Best OpenDemocracy Podcasts (2025)

1
Companies are making billions from anti-immigration fears 31:55

1d ago31:55

31:55

For many years, politicians have sold the public a simple story: The answer to undocumented immigration is a strong, fortified border. This story has a seductive, common-sense reasoning — but it is also wrong. Decades of research has shown that people determined to move, find a way to move. And when States respond with border controls, people turn …

1
Why organising locally matters 40:29

11d ago40:29

40:29

Community organisers around the world have long argued that to change a country, canvas a community. But is that really true? In this episode, we catch up with someone who literally wrote the book on the subject. Our guest George Goehl started organising in a soup kitchen in Southern Indiana 30 years ago in the Clinton era and continues to do so in…

1
Palestine, Musk and BRICS: the issues dividing US and South Africa 41:36

18d ago41:36

41:36

The already fraught relationship between the United States and South Africa has been put under even more strain with Donald Trump's decision to cut foreign aid, not to mention South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ. Menzi Ndhlovu, a political economist and risk analyst at Signal Risk a risk analysis consultancy focused on Africa, joins us to…

1
The violence of uncertainty: Everyday impacts of precarious immigration status 58:14

1M ago58:14

58:14

Imagine this: at age three, your family relocates to a new country. You grow up normally—school, sports teams, friends. In Grade 12, you discover you lack immigration status, preventing university applications. Suddenly, you're not like your peers, and a life of hidden struggles and uncertainty unfolds. In the final episode of the season, Maggie Pe…

1
Populism's Silver Lining 29:14

1M ago29:14

29:14

Danny Sriskandarajah is the author of Power to the People: Use your voice, change the world Sriskandarajah discusses the shift from a positive phase of civic engagement to a reversal over the past decade, emphasising the importance of community networks beyond state and market fixations. He highlights the role of civil society in nurturing democrac…

1
Beyond the Big City 42:26

2M ago42:26

42:26

Not everything happens in big cities. This episode explores how small and mid-sized cities in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are attracting and retaining immigrants. Researchers unpack regional migration policies, what helps newcomers settle, and how to build communities that thrive beyond the skyline. Guests: Sarah Wiseman, Canada Branch Direc…

1
Escaping The Alt-Right Pipeline 33:31

2M ago33:31

33:31

Jimmy The Giant is a popular YouTuber who did what many would consider to be beyond the pale - he changed his mind about politics. Jimmy went from heading down the right wing pipeline of self improvement gurus to U-turning and becoming, dare we say, ‘woke’. In today’s episode Aman Sethi talks to Jimmy about how and why he changed his mind about the…

1
Skills shortages, AI and the future of work 51:26

2M ago51:26

51:26

AI, aging populations, and the energy transition: how are these forces reshaping the job market and global migration? In this episode, distinguished guests walk us through how automation is transforming industries, influencing hiring, and impacting migrant workers. Are we creating new opportunities or just making it harder for them to find decent j…

1
Migration, AI and The Rise of the Machines 31:45

2M ago31:45

31:45

Borders patrolled by AI-powered robotic dogs once seemed like something purely in the realm of dystopian sci-fi novels. But the border industrial complex is working hard to make them a part of our (still dystopian) reality. Petra Molnar, author of The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, joins us to discuss th…

1
What Germany's Rightwing Voters Are Telling Us 19:10

2M ago19:10

19:10

Something strange is happening in Germany. Last year, the Alternative for Germany or AFD, as it scored, became the first far right party to win a state election in Germany since World War Two. Then in February this year, the AfD came second in Germany's national elections, with 20% of the votes. The AFD isn't just another populist right wing party.…

1
What’s driving migration? 50:51

3M ago50:51

50:51

What shapes migration patterns across different regions? How do economic, social, and political factors drive movement in unique ways? The MEMO project seeks to untangle these complexities, mapping the connections between internal, intraregional, and intercontinental migration. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna and her guest experts explore how …

1
Ukraine and the return of Empire 30:21

3M ago30:21

30:21

What do the Ukrainians at the heart of the conflict with Russia feel about being used as a bargaining chip by countries like the United States? In this episode we speak to Volydomyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, academic, and editor of Ukraine World. Volydomyr lives in Kyiv and is also the host of the Explaining Ukraine podcast. — Get our in…

