Best ReFOCUS Media Labs Podcasts (2025)

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S04E16: WANTED: HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? Exposing Australia’s Nauru Refugee Camp 41:40

2d ago41:40

41:40

In this episode of Fractured we discuss the complex issues of Australia's asylum policies, particularly focusing on the detention of asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island. Our guest - Ben Doherty shares insights into the barriers faced by independent journalists, the dire humanitarian conditions in detention centers, and the historical context o…

1
DISINFO WATCH E03: Eroding Faith In Traditional Journalism 34:23

11d ago34:23

34:23

Check out the second part of our Disinfo Watch with Nick Muller on how to bring back the trust in traditional journalism. Is it even possible in this era of disinformation? You can get to know Nick’s views on this issue as well as some insides on his work as a fact-checker. SPECIAL GUEST: Nick Muller - journalist, fact checker, regular contributor …

1
S04E15: FREEDOM FOR THE #MORIA6 The Legal Impact of Citizen Journalism, and Use of Modern Technologies 59:53

18d ago59:53

59:53

In this follow-up to our earlier episode on the #Moria 6 we discuss the critical development: three of the six Afghan teenagers have been acquitted of all charges. In this episode we examined not just a courtroom victory, but a deeper narrative of resistance, journalism, and the painstaking pursuit of truth. SPECIAL GUEST: Douglas Herman - ReFOCUS …

1
DISINFO WATCH E02: The Origins of Mis & Disinformation 30:16

25d ago30:16

30:16

What is the difference between disinformation and misinformation? Are they both equally dangerous for democracy? Found out at our latest Disinfo Watch! Nick Muller talks about his experience in this area as a journalist and fact checker. SPECIAL GUEST: Nick Muller - journalist, factchecker, regular contributor to the Diplomat Fractured, Humanitaria…

1
S04E14: JUSTICE FOR THE MORIA 6 Inside Greece’s Migrant Detention System 1:02:39

1M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

In this episode of Fractured we highlight the controversial trial that led to the conviction of co called “Moria 6”, the humanitarian crisis surrounding refugee camps in Europe, and the broader implications of migration policies. The guests, Jennifer Mallman and Alaa Dia, share insights from their experiences and research, emphasizing the need for …

1
HUMANITARIAN WATCH 04 22:57

1M ago22:57

22:57

In this episode of Humanitarian Watch we bring you the information from the US, Mozambique and Myanmar. Join us to learn about the first policrisis in the world and the developments on Trump’s ban on immigration. And to balance the bad news we bring you an uplifting story from last year's paralympics in Paris. Learn more: Hunger Crisis in Myanmar: …

1
S04E13: COMMUNITIES NOT CAMPS. Housing Crisis in Greece 59:47

2M ago59:47

59:47

For this episode of Fractured we invited Megan and Orsalia from Mazi Housing to discuss the housing crisis in Greece. This massive problem touches both Greeks and refugees. Megan and Orsalia explain this issue in detail and highlight that the right to housing should not be a subject to any other factors. Everybody should have a right to safe housin…

1
HUMANITARIAN WATCH E03 27:14

2M ago27:14

27:14

In the second episode of Humanitarian Watch we bring you the information from the UK, Poland, Libya and Ghana. Join us to learn more about the initiatives to suspend the right to asylum and citizenship for refugees and about recently discovered massive graves. In this episode we also show you pictures from Buduburam camp in Ghana, which was demolis…

1
S04E12: DESERT DUMPS. Outsourcing the Migration Problem to Africa 59:27

2M ago59:27

59:27

For a year journalists connected to the Lighthouse Reports investigated the treatment of asylum seekers and migrants in North Africa, particularly focusing on the roles of various governments and militias in facilitating deportations and human rights abuses. In this episode one of those journalists and a co-founder of Lighthouse Reports, Klaas van …

