Just Participation

Season 2 continues in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city of striking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and deep social contrasts. Beneath its iconic beaches and mountains lie persistent urban challenges: socio-spatial inequalities, informal settlements, struggles over land rights, and the ongoing pursuit of democratic participation in complex urban environments.In this episode, co-hosts Nadim, Daniella, and Sarah sit down with three powerful voices working at the intersections of grassroots democracy:Priscylla Joca, instructor and researcher, who shares insights from her work on participatory governance, legal assistance to rural and urban rights movements, and socio-environmental justice in Brazil.·Salome Nduta, feminist organizer and human rights defender, who shares insights from her work across Kenya and South Africa, highlighting how gender justice, climate organizing, and housing struggles are deeply interconnected.Leoonardo Barros Soares, researcher and practitioner in participatory democracy, who reflects on civic engagement, community-driven governance, and the challenges of fostering inclusive democratic spaces in Rio de Janeiro.Together, they explore how grassroots movements and participatory institutions are reclaiming decision-making power, reshaping urban governance, and building democratic futures from the ground up, with lessons that resonate across Brazil and beyond.Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Season 2 continues in Cape Town, South Africa, a city shaped by breathtaking coastlines and deep histories of resistance, while still grappling with the lasting spatial legacies of apartheid, housing inequality, and topics of land and belonging.In this episode, co-hosts Nadim, Daniella, and Sarah sit down with three powerful voices working at the intersections of grassroots democracy, urban justice, and human rights:Fiona Anciano, professor and urban researcher, who reflects on participatory governance in marginalized urban spaces and what community occupations reveal about alternative models of democracy and urban citizenship.·Salome Nduta, feminist organizer and human rights defender, who shares insights from her work across Kenya and South Africa, highlighting how gender justice, climate organizing, and housing struggles are deeply interconnected.Sadi Motsuenyane, social justice advocate and scholar, who offers reflections on post-apartheid reconstruction, the unfinished work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and how spatial inequality continues to shape poverty and exclusion.Together, they explore how grassroots movements are reclaiming land, reshaping decision-making power, and building democratic futures from the ground up, with lessons that resonate across South Africa, Kenya, and beyond.Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠.

Omri reflects on expanding human rights work through new models and perspectives, including the role of archives in shaping more inclusive and creative forms of advocacy. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠.  We are recording from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

In this episode, Ernest describes an inclusive human rights framework and shares how grassroots activism in Ghana is reshaping democratic accountability and awareness.
 Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠. We are recording from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Abhiruchi invites us to rethink human rights through Global South perspectives and diverse philosophical traditions. She also explores how digital tools can expand participation while raising concerns about algorithmic bias and misinformation. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠. We are recording from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Join Ella as she reflects on what democracy and human rights mean from a student perspective and how the conference deepened her learning through real-world insights. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠. We are recording from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Lawrence explains how grassroots movements shape democratic and human rights discourse. He highlights the role of universal principles, like dignity and the common good, while acknowledging that communities express these values differently in their own ways.Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠. We are recording from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Listen in as Dustin explores human dignity at the heart of democracy and introduces childism as a way to make democratic participation more inclusive for children and youth. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠. We are recording from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Join us as Sadi reflects on how participatory processes must begin with respecting local knowledge, culture, and lived experience. She reminds us of the importance of listening, valuing community wisdom, and grounding human rights work in philosophies like Ubuntu.Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠.We are recording from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Season 2 kicks off in Vancouver, British Columbia, a city celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant communities, while also facing urgent challenges around housing justice, Indigenous sovereignty, and civic engagement.In this episode, co-hosts Nadim, Daniella, and Sarah sit down with three inspiring guests:Denali YoungWolfe, Lead Research Assistant with the Indigenous Research Cluster at Participedia, who shares how story mapping and Indigenous research practices can function as both methodology and democratic participation. Lama Mugabo, community organizer with the Hogan’s Alley Society, who reflects on housing justice and cultural memory in Vancouver’s urban landscape.Moroti Soji George, curator at Gallery Gachet, who explores the role of art and radical democracy in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering community healing.Together, they highlight how communities are using storytelling, art, and activism to shape more inclusive and participatory futures in Vancouver and beyond.We are recording from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠this link⁠⁠.

The Just Participation Podcast is back with 𝕾𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖔𝖓 2 – – 𝓓𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓬𝓻𝓪𝓬𝔂 𝓲𝓷 𝓐𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷: 𝓥𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭!This season, co-hosts Nadim, Daniella, and Sarah take us around the globe to explore how everyday citizens are shaping democracy in their own cities. From grassroots activism to community research and civic action, each episode features conversations with activists, organizers, and researchers who are reimagining participation from the ground up. In this introductory episode, we’ll guide you through what to expect this season (**hints of guests from across the globe). Join us as we uncover how citizens are building more inclusive, participatory futures, one community at a time.We are recording from the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.Have a listen and share your thoughts with us here or via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠⁠this link⁠⁠.

The fourth episode of the mini-series, Reimagining Methodologies: A Mini-Series Exploring the 'How’ features Kanishka Sikri, our co-producer.    Student host Zeynep Yilmaz interviews Kanishka, a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, in the final episode of the series. Together, they reflect on the previous discussions about methodology. Kanishka offers a fresh perspective on alternative citation methods and ways to embody research practices. Listen to the episode to explore these insights further!   We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠this link⁠.

The third episode of the mini-series, Reimagining Methodologies: A Mini-Series Exploring the 'How’ features Dr. Anjali Menezes.    Student host Zeynep Yilmaz interviews Clinical Professor and Family Physician Dr. Menezes about their methodology and approach to conducting and sharing research. Dr. Menezes offers a fresh perspective on the process of racialization, the impact of racism on medical careers, and the use of race as a construct in medical research. Tune in to gain valuable insights!   We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠this link⁠.

The second episode of the mini-series Reimagining Methodologies: A Mini-Series Exploring the 'How' features Dr. Beck Tench.    Student host, Zeynep Yilmaz, interviews Dr. Tench, a researcher and designer at Harvard, about their unique methodology and approach to conducting and sharing research. Dr. Tench offers a new perspective on methodology and the design of restorative experiences, delving into topics such as attention, space, and the role of technology in shaping well-being. This conversation highlights the relevance of contemplative practices in the digital era. Listen to the episode to learn more!    We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠this link⁠.

The first episode of the mini-series Reimagining Methodologies: A Mini-Series Exploring the 'How' features Dr. Robyn K  Rowe.    In this episode, student host Zeynep Yilmaz interviews Dr. Rowe, a qualitative researcher and social scientist, about their unique methodology and approach to conducting and sharing research. Dr. Rowe highlights Indigenous data sovereignty and the decolonization of health research, grounding their approach in the principles of relationships, respect, reciprocity, relevance, and responsibility. Don’t miss this insightful conversation—give it a listen!   We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠this link⁠.

The Just Participation Podcast is back with a transformative new mini-series, co-produced with Kanishka Sikri, a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto! 🎙️ This series takes a fresh direction, diving deep into methodology and reimagining how knowledge is created and shared by researchers and expert guests.   In this introductory episode, we’ll guide you through what to expect from the mini-series and introduce you to our incredible lineup of guests. Join us as we explore the processes that transform research into impactful and accessible knowledge!   We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using ⁠this link⁠.

Here’s to our final episode of Season 1! The eighth episode of Just Participation brings to you a special chat between the students, who are the founders and producers of Just Participation - ⁠⁠Nadim Al Nakhl⁠⁠, ⁠Sara Abdella⁠⁠ and Zeynep Yilmaz⁠⁠. They reflect on their journey together: brainstorming for ideas, launching the podcast, shaping season 1, navigating ups-and-downs, and defining their distinctive roles (along with tidbits on their friendship which blossomed over Zoom). Give it a listen for behind-the-scenes lore!  Our heartfelt thanks to all our listeners for entrusting us students with your time and supporting us as we embarked on this initiative. We had the privilege of conversing with 21 amazing guests in season 1; we can’t wait to come back with more in the next season! We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via our social media platforms (@justpartpodcast) using this link.

The seventh episode of Just Participation concerns the decolonization of deliberative democracy through the recognition of new voices from the Global South. The episode takes a unique stance by proposing a theoretical and practical approach to the subject. Student host Zeynep Yilmaz interviews professor Nicole Curato and practitioner Sebastián Calderón. Calderón introduces us to the processes being developed by the Demo.Reset project at Extituto de Política Abierta, where they identify the initiatives in the Global South along with the main barriers they face, in their exercises of developing democratic innovation. Meanwhile, Curato brings her expertise on deliberative democracy, as a Professor of Political Sociology at the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance at the University of Canberra. The episode combines the practical and scholarly realm when studying the "third wave of deliberative democracy", constructed with voices from the Global South.  We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via @justpartpodcast and above links

The sixth episode of Just Participation concerns democratizing democratic theory, through the lens of radical democracy and democratic resilience.  Student host Zeynep Yilmaz interviews the researchers and practitioners Dr. Dannica Fleuss and Dr. Selen Ercan. Each guest answers the question of “why do we need to democratize democratic theory?” by drawing on their own work, such as Fleuss’ book on “Radical Proceduralism” and Ercan’s project analyzing the public spheres’ response to terrorist attacks. We conclude with the realization that their publications, fields, and methodologies with empirical-normative-theoretical inquiry intersect on more levels than one.  We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via @justpartpodcast and above links.

The fifth episode of Just Participation concerns art-spaced social justice work and decolonizing our minds. Student host Zeynep Yilmaz interviews the researchers and practitioners Dr. Paola Ardiles Gamboa, Dr. Syrus Marcus, and Dr. Aytak Akbari-Dibavar. Each guest explores how to engage students with decision making through experimental, interactive, and progressive methods of learning. The projects by our guests have developed innovation, futurism, and postcolonialism through the fine arts and social activism. We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via @justpartpodcast and above links.

The fourth episode of Just Participation is a year in review of the Democracy Across Borders Cluster, highlighting global assemblies and international deliberation. Student host Zeynep Yilmaz interviews research assistants, Jenna Hong and Joyce Chen, along with researchers, Jon Stever (@Jonomist) and Dr. Antoine Vergne (@AVAntoineVergne). Each guest is a member of Participedia’s Democracy Across Borders cluster and are working on mobilization strategies through Innovation for Policy Foundation (I4Policy) and Mission Publiques, organizing and tracking trends in transnational citizen assemblies. We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via @justpartpodcast and above links.

The third episode of Just Participation concerns narratives of democratic legitimacy and silence.  Student host Zeynep Yilmaz interviews the researchers and practitioners Amrith David, George Bolton, and Dr. Sean Gray. Each guest is working on a different case study or the theory of silent citizenship as applicable to political legitimacy and trust. The case studies focus on Britain from the Global North along with Uganda, Malawi, and Sri Lanka from the Global South. We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via @justpartpodcast and above links.

The second episode of Just Participation concerns “best interests decision making”, made on behalf of those who lack representation in decision-making processes. Student host Zeynep Yilmaz interviews the researchers and practitioners, Melissa Levin, Friedel Marquardt (@FriedelM1) and Lucy Parry (@LucyJParry). Each guest is working in a different area applicable to best interests decision making: children as told through the case study of South Africa, marginalized peoples in the context of social media in Australia, and lastly, a consideration of animals and the non-human under deliberative democracy paradigms. We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via @justpartpodcast.

The pilot episode of Just Participation introduces the season’s theme of democracy and technology. Student hosts Timothy Thompson and Adeola Egbeyemi interview Cuzz, an Indigenous activist, followed by Jesi Carson (@JesiCarson) and Pan Khantidhara of Participedia's women-led Design Technology Team, and Participedia Director, Bonny Ibhawoh (@giazilo). The guests talk about concepts ranging from indigenous sovereignty and resistance in North America, the tensions and challenges of designing an inclusive knowledge sharing platform based on feminist co-design principles, and an introduction to the work of Participedia and democratic innovation more broadly. We are recording from the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement. Have a listen and share your thoughts with us via @justpartpodcast and above links.