There’s one style of leadership in which a charismatic, commanding figure sets the agenda, builds a vertical hierarchy, and pulls everyone else along for the ride. But what happens when leadership flips the script? In this episode of Trouble Makers, we explore the power of supportive, enabling leadership through the work of Juma Erassy, coordinator of the Youth Hub at MSTCDC in Arusha, Tanzania. Key Ideas and Highlights: Beyond the Classroom: Many university students believe their future begins after graduation. The Youth Hub challenges this, opening up career pathways in climate justice, feminism, and civic engagement, often intersecting across disciplines. Not a One-Man Show: The Youth Hub avoids the trap of ego-driven leadership by formalizing partnerships with youth organizations through MOUs. This ensures it's not just Juma leading — it's an ecosystem of shared responsibility based on expertise. Why Enabling Leadership Works: According to the Beautiful Trouble toolbox, a bottom-up, enabling leadership style unlocks the creativity, ingenuity, and innovation of everyone involved. It invites participants to learn new skills, take on challenges, and ultimately become leaders themselves — sustaining the movement long after one individual steps away. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox. Resources & Show Links: Youth Hub Arusha: https://mstcdc.or.tz/latest/youth-hub-open Youlead Africa: https://youlead.africa/ Read more about the Enable, don't command principle here . Credits: Host: Phil Wilmot Producer: Rodgers George Guest: Juma Erassy Recording: MSTCDC Studios Music: Beautiful Trouble & Mwaduga Salum…

“You are invited. By anyone, to do anything. You are invited, for all time. You are so needed, by everyone, to do everything. You are invited, for all time.— The Dismemberment Plan, “You Are Invited” Bringing in new people is essential to any activist group that wants to grow in size and capacity, but recruiting is only the first step. Integrating people into an established group can be an even bigger challenge. In this episode, architect Rebecka Blomqvist shares insights on how both organisational and physical architecture can help create spaces where newcomers feel truly at home. We explore: Why some groups struggle to retain new members and how deliberate attention and intentional design can make the difference. Surprising tactics like removing signage to spark authentic interactions, and the power of cozy spaces that calm the nervous system. The importance of one-on-one relationship building to help new folks feel seen and valued — and why this upfront investment can help people plug in faster and stick around longer. Rebecka also invites us to imagine: what if activist groups and architects collaborated to co-create spaces that embody community, activism, and hospitality? Connect with us: Instagram: Troublemakers Podcast Email: troublemakerspodcast@gmail.com Connect with Rebecka: Blomqvist Architecture Licensing: Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers Podcast. It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox.…

“Imperialism leaves behind germs of rot which we must clinically detect and remove from our land but from our minds as well.” — Frantz Fanon What does liberation mean when the very language of freedom is shaped by empire? In this episode, we speak with Somdeep Sen, political scientist and author of Decolonizing Palestine: Hamas Between the Anticolonial and the Postcolonial , about what it means to struggle for freedom in a postcolonial world. Drawing from personal experience and deep theoretical work, Sen challenges the universalist narratives of human rights, democracy, and justice that often underpin activist discourse. We ask hard questions: Can we be liberated within systems that define what liberation should look like? What happens when activism reuses the same symbolic frameworks as the powers it resists? How can we hear subaltern voices outside the scripts we've written for them? Postcolonial theory complicates easy binaries of oppressor and oppressed. It insists that resistance must also question its own assumptions, ideologies, and categories. It urges us to find what Homi Bhabha calls the “third space” — an ambiguous, non-deterministic zone where new forms of struggle, identity, and solidarity can emerge. Sen challenges us to move beyond performative politics and imagine a liberation that is not defined by the coloniser’s table, but by shared values, radical imagination, and transnational solidarity. Resources & Show Links: Decolonizing Palestine – by Somdeep Sen ( Book ) Beautiful Trouble Toolbox - Postcolonialism Host: Phil Wilmot Guest: Somdeep Sen Producer & Audio Production: Rodgers George Intro/Outro Jingles: Mwaduga Salum & Beautiful Trouble…

“As things fall apart, what’s the one drink you’d carry into the collapse?” In this episode, we pose the critical question of our time: if we all end up in one ecological safe zone during the polycrisis and are only allowed one alcoholic beverage for the rest of our lives... what drink are we bringing with us? We’re joined by Mia, Maggie, and Malemi, who gamely dive into this hypothetical apocalypse: Mia goes with... apple cider. Maggie: Team Budweiser. Malemi also sides with beer. “We just hope the island beer doesn’t give us hangovers — especially if it’s unlimited. That would be a nightmare.” There’s also a touching ancestral link to apple trees and cider... but the sugar content might make it unsustainable for eternal sipping. So where did we land? Cider: Refreshing, crisp, but high maintenance (bathroom-wise). Beer: Reliable, social, versatile — maybe not exciting, but comforting. Stronger stuff? A tempting shift... but we didn’t see that coming. So now we ask you: What alcoholic beverage are YOU bringing into the polycrisis? Tag us, write us, send a voice memo. Let’s build our apocalypse bar cart together. 🍻🌍…

Phil, who was a Pro-Palestine campus activist in his university days, reflects on the recent police repression of student protesters at Columbia University and how it's part of a broader assault on pro-Palestinian solidarity movements across global campuses. But beyond the headlines, this episode dives into a deeper question: what counts as learning, and does dissent not create a stronger learning environment? Phil challenges the idea that protest is a disruption to education and argues that dissent is not just compatible with learning—it is essential to it. Drawing parallels to state repression in Uganda and the weaponization of “order” against public mobilization, we rethink the role of public space, universities, education, and protest in our society. Key Themes & Ideas: The false dichotomy between protest and academic learning Western pedagogies vs. action-oriented learning traditions The politics of space: libraries, campuses, and the commons The normalization of violence against dissent The necessity of public discomfort for public growth Get Involved: National SJP Credits: Image: pbs.org Host: Phil Wilmot Producer: Rodgers George…

What does it mean to be a good ally—and not a harmful one—in movements for justice? In this episode, we explore the difficult but essential work of following the lead of the most impacted . Our guest reflects on the dangers of “do-gooder arrogance” and the importance of showing up with humility, not solutions. We talk about how movements led by marginalised communities challenge extractive allyship and why strategic support must be grounded in consultation, not control. Examples from Lusaka—including the Youth for Parliament initiative—offer real-life examples of leadership from below. This episode invites all activists, allies, and organisations to pause and ask: Are we truly supporting the people most impacted, or are we unintentionally speaking over them? Solidarity requires deep listening, humility, and the courage to be directed by others. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox, where you can read more about Principle: Follow the lead of the most impacted . Resources & Show Links: Beautiful Trouble Card Deck Youth for Parliament Zambia Troublemakers Podcast on Linktree Credits: Host: Phil Wilmot Guest: Lusekelo Chinyama Produced by: Rodgers George Jingles: Mwaduga Salum & Beautiful Trouble…

Welcome to the first-ever segment of Troublemaker’s Polycrisis Prep School, a special segment of the Troublemaker’s Podcast where we debate the most “pressing” dilemmas of our turbulent times. First on the chopping board: 🍕🍍 Is it acceptable to put pineapple on pizza? Joining the food fight are the Three Ms—Malemi, Maggie, and Mia. Malemi is firmly in the no camp—pizza is savory, and fruit (beyond tomatoes[?]) has no place here. Mia also resists the pineapple urge, despite growing up around it. Nostalgia isn't enough to justify the sweet-savory mix. Maggie, on the other hand, is pineapple’s loudest defender. For her, it’s the bold contrast—the sweetness of baked pineapple meeting salty cheese—that makes Hawaiian pizza a standout. It’s complicated. But if the world is ending, maybe the real question is: what wouldn’t you try on your pizza? Let us know what you think! Is pineapple on pizza a culinary crime or an underrated joy?…