1
DISINFO WATCH E01: Headlines: Fact or Fiction? 25:02

2M ago25:02

25:02

Check out our latest production! A Disinfo Watch is our answer to the spread of disinformation about refugees and asylum seekers in the media. In a light and funny format we point out the ridiculousness of some fake news regarding refugees. Play the game of Headlines with us and guess which ones are true and which are fake and check if you did bett…

1
S04E11: DESTROYED AND DISPLACED. Gaza’s Lost Education System 1:03:22

2M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

In this episode we examine the daunting task of rebuilding Gaza’s education system—who will lead the effort, and how can the lack of teachers and schools be addressed? With estimates saying it could take up to 14 years to rebuild, how will education continue without the necessary infrastructure? We also touch on the situation in the West Bank and h…

1
HUMANITARIAN WATCH E02 24:01

3M ago24:01

24:01

In the second episode of Humanitarian Watch we bring you the information about the International Criminal Court which seeks warrants for Taliban leaders, a tragic humanitarian situation in Congo and Trump cancelling the Afghan refugee resettlement scheme. We also show you the conditions of the safe zones for unaccompanied minors in a camp on Samos.…

1
S04E10: CHANGING PERCEPTIONS. Tackling Racism, Anti-Muslim Hate, Antisemitism in the UK 1:10:29

3M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

In this episode, Amjid Khazir, founder and CEO of Media Cultured, discusses the organization's mission to combat hate through education and media. He emphasizes the importance of engaging youth, understanding the trends in radicalization, and the role of social media in spreading hate. The conversation also touches on the significance of cultural i…

1
HUMANITARIAN WATCH E01 22:14

3M ago22:14

22:14

In our first episode of Humanitarian Watch Podcast we discuss the ECHR ruling on systemic pushbacks by Greece, the situation of asylum seekers deported from Libya to Niger, a new law in Afghanistan and an interesting story of a baby born on a dinghy on a way to Canary islands. Now you can listen to the Fractured podcast every week. We bring you eit…

1
S04E09: MUSICAL CHAIRS. Refugee Movement Within The African Union 57:09

3M ago57:09

57:09

This episode explores the complex dynamics of refugees in Africa, focusing on the dual role of countries as both hosts and sources of refugees. It delves into the historical context of colonialism, the impact of external influences on current conflicts, and the humanitarian challenges faced by host countries. The discussion highlights the plight of…

1
S04E08: CITIES UNDER PRESSURE. Tourism, Housing and Migration 1:36:19

4M ago1:36:19

1:36:19

This is a special episode of Fractured, a part of the Display Europe project on housing, migration and tourism. Journalists from around Europe discuss the main issues in the largest European cities. Have they become victims of their successes and good PR? How can the issues that attract tourists and migrants be solved without losing revenue? Can th…

1
S04E07: F@CK THAT! 2024 Review - Home Episode. 1:20:35

4M ago1:20:35

1:20:35

For this holiday episode Sonia and Rasheed invited several members of the ReFOCUS Media Labs team to reflect on the major issues of 2024, including the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the situation in Syria with political prisoners, the rise of polarization in society, and the dire state of women's rights in Afghanistan. We engage in a candid discuss…

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S04E06: EXCLUDED FROM BIRTH TO DEATH. Solving statelessness in Thailand 1:06:25

5M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

In this episode of the Fractured Podcast together with our guest Duniya Aslam Khan, an external relations officer at UNHCR, delve into the complex issue of statelessness. We discuss the global prevalence of statelessness, particularly in Thailand, and the recent developments regarding citizenship for stateless people. The conversation highlights th…

1
S04E05: WIR SCHAFFEN DAS? Changes to Germany’s “Welcome Policy” 55:46

5M ago55:46

55:46

In this conversation, Sonia, Rasheed and Daniela Sepehri discuss the evolving refugee policies in Germany, the rise of far-right sentiments, and the implications of new laws on asylum seekers. Daniela highlights the historical context of Angela Merkel's welcoming stance towards refugees, the subsequent shift towards restrictive policies, and the al…