1
What's actually behind the Far Right's anti-women agenda? 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

The rising global far right is violent, racist and misogynistic – and depends on exploiting women. While many of us associate attacks on women’s bodily autonomy with ultra-religious groups, openDemocracy’s Sian Norris argues that the stripping away of abortion rights is a political issue, rooted in fascistic ideas about women and men. Her book, Bod…

1
Rethinking Climate Migration: "Are We Missing the Point?" 25:49

3M ago25:49

25:49

In the premiere episode of Voices on the Move, a podcast by Migration Matters, experts delve into the complex relationship between climate change and migration. Scholars Dr. François Gemenne from the University of Liège, Dr. Nassim Majidi of Samuel Hall, and Dr. Yvonne Su from York University challenge common assumptions such as "one billion climat…

1
Misdiagnosing Donald: Trumpism is Religion not Politics 23:22

3M ago23:22

23:22

Have we all been looking at Donald Trump’s success in the wrong way? Jeff Sharlet, journalist and author of The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War, makes a compelling case for examining his rise not as a political figure, but as a religious one. After all, Trump himself would surely be the first to suggest that he is divine. Do the president’s …

1
Syria’s future lies in its past 31:12

3M ago31:12

31:12

Since al-Assad’s regime fell from power in December 2024, much of the reporting on Syria has focussed on geopolitics in the region. More concern has been paid to the reactions of neighbouring nations than the ordinary Syrians whose lives have been uprooted by years of violence. But Syria is so much more than a strategic stronghold to be fought over…

1
How do I decentre that? 50:26

3M ago50:26

50:26

Decentring research means challenging Western paradigms, amplifying diverse perspectives, and rethinking power dynamics and knowledge production. This is easier said than done, especially in migration studies, where control, security, and economic views dominate the debate. But understanding the lived realities of migrants must be more than just a …

1
Trump 2.0: Is This the Inauguration of A New Era of the Strongman? 36:56

4M ago36:56

36:56

Trump 2.0: Is This the Inauguration of A New Era of the Strongman? Professor Wendy Brown is an American political theorist, UPS Foundation Professor in the School of Social Science at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and an author. Professor Brown’s bibliography includes what we refer to as ‘the Trump trilogy' - three books that span t…

1
False narratives with real consequences: The impact of social media disinformation on migration policy 50:41

4M ago50:41

50:41

The rise in false narratives surrounding immigrants and refugees is often amplified by social media and manipulated for political gain. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna unpacks the dangerous intersection between digital disinformation and immigration. Experts emphasize this critical area of study as social media networks increasingly shape publ…

1
Irregular not irrelevant: Conceptualizing and measuring irregular migration 43:55

5M ago43:55

43:55

When exploring the big questions migration scholars are asking, irregular migration is impossible to ignore. In this episode, Maggie Perzyna engages with activists and scholars on the ground to gain deeper insights into this complex issue, the factors driving it, and the impact it has on both migrants and communities. Guests: Brynn Campbell, founde…

1
Artful connections: Challenging narratives of migration and belonging using arts-based methods 55:02

6M ago55:02

55:02

This episode takes a closer look at the powerful intersection of art and migration studies. How can creative expression challenge dominant narratives and help reshape the way we think about migration? Maggie Perzyna learns about art-based and community-based projects that move the needle. We also hear about WhereWeStand, a powerful multimedia story…

1
What is a solidarity city? 48:02

6M ago48:02

48:02

This episode explores how cities can become sanctuaries for migrants and refugees. Follow Maggie Perzyna as she discovers how grassroots efforts and city-level practices can create more inclusive urban environments. We also hear about the Soli*City project, an international initiative creating urban strategies that help migrants and refugees to int…

1
Nothing about us without us 51:44

7M ago51:44

51:44

Welcome back to Borders and Belonging! In the first episode of Season 3, host Maggie Perzyna explores the power of collective action and the importance of centering refugee voices. She is joined by three special guests to discuss how academics and policymakers can ensure that the experiences of those most affected by migration policies guide decisi…

1
Borders & Belonging: Season 3 Trailer 1:33

7M ago1:33

1:33

In Season 3 of Borders & Belonging, host Maggie Perzyna continues her mission, zooming in on the key questions being asked by migration scholars. What is the potential of city-level sanctuary policies to inspire innovative solutions for migrant and refugee inclusion at the urban level? How can research address migrant agency and the drivers of migr…

1
The Conversation Weekly: The Brexit roots of the UK's Rwanda asylum plan – and why other EU leaders might want to copy it 31:16

