The Conflict Tipping Podcast
by Laura May, PhD
The Conflict Tipping Podcast, hosted by Dr. Laura May, focuses on innovative strategies for responding to social conflict. Episodes bring in guests with expertise in all facets of conflict, from organizational behavior, emotions, technology, media, public and private social responsibility, and political polarization. Subscribe if you’re interested in conflict resolution, facilitation, peacebuilding, or the future of civil society -- we’d love to have you as part of our community!
Episodes
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What's the local in local peace? Conflict in Nigeria with Joshua Akintayo [Ep. 43]
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, Laura May speaks with conflict scholar Joshua Akintayo, whose research explores how communities in Nigeria are rebuilding peace amid violent extremism. Josh’s work examines what “local peace” actually means—through both traditional mediation...
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The Ideological Brain with Dr Leor Zmigrod [Ep. 42]
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, Laura May speaks with political neuroscientist and psychologist Dr Leor Zmigrod, author of incredible new book The Ideological Brain. Leor’s groundbreaking research explores what makes our brains susceptible to rigid beliefs, ideological extremism,...
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Creating spaces for transformation with Prabha Sankaranarayan [Ep. 41]
Inside Conflict Transformation with MBBI's Prabha Sankaranarayan Host Laura May speaks with Prabha Sankaranarayan, president and CEO of Mediators Beyond Borders International, on her journey spanning child advocacy to conflict mediation. Recorded in June 2024 and including discussion of societal...
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Violent conflict "Disarmed" with Fleur Ravensbergen [Ep. 40]
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast we welcome Fleur Ravensbergen, mediator, author, and co-founder of the Dialogue Advisory Group. Fleur shares stories and lessons from her work mediating violent armed conflicts in some of the world’s most challenging regions, including Northern...
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The New Empire of AI with Dr Rachel Adams [Ep. 39]
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May welcomes Dr Rachel Adams, founder and CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance and author of The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality. Rachel’s book explores how AI is reshaping global inequalities and examines its...
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"Making Friends Among the Taliban" with Ankur Delight [Ep. 38]
"Making Friends Among the Taliban" with Ankur Delight In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May is joined by returning guest Ankur Delight, mediator and founder of a funk collective, to discuss Making Friends Among the Taliban by Jonathan Larson. The book tells the story of...
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Rwanda's Gacaca courts and gender-based violence with Dr Judith Rafferty [Ep. 37]
Rwanda’s Gacaca Courts and Gender-Based Violence with Dr Judith Rafferty In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May speaks with Dr Judith Rafferty, an expert mediator and researcher, about the complex role of Rwanda’s Gacaca courts in addressing sexual violence in the…
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Reframing Peace Mediation with Dr Owen Frazer [Ep. 36]
Reframing Peace Mediation with Dr Owen Frazer: A Deep Dive into Conflict Transformation In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr Owen Frazer, a seasoned conflict resolution expert and Senior Advisor for Conflict...
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Innovating 'peace' with Stephen Gray [Ep. 35]
Innovating Peace with Stephen Gray: Embracing Inclusive and Adaptive Strategies Join host Laura May in this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast as we explore the world of inclusive peacebuilding with Stephen Gray, Director of Adapt Peacebuilding and Doctoral Researcher at the University of...
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From Conflict to Convergence with Mariah Levison and Rob Fersh [Ep. 34]
Bridging Divides: Conflict Resolution with Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison In this episode of the Conflict Tipping Podcast from Mediate.com, host Laura May interviews Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison about their work and their co-authored book, 'From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve…
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Amanda Ripley's "High Conflict", with Ankur Delight [Ep. 33]
Join special guest Ankur Delight and Laura May as we review Amanda Ripley's book, "High Conflict". Book blurb: New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Amanda Ripley investigates how good people get captured by high conflict—and how they break free. Our journey begins in...
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Mediating amidst crisis in Malawi with Brown Masingati [Ep. 32]
Resilience in Adversity: Mediation and Climate Action in Malawi with Brown Masingati (Info on how to donate to Brown's work below!) Join host Laura May as she speaks with Brown Masingati, a member of Mediators Beyond Borders International. Brown talks about his roots in Malawi, the 'Warm Heart of...
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Researching the end of the (peacebuilding) world as we know it with Dr Julia Palmiano Federer [Ep. 31]
Peace, Conflict, and the Power of Inclusion: Insights from Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer What happens if you put two mediation fangirls who also happen to be intersectional feminists together into the same conversation? This episode! Host Laura May and guest Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer dive into...
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Ubuntu in practice with Bryony Vince [Ep. 30]
Exploring Indigenous Approaches to Peacebuilding: The Idea of Ubuntu In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May interviews Bryony Vince, a PhD candidate at the University of Sheffield in the UK and an advocate for context-specific indigenous approaches to peace-building.…
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Conflict prevention math with Neli Kirilova [Ep. 29]
Power Perception and Conflict Prevention in the Black Sea Region: A Conversation with Neli Kirilova In this episode of 'Conflict Tipping Podcast', host Laura May speaks with Neli Kirilova, a researcher focused on power perception and conflict prevention in the Black Sea Region. Kirilova discusses...
