Blueprints of Disruption (Rabble Rousers' Cooperative)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Blueprints of Disruption
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| 31 Jul 2023 | Rabble Rants: Loblaws Makes a Killing / Scarborough Transit | 00:39:45 | |
Rabble Rants Week 2: Topic 1: Loblaws posted record second quarter profits again this year while Canadians are lining up at food banks. Did you also know they (Choice Properties) are also the largest real estate investment trust (REIT) in Canada? And that they are expanding more into residential / rental buildings? Banking, pharmacies, food and shelter - all commodified to the benefit of the wealthiest. Topic 2: After the derailment of a train on the Scarborough light rail network highlights the chronic underfunding of transit, particularly in marginalized neighbourhoods. Many are calling the new Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, a champion of transit - does this mean things are looking up for commuters? Listen in and find out. References:
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| 05 Jan 2023 | Pushing the Green Party Left | 01:01:07 | |
Canadian Partisan politics strikes again. Looks like the NDP isn't the only Canadian political party making life difficult for eco-socialists. Longtime Green Party of Quebec leader Alex Tyrell joins host Jessa McLean to talk about the energy he's spent trying to push the Green Party Left, both on the Provincial level and federally, the barriers put in his place and why being openly socialist is critical to making space for more leftist politics. | |||
| 07 Jul 2022 | Reproductive Justice: the Canadian Situation | 02:07:34 | |
With the recent overturning of Roe vs. Wade in the United States and reproductive rights seemingly under attack, Host Jessa McLean chats with Robyn Schwarz about what Reproductive Justice means and what its current state is here in Canada. Keep up with Robyn's work:
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| 13 Mar 2024 | Fighting Renovictions Locally with Ontario ACORN | 01:12:52 | |
Ontario ACORN just released a report on renovictions in the Province, and the findings are beyond alarming. The good news is there are plenty of people organizing around the issue, with some victories already under their belt. Our hosts are joined by local ACORN organizers Lorne MacMillan (Hamilton) and Even Bury (Ottawa) to talk about the impact of renovictions on renters, the community and the housing market. Tenant organizing is growing steadily in Canada, and it has been serving up victories for some time. Listen in for ways to resist renovictions and bad landlords. _______________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 04 Apr 2024 | Photographing the Front Lines | 01:33:37 | |
Street photograph Joshua Best has been front and centre for the escalation of police violence against protestors in the City of Toronto. He joins the hosts to talk about his his experience, his intriguing photography and what drives him to document disruption. It's also a discussion about police brutality, the resultant radicalization of participants, of solidarity and street level battles for a better world. _________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 02 Jun 2022 | Solidarity and Supports with Des and Tigra-Lee | 01:17:55 | |
Two comrades from Lloydminster/Vermillion, Tigra-Lee Campbell and Des Bissonnette, share stories of finding solidarity and creating meaningful supportive spaces in rural Alberta and Saskatchewan with host Jessa McLean. Keep up with the guests here: | |||
| 22 Oct 2024 | Support Systems Amid State Suppression | 01:12:12 | |
Support Systems Amid State Suppression with Dalia Awwad and Rachelle Friesen, both members of the Toronto Legal Support Committee. Toronto Police have escalated their harassment and surveillance of Palestinian solidarity activists across the City, with arrests nearing 100. Our guests provide firsthand accounts of the oppressive tactics being used and the impact they are having on individuals and the larger movement. But not to worry... Just as the tactics used by Police, the Crown, the media and politicians have been multi-faceted, so has been the response of these activists. Rather than go underground, stay quiet and 'out of trouble', they have risen up and created a community around the arrestees that goes way beyond legal support. CALL TO ACTION Donate to the Toronto Community Justice Fund All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 28 Apr 2024 | Filmmaking Resistance | 00:41:01 | |
Pier-Philippe Chevigny, writer-director of 'Richelieu', discusses how he uses his skills in filmmaking to shed light on social issues, particularly the exploitation of temporary foreign workers in Canada in his first feature length film, 'Richelieu'. The film follows a translator who sees this exploitation first hand and fights back against the bosses. Chevigny's focus on systemic issues rather than demonizing individuals, allows the message to resonate to audience of all political persuasions. Although he shies away from the activist label, his films share themes of resistance and are created with purpose. Be sure to check out the Mayworks Festival, where Richelieu will open on May 1st. The festival runs the entire month of May and its exhibits include endless mediums artists have used to connect people with social issues. __________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 16 Nov 2022 | Climate Justice: Knowing Friend from Foe | 01:22:27 | |
Most of us realize the climate crisis at hand requires urgent, transformative action. If everyone knows, then what is stopping us? Who exactly is getting in the way of Climate Justice in Canada? Besides Big Oil and Gas Executives of course. Torrance Coste of Wilderness Committee helps us wade through the politics around climate action, and the different relationships that complicate the matter. With an NDP government in B.C. one would have thought environmentalists had found an ally. Sadly, this has not been the case. Real tensions exist, even on the Left, on just what a Just Transition means. This episode explores various narratives surrounding the move away from fossil fuels and the greenwashing that can be pervasive. | |||
| 13 Nov 2022 | Inside the NDP: Why They Came for Me | 01:27:46 | |
After coming under attack from the Ontario NDP for criticizing the Party, host Jessa McLean jumped into the studio to record a response. It is a deeply personal account of her journey through partisan politics in an attempt to explain why the NDP is trying to silence her, and how this is part of a larger pattern to push out socialists and internal advocates. To read the letter from the Ontario NDP referenced in the episode in full, Jessa has included it on her Twitter feed: | |||
| 11 Dec 2023 | Rabble Rant: Fascism is Here | 01:04:38 | |
It's here. It's been here for a while. Fascism is a dominant ideology in the West that requires us to be constantly resisting. The problem is, it's not always obvious in appearance. Fascism rarely presents itself through swastikas and tiki torches, though that, too, is on the rise. More often it is disguised as democratic and hides in plain view of the Overton window. The question is, how do we resist the rise of Fascism? Hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero explore this and more. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 03 Jun 2024 | Rabble Rants: Students and Labour United | 00:50:57 | |
CROSSPOSTED: From Rabble Rants Feeds Topic 1: All Eyes on Rafah We give an update for the week of May 24th, including the latest attacks on a 'safe zone', the lack of a US 'red line' and the creation of buffer zones that block the border with Egypt. Topic 2: Students and Labour Unite at UofT Encampment An Emergency Rally in the face of a possible injunction and police action saw Ontario Labour leaders pledge to "put their bodies between police and students". We give updates on the encampments, discuss the possibilities of escalation and vent about the hypocrisies of our politicians. __________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 16 Jan 2024 | Rabble Rants: Police Crackdown Across Canada | 00:50:30 | |
With activists and journalists being accosted and arrested across Canada last week - we thought it was time to reinforce that all cops are bastards (and tools of Capital) always. And that we can not, for a moment, make space for police responses to people trying to hold the powerful accountable. We cover:
These open up discussions of police power and budgets, the criminalization of protests of any kind, the limiting of access to politicians and the attempts of the powerful of what is an acceptable protest. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 16 Jun 2022 | Autistic Resistance: The Foundations | 01:40:33 | |
Autistic advocate and academic Lulu Larcenciel sits down with host Jessa McLean to challenge misconceptions surrounding autism, discuss the need for massive shift in how we accommodate for neurodivergent community members, and take a critical look at so-called progressive policy that is impacting disabled people. Lulu put together an amazing resource tool here: | |||
| 18 Jan 2023 | Community Based Journalism | 01:03:16 | |
Kevin Taghabon of the Hoser joins the team at Blueprints for a discussion on Community based journalism, specifically the work of the Hoser, an independent media outlet based out of Toronto. Their "hyper local" approach allows them to produce quality, in depth reports that feature the voices of the marginalized. Voices often left out of main stream media. We get the scoop on some of the Hoser's top stories, a hint of what's to come and a bit of current politically commentary. You'll also hear how a few comrades formed a collective that now includes a podcast, a website and a monthly printed newspaper - without charging a dime or capitulating to advertisers. Most importantly, we discuss how all of this work plays into the larger progressive movement in Canada. Related links: | |||
| 18 Aug 2022 | The Culture of Co-Operatives | 00:59:52 | |
Democratic workplaces, community owned assets and credit unions. Co-operatives offer a range of solutions to the issues facing us today. But what are they exactly? Erin Morgan of the Ontario Co-Operative Association joins host Jessa McLean to discuss the basics of co-ops, their roots and why we could use a whole lot more of them. Whether it be credit unions, co-operative housing or even utilities - a more co-operative approach provides more possibilities for a cultural shift away from Capitalism. | |||
| 26 Nov 2023 | Rabble Rants: Dismantled and Dispersed; Prisoner Exchanges but no Peace | 01:06:12 | |
Topic 1: Dismantled and Dispersed The City of Toronto, aided by Police, evicted an encampment community in the Kensington Market area of the city from a tiny parkette outside a church that welcomed them. The excuses used by the City and local Councilor Diane Saxe don't fly with our hosts or housing advocates. Topic 2: Prisoner Exchanges but no Peace We give updates on the release of hostages and prisoners, and a short term truce that is anything but. Those updates, plus a look at just how many children are imprisoned by Israel, what their conditions are and what generally puts them there. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 04 Nov 2024 | Activate the Tenant Class with the Neighbourhood Organizing Centre | 00:54:59 | |
This installment of the TENANT POWER series features three members of the Ottawa Neighbourhood Organizing Centre (NOC) and their work supporting tenants in their fight against landlords, and of course, capitalism. The work of the NOC began in the most organic way. By going into their community and talking to as many people as possible. Listening to their neighbours and finding common ground. Overwhelmingly, people needed and most importantly, wanted to fight, as tenants. Hear how they continue to learn from one another and build power where they are. Quite literally going door by door, building by building and block by block to Activate the Tenant Class. Guests: Seema Shafei, Shivangi Misra, Ethan Mitchell CALLS TO ACTION:
____________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 05 Nov 2023 | Rabble Rant: Shifting the Narrative with Jeremy Appel | 01:14:31 | |
We start off by asking Jeremy Appel what the last three weeks have been like for him both as a journalist and a Jewish person demanding a Free Palestine. He also shares his thoughts on the state of global reporting in Canadian media, and the political implications of leaders so out of step with everyone else. Does he think the tide is turning on the narratives around the occupation? What does he see his role as? All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 23 Apr 2024 | Unlawful Assembly While Masked | 00:39:58 | |
All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon ____________ Episode Summary: Anna, an activist with Labor for Palestine and Independent Jewish voices, discusses her recent arrest and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian solidarity. She was arrested for participating in a peaceful sit-in at AWZ Industries, a company profiting from the Israeli occupation. The conversation looks at the tactics used by Police to intimidate and scare activists, and highlights the importance of not letting them intimidate the movement. One key lesson from the discussion is the how and why of people fighting these unjust charges and bail conditions, when possible. The Toronto Community Justice Fund is one of the movement’s tools that helps thwart these legal barricades put in our way. Please donate if you can: www.tcjf.ca Chapters:
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| 03 Nov 2022 | Diminished Democracy: featuring David Moscrop | 01:15:42 | |
What exactly is the impact of low voter turnout? What is behind people's exit from electoral politics in Canada? Political columnist, author and podcaster David Moscrop sits down with host Jessa McLean to look at the root causes of low voter turnout - and what that means for a representative democracy. They look at why democracy shifted away from more direct participation to what we see today - alienated voters and bad representation. Solutions are explored, as well as alternatives. They also ask the question: If voter turnout continues to decline - at what point does a liberal democracy become illegitimate? To keep up to date with David Moscrop's work: | |||
| 01 Sep 2022 | Health Coalitions: Original Defenders of Our Public Healthcare | 01:12:12 | |
Tommy Douglas surely anticipated the likes of Premier Doug Ford when he founded Health Coalitions to defend public healthcare in Canada. These groups have been standing guard over our public healthcare since its inception, but they've never had a fight like this on their hands before. Made up of folks like you and I, our Health Coalitions are very likely the key to taking collective action to stop the privatization of healthcare in Canada. Hear Peter Bergmanis explain what they are, what their mission is and just what is standing in their way. Can they wake up Canadians in time to save our healthcare? Listen in. More info on Health Coalitions:
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| 27 Jun 2024 | Rabble Rants: Virtue Signaling? | 00:34:53 | |
Virtue Signaling? Subtitle: Red Keffiyehs and White Supremacists Our hosts rant after a seemingly innocuous (yet viral) tweet of Jessa wearing a red keffiyeh triggered both zionists and white supremacists, who felt quite safe to air their anti-Arab racism, misogyny and affinity for violence. As they unpack the response, they discuss individualism and lack of understanding of solidarity among right-wing ideologies, as well as the misconceptions around multiculturalism, cultural appropriation, and the complexity of the Palestinian resistance movement. _________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 27 Aug 2024 | Haiti's Multinational Security Problem | 01:17:09 | |
Canada's has deep ties to Haiti's current political dilemma, and deep pockets when it comes to meddling in their democracy. Since 2022, that is $300 million and counting. Teacher and writer Travis Ross, of the Canada-Haiti Information Project gets us up to speed on what is happening on the ground in Haiti right now and how we got there. It includes a foreign policy discussion, but also explains from a local perspective the various coalitions and classes battling it out on the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Learn more on this topic:
All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon | |||
| 11 Oct 2023 | Uncomplicating the Conflict: Palestine and Israel | 01:23:39 | |
With the conflict in Palestine and Israel at a fever pitch, emotions are running high. We challenge some of the more dangerous narratives emerging, give updates on peoples’ reactions and do our best to provide the context needed. But unpacking the conflict between Palestine and Israel doesn't start with the devastating attack on civilians by Hamas in early October 2023. 75 year occupation, the conditions in the Gaza strip and the West Bank, and the repeated denial of non-violent avenues need to be part of the discussion. As does the power imbalance that exists. There is no ending violence without understanding where it came from. Solidarity with the people most impacted by this. Free Palestine. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 06 Mar 2023 | A Community Union: ACORN Canada | 00:58:35 | |
An interview with Alejandra Ruiz Vargas, National Representative and East York Chapter Leader, for ACORN Canada. Alejandra is a also a front line housing worker, longtime advocate and former political candidate. She shares just how Acorn grows it membership and determines its priorities. Acorn is membership based, and almost entirely funded by those members. We explore the impact of their approach and the values that drive their work. Alejandra shares some of the victories ACORN has experienced, recently and historically - and reminds us of the importance of celebrating gains we make. | |||
| 02 Nov 2023 | Rabble Rant: Shutting it Down for Palestine | 01:04:42 | |
As Israel continues to bombard Gaza and perpetuate violence in the West Bank, millions of people across the world are escalating their efforts to Free Palestine. The Canadian government may not want a ceasefire, but activists and polls across Canada are telling a different story. Coordinated sit-ins of MPs offices, massive rallies and blockades of weapons manufacturers are sweeping the nation. This episode gives you a run down of the different tactics and calls to action out there, while highlighting the urgency to DO SOMETHING. ANYTHING. Also discussed:
All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 18 Jun 2024 | Rabble Rants: Mask Bans | 00:53:02 | |
Two special guests, Kim Crawley and Bothered Boy, join host Jessa McLean to talk about the mask bans being introduced in the United States, the attitudes here in Canada and the recent uptick in activists being charged for wearing COVID protective masks during direct actions. We keep us safe - wear a mask comrades. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 03 Aug 2023 | Inside the NDP: Corporate Lobbyists Running the Workers Party? | 01:08:06 | |
Martin Lukacs, of the Breach and the Guardian, gives the inside scoop on his recent article Lobbyists run today’s NDP—and they’re warping the party’s politics. This investigative report details the roles of the Party's inner circle and the connections they have to corporate lobbying firms advocating for big oil and companies like Air BnB. Why are the 'day jobs' of some of the key players in the NDP's biggest campaign important? Because their rise in the Party coincide with a clear right turn in the policies and platforms being churned out and packaged as progressive. Martin talks about the impact of this trend on Canadian politics and gives us stories and insight from his many experiences with the Party. Be sure to catch all our other Inside the NDP episodes to get the full picture. All our content is made possible through our Patrons. To support the show: patreon.com/bpofdisruption Resources:
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| 29 Aug 2024 | Blueprints of a Rent Strike Victory | 00:41:54 | |
Hear a story of tenants forming a union to fight back against a slumlord, going on Rent Strike and winning! Bruno, an organizer with York-South Weston Tenants Union is back to share a victory from an unlikely place, the Ontario Landlord Tenant Board. We previously heard from Bruno on one of our favourite episodes, Blueprints of a Rent Strike. We don't just get the story - we get the blueprints of how they did it. _________________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon And be sure to check out our other podcast: Resources:
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| 16 May 2024 | Student Encampments | 00:48:06 | |
As more student encampments spring up daily, our host talk about the divestment demands being made, and the responses from the Universities, the police and the public. We inevitably make comparisons to the Occupy movement, all while noting the very unique circumstances facing students organizing against genocide. *The opening sound is credited to Mike Litwack. It is taken from a video posted on Twitter (formally X). ______________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 16 Oct 2023 | Manufactured Consent: Palestine | 01:12:09 | |
The work to manufacturer consent around Israel's collective retribution of Palestinians is in high gear. The media, our politicians have all lined up behind one another - and there have been considerable efforts to silence dissenters to genocide. With Gaza under a full siege and the death toll climbing, there are activists across the globe doing what they can to shift the narrative around Palestine. We give an update on the crisis and look at the global responses, as well as some closer to home, like protestors at the recent NDP Convention and Trudeau's latest statement. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 29 Sep 2022 | Abolishing the Monarchy: Now or Never | 01:12:25 | |
With the passing of the Queen, it is no wonder the discussion around abolishing the monarchy has been reignited here in Canada. Many pundits have declared the endeavor impossible - but is it really? Host Jessa McLean, alongside New Left Media and Blueprints of Disruption producer, Santiago Helou breakdown what's involved with severing our ties with the Crown, what the political challenges are and many reasons why that shouldn't stop us from ending this colonial relationship once and for all. | |||
| 18 Feb 2023 | LIVESTREAM: Fighting Legislated Poverty - A Panel | 02:01:05 | |
Canada has left disabled people behind. Provincial support programs do anything but. The result is Legislated Poverty. Disabled advocates from across Ontario join this panel discussion on the ways in which people are fighting back. Included in the discussion is a critique of Bill C22, a debate on tactics and an exploration of a way forward. Panels include: Rabia Khedr, Disability Without Poverty; Isabella Gamk, Toronto Mayoral candidate and activist, Kemal Ahmed, ONDP Disability Co-Chair and Accessibility Expert, and Christine Calvert, disabled activist and caregiver. | |||
| 23 Dec 2022 | A Developer's Democracy | 00:58:42 | |
With the passing of Bill 23 by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, it is becoming even more clear to voters that developers run the Province. Their sphere of influence goes beyond the carving up of the Greenbelt. This episode uses Ontario examples to show how detrimental the relationship between ultra wealthy developers and politicians is to the wellbeing of our communities. It isn't just campaign donations, developers are wining and dining politicians, founding and funding right-wing third party 'advertisers' and clearly writing policies that cater to their every need. Resources linked to the show:
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| 10 Nov 2022 | Disability Justice: Left Off the Agenda | 01:16:04 | |
If there is one area the Left needs to improve, it is around Disability Rights. Some of the policies coming out of the NDP are problematic, some even detrimental to disability justice. We focus on ODSP, MAiD, the Federal Disability Benefit and of course, the response to COVID. NDP Disability Co-Chair, Jay Woodruff provides an inside perspective on what its like trying to advocate for better policies and meaningful accommodations within Canada's progressive party. It isn't just electoral politics failing disabled people. This episode explores the many ways in which many movements have left disability justice off their agendas. | |||
| 07 Dec 2023 | Rabble Rant: Reporting on Genocidal Warfare | 01:09:41 | |
Reporting on Genocidal Warfare Flooding tunnels with sea water, targeting hospitals and the bombing of safe zones. The latest updates from Gaza are horrific following the short lived humanitarian truce. The hosts examine some of these tactics, the Dahiya Doctrine of disproportionate violence and the mentality it takes to carry these acts out. An analysis of Canadian media seems to show a shift happening regardless of the firings and memos to staff we've been reading about. It is becoming harder to repeat the IDF talking points with all the images and notices of death circulating the glove. Much of that evidence has been shared by the brave Palestinian reporters still in Gaza - many of them finding themselves war time reporters not by choice or profession, but by necessity. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 20 Dec 2023 | Disrupting Politics with Dimitri Lascaris | 00:47:28 | |
Lawyer, journalist and advocate, Dimitri Lascaris joins hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou to talk about holding Canadian politicians accountable for their role in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. He and his comrades have been disrupting fundraisers, asking hard questions at press conference, interrupting other political functions to get attention on the issue of Gaza. We ask him why they employ these tactics, if it makes them nervous, and what they hope to achieve by posting up the videos of these interactions. The episode starts with Dimitri recalling a recent interaction with MP Marc Miller, who asks him "What can Canada do?". We breakdown the response to that often heard question. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 08 Jul 2024 | Rabble Rants: Lessons from People's Circle for Palestine | 01:04:54 | |
The University of Toronto student encampment, named the People's Circle for Palestine, dismantled their tents after an Ontario Superior Court judge ordered an injunction against them. Our hosts break down the ruling, what it means for other encampments and bring up lessons learned from the end of just "one tactic in the toolbox" of students demanding their institutions disclose and divest. ________________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 07 Feb 2024 | Rabble Rants: Turning up the Heat on the Political Elite | 00:51:18 | |
Topic 1: Canadian political elites worried? Relentless pressure from activists was too much for the BC NDP to handle, forcing MLA Selina Robinson to lose her position in the Cabinet. This has politicians and their inner circles closing ranks around and pushing back against the more aggressive tactics being deployed by grassroots activists. What has them so worried? Topic 2: Nicaragua Put Complicit Countries on Notice With the possibility of another ICJ trial in the news, this time with Canada as a target has our hosts looking at International Law and its obvious limitations. Topic 3: Canada's Special Visa Program for Gaza This is not the humanitarian gesture it was sold as. The shortcomings, paired with other foreign policy moves this week seem very performative. Our hosts discuss these and other updates related to the siege on Gaza. ____________________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 07 Oct 2024 | The Right to Resist | 01:02:35 | |
Journalist and human rights lawyer, Dimitri Lascaris on Lebanon, the resistance and bringing down an apartheid state. After returning from his fourth trip to Beirut in the past year, Lascaris describes the changes he's seen in Lebanon, laments on the depravity of our politicians and the need to reassert the right to armed resistance for the Palestinian people. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 23 Jun 2022 | Reimagining Leadership – A discussion with Duncan Pike | 01:03:39 | |
A lot of people know what they want to change, but they just don’t know where to start. Organizer and ICL Facilitator Duncan Pike goes through some of the basics of how to mobilize people while he tells his own story of self as an activist. We learn how the Institute for Change Leaders assists other movements in their goals, and all about the Theory of Change. More resources: | |||
| 10 Sep 2024 | Reclaiming Social Housing with 230 Fightback | 01:02:05 | |
230 Fightback has been battling over a crucial piece of real estate in downtown Toronto for a very long time. A real estate investment company, Kingsett Capital is who owns the building, but their fight has been just as hampered by Toronto City Hall. Hear how the campaign persisted through organizational changes, set backs and discouragement from their own City Councilor. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon CALL TO ACTION:
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| 08 Feb 2023 | Leadership Cults in Politics | 00:54:40 | |
Why do we put so much emotional stock and resources into 'leaders'? And what is that costing us politically? Host Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero make the case that the focus and energy we spend on leaders, both our own and that of our opponents, is a detriment to the movement - a distraction from actual problems and policies to fix them. They discuss the trappings of playing to the leader vs. leader narrative, why they exist and how we can move away from these 'leadership cults' in politics. | |||
| 23 Jul 2024 | Recipes for Civil Resistance with Last Generation Canada | 01:05:20 | |
Their name represents the fact we are the Last Generation with the ability to do something meaningful on climate change. We interviewed their two full time organizers, Laura Sullivan and Gillian Graham, and asked them about what they call their "recipe for civil resistance" and their calls for an international uprising. These determined climate activists provide practical advice for other organizers, talk about their theories for change and discuss the organizations emphasis on non-violent disruptions. _____________- All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Be sure to catch our other podcast, Rabble Rants, where the same hosts give their take on Canadian news items. Resources: | |||
| 25 May 2023 | Inside the NDP: Controlled Convention | 01:46:35 | |
Political Conventions aren't for everyone. Literally. Hosts Jessa McLean, Jay Woodruff and Santiago Helou Quintero talk about the orchestrated and controlled ways in which the NDP gather (some of) their members every two years. Once you understand the purpose of Conventions, you start to get a picture of what political partisanship really is. Most people will be suprised at the accounts from NDP federal council member Kristine Wickner and former BCNDP member Chris, who give first hand accounts of authoritarian and undemocratic practices that exist in Canada's 'workers' party. | |||
| 31 Jan 2023 | Inherently Political: Street Nurse | 00:58:22 | |
Guest Cathy Crowe has spent years as a street nurse, an inherently political job. She works with people who live at the intersection of failed housing policies and a crumbling public healthcare system. After years learning from the unhoused community and advocating not just for their needs, but to an end to homeless itself, Cathy knows how imperative this fight is and where we are falling short. We hear the different tactics being employed to secure the most basic rights for people living Street nursing was a profession meant to be temporary, but is now needed more than ever. on the streets, a job that got harder to do during the pandemic. As we find out, homelessness isn't just a denial of housing, but often of healthcare as well. Street nursing was a profession meant to be temporary, but is now needed more than ever. | |||
| 20 Jun 2024 | Managing Narratives (or Not) - Livestreamed Event | 01:43:15 | |
An expert panel of activists and independent journalists talk media strategy when it comes to setting the narratives around our movements. We find out from organizers Fatima Saleh (Edmonton) and Anna Lippman (Toronto) what its been like responding to the ridiculous claims levelled at the Palestinian Solidarity movement, and what they've been doing to make sure our opponents don't decide the talking points. Journalists Dave Grey-Donald of The GrindTO and our very own Santiago Helou Quintero talk media strategies for activists - what works, who we don't talk to and ways to get your points across as effectively as possible. This was from an event livestreamed from our YouTube channel on June 18, 2024. To be at the next one, be sure to Follow us on Instagram All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 27 Feb 2024 | Extreme Sacrifice | 00:20:40 | |
The Death of Aaron Bushnell His last words were "Free Palestine". 25 year old Aaron Bushnell livestreamed what he called an extreme form of protest. In front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, the US Airman and self described anarchist doused himself in an accelerant and lit himself on fire. In these dark times, many folks may be feeling desperate and looking for ways to make a bigger impact. Our hosts unpack those feelings, share some writings on the issue and implore the audience to find other ways to fight that keep us alive. ___________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 26 Sep 2023 | Rabble Rant: Holding the Line Against Hate and Nazi Gate | 00:59:22 | |
Topic 1: Holding the Line Against Hate On Wednesday September 20th thousands of people across Canada geared up for confrontation. The so-called 1 Million March for Children were targeting school board buildings with a clear anti-lgbtq agenda. Knowing this, community groups, social movements and labour teamed up to organize counter-protests to send an entirely different message. Was it a victory for the Left? Who are the people behind the hate-filled actions? And what do they really want? Topic 2: Nazi Gate Liberals invited a known Nazi veteran to be recognized and applauded in the House of Commons this week. As shocking as it may seem, this isn't the only time Canada has honoured Nazis - we've got memorials scattered across the country and streets named after them. What exactly happened? Was it even a mistake? What does it have to do with the additional $650 million being pledged to help arm Ukrainian forces? All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 16 Aug 2023 | Community Defences | 01:07:37 | |
The Peace Country Progressive Alliance are a small network of activists with the daunting task of "fighting hate" in their rural community. That fight utilizes a variety of tactics, including physically standing up to venomous right-wing protestors outside drag story time events. Why do they do it? How do they mobilize in remote parts of the country with very little resources? What does defending the lgbtq community have to do with building working class solidarity? A lot! All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 29 Feb 2024 | The Tenant Class | 01:03:23 | |
What if we told you there is NO housing crisis? The author of The Tenant Class, Ricardo Tranjan joins hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean to talk about the housing market, its purpose and the use of policies that don't challenge the narrative of shelter commodification and land ownership. Tranjan presents the landlord / tenant divide as a more useful class analysis for our times. He encourages us to reframe our approach to housing advocacy, in ways free from the confines set by Capital. ----------------- All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 26 Jun 2023 | Inside the NDP: Sidelining Socialism | 00:28:03 | |
Despite its roots in Socialism, today's NDP have drifted to the centre in an attempt to appeal to the masses. Needless to say it hasn't worked, and the damage to the political spectrum as been done. Host Jessa McLean lays out an argument that the NDP and their failure to keep Left has shifted the Overton window in Canadian politics. The episode touches on the structure of the Party, its policies, its use of power and social media to demonstrate just how socialism is being sidelined. Be sure to catch all our other Inside the NDP episodes to get the full picture. All our content is made possible through our Patrons. To support the show: patreon.com/bpofdisruption | |||
| 08 Jan 2024 | Lebanon Palestine and Resisting Colonialism | 01:01:57 | |
Topic 1: Lebanon and Israel Just as the siege on Gaza didn't start on October 7th, Israel's attacks on Lebanon didn't start with the recent assassination of a Hamas leader in Beirut. Special guest, Lebanese educator and activist Moe Ramadan joins Host Jessa McLean to give a debrief on the history of Israeli occupation and aggression in Lebanon and an update on the current situation. The similarities between Lebanon and Palestine are impossible to miss - and the patterns of global responses are also disappointingly the same. Displacement, unlivable conditions, collective retribution and of course, colonialism and liberation. Topic 2: Refugees and Displacement As the topic of internal displacement comes up, so does the issue of refugees and the push to further displace Palestinians across the globe. One can't argue with the need to evacuate people from a war zone - but, is the global community actually more interested in aiding in the permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, forever? What is Canada's role in all of this? As usual, its not good and its not new. _________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 14 Sep 2023 | Justice for Migrant Workers | 00:48:56 | |
Listen to longtime migrant rights activist, Chris Ramsaroop detail many of the ways Canada's Temporary Foreign Workers' Program amounts to indentured slavery, how workers are fighting back and what we need to do as allies to help. Organizing as unprotected workers isn't easy and it comes with heavy repercussions. Chris talks about the different tactics and supports used by Justica /Justice for Migrant Workers. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 19 Apr 2024 | Colonial Settler Urbanism | 00:50:25 | |
Summary Andrew Crosby, a postdoctoral researcher at Carleton University, discusses his book Resisting Eviction and focuses on the case study of Herring Gate in Ottawa, which is labeled as the largest urban eviction in Canadian history. The conversation explores the role of municipalities and the financialization of housing, the detachment of home as an investment, and the settler colonial aspect of property and wealth in Canada. Key Takeaways:
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Keywords: resisting eviction, Herring Gate, tenant organizing, tenant rights, housing justice, financialization of housing, settler colonialism, property, wealth, housing, affordability, gentrification, commodification, displacement, tenant organizing, direct action, municipalities, policy-making, praxis of refusal, right to return | |||
| 01 Feb 2024 | Targeted Scapegoating | 01:47:11 | |
The episodes starts off with the story of Skigh Johnson, a Toronto resident who taped handwritten posters onto her local Starbucks to protest their support of genocide and their attack on workers who voiced pro-Palestinian views. What happens next is almost unbelievable - except it isn't and its how many activists are being targeted and made examples of. What happened to Skigh helped spark positive connections in her community as well. Out of it all a group formed, Eglinton-Lawrence and Don Valley for Palestine. They called it that because its made up of folks from those two electoral ridings who initially wanted to work together to pressure one of their local MPs, Marco Mendicino. But it became about more than that - it became about asserting their right to exist in their own neighbourhood. Listen in as five comrades talk about the police ban on protests, the confrontations they've had to endure, the media's failure and the very personal impact it has had on all of them. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 24 Mar 2024 | Rabble Rants: Liberals Target Migrants | 00:36:25 | |
RABBLE RANTS are now available on their own feed. Be sure to subscribe wherever you're listening from. TOPIC: Liberals introduce caps and other policy changes related to temporary foreign residents. In an attempt to further scapegoat immigrants for the 'affordability and housing crisis', federal Liberals in Canada have introduced caps on migrant workers, international students and asylum seekers. We go over the details of the changes being made and the impact they'll have. We highlight the realities facing 'temporary residents' and the demands advocates have been fighting for, for years. Things like Status for All, an end to deportations and the regularization of undocumented people in Canada. ____________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 17 Apr 2024 | Rabble Rants: Destabilizing and Delegitimizing, Iran and Israel | 00:42:04 | |
The conversation explores the current situation in Israel and Palestine, focusing on the goals and actions of the Israeli government, the role of the US, and the potential consequences of the conflict. It discusses the unwinnable battle Israel is fighting in trying to eliminate Hamas and the need for a way out to avoid looking like their actions were in vain. The conversation also touches on the economic and global implications of the conflict, the delegitimization of leaders as a distraction tactic, and the rise of extreme fascism in Israel. It emphasizes the importance of education and counter-education in the anti-imperialist fight. Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
Resources: https://blueprints-of-disruption.captivate.fm/episode/rabble-rants-destabilizing-and-delegitimizing-iran-and-israel ________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | Unverified: The Grind Exposes New Lows in Canadian Media | 00:51:14 | |
Unverified: The Grind Uncovers New Lows in Canadian Media Journalist Dave Gray-Donald from the GrindTO spent months analyzing Canadian media reports and attempting to hold his follow journalists accountable for repeatedly printing unverified claims about October 7th, 2023. His piece, Global News and Postmedia Refuse to Correct Oct. 7 Falsehoods exposes some of the most horrific failures of our legacy media - but its not getting the exposure it needs... ...so we also discuss how to combat the impacts of shoddy, even malicious reporting by supporting independent media and good reporting when we see it. ______________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | The Ghost Gurney Project to #SaveHealthcare | 01:02:22 | |
We interview Patricia Chartier and Sandra Hughes of the Ghost Gurney Project in Ontario. Their goal is to save public healthcare from Doug Ford. They do this by using social media to tell the stories, bust the myths and deliver the facts - in hopes that people will wake up and push back. They share their process of gathering people's health stories and getting them seen on social media and how they've created a supportive team. We also hear what its been like travelling the Province's healthcare system and hearing so many devastating first hand accounts of how it has failed people. A key area of focus for the small group is the privatization of healthcare, in particular the use of Bill 60 and the corporatization of the system. In the episode there are plenty of details on just how this is happening and what the implications have already been. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 07 Sep 2022 | Fighting More Than Food Insecurity with Paul Taylor | 00:57:04 | |
Food Insecurity impacts almost 6 million people in Canada. With the cost of everything, including food rising, we can expect this to get worse. What do we do about it? Are Food Banks the answer? Paul Taylor of Food Share Toronto is on a mission to "put food insecurity in the history books" - he joins host Jessa McLean to discuss just what that means, and why charity alone won't be enough to make sure our community members don't go hungry.
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| 17 Dec 2023 | Rabble Rants: F*ck Landlords and Documenting War Crimes | 01:11:58 | |
Topic 1: F*ck Landlords In Toronto, a notoriously bad landlord attempts an unlawful eviction and the York-South Weston Tenants Union shows them what people power looks like. An occupation, legal appeals and amazing acts of solidarity ensured the tenant wasn't put out on the street - and we all learned a great lesson in organizing our communities. Evictions are happening right across Canada. Police, politicians and landlords and making deliberate choices that would see housed and unhoused people with no shelter at all. The only thing stopping them is us. Topic 2: Documenting War Crimes The siege on Gaza in unprecedented in both its horrors and the media's defence of it. Some horrific updates from the last two weeks, hostages killed waving white flags, sick and injured Palestinians bulldozed, civilians sheltering in churches and UN schools shot, videos shared of prisoners being mistreated - all at the hands of the IDF. Although its emotionally fatiguing witnessing this genocide - it is important that we continue to share the stories coming out of Gaza. To both honour the courage of the journalists putting their lives on the lines and to make sure everyone responsible is held accountable. An analysis of the Canadian media shows how complicit in genocide many of our 'most trusted' outlets are. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 05 Jun 2023 | The Fight for Public Transit: TTC Riders | 00:50:40 | |
Two transit activists, Jamie and Herman, join host Jessa McLean to dish on the fight for public transit in Toronto. With service cuts the norm, fares rising and a Mayor's race to influence, the volunteers at TTC Riders have a lot of work to do. The guests talk about their favourite tactics, which levers of power they need to pull and why the fight for more accessible, free transit is critical to the movement for equality and climate justice. More on TTC Riders:
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| 07 May 2023 | Candid Candidate: Interview with Chloe Brown | 01:13:26 | |
In a crowded field of candidates for Toronto Mayor, Chloe Brown’s grassroots campaign stands out as one of the most unique. Chloe ran an impressive campaign last October finishing 3rd with an incredibly efficient dollar-to-vote ratio of only $0.20. In this interview, Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero talk to Chloe about her experience as a Policy Analyst, how this campaign is different from last time, her platform and whether is she running to win. | |||
| 16 Jul 2024 | Weaponizing Canadian Law for Israel | 00:50:49 | |
Investigative journalist Martin Lukacs from The Breach discusses his investigations into Toronto Police's Project Resolute and the secretive committee in the Ontario Attorney General's office tasked with cracking down on Palestinian solidarity activism. A beefed up hate crimes unit is backed by a committee staffed with former Prosecutors who have openly declared their affinity for Israel and penchant for "leveraging criminal law for critical action". And we would have not heard anything about it had it not been for the tenacity of independent journalists like Martin and the mistakes of a local police board. Hear the whole sordid story.... ________________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 29 May 2023 | Burnout: Episode 2 | 01:23:05 | |
On this second episode of Burnout, Host Jay Woodruff talks with Anthony Marco, President of Hamilton & District Labour Council, about what burnout means and how he tries to balance his activism with work, and the importance of artistic expression and solidarity in preventing burnout. They also discuss how the normalizing of burnout starts in our education system and follows us throughout our lives. 23e4805ce5e5e8d475a3d33ee24ba1d4e8abf10e | |||
| 20 Nov 2024 | Masking as a Revolutionary Act | 00:47:19 | |
COVID AWARE ORGANIZING If we're going to build accessible, safe spaces to organize, that needs to include ways to reduce COVID transmissions amongst our comrades. Shira Lurie, a COVID aware activist with Protect our Province Nova Scotia (POPNS) and Mask for Mask Queers, joins host Jessa McLean to give easy, affordable precautions we can incorporate into our organizing and event planning. Filling in the gaps where our governments have failed to protect us isn't new to progressives. Neither is having to buck popular trends, or create new ones. So why the resistance to masking and other initiatives around air quality? We unpack that and how we can start to bring more people along, even after five years. _______________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 30 Jul 2024 | Political Coalitions to Stop the Far Right? | 01:15:17 | |
Would a coalition, similar to what we saw in France, stop Pierre Poilievre in the next election? This is a scenario independent journalist, political analyst and author Jeremy Appel lays out in his recent piece for the Tyee. Jeremy joins host Jessa McLean to talk about the feasibility of a one-time political coalition to keep the Conservatives out of power, the need for electoral reform and the state of the electoral 'Left' here in Canada. Is voting a tool for change or simply harm reduction? Let us know what you think. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 20 Nov 2023 | Rabble Rants: Witnessing Genocide; Ontario Paying for Private Surgery Profits; Exploiting Post-Secondary Students | 01:12:04 | |
Topic 1: Witnessing Genocide in Gaza We check in with each other and the audience in terms of the emotional toll of watching ethnic cleansing happening in real time, and reaffirm the need to keeping talking about Palestine. Reports from a WHO visit to Al-Shifa Hospital, verification of certain reports and political responses globally are all part of the discussion. Topic 2: Ontario Paying for Private Surgery Profits Doug Ford's government has confirmed reports that they are paying private (for profit) clinics in the Province premium rates to perform public surgeries. Surgeries that Ontario hospitals have the ability to perform are being sourced out to units run by giant corporations who are getting paid more than twice the amount. We talk about the implications to the healthcare system, the hypocrisy of a private outsourcing costing twice the amount and the many ways in which the Ford government will try to spin this in their favour. CORRECTION: The Www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca has found that many clinics are charging patients above and beyond the OHIP fees. Topic 3: Exploiting Post-Secondary Students Reports of students at Humber College suffering from malnutrition, with some fainting, triggers a discussion on the vulnerable economic position students in Canada find themselves in. The pressures put on them and the many ways in which these educational institutions facilitate their exploitation. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 04 Sep 2023 | Rabble Rant: End the Air Show; Protecting Trans Students; Unaccountable Ford Nation | 00:54:41 | |
Topic 1: End the Air Show For five days straight Torontonians have been subjected to the roars of warplanes overhead their city. For many years folks have been calling for an end to this noisy, costly display of nationalism, aviation and implied violence. So why does it continue? Topic 2: Outing Trans Students Provincial politicians in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and now Ontario are telling schools to report any change in a students name or pronouns to parents, putting untold numbers of children and youth at risk. Generations of students have fought to create safe spaces within their schools, only to be attacked from adults who should know better. What can be done to push back? Topic 3: Unaccountable Ford Nation Ontario Housing Minister Steve Clark was found to have breached multiple ethics rules. The Provincial government was advised to reprimand him. They refused. Ontario's Premier, Doug Ford, remains smug and defiant - even attacking reporters who dare press the issue of the Greenbelt. What can voters do about this lack of accountability? And what does that mean for a Canadian 'democracy'? All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon | |||
| 21 Aug 2023 | Encampments, evictions and resistance | 00:53:27 | |
Advocate and Community Worker, Diana Chan McNally unloads on all of the anti-homeless rhetoric and harmful policies that make living on the street even harder. | |||
| 22 Jan 2023 | Challenging Canadian Imperialism | 00:59:06 | |
Canadian foreign policy is not what most Canadians think it is. The narrative had for a long time been one of peacekeepers. Our approach now clearly one of open aggression, with the impact of Canada’s weapon sales, resource extraction industry and outright participation in right wing coups being felt across the globe, but are Canadians in large partaware of all of this? Special Guest, Yves Engler answers that question and more. He’s an expert in Canadian foreign policy and an activist in his own right and has written extensively on Canada’s complicit and often violent foreign policies and its hypocritical approach to international relations. Haiti, Ukraine, Venezuela and more examples are discussed. Yves makes an argument that some of these issues are just as urgent as the fight for climate action and workers’ rights. He also discusses the tactics he uses to raise the profile of some of these issues, alongside the consciousness of Canadians. Find more of Yves Work: | |||
| 27 Mar 2024 | Social Justice in St. John's | 01:00:04 | |
The Social Justice Co-operative in St. John's Newfoundland/Labrador has a long as resilient history. Our interview with co-chair Kerri Claire tells of a personal political journey and an organizational one. Both of which have led to an impressive collective making a meaningful impact. With limited resources, these folks are able to contribute to wide array of local initiatives. And most importantly, they do this in a way that value members' voices and set models for community care. __________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 02 Oct 2023 | Rabble Rant: Reconciliation and Resistance | 00:48:15 | |
To mark Truth and Reconciliation Day, hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean discuss some of the many acts of Indigenous resistance happening across so-called Canada. The Land Alliance to stop mining in the Ring of Fire marched on Queen's Park in Ontario last week. Doug Ford is using typical political maneuvering and false claims of consultation to push another dangerous project through. Five First Nations have banded together to stop it. The Fairy Creek blockade has been the biggest act of civil disobedience in Canada's history. The logging company that won an injunction there is also suing Haida Gwaii for the right to log old growth there, despite the decision of the land stewardship Council. The demands to Search the Landfill and the resistance at Camp Morgan has spread across Manitoba, and gone from coast to coast. It has now become an election issue. With this being just a sampling of the battles going on, both in the court room and on the Land, what does this mean about the state of 'reconciliation' with Indigenous peoples? All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 13 Oct 2022 | Inside the NDP: A Deliberate Turn to Centre | 01:22:39 | |
We often speculate about what has happened to the NDP in Canada. With its origins in Socialism and grassroots membership, the Party has seemingly drifted to Centre while alienating its biggest supporters. Author and political scientist Matt Fodor joins host Jessa McLean to discuss the themes that come up in his upcoming book From Layton to Singh: The 20-year Struggle for the NDPs Soul. Matt is about to reveal just who made the decisions to sideline members and when party brass decided they would abandon its socialist values in favour of neoliberal policies. Matt describes the new NDP as 'Orange Liberals' - power hungry, with little interest transformative politics. Resources:
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| 24 Sep 2024 | Shifting Gears: Climate Justice Toronto | 00:53:44 | |
Decades of climate organizing hasn't really produced many victories to feed off of. Why? Climate Justice Toronto took a hard look at the environmentalist movement, studied Labour organizing models and decided to undertake a major shift in their work. One that focused on actually challenging points of power while building their own. Hear how they went from a class-based climate organization to one that is almost entirely dedicated to tenant organizing, without compromising the end goal of defending the planet. CALL TO ACTION: Sign up for Climate Justice Toronto October 2024 Orientation - Action Network ___________________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 26 Jul 2023 | Blueprints of a Rent Strike | 01:06:18 | |
Rent strikes are just one tool in the chest of the York South-Weston Tenant Union in Toronto. Bruno, one of the organizers with the union provides a step by step guide on how they got to where they are now - on strike, withholding rent from landlords who clearly underestimated the collective power of their tenants. Connecting neighbours, finding common ground, overcoming apathy and fear and standing up for their rights. These tenants are "fighting for their right to home". We find out they aren't the only tenants on a rent strike in Ontario - each group working with one another and giving the rest of us the inspiration we need to do the same. Resources: | |||
| 18 Mar 2024 | Rabble Rants: U.S. Seaport in Gaza | 00:28:00 | |
United States Pledges to Build a Seaport in Gaza. In his State of the Union Address, President Biden called for a six-week ceasefire and promised to build a seaport to deliver aid to Gaza. The project will be lead by U.S. troops and a company no-one has heard of until now. Wait until you find out who runs that company and what their aims in the Middle East are. We also discuss what all of this mean for the Israeli blockade on Gaza and geopolitics in general? --------------- All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 25 Oct 2023 | Rabble Rant: Suppression, Solidarity and MPP Sarah Jama | 01:23:59 | |
Our hosts Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero let it all out on the Ontario NDP, Doug Ford's censuring of MPP Sarah Jama, and the attempts to silence Palestinian advocacy. We give a run down of the solidarity being shown and share some key reactions to the Ontario NDP kicking the courageous MPP from their Caucus. What will the political implications be for the Ontario NDP? What is the point of the NDP? More importantly, the discussion turns to the larger pattern of vilifying Palestinian solidarity, movements and tactics in order to drive away calls for a ceasefire. Resources:
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| 21 Apr 2023 | Burnout: A MiniSeries | 01:02:29 | |
In this first episode of the miniseries, host Jay Woodruff interviews fellow Rabble Rouser, Jessa McLean in a frank and deeply personal discussion about Burnout. What is it? How does it impact our lives and our movements? The condition of perpetual exhaustion, brought on by various stressors, impacts a lot of activists. Why? What is it about the systems we live in that causes to many people to become overwhelmed? Join us as we attempt to normalize these discussions around mental health and our movements. | |||
| 22 Aug 2022 | Canadian Media: Contested Territory | 01:19:08 | |
What is Independent journalism and what role does it play in Canadian Politics? How do they complete with mainstream media? What is it like trying to sustain your work so you can have the freedom to say what needs saying? This episode of Blueprints is a discussion with Jeremy Appel, a freelance writer, podcaster and Canadian politico. He takes us through us journey to independence and provides great stories of what its like being a critical leftist surrounded by Conservative politicians. Jeremy leaves us hopeful that the media is not a lost cause - it is still contested territory that hold potential for political change. Independent Media Sources:
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| 22 Sep 2022 | Whatever it Takes: Land Back | 01:35:25 | |
Indigenous Land Defenders across Canada are under attack. All attempts to rightfully reclaim land back and protect the water have been met with resistance and police violence. Yet they persist. There are folks like guests Layla Staats and Skyler Williams, both of Six Nations of the Grand River, willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their communities can survive. Living through trauma, both current and generational, these courageous activists put everything on the line, defying incredible forces so that their children, and ours, may do something as simple as drink from a clean river. Hear their stories, get inspired and through it all explore what your role is in the fight to save the planet and bring about true Reconciliation. Resources:
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| 26 May 2022 | We Keep Us Safe | 01:20:30 | |
If we're going to disrupt the system, we must make sure the movements we create are safe. In the show's premier episode, Host Jessa McLean chats with Community Activist, Noodle, to discuss how we protect ourselves and our comrades, and how doing that builds a much richer community for activists to thrive in. Noodle provides practical tools and also deeper perspectives on what it means to keep the community we work with safe. | |||
| 07 Nov 2022 | Ontario Fights Back - Building up to a General Strike | 01:07:37 | |
With 55,000 CUPE Education workers walking off the job in defiance of legislation which made any job action illegal, there have been renewed calls for a Provincial wide General Strike. Host Jessa McLean and journalist/producer Santiago Helou Quintero discuss the core issues at stake in Ontario. With the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to override Charter Rights, and the push to destroy public services, this fight has become more than just a demand for fair wages. Premier Ford has started something...but what? And will Labour seize this moment effectively and inclusively? Lots of possibilities to discuss. Additional Resources: | |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | Rabble Rants: Publicly Funded Catholic Schools (no thanks) | 00:35:42 | |
Publicly Funded Catholic Schools in Canada Only three provinces still publicly fund Catholic Schools...why? After yet another Catholic school board in Ontario refuses to fly the Pride flag, our hosts discuss the merits of fully dismantling the Catholic school system. ________________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 14 Dec 2023 | To Vote or Not to Vote? | 01:09:34 | |
Who is there left to vote for? What good does it do? Many people are struggling with these questions after witnessing the NDP trend to the political centre and attack activists within its own ranks. There is no political party in Canada that truly represents leftist values or that can be trusted to act in good faith. We've already made the case that the NDP does not deserve free labour from the very people it will turn around and demonize, or evict. So what does one do on election day then? What would the impact be if one side of the political spectrum stopped voting entirely? Preventing the worst-case scenario appears to be the only reason most people can justify giving any politician their vote of approval. In fact, most people feel their vote is against something, than towards something better. Author and cybersecurity expert Kim Crawley wrote a recent blog called Don't Vote. She expands on her own political transformation from a libertarian to an NDP Convention delegate to someone disillusioned with the entire system. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 27 Oct 2022 | Return and Liberation: The Palestinian Youth Movement | 01:03:30 | |
Return and Liberation is an in-depth discussion with members of the Palestinian Youth Movement, a transnational organization dedicated to a Free Palestine. Laura Khoury and Moe Alqasem spend time sharing what pushes them to keep going in such a combative area of advocacy. The discussion examines the current situation in Palestine, including the status of the resistance and updates on political prisoners held by Israeli forces. We also look at the state of Canadian politics and explore why leadership on the Left so often feels out of touch with its base on the issue of Palestine. To stay in touch with the Palestinian Youth Movement:
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| 05 Jun 2024 | Always Shoot Down Range - Canadian Socialist Rifle Association | 00:43:40 | |
The Canadian Socialist Rifle Association makes it clear - they are nothing like the notorious NRA, nor are they some sort of militia. In fact, a lot of their focus is on things like mutual aid and community defences that don't involve guns. But they do insist that all of us (gun owner or not) should, at the very least, be familiar with them. Listen in as we talk to CSRA Spokesperson Isla Jerowsky about fitting into Canadian leftist spaces, the misconceptions that come with 'rifle association', and the need to distinguish themselves as an exclusively socialist space. ______________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 25 Apr 2024 | Pharmacare: We Almost There? | 00:58:16 | |
Are we there yet? In the wake of the Liberals 2024 Budget, we pulled Nik Barry-Shaw into the studio to unpack what it all means for the long fight for Pharmacare in Canada. Nik is a campaigner with the Council of Canadians. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 28 Sep 2023 | COVID Conscious Under Capitalism | 01:07:03 | |
We are over three years into the COVID pandemic, is anyone even paying attention anymore? As we see health officials start to wear masks again, it seems a good time to talk about the COVID conscious community who has never stopped taking precautions. Host Jessa McLean sits down with Kim Crawley, a cyber security expert who has gone through great lengths to prevent exposure to the virus that has not only claimed immeasurable numbers of people worldwide, but has been labelled the single most debilitating event in history. As noted throughout the episode, it takes incredible privilege and acquired knowledge to effectively avoid COVID. However, even with all the resources available, many folks who should do and know better, haven't. From a class analysis, this episode looks at individual human behavior, the response of our governments and how the greed of our 'capitalist overlords' plays into it all. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 06 Aug 2024 | Resisting Toronto's Tactics Against the Unhoused | 00:57:05 | |
The City of Toronto evicted yet another encampment. When pressed for a reason, City Staff claimed it was at the behest of the organizers for Caribana. Marilyn Bell Park had been the home of several community members for the last year. Listen in as organizers with Voices for Unhoused Liberation tell that story and share what they're doing to fight back - not just against this latest eviction, but against the war on the poor. ___________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 01 Dec 2022 | Making Mass Actions Count | 00:55:00 | |
Ontario's General Strike never did materialize, and in the aftermath there's a lot of analysis to do. John Clarke, Professor at York University and longtime organizer, joins host Jessa McLean to compare the 2022 strike by CUPE workers to the 1995 Days of Action against them Premier Mike Harris. They discuss some of the trappings that exist in these moments, and how they too often lead to a de-escalation that benefits the ruling class. A big part of the discussion is on how we can collectively capitalize on these sometimes very temporary shifts in power to center social movements and achieve real gains for the working class. | |||
| 18 Oct 2023 | Canada's Colonial Imagination | 01:11:20 | |
Tyler Shipley, Professor and author, starts the episode off by explaining just what the term 'colonial imagination' means. He tells us how it was used to justify the genocide of Indigenous peoples here, and how it STILL shapes how Canada interacts with the world. He gives countless examples of Canada's modern day colonial interventions in the global south, often with our eyes on resource extraction. Repeating the same patterns of land grabs, assimilation and violence. The mining sector being at the heart of many of the worst human rights violations encouraged or even facilitated by the government of Canada. How do we retain such a squeaky clean image on the world stage? A lot of states-craft and nationalist propaganda helps - as does the colonial imagination that we've collectively retained as settlers. Tyler also pushes back on the notion Canada is seen as peacekeepers anymore. The mask is slipping, and the Liberals seem fine in playing war hawks and coup supporters with the world watching. The discussion necessarily turns to Palestine and how the colonial imagination plays out, not just in the occupation, but in how Canadians are reacting to it all back home. At the end Tyler reminds us that part of the battle is simply education and revealing some of the parts of our history that may challenge how people see Canada. So be sure to share the episode with a friend. _______________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to become a monthly donor: Patreon Resources:
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| 28 Aug 2023 | Rabble Rant: Temporary Foreign Worker Exploitation; Billions for Billionaires and Battleships; Our Leaders are all Landlords | 00:57:29 | |
Topic 1: Temporary Foreign Worker Exploitation Jamaican Migrant Farm Workers in Ontario have long been decrying the poor working and living conditions they face as part of the longstanding Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SWAP). A recent one day protest by workers on a farm in Norfolk County resulted in 6 being sent home to Jamaica early. We look at the whole Temporary Foreign Worker Program, its impact on workers and the movement fighting to secure the rights of migrant workers in Canada. Topic 2: Billions for Billionaires and Battleships The Irvings, already the second richest family in Canada secured the largest single purchase in the Canadian governments history, the CSC Project. If that wasn't enough, the Liberals just handed them an additional $463 million to 'modernize' the facility tasked with building the warships Canadians will pay almost $400 billion for in the end. The money for war is always there, rarely questioned. What is the political reasoning behind this? And what is at the root of these bailouts for billionaires? Topic 3: Our Leaders are All Landlords With the recent disclosure that the wife of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh purchased an investment property and became a landlord during a housing crisis, 4 of the 5 federal Party leaders are now landlords. Why do we keep electing wealthy people to lead the working class? Is this what Representative Democracy looks like? All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 02 May 2024 | Voices for Unhoused Liberation | 01:38:42 | |
Voices for Unhoused Liberation are folks experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing while organizing their community. Whether its against encampment evictions or the prison like conditions of the Toronto shelter system, these folks are getting things done under incredibly difficult circumstances. The interview with Dredz Green and Nahum Mann, two community organizers with Voices for Unhoused Liberation, touches on strategy building, the limitations of advocacy work and the need for escalated direct actions. As they describe their lived experience and recent developments, it becomes clear the City of Toronto is actively, and purposely harming the unhoused members of our communities. Under attack, they vow to fight back. *AUDIO NOTE* at approximately the 1hr mark, there are issues with Dredz audio that lasts about 10 minutes. We opted to not edit this out, so as to not lose any part of his message. There is a transcript available. ___________________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 06 Nov 2024 | Democrats Lose. Our Plans Stay the Same. | 00:15:42 | |
We will remember this 5th of November. A bonus Rabble Rants for the Blueprints of Disruption audience in response to the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. While some blame voters and activists, our hosts examine how the DNC is to blame and what the results mean for the movements we feature on the show. To be sure you don't miss another Rabble Rants, subscribe here. All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Be sure to catch more RABBLE RANTS on its dedicated feed. You can also follow us on Instagram | |||
| 30 May 2024 | Disrupting Canada's Arms Trade - World Beyond War | 01:01:33 | |
Rachel Small, World Beyond War Canada's spokesperson, discusses the organization's work to disrupt the military industrial complex and challenge the culture of war using a variety of tactics. Lately, World Beyond War's focus has been on Gaza. They see their role as highlighting, Canada's complicity in the genocide via our role in the arms trade. Rachel shares details about their latest campaign, Arms Embargo Now, and the promise this moment holds for all movement. The conversation also explores the deep-rooted nationalism in Canada, how it contributes to the support for war and conflicts with our perception we are a peaceful country. ______________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources: | |||
| 05 Sep 2024 | On ADHD | 01:00:30 | |
Our hosts get personal with their lived experiences with ADHD. Its a very candid discussion on how ADHD impacts their lives, the accommodations that help them thrive and the politics behind preventing us from realizing more inclusive spaces for neurodivergent folks. The episode was largely left uncut to better demonstrate some of the very characteristics people associate with ADHD, but also to challenge the misconceptions that are out there. _________________ All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support us: Patreon Resources:
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| 15 Dec 2022 | Lessons From: South America | 01:17:31 | |
With Canadian politics void of real resistance to Capitalism, the show looks to South America for some revolutionary lessons. Guest Alexander Moldovan shares some of what he learned while studying social movements in Venezuela, much of it by way of telling the stories of workers and communities fighting back while building networks of support. While examining the ways in which movements play a role in shaping the political landscape in South America, hosts Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLean draw comparisons to Canadian situation. | |||