11M ago31:16

31:16

A controversial British government plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has been central to the UK’s response to a recent sharp increase in the number of people making the dangerous journey across the English Channel in small boats. But if the Conservative party loses the general election in early July, the Rwanda plan is likely to be abandoned. I…

1
Statelessness: No country to call home 45:05

1y ago45:05

45:05

In the Season 2 finale, host Maggie Perzyna asks her guests: What does it mean to live without a nationality? This episode of Borders & Belonging will dive into the complexities behind statelessness, its causes and social realities, and the far-reaching effects it has on individuals and communities. Guests: Rintu Borah, PhD candidate at the Indian …

1
From oil to innovation: Changing economies in the Gulf 43:58

1y ago43:58

43:58

Did you know that the Middle East holds the world's highest ratio of migrants to its national population? From historical ties to the oil economy to the burgeoning knowledge-based economies of today, host Maggie Perzyna explores how evolving economic landscapes in the Gulf are reshaping migration dynamics. Guests: Deepak Unnikrishnan, Assistant Pro…

1
Rising tides, sinking roots: Climate change, adaptation and mobility in Pacific Island nations 47:49

1y ago47:49

47:49

Land is a critical component of Pacific Island societies, and the impact of climate change on these populations is a growing global concern. Host Maggie Perzyna, along with esteemed guest researchers and a community consultant from one of the world's lowest lying countries, seeks to understand the regional implications of climate change and the rol…

1
The Migration Podcast: "Road families" en route to the Mexico-US border 19:16

1y ago19:16

19:16

Itzel Eguiluz speaks with Alejandra Díaz de León about how the journey of Central American migrants walking north, through Mexico, is about much more than just having practical strategies to survive the journey. Solidarity, trust and social bonds that are formed along the way, can also be valuable elements of the experience. We hear about what Alej…

1
Is Japan turning into a migration state? 50:11

1y ago50:11

50:11

Despite its historical reputation for social, political, and legal closure and a certain reluctance towards admitting immigrants, Japan is taking steps towards a more inclusive national immigration policy. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna and her guests explore the evolving role of Japan as a migration state, shedding light on innovative polici…

1
The Arctic: Climate, resources and migration in times of change 44:19

1+ y ago44:19

44:19

While the Arctic has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia, settlers in the past few centuries have been drawn to the region's remote wilderness, majestic landscapes and ample resources. More recently, global market forces and climate change are shaping migration to the Arctic in new and complex ways. Guests: Malini Sengupta, coordinator at…

1
How the cult of Nigerian prophet TB Joshua lives on 21:49

1+ y ago21:49

21:49

Never miss a story from our Africa desk by signing up for alerts on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEgF1qFi8xgf1MRmD1WBy openDemocracy

1
Migration & technology: The rise of digital nomads 42:21

1+ y ago42:21

42:21

A small but increasing number of today's knowledge workers are breaking free from traditional offices, using technology to craft a life that blends work, travel and freedom. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna and her guests dive deep into the changing nature of work and the rise of digital nomads. What is driving this growing phenomenon, and how …

1
Brokering borders: EU bilateral agreements and the price of ‘return migration’ 43:53

1+ y ago43:53

43:53

In the pursuit of controlling its external borders, the European Union has forged numerous bilateral agreements with African countries. These agreements are not just pieces of paper, they're instruments that wield immense influence over the movement of people between Europe and Africa. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna seeks to understand how EU…

1
Why is xenophobia so entrenched in South Africa? 37:15

1+ y ago37:15

37:15

In contrast to the late Desmond Tutu's hopeful aspirations for the "rainbow nation" and his efforts to champion human rights, post-apartheid South Africa has been marked by xenophobic violence, adding insecurities for both citizens and foreign nationals. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna asks why xenophobia has become so entrenched across the po…

1
Healthcare workers are dodging abortion rules in Mexico 13:42

1+ y ago13:42

13:42

You can read part 2 of this investigative series here: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050... ═ See our latest stories: https://www.opendemocracy.net/ Support our work: https://bit.ly/3o0XTgi Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/odytsubBy openDemocracy

1
Anti-abortion group targets women and children in Mexico 18:54

1+ y ago18:54

18:54

You can read part 1 of this investigative series here: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050... ═ See our latest stories: https://www.opendemocracy.net/ Support our work: https://bit.ly/3o0XTgi Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/odytsubBy openDemocracy

1
How border policies in the Americas are pushing people to travel across the treacherous Darién Gap 38:25

1+ y ago38:25

38:25

The Darién Gap, also dubbed as “Hell on Earth”, has become a leading transit point for migrants in search of work and safety in North America since authorities have cracked down on other routes by air and sea. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna investigates how global migration regimes push migrants to risk their lives for a chance at a better li…

1
Why are so many undocumented migrants in the US Indigenous? 39:35

1+ y ago39:35

39:35

Every year, hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and Mexico make their way to the US border, fleeing violence, environmental destruction, persecution, and displacement. Many of these migrants are from indigenous groups. In the first episode of Season 2, host Maggie Perzyna explores the historical roots of this migration, and how t…

1
Borders & Belonging: Season 2 Trailer 1:46

1+ y ago1:46

1:46

In Season 2 of Borders & Belonging, host Maggie Perzyna continues her mission to shed light on the voices and stories often overlooked. She takes listeners on a world tour, asking questions like “what fuels xenophobia in South Africa? Is Japan becoming a migration state? And “how is technology changing the places where people work and the countries…

1
Daniel Trilling in conversation with Gary Younge 52:14

2y ago52:14

52:14

Gary Younge, one of the UK’s leading political voices, on the significant events of the last few decades that have affected the Black diaspora around the globe.By openDemocracy

1
Why do Russians support the war? 23:27

2y ago23:27

23:27

One year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, surveys demonstrate that over two-thirds of Russians still support the war. Why do people believe that the ‘special military operation’ was necessary? How is it possible that they don’t change their minds even when they know about the Russian army’s devastating war crimes in Ukraine and losses…

1
Does brain drain hurt the Global South? 38:03

2y ago38:03

38:03

Many countries are mining the Global South for one of its vital natural resources – its people. This creates a ‘brain drain’ of professionals and academics leaving the Global South in search of better opportunities abroad. Why exactly is this happening, though, and what is the socio-economic harm done to the countries left behind? Is brain drain sa…

1
Are Ukrainian refugees still ‘temporary’? 37:14

2y ago37:14

37:14

Since February 2022, over 19m Ukrainians have fled their country. Almost half probably remain spread across the world, most of them in Europe. They are considered temporary refugees – but are they really temporary? Where are these people, and what challenges face their host countries? First in this episode, we'll hear from Aleksandra and Michał Mis…

1
Long Read - How Britain’s broken asylum system props up the Iranian government 11:36

2y ago11:36

11:36

Iran’s leaders use the UK’s increasingly hostile asylum policies to warn political refugees against fleeing Reax the full story: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/britain-asylum-system-broken-iran-protests-refugees-migrants-channel/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Long Read - Idaho bill tries again to equate trans healthcare with female genital mutilation 10:11

2y ago10:11

10:11

Idaho Republicans are trying for the second time to ban gender-affirming healthcare for minors. Will they succeed? Read the full story: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/ban-trans-healthcare-female-genital-mutilation-idaho-texas/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Should we call people climate refugees? 34:35

2y ago34:35

34:35

As temperatures rise around the planet, floods, drought and deforestation are forcing people in the Global South from their homes and livelihoods. The media likes to call them climate refugees, but is that accurate? This episode will unpack the catchy phrase and guide us through some of the nuanced intersections between the environment and migratio…

1
Ukrainian journalists share their stories of war 21:26

2y ago21:26

21:26

Hear Igor Burdyga and Kateryna Semchuk explain what it's like working in a homeland under threat. Plus British author Oliver Bullough and chair Daniel Trilling. Watch the full discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX2ziEDpjx8 Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Are migrants the answer to labour shortages? 44:14

2y ago44:14

44:14

Nations in the global North are struggling with labour shortages dubbed in the media as ‘the great retirement' and ‘the great resignation'. Unemployment rates are running at near-record lows. As a result many nations are letting more temporary migrant labourers in to fill the gaps. Is this a good idea? In this episode we'll hear from someone on the…

1
Environmental campaigners ‘spied on’ ahead of Sadiq Khan event 11:39

2y ago11:39

11:39

Security agents linked to London mayor Sadiq Khan “spied” on a group of environmental activists and blocked them from participating in a public debate, openDemocracy can reveal. Read the full article here: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/environmental-campaigners-spied-on-mayor-london-sadiq-khan-o2/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendem…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

OpenDemocracy Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen