Big World – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Big World

News

Frequency: 1 episode/31d. Total Eps: 89

Big World shines a spotlight on complex ideas and issues that matter. Each episode features an expert from the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC, breaking down a big, important topic into small bite sizes.

Read moreCollapse

Site

RSS

Apple

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇫🇷 France - newsCommentary
27/02/2026
#88
🇩🇪 Germany - newsCommentary
16/12/2025
#80
🇩🇪 Germany - newsCommentary
24/11/2025
#66
🇩🇪 Germany - newsCommentary
10/01/2025
#96
🇩🇪 Germany - newsCommentary
09/01/2025
#77

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

https://www.usajobs.gov/
2 shares
https://careers.state.gov/
2 shares
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-235_n7ip.pdf
1 share

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 58%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

The Economics of Hunger

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 • Duration 28:45

In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor Jesse Ribot joins Big World to discuss his current research on migration, vulnerability, and the “hungry season” in West Africa.

Ribot, a member of the SIS Department of Environment, Development, and Health, begins our conversation by discussing how a ship that sunk off the coast of Italy and killed hundreds of migrants on board was the precursory climate event that spurred his latest research in West Africa (2:02). Ribot then shares what he learned when he traveled to Tambacounda, Senegal, to interview several families of migrants who died on the ship about their reasons for leaving home (5:59).

What is the hungry season, and what role does it play in migration out of Senegal? (13:20) Jesse addresses these questions and shares how misconceptions about the roots of hunger can be addressed (24:16) and how he hopes his research is applied in the future (25:44).

Read moreCollapse

US Immigration Realities and Futures

Friday, April 4, 2025 • Duration 37:49

In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professors Tazreena Sajjad and Maria De Jesus join Big World to discuss the history of US immigration policy and unpack how recent shifts are impacting our local DC community and beyond.

Sajjad, a professor in the Department of Peace, Human Rights & Cultural Relations, begins our conversation by explaining common misconceptions surrounding the US immigration system and the evolution of immigration policy (2:03) before explaining the pathways that currently exist for immigrants to enter the US (7:37).

Sajjad and De Jesus, a professor in the Department of Environment, Development & Health, also break down the ripple effects of recent shifts in US immigration policy both domestically and internationally (11:45).

How are recent policies impacting immigration advocates and immigrant communities? (25:00) What are the key skills required for the next generation of folks working on migration issues? (31:05) De Jesus and Sajjad answer these questions and provide a preview of the new Global Migration Certificate launching at SIS in fall 2025 (31:44).

Read moreCollapse

Intercultural Communication in the Global Workforce

Thursday, May 30, 2024 • Duration 17:17

SIS online programs professor and intercultural consultant Melissa Hahn joins Big World to discuss the importance of fostering strong interpersonal relationships in the global workforce. Hahn is the author of a recent book titled, Forging Bonds in a Global Workforce: Build Rapport, Camaraderie, and Optimal Performance No Matter the Time Zone.

Hahn, who teaches intercultural communication, begins our conversation by sharing her inspiration for writing this book with her colleague, Brandeis University professor Andy Molinsky (1:47). She also describes, in broad strokes, the approach her book lays out for building more authentic cross-cultural relationships in the workplace (2:37).

Why is it important to build cross-cultural relationships in business settings (6:46)? Does the United States’ approach and framework for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives translate to a global context (12:00)? Hahn answers these questions and ends our discussion by offering practical advice for anyone wanting to form more authentic intercultural relationships (14:44).

In the “Take 5” segment (9:54) of this episode, Hahn answers this question: What are five tools to help build cross-cultural relationships?

Read moreCollapse

Star Wars, Imperialism, and Post-Conflict Societies

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 • Duration 37:42

School of International Service professor Patrick Thaddeus Jackson joins Big World to discuss imperialism, post-conflict societies, and the parallels between the Star Wars universe and our own.

Jackson, the chair of the SIS Department of Global Inquiry, begins the discussion by describing how the original movie trilogy depicts the struggles of organizing a resistance movement (5:26). He also discusses how Star Wars shows such as Andor explore the lived experiences of everyday citizens under autocratic rule (7:22) and explains how the show depicts bureaucratic corruption within regimes (9:31).

How do Star Wars shows like Ahsoka and The Mandalorian portray post-conflict societies? (18:09) How do the power struggles we see after the fall of the Empire mirror those in our world? (26:20) Jackson answers these questions and discusses how rebuilding the galaxy has mirrored real-world state-building after the fall of a regime (29:46). To close out the discussion, Jackson discusses how Ahsoka and The Mandalorian explore the impact of imperialism and post-conflict society on individuals and how conflict and trauma shape one’s journey (32:26).

In the “Take 5” segment (21:49) of this episode, Jackson ranks his top five lightsaber combat sequences from the Star Wars shows and movies.

Read moreCollapse

Thirty Years after the Rwandan Genocide

Monday, April 1, 2024 • Duration 37:51

School of International Service professor Claudine Kuradusenge-McLeod joins Big World in this episode marking the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. In 1994, a roughly 100-day massacre by Hutu militias targeting the Tutsi minority ethnic group resulted in the death of about 800,000 people, including Tutsis, moderate Hutus, and Twa.

Kuradusenge-McLeod, who is a scholar-activist specializing in genocide studies, begins our discussion by describing, in broad strokes, the events that led up to the genocide in 1994 and what occurred during the 100 days (1:23). She also discusses the international response to the events of the genocide (5:26) and explains where relations between Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda stand today (8:49).

What is life like for survivors of the genocide today, both within Rwanda and in the diaspora? (10:57) What has been President Paul Kagame’s impact on Rwanda since the genocide, and do people consider him a dictator? (15:59) Kuradusenge-McLeod answers these questions and analyzes whether or not justice has been served in the punishment of genocide perpetrators (26:43). To close out the discussion, Kuradusenge-McLeod discusses the state of human rights in Rwanda today (31:29) and explains the lasting impact of the genocide on the nation (33:37).

In the “Take 5” segment (22:59) of this episode, Kuradusenge-McLeod answers this question: What are five things Rwanda needs to do to become fully democratic?

Read moreCollapse

Did the Woman, Life, Freedom Protests Change Iran?

Friday, March 1, 2024 • Duration 38:48

In this episode, School of International Service professor Shadi Mokhtari joins Big World to discuss the history of protests in Iran, the unprecedented international reaction to Mahsa Amini’s death, and the greater impact of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests. Over a year has passed since Mahsa Amini was detained and died in Iran after being detained by Iran’s morality police for improperly wearing a hijab in September 2022. Her death sparked massive protests around the world and was the catalyst for the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. Mokhtari begins our conversation by providing a brief background on Iran’s long history of protests (1:51). Mokhtari also describes the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests (8:59) and discusses the key grievances raised by the protesters (16:33). How did the Iranian diaspora respond to these protests (18:04)? Did the protests help to unite Iranians or did it cause further divides (30:22)? Mokhtari answers these questions and more. Mokhtari ends our conversation by discussing how the Woman, Life, Freedom protests will be viewed in Iran in the future (33:38). In the “Take 5” segment (28:14), Mokhtari answers the question: What things would need to change before we see meaningful political change in Iran?

Read moreCollapse

Labor Strikes Back

Thursday, February 1, 2024 • Duration 37:26

Organized labor is having a moment. In this episode, School of International Service professor Stephen Silvia joins Big World to discuss the evolution of the labor movement, the significance of the recent United Auto Workers strike and recent organizing attempts by both Starbucks and Amazon employees, and what the future holds for unions. Silvia, who researches comparative labor employment relations with a focus on the US and Germany, begins our conversation by discussing how union organizing has changed over the past few decades (1:50). Silvia also analyzes the importance of the recent UAW strike and resulting contracts with the Big Three automakers (3:47) and discusses efforts by the UAW to organize foreign-owned auto plants in the American South, as detailed in his recent book, The UAW’s Southern Gamble: Organizing Workers at Foreign Owned Vehicle Plants (8:22). What challenges will the UAW face surrounding electric vehicle manufacturing (19:27)? How will organizers confront declining union membership (25:02)? Silvia answers these questions and discusses how the “union avoidance playbook” can make organizing difficult at places like Amazon and Starbucks (26:53). Silvia ends our conversation by explaining why Gen Z is making unions cool again (28:42). In the “Take 5” segment (15:04), Silvia answers the question: What steps or practices are necessary for workers to have more of a voice in the workplace?

Read moreCollapse

How Do We End "Lies about Black People"?

Tuesday, January 2, 2024 • Duration 30:34

Can you think of a stereotype or lie you’ve heard about Black people? Do you know how or when that stereotype came to be? In this episode, SIS professor Omekongo Dibinga joins Big World to discuss his new book, Lies About Black People: How to Combat Racist Stereotypes and Why it Matters, and explain how we can improve on our antiracist journeys. Dibinga begins our conversation by explaining the original idea and his research and writing process for the book (2:14), then moves to discussing how lies and stereotypes gain power in people's minds (4:28). Dibinga also explains why he doesn’t use the term “BIPOC” (7:55) and why reexamining our vocabulary is so important (9:44). Where did the ‘Black people can’t swim’ stereotype come from (12:19)? How have whitewashed, revisionist versions of history detracted from our knowledge of our authentic history and experiences as Americans (20:02)? Dibinga answers these questions and more. To close out the discussion, Dibinga shares why celebrating and acknowledging Black history and achievements is so important (28:45). In the “Take 5” segment (17:55) of this episode, Dibinga answers this question: What are five ways that people can identify preconceived notions and work to improve on their anti-racist journey?

Read moreCollapse

Will Climate Shock Cause Climate Change Action?

Friday, December 1, 2023 • Duration 32:40

Does throwing tomato soup at a famous painting force the world to respond to climate change? In this episode, Dana Fisher, School of International Service professor and director of American University’s Center for Environment, Community & Equity, joins Big World to discuss the evolution of climate activism, the demographic of people participating in climate protests, and the goal of more radical climate action. Fisher, whose research interests include climate activism, environmental stewardship, and climate politics, begins our conversation by explaining the evolution of climate activism over the past few decades (1:38) and discussing the rise of the “radical flank” of climate activists (5:25). Fisher also defines the term “climate shock” (10:00) and explains what happens when climate shocks are no longer shocking (13:16). What is motivating the population of people currently participating in climate activism (14:33)? Can we expect any significant actions or agreements coming out of COP 28 this month (20:02)? Fisher answers these questions and explains why she believes international climate conferences are not worth the carbon footprint, particularly if you are not a delegate involved in negotiating (21:52). To close out the discussion, Fisher gives our listeners a preview of her forthcoming book, Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shock to Climate Action (27:15). In the “Take 5” segment (17:37) of this episode, Fisher answers this question: What are five climate policies you'd like to see adopted in the United States?

Read moreCollapse

Why are Rohingya and Ukrainian Refugees Treated Differently?

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 • Duration 35:09

In this episode, School of International Service professor Tazreena Sajjad joins Big World to discuss the difference in global responses to Rohingya and Ukrainian refugees. Sajjad, an expert on refugees and forced displacement, begins our discussion with a brief overview of the history of the Rohingya refugee crisis (2:53). Sajjad also discusses life inside the refugee camps in Bangladesh (7:26) and explains how other countries and international aid organizations are working to help Rohingya refugees (11:19) displaced from Myanmar. Why is there a disparity in media coverage of the Rohingya and Ukrainian refugee crises (16:13)? How are international aid dollars being spent, and who decides which refugees receive this aid (25:08)? Sajjad answers these questions and discusses the impact of geographical proximity and geopolitical importance when it comes to assisting refugee groups (27:58). To close out the discussion, Sajjad asks our listeners to consider both the public perceptions and lived realities of both the Rohingya and Ukrainian refugees (33:23). In the “Take 5” segment (19:23) of this episode, Sajjad answers the question: How can countries and international organizations better work to support refugees from all situations and ensure that resources and aid are shared more equally among those threatened groups who need it the most?

Read moreCollapse

Big World – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Big World – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other10

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other10