"I have the people behind me and the people are my strength."— Huey Newton. What does solidarity look like when comrades are behind bars? In this episode, we explore jail solidarity through the eyes of Céline Lebrun-Shaath, a committed organizer and internationalist. She speaks about the moral and political imperative to stand with those who remain imprisoned—not just by supporting their freedom, but by sustaining the struggles they were part of. Céline tells about her abduction and deportation from Egypt, and the many-years campaign she and many others fought for the release of her husband Ramy Shaath. We spotlight the ongoing campaign for a political prisoner: Alaa Abdel Fattah, a renowned Egyptian activist who, despite having completed his prison sentence, remains unjustly detained. His mother has been on hunger strike for over five months. You can follow the Free Alaa campaign on social media for real-time updates and action steps. Céline challenges us not to see imprisonment as an endpoint—but as a call to pick up the torch of resistance and press forward. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox. Resources & Show Links: BDS Movement: Campaign to free Ismail El Azawi Free Alaa campaign More from our channels Host: Phil Wilmot Producer: Rodgers George Guest: Céline Lebrun-Shaath Jingles: Mwaduga Salum & Beautiful Trouble…

It takes more than organising to shift a society's sense of what's possible. In this episode, we travel to Moldova to explore how feminist and LGBTQ+ activists are reimagining the boundaries of public discourse and reshaping the culture of protest in a quiet, conservative society. Our guests, Julia and Stella, are part of a growing movement challenging apathy, tradition, and fear with bold, consistent action. We unpack the concept of the Overton Window—the idea that public acceptance of ideas can shift depending on how they're framed and who dares to speak them first. Iulia and Steliana share what it's like to organize in a country where dissent is often seen as shameful and where radical ideas can be misread or feared before they are understood. The Overton Window is a concept that can help us understand how the radical fringes of society pull what's palatable for the majority of society toward them. This episode is a candid and moving conversation about courage, culture, and the slow, persistent work of shifting what's possible. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox. Resources & Show Links: Use your radical fringe to shift the Overton window Femicide in Moldova More from our channels Host: Phil Wilmot Producer: Rodgers George Guests: Steliana Rudco & Iulia Macarenco Jingles: Mwaduga Salum & Beautiful Trouble.…

How do you take on a corporate giant—and win? In this episode of Troublemakers, we dive into a story from BDS Palestine organizers in Jordan. They built one of the most impactful consumer boycotts in recent memory, targeting Carrefour supermarkets. Fatima and Enas walk us through the strategy, creativity, and community power that made it possible. They share how neighborhood committees were formed, how young people and students got involved through art contests, and how a deep analysis of local economies shaped the campaign's tactical focus. From pressuring suppliers to rethinking contracts, to triggering public withdrawals, this is a story of people reclaiming power through organized resistance. We also reflect on the emotional stakes of the campaign, the challenges of sustaining momentum, and the hope that fuels the struggle for a free Palestine. Connect with us on our socials @troublemakers.podcast or write to us via email troublemakersthepodcast@gmail.com . You can read more about Consumer Boycott on our podcast inspiration, the Beautiful Trouble toolbox . Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media.…

In this episode of Trouble Makers , we dive into the spectacle surrounding Disney’s Snow White remake to explore a deeper story: how corporate media co-opts identity politics, commodifies culture, and shapes our collective imagination for profit. We unpack how companies like Disney use outrage as marketing and brand loyalty as a form of identity, leaving us with sanitized, commercialized narratives that limit our vision for justice and liberation. Rather than arguing over casting choices, we ask: What is Disney, and what does it mean when billion-dollar corporations are the primary storytellers of our time? Before we debate a Disney remake, let’s understand the machine behind the magic.…

In this episode of Troublemakers, we dive into Participatory Action Research (PAR) with Abel Sibanda, exploring how research needn't be divorced from reality but can actually foster social transformation and systems change, especially when it's not separated from our complex realities and the actions of our movements. We discuss the nuances of solidarity when carrying out research together with social movements, and the many perils of academic extraction, including gatekeeping. We explore the idea of non-academics as researchers and knowledge-producers. We also touch on the knowledge commons, looking at creative ways people are reclaiming access to information—liberated archives, inclusive attribution, or unconventional repurposed platforms like the famous cooperative sandbox game Minecraft where gamers have built a library that provides universal access to banned books. We also interrogate the relationship between research and AI, AI as mass plagiarism, and the blind spots of AI with the assumption that communities hold and code knowledges that big tech fails to absorb. Participatory action research is one of the many tools in the Beautiful Trouble toolbox. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast) . It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox. Resources & Links: Minecraft’s banned book libraries. Directory of Open Access Journals Open-access knowledge repositories. Our episode with Dalit knowledge-producer polymath Sarita Pariyar.…

In this first episode of TM Smoke Signal, we sit down with Stewart Muhindo to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From the root causes fueling the conflict to the devastating impacts on communities, we break down the complexities of the situation. How can the world step in? What role do international powers and regional actors play?…

If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.— Maya Angelou Phil sits with a longtime comradely fellow organizer Phionah Kyokusiima from Solidarity Uganda. Together they delve into the tactic of cultural disobedience, which has just as much subversive power—sometimes more—as civil disobedience. Kyokusiima is a seasoned organizer with the powerful Solidarity Uganda network (solidarityuganda.org). She enlightens us on how women are proliferating the spaces they have been excluded from and seizing their power through breaking traditional gender taboos. Can culturally profane expressions serve as a mobilization tool for social change? Are they inherently powerful in themselves? Join us as we unpack these questions and more in a conversation that bridges questions of tradition and transformation. Learn more about Cultural disobedience in the Beautiful Trouble toolbox, the inspiration for our podcast. Connect with us by email at troublemakersthepodcast@gmail.com or via Instagram and FaceBook @troublemakers.podcast…

And when they spy on us, let them discover us loving. — Alice Walker Our guest helps us answer many of the questions activists have about privacy and digital security. He has chosen to remain anonymous to share his insights on protecting oneself online, avoiding surveillance, and practicing safe digital habits. From understanding encryption to safeguarding your personal data, this conversation equips listeners with essential tools for navigating the digital landscape securely. Some of the tools listed include Signal , Tor Browser and VPN (s) . This episode is free to use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License with proper attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast). Our work is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox. You can also learn more about Practicing Digital Self-Defence by reading through the principle. Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook @troublemakers.podcast or write us an email via troublemakersthepodcast@gmail.com…

In this second part of our series on "Use the law, don't be afraid of it," we speak with climate justice lawyer Victoria Whalen, who offers a refreshingly positive perspective on what the law is and what it can do. She puts law in the hands of the people as a tool to mould new realities, and frames the history of legal rights as a living archive of movement victories. Victoria Whalen is such a dynamic force in climate justice. With a background in biology, urban sustainability, and environmental law, Victoria is deeply committed to progressive climate policy, and on the front lines of cases and documentation projects that have the potential to provide a basis for people around the entire world to pressure their local and national governments more effectively, even as individuals or small groups affected by climate change. She shares her insights on youth-led activism, indigenous legal frameworks, and bridging the gap between law and community organizing. We never wanted to be paralegals or lawyers, but after this chat with Victoria, now we're not so sure. To learn more about Victoria's work, visit https://www.futuregenerationstribunal.com/ Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Learn more about Use the law, don’t be afraid of it in the Beautiful Trouble toolbox, the inspiration for our podcast. Connect with us by email at troublemakersthepodcast@gmail.com or via Instagram and FaceBook @troublemakers.podcas t…

How does storytelling reshape movements? What role does humor play in activism? How can we clown a hostile moment, a climate protest, a global convening sold out to the billionaires? Do children understand political expediency better — should we all be clowns and ninjas and unashamed painters instead of activists and campaigners? In this episode of Troublemakers, we sit down with Angus Joseph to explore the intersections of satire, absurdity, neoliberalism, and movement culture. We also promised to link to research by Sophia McClennen, Srdja Popovic, and Joseph Wright about how satirical dilemma actions provide a 11-16% success rate boost to campaigns. That research can be found through CANVAS . And speaking of Jedis, learn how to use their mind trick . Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Learn more about Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army in the Beautiful Trouble toolbox, the inspiration for our podcast. Connect with us by email at troublemakersthepodcast@gmail.com or via Instagram @troublemakers.podcas t…

Pain is often treated as something to suppress, avoid, or silence. But what if true healing comes from embracing it fully—together? We sit down with Nicaraguan movement psychologist Cristel Montenegro to explore the power of collective trauma processing. We examine how communities facing deep wounds caused by violence and systemic oppression can embrace healing through storytelling and welcoming emotion. We discuss the role of anger in social movements, and why true self-care isn’t just a beach vacation—it’s about reconnecting with our senses. Cristel also reflects on the tension between grassroots activism and institutional change, and emphasizing joy, pleasure, and human connection in the fight for justice. Cristel Montenegro is a social psychologist, researcher, and systemic psychotherapist specializing in trauma healing, community empowerment, and emotional well-being. She coordinates the Community Care Project on Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast and is the founder of Enraizar, providing accessible mental health services for women and communities engaged in social transformation. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Learn more about Burn brightly, but don’t burn out in the Beautiful Trouble toolbox , the inspiration for our podcast. Connect with us via Instagram @troublemakers.podcast…

"Beware the level-headed person if they’re angry." — Arabic proverb What happens when a nation reaches its breaking point? In this episode of Trouble Makers, we sit down with Manzur Al Matin, an Advocate in the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and Senior Presenter at Channel 24. During the Monsoon Revolution, Manzur took a bold stand—filing lawsuits against the detention of student leaders, defending their rights, and challenging unlawful government actions. Drawing from his firsthand experience, Manzur unpacks how everyday fear transformed into mass resistance—much like the Arab concept of Al Faza’a, a spontaneous surge of solidarity triggered by collective crisis. He reflects on the emotional flashpoints behind Bangladesh’s uprising and how decentralized leadership made the movement unstoppable. We also dive into the challenge of sustaining momentum when the urgency fades—and the risks of speaking truth to power in a system where even civil society is compromised. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast) . It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox.…

"If I am not for myself, who will be? And if I am for myself alone, what am I? And if not now, when?" — Rabbi Hillel the Elder. Yomna Ahmed, a Harvard-trained community organizer, empowers activists through Public Narrative and Community Organizing. She co-founded Athar Network, uniting activists across seven Arab countries. In this episode, Yomna explores the Story of Self, Us, and Now framework—how storytelling builds trust, mobilizes communities, and challenges power structures. We discuss ethical narratives, moving beyond hero stories, and how storytelling fosters collective leadership. This episode is for activists, educators, and organizers seeking to inspire change. Listen, learn, and harness the power of public narrative. Read more about Story of Self, Us, and Now and stay updated on how you can harness the power of public narrative. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox.…

What does it take to challenge powerful systems and win? In this episode, we explore the power of grassroots organizing, worker solidarity, and strategic negotiations in the fight for justice. Veteran trade unionist and activist Gino Govender reveals how people power can bring even the most oppressive systems to their knees. From building worker power to outmanoeuvring employers and governments, this episode is a masterclass in activism, where we also explore the complex nexus of resistance and negotiation with our opponents — in workplaces, nations, and on a global scale. Gino takes us on a journey of reflections from the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, across international working-class mass organizations, and in other spheres of his experience. We grapple with age-old conversations of revolution versus reform and try to find common ground regarding movement strategies in our complex world. Read more about Build people power, then negotiate and stay updated on how you can build people's power. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast) . It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox.…

"Winning this case isn’t just about us—it’s about showing people that you can demand justice and fight for your rights." —Meralney Bomba Description: What does it take for a small island community to stand up to a colonial power? How can the law become a weapon of change in the fight for climate justice? In this episode, we meet Meralney Bomba, a community organizer from Bonaire, who has joined forces with Greenpeace Netherlands in a bold legal battle against the Dutch government. This case—rooted in climate and human rights law—is more than a lawsuit; it’s a rallying cry for empowerment, justice, and resistance. Merlaney shares her transformation from gym influencer to activist, the challenges of mobilizing a shy and reserved community, and how this court case is already inspiring other island nations to rise for climate action. Read more about Use the Law, Don’t Be Afraid of It and stay updated on Greenpeace Netherlands’ fight for a sustainable future. Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast) . It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox.…

How do we build numbers? How do we organize at a colossal scale? How do we build mass cooperation amidst our cultural, linguistic, generational, religious diversity? How do we unite around issues affecting us all? Zakia Soman guides us through how she and other Indian women's rights activists established Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan , the largest nationwide Muslim women’s mass organization. Their network, coordinated through a massive dispersed network, was also able to displace Muslim male leaders as the national voice for Muslim issues. We speak with Zakia on how she and others were able to mobilize to resist triple talaq (instant divorce) and inhumane acts carried out against Muslim women—and women of other faiths across India. Read more about Use Organizing Strategies that Scale. Read more about the BMMA’s work at their website . Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. It can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox .…

