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Eutopya Podcasts

Eutopya Podcasts

By Eutopya

Eutopya is an international, entirely youth-run media platform committed to carving out a niche in the international political realm for young voices. While our content is produced exclusively by young people from around the world, the stories and news we share reflect and concern the lives of everyone—not just our own generation. We hope to dispel the growing and detrimental belief that students are indifferent when it comes to politics. It's all about challenging the mainstream news cycles and highlighting what we deem important and newsworthy. This is vanguard media.
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Erased, Pt 1: Cyprus

Eutopya PodcastsNov 15, 2020

00:00
37:45
Meredith Bunn, combat medic in Myanmar

Meredith Bunn, combat medic in Myanmar

In this episode, Manju and Mario talk with Meredith Bunn, founder of Skills for Humanity, about the current humanitarian situation in Myanmar. As the popular armed resistance to the military junta in Myanmar has gained significant territory since the 2021 military coup, this conversation is a timely one. With a background as a combat medic, Meredith has spent nearly a decade providing vital humanitarian and emergency support in Myanmar. In this episode, she shared with us her experiences of working on the ground in Myanmar to provide emergency services, medical aid, evacuations, landmine clearance, community training, and education for displaced children. Meredith takes us through her personal experiences of working on the ground in Myanmar, the many challenges the people and the country are facing, and shares her insights into what is next for the country.

Mar 25, 202452:22
Episode 16: Farah Obaidullah on Deep Sea Mining

Episode 16: Farah Obaidullah on Deep Sea Mining

In this collaborative episode with the ReefRoundUp podcast team, Manju and Tamara sit down with Farah Obaidullah, long time ocean advocate and founder of The Ocean and Us, to learn about deep sea mining, international seabed regulation, and the global ecological implications of opening an industry in this ancient and untouched ecosystem. Farah Obaidullah is the founder of The Ocean and Us, the editor of the new book The Ocean and Us. She holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Imperial College in London. With over 20 years professional experience, Farah has travelled the world, observing the beauty of the ocean and witnessing some of the most egregious practices happening at sea. Among her achievements, Farah has executed campaigns to end destructive fishing, worked with affected communities, lobbied for ocean protection and been deeply involved in exposing fish crimes, including slavery and labour abuse at sea. Farah is currently campaigning for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, a reckless emerging industry that will cause irreversible harm to deep-sea ecosystems, and for which the consequences in terms of disturbing locked-away carbon are unknown. Support Farah's audacious new project: The Ocean Hope Tour, connecting people to the ocean and stopping the next climate disaster from starting! Follow her work here: https://www.theoceanandus.org/

Feb 27, 202430:16
Episode 14 - Ann Pettifor on bridging economic theory and grassroots activism

Episode 14 - Ann Pettifor on bridging economic theory and grassroots activism

In this episode, Mario and Anya sit down with the renowned economist and activist, Ann Pettifor. The interview is a deep dive into her illustrious career, as well as an exploration of Pettifor's insights regarding the global financial system. She sheds light on its pervasive impact on daily lives and underscores the pressing need for transformative grassroots actions. Drawing from her experience leading the influential Jubilee 2000 campaign, Pettifor shares invaluable lessons and her vision for a more equitable economic future. Join us for an enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between high-level economic theories and on-the-ground realities. This episode was produced by Anya Bégué, Manju von Rospatt, and Mario Simmaco.

Jan 30, 202452:16
Episode 15 - The Taliban takeover

Episode 15 - The Taliban takeover

In this episode, we are sharing an interview with an anonymous young Afghan woman that was recorded in November 2021. Now a student in the US, our guest spent time working within Afghanistan's political civil society and public sector prior to the August 2021 Taliban takeover. She tells us about her experience under the US occupation, her assessment of the rapid fall of Kabul, and the implications of Taliban rule. When compared to the state of affairs today, the discussion offers a prescient look at what went wrong—and what could go wrong in the future if the international community fails to draw a harder line. This episode was produced by Anya Bégué, Mario Simmaco, and Manju von Rospatt

Sep 19, 202345:44
Episode 13 - Burmese filmmakers speak out: Resisting the Myanmar coup

Episode 13 - Burmese filmmakers speak out: Resisting the Myanmar coup

In this episode, Eutopya sits down with the anonymous Burmese filmmakers behind the new documentary project called Myanmar Diaries. The film is a collection of short movies that depict everyday life and resistance under junta violence. The conversation covers contemporary civil disobedience movements, the role of film in resisting authoritarianism, and more. This episode was produced—across 4 countries and 2 continents—by Manju von Rospatt, Anya Bégué, Sarah Lewis, and Mario Simmaco.

Nov 05, 202239:43
Environmental Crime, Pt. 2 - Caio Guatelli and Brazil's environmental blindness

Environmental Crime, Pt. 2 - Caio Guatelli and Brazil's environmental blindness

In this episode, Caio Guatelli—a Brazilian journalist and photographer—shares his exclusive testimony with Eutopya surrounding the environmental crisis occurring in Brazil. Caio explains how the country’s political class has historically decided to be blind to the destruction of its environment. Today, the government is actively facilitating this devastation. In this way, Caio explains the notion of "Environmental Blindness” that he used for one of his photographic series (available in his online portfolio). Caio explains how geography, social issues, and economic interests complicate journalism in the Brazilian Amazon and hinder environmental justice. This episode was produced—across 4 countries and 3 continents—by Lidia Varda, Manju von Rospatt and Anya Bégué.

Oct 17, 202213:12
Episode 12 - Russia’s “Ghost Armies”

Episode 12 - Russia’s “Ghost Armies”

In this episode, Anya sits down with Dr. Federica Fasanotti of the Brookings Institution and the Italian Institute for International Political Studies to discuss Russian private military companies. These underground groups act as informal—and brutal—strategic players who covertly carry out Russia’s foreign policy aims. Despite their relative lack of mainstream media coverage, the geopolitical implications of PMC involvement worldwide are immensely consequential. This episode was produced—across 2 countries and 2 continents—by Anya Bégué.

Sep 01, 202242:15
Environmental Crime, Pt. 1 - Giving a voice to the voiceless: Deforestation in the Amazon and the challenge of documentary filmmaking

Environmental Crime, Pt. 1 - Giving a voice to the voiceless: Deforestation in the Amazon and the challenge of documentary filmmaking

In this episode, Lidia and Manju sit down with photographer and journalist Fábio Nascimento for the first instalment of our brand new Environmental Crimes series. Fábio has worked with groups like National Geographic, Greenpeace, The New York Times, and BBC. He recently finished directing and shooting MATA, a documentary that examines the impact of illegal land grabbing on indigenous Brazilians. In this piece, we discuss the nature of environmental crime in Brazil, the problems and processes of activist filmmaking, and the broader challenges (and potential solutions) we face as a society. This episode was produced—across 4 countries and 3 continents—by Lidia Varda, Manju von Rospatt, and Anya Bégué.

Aug 14, 202234:41
Episode 11 - Smuggling flash drives into North Korea: A fight for freedom
Mar 26, 202244:42
Episode 10 - Death, drugs, and power in the Philippines

Episode 10 - Death, drugs, and power in the Philippines

In this episode, the team sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Manuel Mogato to discuss Filipino president Duterte’s domestic, and shockingly deadly, war on drugs. This episode was produced—across four countries and three continents—by Anya Bégué, Paula Medina Agromayor, Mario Simmaco, and Manju von Rospatt

Feb 06, 202241:55
Episode 9 - STAND: The student-led movement to end mass atrocities
Dec 26, 202133:22
2021 Summit Snapshot

2021 Summit Snapshot

After a brief hiatus, we’re back with a new season of Eutopya Podcasts. Our first piece offers listeners a sneak peek of the 2021 Santo Stefano Summit, which Eutopya co-sponsored this past July. A group of summit participants get together to discuss the efficacy and relevance of SDGs. Stay tuned for our brand new content, coming soon!
Nov 05, 202140:05
Bump: Santo Stefano Summit 2021

Bump: Santo Stefano Summit 2021

Anya sits down with Manju von Rospatt to discuss the upcoming Santo Stefano Summit. Applications to the conference can be found at

www.santostefanosummit.org.

Jul 01, 202113:52
Episode 8 - Myanmar, then and now

Episode 8 - Myanmar, then and now

In March, the team sat down with Dr. Seinenu Thein-Lemelson of UCLA and the Foundation for Psychocultural Research for a deep dive into the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar following the recent coup. She tracks for us the development of the conflict over decades, assessing the military’s relationship with Burmese civilians and the recent escalation of violence. This episode was developed across 3 countries and two continents, and it was produced by Anya Bégué, Paula Medina Agromayor, and Mario Edoardo Simmaco. Special thanks to Sophia Gaffney.

May 20, 202135:12
Episode 7 - Protests in Senegal: A new Africa?

Episode 7 - Protests in Senegal: A new Africa?

After protests erupted across Senegal last month, the team sat down with Thiat—rapper, activist, and co-founder of Y’en a Marre, an organization that has been leading Senegalese social movements for years. Senegal has a roaring civil society, a big part of which is its hip hop culture. Our conversation quickly turned from the demonstrations to neocolonialism and Thiat’s broader aspirations for a new Pan-African unity. This episode was developed across 4 countries and 3 continents and produced by Anya Bégué, Paula Medina Agromayor, and Mario Simmaco. You can find Thiat’s hip hop group and music by searching Keurgui Crew on any streaming platform.
Apr 18, 202140:15
Special Episode: A coup in Myanmar

Special Episode: A coup in Myanmar

After yesterday’s dramatic events, the team developed a special episode to talk with Carlo Ferrari, President of the Association of the Italy-Burma Friendship to discuss the ongoing coup in Myanmar. We cover the reputation of Aung San Suu Kyi, the nature of the Myanmar-China relationship, the military’s involvement in the Rohingya genocide, and everything in between. This episode was produced by Anya Bégué and Mario Simmaco.

Feb 01, 202125:39
Episode 6 - Omar Alshogre and the power of small actions

Episode 6 - Omar Alshogre and the power of small actions

From age 17 to 20, Omar Alshogre was detained as a political prisoner by the Assad regime—simply for attending opposition demonstrations. Syria is known for its brutal torture prisons; Omar spent time in the nation’s most notorious detention center, Saydnaya, where Syrian people are systematically executed. Listen to our conversation with Omar as he describes his three years of incarceration and his inspiring resilience after being released. This episode was developed across 4 countries and 2 continents and produced by Paula Medina Agromayor, Anya Bégué, and Mario Edoardo Simmaco.

Feb 01, 202136:55
Erased, Pt. 2: The incredible story of the Diego Garcia US military base and the Chagossians

Erased, Pt. 2: The incredible story of the Diego Garcia US military base and the Chagossians

Anya sits down with Professor David Vine of American University of Washington D. C., author of Island of Shame, to discuss the history of the Chagos Islands. In 1965, the UK and the US conspired to set up a military base on one of the archipelago’s islands, Diego Garcia. It’s a story of imperialism, deportation, and immense suffering. This episode was produced—across 4 countries and 2 continents—by Paula Medina Agromayor, Anya Bégué, and Mario Edoardo Simmaco.
Jan 22, 202144:21
Episode 5 - Cyprus, revisited

Episode 5 - Cyprus, revisited

In this episode, Anya talks with two students from southern Cyprus, Velislava Vasileva and Ioannis Sterckx, about their thoughts on Turkey, Cyprus, and the international community. This installment was produced—across 6 countries and 3 continents—by Paula Medina Agromayor, Anya Bégué, Adam Kiela, and Mario Simmaco. You can contact us at info@eutopya.org or through our social media (@eutopya.worldwide).

Jan 04, 202153:49
Bump: Western Sahara

Bump: Western Sahara

A three-decades-old ceasefire has been broken. Now, a frozen conflict might be erupting.  What will happen to Western Sahara? 

Special thanks to our host and editor, Paula Medina Agromayor

Nov 24, 202006:24
Erased, Pt 1: Cyprus

Erased, Pt 1: Cyprus

This is the first installment of our new miniseries, Erased, wherein we profile unheard voices of the world. In this episode, we talk to Hazal Say Otun, who tells us what it’s like to live in a country that doesn’t legally exist. Please note that our conversation was recorded before the recent Cypriot elections. This episode was produced—across 5 countries and 3 continents—by Paula Medina Agromayor, Anya Bégué, and Mario Edoardo Simmaco. Special thanks to Oliver Cutts.
For more information, check out our social media @eutopya.worldwide - and be sure to follow our podcast!

Nov 15, 202037:45
Episode 4 - How are students feeling?

Episode 4 - How are students feeling?

We sit down with a group of students from the UK to talk about school, Covid-19, and everything in between. This episode was produced across four countries. For more information, check out our social media @eutopya.worldwide. See you soon!

Nov 08, 202041:47
Episode 3 - The future of GDP

Episode 3 - The future of GDP

In this episode, we hear from student Paula Medina Agromeyor, who discusses how the coronavirus outbreak has demonstrated the failings of a GDP-centric global system.  This episode was produced—across two continents and three countries—by Paula Medina Agromeyor, Anya Bégué, and Mario Edoardo Simmaco. For more information, visit our website at eutopyapodcast.org or tweet us @EutopyaPodcast. See you next time!

Sep 22, 202022:31
Bump: Mauritius

Bump: Mauritius

Our first Bump is here! 


1,000 tons of oil spilled in the Indian Ocean. A wetland zone of international importance at high risk. Thousands of livelihoods pending. How can the ocean be global by definition but not respond to any global rules?

Sep 12, 202006:58
Episode 2 - “Human beings, being human”

Episode 2 - “Human beings, being human”

This episode is a conversation with "icanyoucantoo" founder and financial professional Nilesh Dosa, who tells us how his personal life and career have intertwined, his experience navigating a nonprofit through the age of Covid-19, and his own advice for all of us in the post-pandemic world. Special thanks to editor Mario Simmaco and developer Paula Medina Agromayor.

Jun 30, 202027:29