1
S04E04: LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. Deaths at US-Mexico Border 1:10:16

6M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

In this episode, James Holeman and Abby Carpenter discuss their work with Battalion Search and Rescue, a humanitarian organization focused on finding missing migrants along the US-Mexico border. They share the origins of their organization, the challenges they face in their search operations, and the grim realities of migration, including the deadl…

1
S04E03: City of Thorns. Inside Dadaab camp. 55:04

6M ago55:04

55:04

This episode of Fractured explores the experiences of refugees in the Dadaab camp, the motivations behind writing 'City of Thorns', and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It highlights the challenges faced by refugees, the role of humanitarian organizations, and the complex dynamics within the camp, including safety concer…

1
S04E02: THE WALLS HAVE EYES. Surviving Migration in the age of Artificial Intelligence 1:00:20

7M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

In this conversation, Petra Molnar discusses the intersection of migration and technology, focusing on the implications of surveillance technologies, data colonialism, and the automation of immigration processes. She highlights the role of Israel in the global surveillance tech market, the testing grounds for these technologies, and the politics of…

1
S04E01: LIGHT YOUR SMALL CANDLE A struggle for human rights on the Polish-Belarusian border 1:02:49

7M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

In this compelling episode of Fractured, we delve deep into the ongoing refugee crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border. Our guest, Anna Alboth, a journalist and human rights activist, brings firsthand insights into this humanitarian disaster. Anna has been working closely with refugees affected by this crisis and provides a unique perspective on th…

1
SUMMER SHORT 10: We’re Here to Remind You. A Decade of Wars in Ukraine 7:25

7M ago7:25

7:25

On the second anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion on Ukraine we joined the Ukrainian community in Greece as they marched through the streets of Athens to remind the world that there is an unprovoked and unfair war happening in Europe right now. We learned about some direct ways of supporting Ukrainians who stayed in the country and some not…

1
SUMMER SHORT 9: Buried in the Balkans 5:42

8M ago5:42

5:42

Through this Summer Short we would like to encourage you to learn more about the difficult topic of deaths on the Balkan route. We present to you some findings of independent investigative journalism which capture the neglect of authorities to document deaths of asylum seekers on the Balkan route. We speak to Stavros Malichudis who investigated the…

1
SUMMER SHORT 8: Nobody Should be Growing Up in a Refugee Camp 2:48

8M ago2:48

2:48

Stating the obvious that children should not be growing up in refugee camps doesn’t change the reality that in Greece almost every child during the asylum procedure lived in deplorable conditions in island or mainland camps. And what comes next is frequently even worse as the homelessness problem in Greece increases. To close our Summer Shorts we’r…

1
SUMMER SHORT 7: Everywhere You Go, Someone is Home 4:03

8M ago4:03

4:03

In this Summer Short we explore the topic of trauma, memory and identity through the psychological and emotional experience of conflict and forced displacement. Our guest is a National Geographic Explorer Photojournalist Hailey Sadler who has worked across the Middle East, Africa, Southern Asia and the US. Watch the whole episode here: Spotify: htt…

1
SUMMER SHORT 6: Still Stateless 3:07

8M ago3:07

3:07

In this episode of our Summer Shorts ReFOCUS founders: Sonia Nandzik-Herman and Douglas Herman describe the situation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Despite being one of the largest forcibly displaced communities in the world, Rohingya haven’t seen any improvement to their situation for decades. Neither in their home Myanmar nor in countries h…

1
SUMMER SHORT 5: Stop the Boats 9:36

9M ago9:36

9:36

The new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer officially declared the “Rwanda Deal” dead. As we’re closely watching the actions leading to deem the deal null and void, we would like to remind you what was behind former PM Rishi Sunak’s decision to send asylum seekers to Rwanda in the first place. To explain this issue we invited an independent migration j…

1
SUMMER SHORT 4: Pylos Shipwreck 2:30

9M ago2:30

2:30

Pylos shipwreck was one of the largest sea tragedies since 2015. Around 600 people have lost their lives yet as of today nobody has been named responsible for this tragedy. Bill Van Esveld - Associate Director at Human Rights Watch presents the survivors testimonies and describes the specificity of several investigations taking place in relation to…

1
SUMMER SHORT 3: Space to be a Woman 7:49

9M ago7:49

7:49

This Summer Short on multiple layers of discrimination of transgender refugees is one of the most underreported stories we presented this season. Yuli - our guest describes how her gender, sexual orientation and her job impact her position in the society. Watch the whole episode here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sxVeRnkqTeUjhojNOqxdj…

1
SUMMER SHORT 2: Disaster on Top of a Disaster 3:38

9M ago3:38

3:38

Starting on October 7th multiple earthquakes devastated Herat adding to the already tragic situation of Afghans. This travesty was one of the fast news in Western media but locals still feel its impact. In this episode we’re joined by Zobair Ahadi in Afghanistan and Yaser Taheri in Berlin. Watch the whole episode here: Spotify: https://open.spotify…

1
SUMMER SHORT 1: When Art Provokes. 7:39

9M ago7:39

7:39

As many members of our team come from Iran, for our first Summer Short episode we had to choose a topic related to the situation of Iranian artists who were forced to flee their country and those who despite all obstacles decided to stay. Our special guest is an actor, director and artist Vassilis Koukalani . Watch the whole episode here: Spotify: …

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S03E22: Season Finale: ART AS A REFUGE. Conversations with the FRACTURED team 1:36:05

10M ago1:36:05

1:36:05

Being a refugee means fighting many battles at the same time. A battle for a right to international protection, a battle for basic goods like food or clothing, a battle for maintaining your dignity in the most undignifying conditions, but also a battle to not lose your identity, your uniqueness and your passions. For our team members art was this s…

1
S03E21: Meals with Dignity. Food Scarcity in Greece 1:00:08

10M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Food insecurity comprises a major global public health threat. Its effects are detrimental to the mental, physical, and social aspects of the health and well-being of those experiencing it. According to the Food Insecurity in Greece and Across the Globe report, more than 900 million people worldwide experience severe food insecurity, with future pr…

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S03E20: "Nobody Should be Growing Up in Refugee Camps.” Housing issues in Greece 57:55

11M ago57:55

57:55

Greece struggles with a serious housing crisis. Walking down the streets of Athens you will notice many homeless people. Many of them are refugees and asylum seekers who after receiving their asylum decision were forced to leave the camp within 7 days. Without any integration classes in camps, and very rare Greek lessons, most people find it extrem…

1
S03E19: Sudan's Invisible War 55:56

11M ago55:56

55:56

Where in the world at this moment is the largest displacement taking place? Would you guess that it’s Sudan? Probably not as the media reports very little, if any, about the conflict that forced millions of people to leave their homes. As the civil war in Sudan enters its second year, the two warring factions, SAF and RSF, remain locked in a deadly…

1
S03E18: "Everywhere You Go, Someone is Home." Ethical Journalism & The Home Collective 1:01:05

12M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

In this episode of "Fractured" we host National Geographic Explorer Photojournalist Hailey Sadler who has worked across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the U.S. Her work explores themes of trauma, memory, and identity through the psychological and emotional experiences of conflict and forced displacement. Hailey's reporting and researc…

1
S03E17: "Somebody's Watching Me." Surveillance in Greek Refugee Camps 56:38

12M ago56:38

56:38

"No More Morias" was the battle cry after the fires destroyed the most infamous refugee camp on European soil in 2020. It was also the justification for €276 million of EU funds to create new CCAC (Closed Controlled Access Centers) on the Greek islands. While ecologically motivated legal battles in the highest court of Greece continue to hold up th…

1
S03E16- STILL STATELESS. Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh 1:14:58

1y ago1:14:58

1:14:58

In this episode of Fractured we cover one of the largest yet almost completely forgotten crises in the world: the situation of Rohingya. Persecuted over decades in Myanmar they found shelter in the neighboring countries. Yet no integration or even a refugee status has been offered to them. This episode aims at bringing this topic closer to Western …

1
S03E15: “STOP THE BOATS” Sunak Screams for his Rwanda Dream 1:07:40

1y ago1:07:40

1:07:40

Despite being deemed illegal by multiple courts ranging from the European Court on Human Rights and the UK Supreme Court, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government refuses to give up on their plan to forcibly deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. This, coupled with indefinite detention in centers notorious for outrageous criminal care and con…

1
S03E14: 3 Generations of Punishment. Liberty for North Koreans 1:10:32

1y ago1:10:32

1:10:32

In 2023 only a bit less than 200 people managed to flee North Korea and resettle in South Korea. For years the most isolated country in the world has been blocking its citizens from traveling abroad and restricting journeys within its territory. Escaping this oppressive regime is not only very expensive but also extremely dangerous. Many North Kore…

1
S03E13: Pylos Shipwreck. Tragedy for the Dead and the Survivors 58:13

1y ago58:13

58:13

In the early morning of June 14, 2023, a severely overcrowded fishing trawler capsized close to Pylos in southern Greece leading to the death of more than 600 people. It had started its journey from Libya five days earlier with an estimated 750 migrants and asylum seekers, including children. Only 104 of those onboard survived and 82 bodies were re…

1
S03E12: "We're Here to Remind You." A Decade of War in Ukraine 1:01:44

1y ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Live from Syntagma Square, Athens, GR (24.02.24) On the second anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion on Ukraine we join the Ukrainian community in Greece as they march through the streets of Athens to remind the world that there is an unprovoked and unfair war happening in Europe right now. In our first field episode this season our guests hi…

1
S03E11: Buried in the Balkans. Dead Refugees Along Balkan Route 54:12

1y ago54:12

54:12

An investigation by Solomon collective in collaboration with research group Lighthouse Reports, Der Spiegel, ARD, British newspaper "i", Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, and esteemed academics captures the neglect of authorities to document deaths of asylum seekers on the Balkan route. In this episode of Fractured we speak to Stavros Malichudis wh…

1
S03E10: Dude, Where’s My History Teacher? Access to Education for Refugees in Greece 47:01

1+ y ago47:01

47:01

In this episode of Fractured we do our best to understand how the Greek education system works or doesn’t work for refugee minors. It’s been several years since the beginning of the so-called refugee “crisis”, and even though many refugee minors are enrolled in schools, it doesn’t mean that they receive the same education as Greek children. Many re…

1
S03E09: Dude, Where’s My History Teacher? Access to Education for Refugees in Greece 1:01:55

1+ y ago1:01:55

1:01:55

In this episode of Fractured we do our best to understand how the Greek education system works or doesn’t work for refugee minors. It’s been several years since the beginning of the so-called refugee “crisis”, and even though many refugee minors are enrolled in schools, it doesn’t mean that they receive the same education as Greek children. Many re…

1
S03E08: End of Year-Home Episode 1:08:02

1+ y ago1:08:02

1:08:02

From a perspective of global conflict and intense suffering, 2023 has certainly been a year to say farewell to. But for us at ReFOCUS, we also have to look back on all we’ve achieved, especially within the evolution of our Fractured podcast. In this final episode of 2023, our core team discusses the topics that were most impactful as well as upcomi…

1
S03E07: On the Brink (again)- Civil Action in Lesvos - Part 2 35:52

1+ y ago35:52

35:52

According to the UNHCR there are currently around 4400 asylum seekers on Lesvos. Even though every month more than one thousand people are transferred to the mainland, more people keep coming. The island has been the hub of the so-called “refugee crisis” for years now, and nothing indicates a change in this matter. Even though Lesvos is no longer i…

1
S03E06: On the Brink (again). Civil Action in Lesvos. 48:08

1+ y ago48:08

48:08

According to the UNHCR there are currently around 4400 asylum seekers on Lesvos. Even though every month more than one thousand people are transferred to the mainland, more people keep coming. The island has been the hub of the so-called “refugee crisis” for years now, and nothing indicates a change in this matter. Even though Lesvos is no longer i…

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ReFOCUS Media Labs Podcasts

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