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Supporting mental health in conflict with Dr Nawaraj Upadhaya [Ep. 28]
Strengthening Mental Health in Conflict Zones: A Conversation with Dr. Nawaraj Upadhaya In this episode of the Conflict Tipping Podcast, host Laura May interviews Dr. Nawaraj Upadhaya, Global Mental Health Director at HealthRight International. Dr. Upadhaya shares about his experience developing...
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Nonviolence and Unarmed Civilian Protection with Dr Louise Ridden [Ep. 27]
In the latest episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast from Mediate.com, meet Dr Louise Ridden, a specialist in nonviolence and Unarmed Civilian Protection. We talk about: What is Unarmed Civilian Protection? Where is it used? How does UCP 'happen' in conflicts? What is the role for mediation and...
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Protecting people over tech platforms with Anne Ikiara of Digital Action [Ep. 26]
In this episode, Laura engages in a riveting conversation with Anne Ikiara, the Executive Director of the nonprofit Digital Action. She has a remarkable background directing social enterprises in Global Majority countries and is known as an author, poet, speaker, gender consultant, and social...
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Queering the Colombian conflict with Dr Samuel Ritholtz [Ep. 25]
Hear from Dr. Samuel Ritholtz, a Max Weber fellow at the European University Institute and specialist in queer experiences of conflict, crisis, and displacement, as they talk about their research into anti-LGBT violence during Colombia's civil war. We explore the violence's impact on LGBT...
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Getting enough sleep and time travelling with Dr Patricia Cernadas Curotto [Ep. 24]
Laura May is joined by Dr. Patricia Cernadas Curotto, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Geneva interested in compassion, conflict resolution, inter-group relations, and emotions. Laura attempts to convince Patricia to add kite surfing to her interests as they dive into Patricia's...
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When political parties polarise, with Dr Morgan Le Corre Juratic [Ep. 23]
Welcome to the Conflict Tipping podcast from Mediate.com, where we explore social conflict and what to do about it. In this episode, we explore the effects of party polarization on electoral participation with Dr. Morgan Le Corre Juratic, a postdoctoral researcher at Aarhus University in Denmark....
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Empathy across political divides with Luiza Almeida Santos [Ep. 22]
In this episode, learn about Stanford PhD candidate Luiza Almeida Santos' research into fostering empathy across political divides. Listen if you are interested in learning more about: What empathy is (and is not) How empathy helps us - and 'them' Building common ground Carrying out conversations...
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The Rise of the Masses with Dr Benjamin Abrams [Ep. 21]
In this episode, meet Dr Benjamin Abrams, who has just released his brand-new book about mass mobilisations called "The Rise of the Masses". Listen if you are interested in: Why mass mobilisations such as protests happen The Black Lives Uprising, Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, or even the…
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Transforming cultures in and outside the workplace with David Liddle MBA [Ep. 20]
In this episode, Laura speaks with David Liddle, founder and CEO of the TCM Group, about his career as a dedicated mediator and 'people first' professional. Listen if you are interested in: His early career mediating in estates in the UK Transformational culture and restorative justice in the...
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Reincorporating combatants in Colombia with Dr. Solveig Richter and Laura Camila Barrios Sabogal [Ep. 19]
In this episode, Host, Laura May, talks with guests, Dr. Solveig Richter and Laura Camila Barrios Sabogal about Colombia as a case study for how conflict behaves and how conflict transforms itself. Topics discussed include: The role of language in the Peace Accords Security concerns Listening to...
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Cancer, conflict, and digital technologies in peace mediation with Dr. Miguel Varela Rodriguez [Ep. 18]
In this episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Miguel Varela Rodriguez, an academic at the University of Valladolid in Spain, and peace mediation expert. Listen if you're interested in: How cancer and conflict are portrayed on social media Use of images in peace mediation The role of technology and AI in...
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Making lives more complex (and democratic) with Dr. Shannon Wheatley Hartman [Ep. 17]
In this episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Shannon Wheatley Hartman of the Interactivity Foundation. Listen if you are interested in learning more about: A collaborative approach to academia and the classroom Dealing with group think When NOT to collaborate Embracing cultural humility Community...
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Accents, inclusion, and migration with Dr. Zdena Mtetwa-Middernacht [Ep. 16]
In this episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Zdena Mtetwa-Middernacht, whose doctoral research focused on whiteness in migration. Listen if you are interested in: Why you might need to learn to fake an Australian accent Colonisation and legacies of privileged whiteness in Zimbabwe What…
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Gender, conflict, and saving pandas with Brianna Hernandez [Ep. 15]
In this episode, Laura speaks with PhD candidate Brianna Hernandez, whose work focuses on gender, conflict, and environmentalism. She is currently at Florida International University, committee member for the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and a WWF panda ambassador. Listen…
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Integrating collective trauma with Adrian Wagner [Ep. 14]
In this episode, Laura speaks with PhD candidate Adrian Wagner, whose research focuses on the integration of collective or community trauma. He is undertaking his PhD at the Universität Witten/Herdecke, is a research fellow at the European School of Governance, and works as a coach and…
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Gender, climate change, and conflict with Laura Aumeer [Ep. 13]
In this episode Laura interviews Laura Aumeer, Director of the Europe-Asia Department of Conciliation Resources, overseeing work in the South Caucasus and South Asia regions, as well as cross-regional peacebuilding work. Laura brings expertise on adaptive peacebuilding management and led our work...
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Brains, conflict, and democracy with Dr. Sebastian F. Winter, MD [Ep. 12]
In this episode Laura interviews Sebastian F. Winter, a physician-scientist working at the intersection of public health policy, medicine, and academia with a vision to shape healthcare and inspire a lasting social impact. He is currently Head of Policy and Research at the International Bureau…
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Communities in conflict with Felicity Steadman [Ep. 11]
In this episode Laura interviews Mediator and Facilitator Felicity Steadman. Felicity's career started out in the turbulent apartheid years in South Africa where she honed her dispute resolution skills and her capacity to work with diverse groups of people in the industrial relations field. She…
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Discourse and division with Dr. Tamsin Parnell [Ep. 10]
In this episode Laura interviews Tamsin Parnell, a linguistics researcher whose doctoral work focuses on identities, discourses, and division around Brexit. She is a research associate at the University of Warwick, visiting lecturer at Birmingham City University, and is interested in media and...
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Reducing partisan animosity and anti-democratic attitudes with Jan Gerrit Voelkel [Ep. 09]
In this episode Laura interviews Jan Gerrit Voelkel, who is a Ph.D. Student in Sociology at Stanford University. Jan's research studies intergroup and interpersonal relationships with two guiding research questions. First, what causes people's willingness to harm others and defend inequalities?…
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Collective narcissism and conspiracy beliefs with Dr. Aleksandra Cichocka [Ep. 08]
In this episode Laura interviews Professor Aleksandra Cichocka, Professor of Political Psychology at the University of Kent School of Psychology. Prof. Cichocka received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Warsaw in 2013. During her doctoral studies she was a Fulbright Fellow at New York...
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Hope in intractable conflict with Dr. Oded Adomi Leshem [Ep. 07]
In this episode Laura interviews Oded Adomi Leshem, a Senior Research Associate at the PICR Lab and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace, both housed in the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. His research is located at the nexus of international…
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Peer mediation amongst refugees with Helen Winter [Ep. 06]
In this episode Laura interviews Helen Winter, Co-Founder and CEO of R3SOLUTE.com, a program that strives to accelerate mutual integration of refugee and local communities and the rebuilding of refugee lives. R3SOLUTE aims to foster sustainable peace by reducing the social and economic costs of...
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Conflict narratives and emotions with Dr. Samantha Hardy [Ep.05]
In this episode Laura interviews Dr. Samantha Hardy Lawson, Principal at Conflict Coaching International and Adjunct Associate Professor at James Cook University. Dr. Lawson is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the James Cook University (JCU), Conflict Management Resolution (CMR) Program. Sam is...
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Mediating peace with Dr. Juan Diaz-Prinz [Ep. 04]
In this episode Laura interviews Dr. Juan Diaz-Prinz, senior expert on mediation and dialogue at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Juan is a mediator, trainer, and facilitator who has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between theory and practice in mediation. He started his career in the Office...
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Boredom, sadism, and compassion with Dr. Stefan Pfattheicher [Ep. 03]
Stefan Pfattheicher is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science at Aarhus University. Pfattheicher’s work is primarily in social psychology, focusing on prosocial behavior, empathy, and more recently vaccine-hesitancy. His work as appeared in many international...
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Convergence with Rob Fersh and Monika Glowacki [Ep. 02]
Step into the world of consensus building and collective action as Laura speaks with Rob Fersh and Monica Glowacki from the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution in the US, which is all about bringing diverse voices together to tackle critical national issues. From education to gun violence,...
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Welcome to the Conflict Tipping Podcast, with Dr. Laura May [Ep. 1]
Colin Rule and Laura May provide an overview of what the Conflict Tipping podcast is about.
About this show
The Conflict Tipping Podcast, hosted by Dr. Laura May, focuses on innovative strategies for responding to social conflict. Episodes bring in guests with expertise in all facets of conflict, from organizational behavior, emotions, technology, media, public and private social responsibility, and political polarization. Subscribe if you’re interested in conflict resolution, facilitation, peacebuilding, or the future of civil society -- we’d love to have you as part of our community!
Hosted by
Laura May, PhD