We explore with Tunisian trans activist Joséphina Bouden (Jouda) how joy becomes a powerful form of resistance in the face of oppression. We discuss how cultural disobedience transforms everyday acts into powerful protests. We dive with Josephine into the historical and modern significance of joy as an act of defiance. From enslaved communities creating moments of celebration to the concept of Black Joy reclaiming humanity and dignity, we unpack how joyful resistance has shaped movements around the world. Read more about Joy is a revolutionary force . Anyone is allowed to use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. It can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox .…

In this powerful episode recorded with a live audience at MS TCDC in Arusha, Tanzania (a centre established by the administration of Pan-African socialist Julius Nyerere, who famously said “We will stand with Palestine, as we stood against apartheid and colonialism in South Africa”), we sit down with Wesam to learn about the history of Palestinian resistance. We explore the deep-rooted connections between Africa and Palestine. From shared histories of colonization and liberation struggles to the solidarity that continues today, we discuss why Palestine resonates so strongly for Africans. We unpack the political, cultural, and humanitarian dimensions of this bond and ask why the African continent presents a vital voice in the Palestinian cause. Anyone is allowed to use or circulate this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox .…

Phethani Madzivhandila is an organizer, theorist, and unionist based in Azania (South Africa). He’s a member of The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania and one of the Walter Rodney Library founders. He’s also a member of MS TCDC’s 2023 Activist-in-Residence cohort. In this episode, we dive into one of South Africa's most powerful social movements: Fees Must Fall. Starting in 2015, this student-led protest against tuition fees quickly transformed into a nationwide call for affordable, accessible higher education — and socialist objectives more broadly. Phethani puts on his Trotsky hat to discuss the importance of permanent revolution, inter-movement solidarities, and intersectional organizing across issues and communities that may not so intuitively struggle together. Read more about Fees Must Fall . Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox!…

We explore Uganda's generational discontent as young people challenge the ideological, political, and moral contradictions of the government. Fueled by economic struggles and social injustice at Makerere University and other higher learning institutions across Africa, students demand a freeze to tuition hikes (at the very least, in pursuit of free education ideally). Read more about Fees Must Fall . Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox!…

“Win or lose, mass strikes reveal the truth.” —Jeremy Brecher In this episode, we dive deep into how general strikes are happening in Myanmar (also known as Burma). Our guest explains how as a collective, the citizens are conducting their strikes in demand for an end to the military coup and the release of their leaders. We consider how the people of Myanmar have been able to outlast repression and maintain momentum for more than three years since the coup was initiated. Check out the General Strike Tactic and learn how you can use general strikes to effectively achieve political demands. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox!…

“Martyrdom is a fascist tendency.” —Gopal Dayanenni A lot is happening under the rug in Kenya. In this episode, we speak with Nafula Wafula, a Kenyan protester, organizer, feminist, and Pan-African. Kenya’s uprising against the IMF and World Bank-sponsored Finance Bill recently marked 100 days since its beginning. Repression against the uprising was characterized by sexual violence. We explore machismo in movement culture and how to counter it with a culture of care while still maintaining the courage and militancy needed to defeat powerful and violent opponents. Check out the Principle: Take risks but take care and read more about how to set your priorities right within your revolutionary organizing. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox!…

We speak with Sarita Pariyar, a writer, social justice activist, and the founding convener of the International Darnal Award for Social Justice. She is the principal investigator of Just Futures Initiative ( https://www.justfuturespahal.org/ ). Sarita speaks of her activism in Nepal, learning and struggling with fellow Dalit women. From Black Lives Matter to Dalit struggles to academia, Sarita helps us explore how our identities and the systems that form us affect our attitudes, ideas, and dispositions in social change work. We take a look at the intersecting dynamics of caste, social class, race, gender, and sexuality in this episode, and ask what it all means. You can contact Sarita via her email: saritapariyar@gmail.com. Check out the Intersectionality theory : And learn how forms of oppression (such as racism, sexism, and homophobia) combine to deepen injustice, and how movements can work together to holistically tackle oppression. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox!…