023) Professor Tyler Shipley talks about the mindset that aided genocide in Canada and continues to shape politics here. More Resources: Fascism: A Scientific Definition - Atlantic Regional Communists Guest Suggested Reading: “A Rethinking of Everything Altogether” – The Red Clarion Head to our SUBSTACK for more content, including articles and other resources for activists and organizers. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

    1h 9m
  8. Defending Against Invasion: Lebanon

    Apr 7

    Defending Against Invasion: Lebanon

    Israeli Occupation Forces are attempting to annex Southern Lebanon. They are erasing towns from the map, blowing up bridges and roads, and telling the world they're about to redraw their borders...again. Previous guest, Mohamad, returns to the studio to talks about the current situation in Lebanon, what it was like being back home during the latest escalation of violence, and how it felt to leave family behind. Hosted by: Jessa McLean Related Episodes: Lebanon, Palestine and Resisting Colonialism (Jan 2024) Mohamad's first appearance - just before the 'ceasefire'.Right to Resist (Oct 2024) Journalist and human rights lawyer, Dimitri Lascaris on Lebanon, the resistance and bringing down an apartheid state. More Resources: Israel Attacked Lebanon 10000 Times During Ceasefire - New Arab.comBBC: Israel intensifies Lebanon attacks and hits areas not in Hezbollah's controlIG: What "How are you?" Costs the Diaspora (video)Al Jazeera - Lebanon daily updates Get more of our content, including articles and resources for activists, on our SUBSTACK. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: Patreon Follow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Blueprints of Disruption is dedicated to amplifying the work of activists, organizers and rabble rousers. This weekly podcast, hosted by Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero, features in-depth discussions that explore different ways to challenge capitalism, decolonize spaces and create movements on the ground. Together we will disrupt the status quo one episode at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Rabble Rousers' Cooperative
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    235
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Rabble Rousers' Cooperative
  • Show Website
    Blueprints of Disruption

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