Welcome back to a new season of If You Were in Charge. This week, we sit down with Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, who has built a life creating an ice cream empire while also becoming a passionate activist fighting against military spending, which he believes is irrational and immoral, and is used to keep ordinary people poor and oppressed. We explore his journey from ice cream to activism, and his unwavering belief in the power of collective action. This episode also features Sanam’s daughter, Soleh. Together, they discuss the ongoing Epstein fallout and why it is cutting through the media noise, Marco Rubio’s imperialist speech in Munich, and Iran—along with what America is going to do next. That's this week on If You Were in Charge, the radical leadership podcast about people, power, and possibilities, hosted by Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, founder of ICAN and a peace strategist who has worked with women in conflict zones for over thirty years, and co-host Kavita Nandini Ramdas, senior advisor to the International Planned Parenthood Federation and former head of the Global Fund for Women. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN⁠ ⁠International Civil Society Action Network⁠⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠⁠ADA Production key topics Ben Cohen's background and activism journey The role of business in social justice Campaign against militarism and Pentagon budget Ben and Jerry's stance on Gaza and Palestine Corporate social responsibility and social mission The importance of collective action and community engagement The influence of personal values on business decisions Strategies for engaging the public on social issues The intersection of peacebuilding and business Inspiration for young activists and entrepreneurs Chapters 00:00 Health Care vs. Militarism 01:50 Public Outrage: Epstein vs. Gaza 04:44 The Role of Youth in Activism 06:44 Political Extremism and Identity 08:50 The Absurdity of Militarism 13:02 Ben Cohen: Activism and Ice Cream 14:29 The Origins of Ben and Jerry's 15:13 Childhood Aversion to Militarism 17:42 Economic Violence and Lead Poisoning 20:57 Connecting Militarism to Everyday Issues 24:59 Human Security vs. National Security 25:26 Activism and Business: A Dual Role 30:44 The Game of Business and Social Responsibility 33:45 Innovative Financing and Community Engagement 35:10 The Balance of Wealth and Fulfillment 37:12 Corporate Responsibility and Social Justice 38:21 Ben & Jerry's Social Mission and Unilever 40:41 Political Stance and Corporate Complicity 42:43 Hope Amidst Outrage and Activism 47:01 Vision for a Better World 49:39 People Power and Collective Mobilization 51:32 Cultural Connections Through Ice Cream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to a new season of If You Were in Charge The radical leadership podcast about people, power & possibilities from ICAN and ADA is excited to announce a new co-host! Kavita Nandini Ramdas, senior advisor to the International Planned Parenthood Federation and former head of the Global Fund for Women, joins host Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, founder of ICAN and a peace strategist who has worked with women in conflict zones for over thirty years.  Sanam and Kavita represent voices rarely heard in podcasting. Two powerful advocates for peace and social justice, women leaders with roots in India and Iran, who have built careers as global citizens at the highest levels. Launching officially Tuesday February 24th!  Welcoming an extraordinary range of guests including… Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh on advocating for survivors of sexual violence in war Ben Cohen, peace activist & founder of ‘Ben & Jerry’s’ on his battle with the Pentagon Alex Crawford, celebrated foreign correspondent, on this moment of global uncertainty If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠ADA Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Politics and poetry may seem like an odd couple. But throughout history, and across cultures, through symbolism and story telling, writers and poets have captured the spirit of their age and shared them with us through time and geography - helping us make sense of human foibles, and the events of our our own world. In Episode 6 of If You were in Charge Sanam takes a different tack in her conversation with Christine Van Ruymbeke, The Soudavar Professor of Persian literature and culture at Cambridge University. It is said that the key to understanding Iran is through poetry, with Iranians often turning to verse to express their hopes and frustrations in everyday life. Familiarity with Persian poetry and the study of its rich, deep history in the West has suffered due to the Western world’s antagonism toward the Iranian regime. Yet these works hold profound cultural significance, particularly through Sufism and its global philosophical resonance. During an uncertain time in the world what wisdom to the poets of the past have for us about how navigate our modern world.  Sanam also speaks with her daughter, Soleh, a PhD student at Cambridge, to reflect on the conversation and the role poetry played in their family life—with a few laughs along the way. So join us to hear about the enduring cultural power of classical poets such as Rumi and Saadi, and how these centuries-old verses continue to resonate with contemporary challenges. The episode also highlights the role of women in literature, showcasing their intellectual force and strategic insight in navigating cultural and social currents. Guest.  Professor Christine van Ruymbeke Head of Middle Eastern Studies at Cambridge University Ali Reza & Mohamed Soudavar Professor of Persian Studies If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Chapters 00:00 The Power of Poetry and Literature 05:00 Exploring Persian Literature 10:10 The Significance of Rumi and Saadi 20:13 Lessons from Persian Fables 30:04 Women in Persian Literature and Their Power 37:23 Reviving Literature in Education 42:12 The Importance of Humanities 45:38 Funding and Institutional Support for Literature 47:48 Hope for the Future of Literature 49:23 Connecting Poetry to Society and Governance 58:35 The Role of Literature in Understanding Human Nature ProfessorChristine van Ruymbeke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the war on Gaza raging and violence escalating in the West Bank, few see hope for peace in the Middle East.  But Marwa Hammad of Woman of the Sun in Palestine and Yael Braudo-Bahat of Women Wage Peace of Israel, refuse to give in to such despair, and they refuse to give up on the future. In Episode 5 of If You Were in Charge, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini takes on the toughest conflict of our times, offering a slice of hope and a glimpse into the resilience and courage of the women Peacebuilders who persist in waging peace. Stressing the urgent need to shift investment from conflict to peace, advocating for a future where women play a central role in forging a sustainable resolution. They also explore the challenges posed by funding cuts to civil society initiatives and the vital role of personal narratives in humanizing the cost of war. Despite mounting obstacles, the conversation finds hope in the tenacity of women working at the grassroots to foster understanding and drive meaningful change. At the end of the podcast Sanam is joined by her daughter to Soleh to reflect, get her views on what she made of the conversation and catch up on her news. Women of the Sun - https://womensun.org/ Women Wage Peace - https://www.womenwagepeace.org.il/en/ If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bjian Ghaisar Foundation⁠⁠ And ICAN⁠⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠⁠ ICAN’s newsletter: ⁠⁠https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/⁠⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠⁠Africa Digital Audio Production⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini is joined by two distinguished voices in global diplomacy to examine the United Nations at a critical juncture.  Richard Gowan, Director for UN and Multilateral Diplomacy at the International Crisis Group, and María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, former President of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister of Ecuador, and poet, delve into the mounting pressures facing the UN amid intensifying great power rivalries. Their conversation explores the urgent need for institutional reform, the vital importance of gender parity in global leadership, and the UN’s responsibility in advancing preventive diplomacy to sustain peace and security. The guests call for a renewed commitment to multilateralism, accountability in implementing resolutions, and the long-overdue appointment of a female Secretary-General. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would have happened, if the US had heeded Afghan women's warnings about the Taliban, and supported their solutions before 2021? What if the international community supported  Afghan women's strategies for ending violence and building peace - then and now?  This week on #IfYouWereInCharge, Sanam speaks with Wazhma Frogh, Afghan woman peacebuilder and lawyer specializing in international human rights law and Afghanistan, and recipient of the International Women of Courage Award.  Despite the Taliban's oppressive rule, Wazhma speaks of her vital work in educating, advocating, and offering hope to Afghan women and girls, living day to day under the Taliban's oppressive rule. Where many feel despair, Wazhma still sees resilience, courage and inspiration, and shows how much could be done, if women like her, were in charge.  As always, Sanam is joined by her daughter Soleh, a PhD student at Cambridge, to reflect on the main interview and offer a different generational perspective. Welcome to If You Were in Charge Season 2, a podcast featuring global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each week, Sanam tackles a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and solutions—if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were in Charge Season 2, a podcast featuring global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. This week, Sanam speaks with Chris Worman, Chief Global Strategy & Partnership Officer at GivingTuesday. Together, they discuss the critical role of civil society and philanthropy at a time when the sector is facing significant funding challenges. Their conversation explores the importance of generosity, civic engagement, and the impact of initiatives like GivingTuesday in fostering community resilience and a shared future. At the end of the episode, Sanam is joined by her daughter, Soleh, a PhD student at Cambridge, to discuss this week's topic and how these themes resonate with her and her friends' experiences. The podcast reframes global challenges as global solutions in these extraordinary times of turbulence. What would the world look like if those living through and working on today’s toughest crises were given the power and resources to lead real change? That’s the driving question behind the podcast, hosted by renowned peacebuilder and ICAN founder Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each episode features frontline doers and imaginers—activists, organizers, and peacebuilders—whose lived experience, courage, and ideas are reshaping what’s possible. Sanam explores what they’re already achieving, what they could do with greater power and support, and what gives them hope. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Civil Society 05:05 Chris Wurman's Journey into Philanthropy 10:14 The Role of Philanthropy in Global Development 15:20 Understanding Generosity and Civic Engagement 20:25 The Impact of Giving Tuesday on Global Generosity 25:42 The Role of Civil Society in Generosity 27:07 Reassessing Aid and Institutional Failures 29:01 Building Local Infrastructure for Giving 30:28 Challenges in International Giving 32:00 Investing in Local Development 35:05 Hope for Civil Society in a Changing World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were in Charge Season 2, a podcast featuring global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. This week, Sanam speaks with Ece Temelkuran, renowned author of How to Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship, which explores the mechanisms of autocracy and the decline of democratic principles. Each week, Sanam tackles a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and solutions—if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. To bring in the perspective of a younger generation, Sanam is joined each week by one of her twin daughters. This episode features Soleh, a PhD student at Cambridge. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production Chapters00:00 The Rise of Fascism: A Global Concern 03:07 Personal Reflections on Civic Engagement 05:56 Understanding the Steps to Fascism 08:57 The Role of Language and Political Discourse 11:51 Shamelessness in Politics: A Dangerous Trend 15:10 The Complicity of the Progressive Left 18:08 Dignity vs. Freedom: A New Political Narrative 21:09 The Importance of Historical Awareness 24:00 Reclaiming Dignity in Political Discourse 32:04 Radical Love in Politics 33:28 The Need for Honesty in Leadership 36:07 Wealth and Power Dynamics 38:28 The Impact of Inequality on Migration 40:21 Faith in Humanity as Resistance 42:58 Empathy and Human Exchange 43:52 Finding Hope in Community 45:50 The Importance of Giving 49:05 Reflections on Political Discourse 55:21 The Urgency of Political Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were in Charge, We are back for season 2 of your favorite show as always featuring global peace strategist, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each week Sanam takes on a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and their solutions - if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. Episode 1 coming Tuesday March 25th! If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bijan Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch by going to our homepage   Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi, good news we are working on season 2 of 'If You Were in Charge' But in the meantime something a little different this week. We’re partnering with Houses of the Moon Theater Company to share this special episode from their three-part podcast series “De Novo.” It’s adapted from an acclaimed documentary play of the same name. It tells the true story of Edgar Chocoy, a Guatemalan teenager who faces deportation after fleeing to the U.S. In 2002, fourteen-year-old Edgar Chocoy Guzman fled his barrio in Guatemala City, when MS-13, the largest gang in Central America, put a hit on his life. He traveled over 3,000 miles to be reunited with his mother, who had left him when he was a baby to go work in the United States. Detained by Homeland Security, Edgar, whose nickname was Lil’ Silent because of his timid demeanor, spoke clearly and loudly about his fear of being deported: “I’m afraid to go back. They’ll kill me.” A pro bono immigration lawyer helped Edgar argue his asylum case in front of a federal judge and the facts of Edgar’s case are reconstructed by actors working with verbatim text from immigration court transcripts, interviews, letters, and other documents from this real-life asylum case. So enjoy episode one of the three-part “De Novo” series from Houses on the Moon podcast. www.housesonthemoon.org If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yasmin Radjy, CEO of Swing Left, argues that Donald Trump is a transformative president and part of a global populist arc. So, how does the left find its own voice in an age of populism, and what possibilities does this trend offer the progressive movement to create radical change? Welcome to If You Were in Charge, A podcast featuring global peace strategist, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each week Sanam takes on a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and their solutions - if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. This week, Sanam is joined by one of her twin daughters, Soleh. In an incisive conversation, Sanam and Soleh sit down with Yasmin Radjy, CEO of Swing Left, to discuss the shifts in American politics. From the fight for reproductive rights to lessons from recent elections, Radjy offers a candid assessment of the Democratic Party’s prospects, underscores the vital role of grassroots organizing, and makes the case for a disciplined, long-term approach to political strategy, offering a roadmap for progressives aiming to drive change in a polarized America. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network Swing Left - https://swingleft.org You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Chapters 00:00 The State of Reproductive Rights in Florida 03:12 Introduction to Yasmin Raji and Swing Left 04:38 Reflections on the Recent Elections 08:35 Attacks on Civil Society and Voting Rights 12:53 The Republican Playbook and Long-Term Strategy 15:46 Democratic Party's Learning from Past Elections 18:37 The Importance of Grassroots Organizing 22:22 The Global Context of Political Movements 29:15 If You Were in Charge: A Call to Action 35:40 The Role of Swing Left in Democratic Politics 38:53 Imagination in Governance and Policy Communication 44:56 Funding and Supporting Grassroots Movements 49:34 Hope Amidst Political Challenges 54:20 The Power of Small Donations 58:34 Reflections on the Season and Future Prospects keywords reproductive rights, Florida elections, Yasmin Raji, Swing Left, civil society, voting rights, Democratic Party, grassroots organizing, political movements, populism, Swing Left, Democratic Party, grassroots movements, political imagination, funding, hope, community engagement, policy communication, elections, civic engagement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were in Charge, A podcast featuring global peace strategist, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each week Sanam takes on a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and their solutions - if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. This week, we're doing something a little different. Sanam is joined by her twin daughters, Soleh and Lydia, to reflect on their podcast journey so far, the insights gained from various guests, and the importance of exploring hope while considering future directions for the podcast. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on the Podcast Journey 02:56 Exploring Hope and Perspectives in Conversations 05:53 Aha Moments and Insights from Guests 09:13 Diverse Perspectives on Complex Issues 12:10 Media Landscape and Its Impact on Public Perception 14:50 Engaging Conversations and Future Directions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and Kavita Ramdas offer a feminist take on the pervasive issues of misogyny, the culture of impunity surrounding powerful men, and the systemic exclusion of women from influential spaces. The implications of the Epstein case, the normalization of sexual exploitation, and the backlash against feminism. The dialogue emphasizes the need for accountability and the importance of recognizing the voices of women in power dynamics, while also highlighting the hope that exists amidst the darkness of these societal issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were in Charge, A podcast featuring global peace strategist, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each week Sanam takes on a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and their solutions - if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. After each discussion, Sanam is joined by one of her twin daughters, Soleh, to hear her reaction and gain a different generational perspective. In Episode 9, Sanam interviews Stephen Walt, Professor of International Affairs at Harvard’s Kennedy School and noted author, on the dangers of the erosion of academic independence during the Trump administration and the potential implications of the incoming administration’s foreign policy appointments. The conversation delves into the dangers of self-censorship and the influence of political pressure on academic freedom. Walt shares insights from his experience publishing The Israel Lobby, critiques U.S. foreign policy missteps, and emphasizes the need for more diverse voices in government decision-making. Stephen received the International Studies Association’s Distinguished Senior Scholar award in 2014. Walt is the author of The Origins of Alliances (1987), Taming American Power: The Global Response to U.S. Primacy (2005); The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy (2007, with John J. Mearsheimer), The Hell of Good Intentions: America’s Foreign Policy Elite and the Decline of U.S. Primacy (2018), and “The End of Hubris and a New Era of American Restraint,” (Foreign Affairs, May/June 2019). If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Chapters 00:00 U.S. Military Assistance and Foreign Policy Critique 03:07 The Role of Academia in Political Discourse 05:53 Concerns Over Self-Censorship in Universities 09:04 The Impact of Political Pressures on Academic Freedom 11:51 Navigating Political Pressures in Academia 15:12 Reflections on the Israel Lobby and Its Influence 18:02 Disappointment in U.S. Foreign Policy Outcomes 21:12 The Need for Diverse Perspectives in Government 24:00 Proposed Changes to U.S. Foreign Policy 26:49 American Values and Global Perception 29:39 The Hypocrisy of U.S. Foreign Policy 34:24 The Role of Wealth in Advocacy and Change 39:59 The Importance of Diplomacy in Foreign Relations 43:03 Hope Amidst Challenges 56:31 The Cost of Speaking Out Keywords U.S. foreign policy, Israel, academia, self-censorship, political discourse, military assistance, academic freedom, Israel lobby, diverse perspectives, American values, U.S. foreign policy, hypocrisy, diplomacy, wealth, advocacy, women's rights, hope, speaking out, institutions, political loyalty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were in Charge, A podcast featuring global peace strategist, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each week Sanam takes on a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and their solutions - if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. In episode 8, Sanam speaks with Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, about critical issues surrounding data privacy, surveillance, and the role of technology in society. They discuss the use of artificial intelligence in surveillance and its deadly applications in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine. 972 Investigation by Yuval Abraham into AI being deployed by Israel in Gaza https://www.972mag.com/mass-assassination-factory-israel-calculated-bombing-gaza If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Chapters 00:00 The Consequences of Data Privacy Breaches 03:09 Understanding Signal and Its Mission 06:52 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Technology 12:25 Surveillance and Its Real-World Implications 20:57 Signal's Unique Approach to Privacy 27:40 The Role of Technology in Social Dynamics 29:35 The Evolution of Internet Communities 36:03 Reimagining Tech Infrastructure 43:12 The Role of Privacy in Technology 44:00 Hope Amidst Challenges 51:06 Surveillance and Its Implications keywordsdata privacy, surveillance, Signal, technology, AI, corporate secrecy, communication, privacy rights, social media, digital security, internet communities, tech infrastructure, privacy, surveillance, innovation, data security, public utilities, AI ethics, digital rights, global communication Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. In each episode, we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power. In this seventh episode, Sanam speaks with Mohammad Darawshe a leading political analyst and expert on Jewish-Arab relations inside Israel. After the conversation Sanam is joined as usual by her daughter Soleh to reflect on the conversation. Mohammad Darawshe explains the complex realities of Arab and Jewish coexistence in Israel, focusing on the challenges faced by Palestinian citizens and the pivotal role of education in shaping a shared future. The conversation examines the structural barriers within Israel’s segregated educational system, the hurdles to higher education for Palestinians, and innovative programs aimed at fostering integrated learning environments. Mohammad Darawshe sheds light on the strain recent conflicts have placed on intercommunal relationships, highlighting the systemic discrimination endured by Palestinian citizens. He advocates for empowering these communities and fostering collaboration between Jewish and Palestinian citizens to create a more equitable society. Sanam and Mohammad also explore the political and humanitarian dimensions of Palestinian support, the chilling effect of surveillance and intimidation on Arab citizens, and the need for a national dialogue and how to bring about a resolution to the Arab Israeli conflict. TIME CODE 00:00 The Reality of Coexistence in Israel 03:01 Understanding the Role of Education in Peacebuilding 05:55 The Challenges of Segregated Education 08:50 Barriers to Higher Education for Palestinian Citizens 12:09 Creating Mixed Educational Environments 15:00 Success Stories in Education and Integration 17:49 The Impact of Recent Conflicts on Relations 21:07 Navigating Discrimination and Identity 23:55 The Political Landscape and Future Aspirations 30:06 Political and Humanitarian Support for Palestinians 33:28 The Impact of Surveillance and Intimidation 35:42 Sweet and Sour Relationships: Palestinians in Israel 38:32 Envisioning a National Dialogue for Peace 42:48 Education as a Path to Change 44:46 Hope Amidst Adversity 47:11 Reflections on Discrimination and Identity 51:01 The Complexity of Palestinian Struggles 54:25 The Role of Surveillance in Daily Life CREDITS Mohammad Darawashe is a Shalom Hartman Institute faculty member and Director of Planning, Equality and Shared Society at Givat Haviva Educational Center. https://www.usfogh.org/ If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Keywords: Israel, Palestine, coexistence, education, peacebuilding, discrimination, identity, integration, conflict, community, Palestinian support, Israeli politics, surveillance, education, peace dialogue, discrimination, identity, humanitarian aid, hope, community engagement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. In each episode, we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power. In this sixth episode, Sanam speaks with Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger about the escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. How to create a lasting peace in the region and the hard road to achieving that goal. From his bio on www.friendsofroots.net - Shorashim/Judur/Roots – A Local Palestinian Israeli Initiative for  Understanding, Nonviolence and Transformation 'Hanan is an Orthodox rabbi and teacher who has been profoundly transformed by his encounters with Palestinians and the Palestinian People beginning in late 2013. As he never tires of saying, he is now healing from the hubris of exclusivity with which he was afflicted all of his adult life. Today he knows that there are two Peoples in the Holy Land, and that each has their own story. Indeed the Land itself bears two identities – the Land of Israel is also the Land of Palestine.' Next week, we have our second episode from the Middle East, focusing on the movement fighting for Palestinian access to higher education. Guest Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger  www.RavHanan.org רב חנן שלזינגר Director of International Relations, Shorashim/Judur/Roots  If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Israeli-Palestinian conflict, peacebuilding, identity, dialogue, settlements, trauma, recognition, historical context, extremism, community engagement, violence, Judaism, land claims, transformation, hope, education, community, personal responsibility, dialogue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. In each episode, we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power. In this fifth episode, Sanam is on the road in Asia, and we’re taking a pause for the U.S. elections. Stay tuned for exciting episodes to come, including a double special on the Middle East and an election review, exploring what the results mean for progressive political movements. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, where we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power.In this this fourth episode, Kavita Ramdas a globally-recognized advocate for gender equity and justice. She currently serves as the Director of the Women’s Rights Program at the Open Society Foundations after completing her tenure as Strategy Advisor for MADRE, an international women’s rights organization. She founded KNR Sisters, an independent consulting venture. From 1996-2010 Kavita led and transformed the Global Fund for Women as its second President and CEO to become the largest public foundation for women’s rights in the world. In this conversation, Kavita and Sanam discuss the evolving landscape of feminism, the generational differences in understanding and identifying with feminist ideals, and the societal pressures women face regarding likability and leadership. Ultimately emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to leadership and the significance of addressing global issues through a feminist lens. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, where we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power.In this third episode, Dame Eleanor Jane Milner-Gulland DBE on the power of optimism in the battle to preserve biodiversity, addressing the urgent need for action to save our planet’s ecosystems. This isn't your typical podcast about problems - it's about solutions. Sanam Naraghi Anderlini brings over 20 years of experience as a peace strategist, having worked on conflicts and peacebuilding initiatives with the UN, civil society, and governments. With her daughters, she adds a personal touch, discussing her concerns for the future they face and seeking expert advice on how to create a better world for the next generation. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, where we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power. In this second episode, we feature Kelly Ghaisar, Founder of the Bijan Ghaisar Foundation sharing her plan to reduce police impunity for violence, following her heartbreaking journey of fighting for justice after her son was unlawfully killed by park police in Washington DC. Bijan Ghaisar Foundation. https://www.bijanghaisarfoundation.org/ If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to If You Were In Charge, a podcast with renowned global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, where we invite global thought leaders to share the radical solutions they would implement if given unlimited political and financial power. In this first episode, we feature Abigail Disney, heiress to the Disney empire, discussing wealth inequality and offering bold ideas to challenge the billionaire class. This episode also includes Sanam's daughter, Soleh, who shares her perspective on how the extremes of generational wealth are shaping her views on wealth and success. Brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Launching 8th October, If You Were In Charge. What would you do if you had unlimited power to solve the world's toughest problems? Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, MBE, asks global experts this very question in her new podcast. From climate change to police violence, wealth inequality, and feminism, each episode takes a deep dive into the pressing issues of today and offers real solutions from those making a difference. Join Sanam and her twin daughters as they reimagine a better future, with thought-provoking discussions and insights from leading global experts. Brought to you by the Robert Bosch Academy. You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge This is an Africa Digital Audio Production, africadigitalaudio.com Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If You Were In Charge In this special edition, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and new co-host Kavita Ramdas take an incisive look at the current crisis in Iran, where economic collapse, renewed protests, and a brutal government crackdown have converged into a pivotal moment for the nation. Sanam examines the latest developments and the historical roots of dissent, including her own family’s history as key actors in 20th-century Iran. Kavita and Sanam also discuss the resurgence of women as visible leaders of resistance, and the complex interplay of sanctions, politics, and social change. Through deep analysis and personal testimony, the conversation explores why peaceful dialogue and inclusive solutions are essential, and how the resilience of the Iranian people could help shape a future beyond despair. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠ADA Production⁠ ICAN’s newsletter: ⁠https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation on Iran 02:59 Understanding the Current Unrest in Iran 05:57 Historical Context: The Roots of Iranian Resistance 09:04 The Role of Women in the Protests 11:56 Economic Factors Behind the Protests 15:02 The Impact of Sanctions on Iranian Society 17:59 The Complexity of the Iranian Regime 20:46 The Need for Dialogue and Non-Violence 23:55 Imagining a Future for Iran 26:55 Hope Amidst the Struggle 30:09 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to our special “If You Were in Charge” summer series with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each week, we’re thematically pairing some of our favorite conversations and this time, we’ve brought together two powerful voices on wealth and generosity. First, filmmaker and activist Abby Disney shares what it was like to grow up as an heiress to the Disney fortune, and why she’s urging the ultra-wealthy to give more, and give boldly. Then, Chris Worman from Giving Tuesday explores how philanthropy can be reclaimed by ordinary people as a force for good, personal fulfillment, and even joy. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the⁠ ⁠⁠Bjian Ghaisar Foundation⁠ And ICAN⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠Africa Digital Audio Production⁠ ICAN’s newsletter: ⁠https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Chapters 00:00 Exploring Wealth Inequality and Philanthropy 07:27 The Impact of Extreme Capitalism 12:05 Fundamentalist Capitalism and Its Consequences 17:50 Political Power and Wealth Dynamics 25:28 Racial Justice and Economic Inequality 32:06 Philanthropy vs. Systemic Change 45:25 The Role of Civil Society in Crisis 57:06 Building Local Infrastructure for Generosity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we gear up for Season 3 of If You Were in Charge, we’re revisiting some of Sanam’s most compelling conversations, curated into thematic pairings to offer deeper insights into the complex issues we explore. This week, we bring you two powerful perspectives on building peace between Israelis and Palestinians—even in these dark and challenging times. First, Sanam speaks with Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger about the surge in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. They discuss the urgent need for lasting peace and the difficult path to achieving it. Then, she sits down with Mohammad Darawshe, a leading political analyst and expert on Jewish-Arab relations inside Israel. Darawshe unpacks the intricate realities of coexistence, the struggles faced by Palestinian citizens, and the transformative power of education in forging a shared future. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sir Richard Dalton, former British ambassador to Iran, joins Sanam Naraghi Anderlini on this week's episode of If You Were In Charge. They discuss the collapse of diplomacy following recent U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, examining how Trump's withdrawal from the JCPOA, Netanyahu's hardline policies, and the Ayatollah's defiance have escalated regional tensions. Dalton argues that without renewed multilateral engagement, lasting peace will remain elusive, criticizing Britain's failure to lead in condemning Gaza atrocities. Despite these challenges, he maintains that dialogue and diplomacy offer the best path toward a collective future. As Iran is Sanam's childhood home, she also speaks with her daughter Soleh before and after the main interview, both to hear how Soleh's college community has responded to recent events and to reflect on loved ones directly impacted by the conflict in Iran, as well as those watching from afar. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the⁠ ⁠⁠Bjian Ghaisar Foundation⁠ And ICAN⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠Africa Digital Audio Production⁠ ICAN’s newsletter: ⁠https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A personal reflection from Sanam on two weeks of war in Iran. What it is like watching the bombardment of her childhood neighborhood from afar. — We also wanted to celebrate our former guests, Women of the Sun from Palestine, who won the 2025 Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment. So we re-uploaded our conversation with Marwa Hammad of Women of the Sun in Palestine and Yael Braudo-Bahat of Women Wage Peace in Israel two remarkable women who refuse to give in to despair, and who refuse to give up on the future. Women of the Sun - https://womensun.org/ Women Wage Peace - https://www.womenwagepeace.org.il/en/ If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bjian Ghaisar Foundation⁠⁠ And ICAN⁠⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠⁠ ICAN’s newsletter: ⁠⁠https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/⁠⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠⁠Africa Digital Audio Production⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Jessie Stone, a six-time U.S. freestyle team member, shares her journey of how an illness to one of her team during a kayaking trip led her to establish a health clinic in Uganda. Now she is on the front line as USAID cuts mean millions can no longer access life-saving care. Welcome to If You Were In Charge with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. In the last ten years, Dr. Jessie Stone's clinic has served hundreds of thousands of patients and helped address critical health issues like malaria and community health. Speaking to Sanam, she stresses the importance of community education and describes the challenges faced in providing healthcare in a country with one doctor for every 25,000 patients. She highlights the extraordinary resilience of local communities and the need for grassroots solutions in healthcare. And as always, listen to the end for news on upcoming episodes and words of wisdom from Soleh! If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fall of the Assad regime came swiftly in the end, with far less violence than anyone imagined. How did this happen? Can Syria emerge from its decades of brutality and bloodshed to become a bastion of hope in the Middle East? Sanam talks to Abir Hajibrahim, co-founder of Mobaderoon and one of Syria’s leading peacebuilders, who has built a network of dedicated peacebuilders and volunteers—preventing violence, reconciling communities, and mobilizing people to be active, engaged citizens determining their own futures. This conversation explores the untold stories of Syria’s peacebuilders—individuals from all walks of life who stepped into the chaos of conflict to rebuild trust, heal communities, and drive reconciliation from the ground up. This episode dives into the human cost of violence, the power of grassroots engagement, the unique role of women in peace efforts, and what sets peacebuilding apart from humanitarian work—all against the backdrop of a shifting political landscape. It’s a candid, hopeful look at the future of Syria, shaped by the courage and determination of its people. Mobaderoon https://mobaderoon.org If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -  https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A world leader has been assassinated, schools and hospitals have been hit, and Donald Trump thinks that Keir Starmer is no Winston Churchill. It’s all kicking off as the US and Israel’s illegal war escalates across the Middle East. All of this with the open admission of no real plan for what comes next.  Struggling to absorb it all? Wondering if there’s another way? British-Iranian peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE is here to fill us in. She joins Coco and comedian Sophie Duker, who is in the hotseat for Nish this week. Soaring oil prices was not the backdrop Chancellor Rachel Reeves was hoping for ahead of her second Spring Statement. Finalised before the conflict broke out, her economic plan was “Trumped” before it was even delivered - so where does this leave the UK? Plus - just as the UK gets dragged into this latest destabilising conflict, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood rips up the rules on UK asylum.  Got a burning question for Nish or Coco? Big or small - they will be answered in a special episode! Email: psuk@reducedlistening.co.uk  GUEST Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE, founder and CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) USEFUL LINKS Sophie Dukerhttps://thesophieduker.com/ If You Were In Charge with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and Kavita Nandini Ramdas.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/if-you-were-in-charge/id1770618616 CREDITS Sophie Duker - Live at the Apollo / BBC One Keir Starmer / XParliament TV PBS News Hour / YouTubeBBC News Zoe Gardner / IGManchester Evening News  Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.Get in touch - contact us via email: PSUK@reducedlistening.co.ukLike and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUKInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukX: https://x.com/podsavetheuk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We begin with Sanam and Kavita discussing the war in Iran. Sanam shares what she is hearing from inside Iran as US and Israeli forces continue to strike across the country. Reflecting on the school strike, the sinking of a naval vessel by a US submarine, and the election of a new Supreme Leader. She considers where this chaos and violence may ultimately lead. Sanam and Kavita then sit down with Maya and Nancy Yamout, two extraordinary sisters from Lebanon who understand better than most the long-term consequences of war, extremism, and violence. Maya and Nancy Yamout are forensic social workers renowned for their deradicalisation work targeting Islamist extremists within Lebanon's prison system. Following the death of a mutual friend who had joined an extremist group, they co-founded the non-governmental organisation Rescue Me in 2011, focusing on rehabilitating at-risk youth and inmates. This conversation explores the complex world of countering extremism through personal testimony, rehabilitation, and community rebuilding in Lebanon. Maya and Nancy share their experiences working inside prisons, navigating family dynamics, and fostering empathy as a tool to prevent violence. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN⁠ ⁠⁠International Civil Society Action Network⁠⁠⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠⁠⁠ADA Production⁠ If You Were In Charge Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean when the world's largest progressive Jewish organisation says "not in our name"? This week, Sanam and Kavita sit down with Stefanie Fox, Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), to explore the growing movement of Jewish anti-Zionism in America and beyond. Stefanie walks us through how JVP now three times the size it was three years ago is organising hundreds of thousands of Jews to withdraw their complicity from Israeli apartheid and genocide through boycott, divestment and sanctions campaigns, Israel bonds divestment at city and state level, and deep cultural work reclaiming Judaism beyond Zionism. From the mechanics of how American taxpayer money flows to the Israeli treasury, to the personal cost of leading a movement under legal attack and White House scrutiny, Stefanie offers a clear-eyed, hopeful account of what collective organising can achieve and why refusing the politics of despair is itself an act of resistance. We are also joined by Sanams daughter Soleh joins us from Cambridge. Where she gives her view on JVP and their role in the student protests over Gaza. If You Were In Charge is a radical leadership podcast about people, power, and possibilities, hosted by Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and Kavita Nandini Ramdas. Brought to you by ICAN. An ADA Production. Guest: Stefanie Fox, Executive Director, Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) Links: Jewish Voice for Peace Wrestling with Zionism storytelling project If You Were In Charge If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN⁠ ⁠⁠⁠International Civil Society Action Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠⁠⁠⁠ADA Production⁠ TIMESTAMPED CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 – 00:33 | Cold Open 00:33 – 01:27 | Intro & Welcome Sanam introduces the episode. Soleh joins from Cambridge. 01:27 – 02:16 | How they got Stefanie 02:16 – 04:36 | Soleh on JVP's cultural impact Separating anti-Zionism from anti-Semitism. 04:36 – 06:28 | JVP's statement on the war on Iran 06:28 – 08:50 | Asymmetric warfare If Iran survives, it's winning. The logic of escalation on all sides. 08:50 – 09:40 | Iran's opposition & the monarchists Both regime and opposition willing to sacrifice the nation. Reza Pahlavi's MAGA-style approach. 09:40 – 11:04 | Global ripple effects Gas shortages in India, Sri Lanka rationing, Pakistan's crisis — the war's worldwide impact. 11:04 – 13:31 | Geography & supply chains Soleh's generation discovering the Strait of Hormuz. 13:31 – 14:13 | Language & culture 14:13 – 15:43 | Happy Nowruz 15:43 – 16:35 | Human cost of targeted killings Larijani's assassination and 100+ civilian deaths. 16:35 – 17:17 | Transition to interview Stefanie welcomed on. 17:17 – 20:07 | Who is JVP? World's largest progressive Jewish org for Palestinian rights. 100+ chapters. Three times the size it was three years ago. 20:07 – 21:05 | Growth amid horror More grassroots power than ever, yet the genocide continues. 21:05 – 23:45 | What is Zionism? Why anti-Zionism? Zionism as political ideology leading to expulsion and ethnostate. True safety through solidarity. 23:45 – 26:23 | Self-censorship & the anti-Semitism smear Sanam on 20 years of self-censorship in America. South Africa parallel. 26:23 – 28:42 | JVP's day-to-day work Three pillars: political, financial, cultural. BDS campaigns and Israel bonds divestment. 27:38 – 30:27 | Israel bonds explained 30:27 – 32:20 | BDS-proofing the economy How Israel uses bonds to underwrite the war economy. Public opinion shifting. 32:20 – 34:31 | Complicity & tax resistance Nuremberg tribunals, aiding and abetting through taxes. BDS as collective action. 35:03 – 39:50 | Culture shift Anti-Zionist Jews since the 19th century. Identity fusion only since 1967. Wrestling with Zionism project. 39:58 – 42:54 | Sanam on Iranian Jews & identity Iran's Jewish community. Being labelled anti-Semitic in America for criticising Israel. 42:54 – 44:44 | Anti-Semitism & Zionism as "cousins" Montague and the Balfour Declaration. Both ideologies rooted in Western nation-state building. 44:44 – 47:17 | Threats, lawsuits & Project Esther Five active lawsuits. Named in Project Esther. On a White House list. 47:17 – 48:46 | Q: Radical idea that should be normal? 47:59 – 49:56 | Q: If you were in charge of US policy? Full divestment, end US funding of Israel, invest in life-sustaining programmes. 50:02 – 51:13 | Q: Billionaire / What gives you hope? No billionaires. Hope = organising and refusing the politics of despair. 51:13 – 53:50 | Tangible wins $30 million divested from Israel bonds in the last month. Mamdani's election. 53:50 – 58:41 | If you were in charge of the media Manufacturing consent. The debunked NY Times piece. Passive voice on Gaza vs. Ukraine. Assassinated Palestinian journalists. 58:41 – 59:32 | Closing "Hope is great, but it's the strategy that really matters." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The internet is a monocrop. A plantation of knowledge in English, owned by a handful of mega corporations, built on the bones of colonial infrastructure. And we are no longer just the consumers and as ever we are the product, the training set, the data points. So who gets to imagine the future? This week on If You Were In Charge, Sanam and Kavita sit down with Anasuya Sengupta, co-founder of Whose Knowledge?, a global multilingual campaign to centre the knowledges of marginalised communities (the minoritised majority of the world) online. Anasuya traces a direct line from the telegraph networks of the British Empire to today’s Big Tech monopolies. But this is not just a story of extraction. Anasuya shares what it looks like when voices from the margins reimagine technology. From building sovereign language models in Bangla, Urdu and Hindi, to transforming Wikipedia so that women are no longer invisible. The episode opens with Sanam and Kavita reflecting on the Iran ceasefire, the extraordinary Lego memes coming out of Iran, and what it means when the world is surprised that Iranians have both sophisticated technology and a sense of humour. Anasuya Sengupta — Co-founder of Whose Knowledge? If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN International Civil Society Action Network. Subscribe and get in touch with us via our Newsletter Original Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ADA Production Timeline 00:00 — Cold open: Anasuya on “plantation tech” 00:26 — Intro with Sanam and Kavita 00:36 — Hosts discuss the Iran ceasefire, Lego memes, and Iranian political humour 07:15 — Transition to the possibilities theme and Arundhati Roy quote 07:35 — Reflection on the ceasefire moment and what comes next 10:30 — Discussion of Anthropic, AI containment, and Palantir 12:13 — Main interview begins: Anasuya Sengupta on the internet and search 14:30 — Tech solutionism and the polycrisis 16:34 — Colonial history of the internet: telegraph to Big Tech 20:30 — Infrastructure: who owns the message vs the messenger 23:12 — “We are the training set” — AI and data extraction 24:21 — Founding of Whose Knowledge? and feminist tech activism 28:16 — Women’s invisibility in knowledge systems and Wikipedia 33:12 — “If you were in charge” — reimagining tech from the margins 35:37 — Language, plantation tech, and multilingual futures 38:26 — Disability rights and imagining from the margins in 40:09 — Scaling across, not scaling up 43:30 — The right to refusal and feminist archives 47:24 — Representation: necessary but insufficient 49:38 — A growing coalition for change 50:15 — Radical idea: knowledge as a commons 52:59 — Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hospitals in Iran are preparing to evacuate children. International institutions are issuing statements while bombs fall on petrochemical plants. And five women sit down in Berlin to ask: what radical ideas should actually be common sense? This episode of If You Were In Charge opens with hosts Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and Kavita Ramdas in conversation about the Iran crisis. Trump’s threats of escalation, the spectre of nuclear disaster, and the devastating parallel with Gaza. They ask the question that frames the whole episode: have the institutions built by generations of careful, caring work, the UN, the IAEA, international law has finally failed us? Then the episode moves to Berlin, where Sanam and Kavita are joined by three extraordinary guests for a live group conversation recorded at the Robert Bosch Foundation Forum: Farhana Yamin — World-renowned climate lawyer. Attended COP 1 in Berlin in 1995. Now working on global governance and philanthropy for frontline communities. Reetta Toivanen — Finnish legal anthropologist and Professor at the University of Helsinki. Researches refugee knowledge and just transition in Europe. Rana Dajani — Palestinian-Syrian professor of molecular cell biology. Researches the epigenetics of trauma. Founded We Love Reading, now in 78 countries. Together, they tackle: abolishing national borders, valuing care work, why trauma survivors inherit agency (not victimhood), diaspora economies that outperform foreign aid, AI that can’t tell a scientist from a nun, and what it really means to put feminists—of every gender—in charge. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN⁠ ⁠⁠⁠International Civil Society Action Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠⁠⁠⁠ADA Production⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feminist economist Naila Kabeer joins Sanam and Kavita to ask why we still measure success in GDP and what we could build if we counted care, peace and the planet. A clear-eyed, hopeful conversation about Beyond GDP, the absurd cost of the war in Iran for future generations, and the everyday agency that changes the world. Welcome to If You Were In Charge the radical leadership podcast about people, power and possibilities with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and Kavita Nandini Ramdas. On this episode before we get to the interview, Sanam and Kavita pick up the threads Naila weaves through the conversation. They look at the $20 trillion annual cost of war, the way the care economy quietly runs on immigrant women, and the Iranian paradox where 65% of university professors are women inside a theocracy. A vivid reminder of why we need new ways to measure what's actually working in our societies. We then welcome in Naila who explains how GDP was invented in wartime to count what could be sold, and what it has always quietly excluded: the unpaid work that holds families together, the rivers and forests that hold up the planet, and a system now monopolised by a handful of oligarchs. She unpacks the staggering price tag of war nearly $20 trillion a year, around 11.6% of global GDP and asks what we could build instead if we counted care, peace, human capabilities, and the rights of the living world. We also hear about her new book “Renegotiating Patriarchy: Gender, Agency and the Bangladesh Paradox” — a study of how ordinary women, in some of the most oppressive circumstances, have changed their societies not through revolution but through everyday persistence. “Despair is a luxury for the well-off. I do not think we can afford to despair.” If You Were In Charge is a podcast about people, power and possibilities, brought to you by ICAN subscribe to our newsletter! An ADA Podcasts Naila Kabeer Links. LSE faculty page: https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/people/naila-kabeer Naila's personal site (books, articles, talks): https://nailakabeer.net/ Renegotiating Patriarchy — free open-access download (LSE Press, 2024): https://press.lse.ac.uk/books/m/10.31389/lsepress.rpg UN High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP — members: https://www.un.org/en/beyondGDP/members IAFFE Feminist Economics Podcast (Kavita mentions this at the end): https://www.iaffe.org/feminist-economics-podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Italian peace activist Raffaella Bolini was on the streets of the 80s peace movement against the Euromissiles. Forty years later, she's back, pushing back on a Europe planning to spend €6.8 trillion on armaments over the next decade. In conversation with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and Kavita Nandini Ramdas, she makes the case for common security, the politics of care, and a multipolar Europe of intersectional regions. The only winning move, she argues, is not to play. Sanam and Kavita open the episode with the latest flotilla to be intercepted on the way to Gaza, the unfolding war in Iran, and the absurdity of trillions being spent on defence at the expense of future generations, while everything from healthcare to social services goes without. But not without hope. They also remember the remarkable legacy of Cora and Peter Weiss, whose memorial was held this month, two activists at the forefront of the peace and justice movement for their entire lifetimes. If You Were In Charge is a podcast about people, power and possibilities, brought to you by ICAN subscribe to the ICAN Newsletter! An ADA Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What beliefs make people willing to commit violence, and what could change their minds? In this episode, we explore what makes individuals vulnerable to white supremacist beliefs, what it means when extremism becomes mainstream, the surprising permeability of these groups, and how to talk to people in your life who express racist ideology. Peter Simi is a professor of Sociology at Chapman University, and an expert on extremist groups and violence in the US. Among his many publications, he is co-author of American Swastika: Inside the White Power Movement's Hidden Spaces of Hate, and Out of Hiding: Extremist White Supremacy and How It Can be Stopped. Find out more about Peter at: https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/pete-simi.aspx. Sara Winegar Budge holds a doctorate in Psychology and is a licensed psychologist in Oregon. She is the Director of US Programs at Moonshot, which builds technology to identify and disrupt organized crime, child sexual exploitation, and trafficking, among other forms of abuse and violence. Her clinical work focuses on individuals who are or have been involved in violent extremism. Find out more at https://moonshotteam.com/ In this episode, we talk about Stephen Tyrone Johns, Bridget's former colleague from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum who was killed by a white supremacist. You can learn more about him, and contribute to a fund in his name, here: https://www.ushmm.org/information/press/in-memoriam/stephen-tyrone-johns-1969-2009. Disrupting Peace is a production of The World Peace Foundation. The show is produced by Bridget Conley and Emily Shaw. Engineering by Jacob Winik and Aja Simpson. Marketing and Social media by Kaelen Song. Show artwork by Simon Fung. This season was partially funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Special thanks to Lisa Avery and Alex de Waal, and the Tufts Digital Design Studio team. Find out more about the World Peace Foundation at worldpeacefoundation.org. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @worldpeacefdtn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices