The Ripple Effect Radio

War, oil, language and power, and who pays the price. In this episode we look beyond headlines to explore the realities behind tensions between Iran, the US and Israel. Alongside political analysis from Chris Bambery, we hear personal reflections from those with Iranian heritage, challenging dominant narratives and asking what this all means on the ground. This is not about easy answers, it’s about understanding what’s actually at stake. The views shared reflect personal perspectives and are intended to provoke thought, discussion and further exploration. Near the end of the episode, Bob, one of the contributors, speaks about a grassroots effort to support refugees in Athens, including a way to raise funds through switching utility providers. If that’s something you want to explore, you can text 07792729857 (UK).

Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) with Sofia Farzana In this episode of The Ripple Effect, we step back and make space for a conversation that deserves full attention. Fraser speaks with Sofia Farzana, co-founder of Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA), about the lived realities of navigating autism at the intersection of race, culture, and systemic inequality. From late diagnosis and burnout to barriers within public services and within communities themselves, Sofia outlines the urgent need for change, not just in awareness, but in how support systems are built, funded, and delivered. This is a conversation about: what happens when people aren’t believed how systems fail those they were never designed for the weight of masking, stigma, and survival and the work being done to create culturally competent, lived-experience-led support SEMA is working across Scotland to train public services, support communities, and build long-term structural change but the demand far outweighs the resources currently available.

Media ownership, power and reclaiming the press. Caspar Hughes from Media Sovereignty joins the programme to discuss efforts to reshape the UK media landscape. The conversation explores the concentration of ownership, the influence of overseas billionaires, and the push for greater plurality of voice and narrative through proposals such as the Media Sovereignty Act. Part of a wider conversation on media, power and the ongoing Media Revolution.

Nuclear weapons, security and the question of safety. Janet Fenton from Secure Scotland joins the programme for a conversation recorded in Edinburgh, exploring what “security” really means in the context of nuclear weapons. The discussion looks at the presence of nuclear weapons in Scotland, arguments around deterrence, and how ideas of safety are shaped by politics, media and public perception.

Borders, mutual aid and resistance at the edge of Europe. Bruno Alvarez from No Name Kitchen joins the programme to discuss the growth of a grassroots, mutual aid movement supporting people on the move at Europe’s borders. The conversation explores how the initiative began, the realities faced by migrants, and the violence and enforcement practices surrounding “Fortress Europe.” It’s a discussion about solidarity in action, and how small, collective efforts can challenge dominant narratives and make a real difference.

Addiction, language and the politics of recovery. This shorter episode is a reflective monologue exploring addiction as both a personal and social experience. The discussion challenges traditional terminology and models of addiction, instead examining different relationships with alcohol and how language shapes the way substance use is understood. The episode also includes poetry, and introduces the programme’s new intro and outro music created by Shamanorak Shamaminal and Jasamine Jackdaw.

Big Tech, surveillance and digital resistance. Patrick Leavy, founder of Rebel Tech Alliance, joins the programme for a conversation inspired by the #BigTechWalkout. The discussion explores the growing power of Big Tech and the systems of surveillance built into everyday digital life. Together the conversation looks at how people can begin stepping away from corporate platforms, reclaim digital autonomy, and explore alternatives to surveillance capitalism.

Borders, migration and the industries that enforce them. Guests Elizabeth Fairgrieve (Forth Valley Welcome), Rishi (People & Planet) and Dav (All About Change) join the programme for a wide-ranging conversation about border regimes, from local struggles in Scotland to experiences across Europe and the Balkans. The discussion explores how border systems affect people on the move, the networks of solidarity that support them, and the private companies that profit from detention, surveillance and deportation.

The undercover policing scandal and the Spycops Inquiry. Tom Fowler joins the programme to discuss the ongoing public inquiry into undercover policing in the UK. The conversation explores historic allegations of abuse of power, corruption, and the controversial tactics used by undercover police units. Tom reflects on what is being revealed through the inquiry and why it matters for accountability and civil liberties. The episode also includes a brief reflection on the Tri-Axis Model and wider questions about power and responsibility.

Visiting Palestine and witnessing life under occupation. Fraser speaks with Jenny Hamilton, recently returned from the West Bank, about her time in and around Bethlehem and her work with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). Jenny reflects on what international observers witness on the ground, the realities of daily life in the West Bank, and the role of international solidarity.

Local solidarity, global struggle. In this episode we speaks with Sofia and Kevin from Forth Valley Palestine Solidarity about grassroots organising in Scotland and the role of local campaigns in supporting the struggle for Palestinian rights. The conversation explores solidarity organising, challenges within activist spaces, questions of race and unity in movements, and how local communities respond to global injustice. Along the way Fraser also shares a few thoughts, and a small moan, about comedian and commentator Alexei Sayle.

Spies, media narratives and independent filmmaking. In this episode Fraser speaks with independent filmmakers Justyn Jones and Madoc Roberts about the making of The Spies Who Ruined Our Lives. Drawing on decades of experience in film and media, the conversation explores the role of intelligence agencies in shaping public narratives, the state of modern media, and how independent filmmakers challenge the noise and spectacle of the industry. Along the way they reflect on the process of making the film, the culture of contemporary media, and the importance of independent storytelling.

Originally aired live on 22 October 2025. Fraser speaks with Phil from Thanet Mutual Aid about the Kurdish struggle and the ideas behind democratic confederalism, grassroots democracy and mutual aid. The conversation explores the history of Kurdish movements, revolutionary organising, anarchist thought, and experiments in federation and community self-governance. Along the way they discuss books, films, political history, and the wider questions of how democratic movements organise beyond the nation state.

In the second episode of The Ripple Effect Radio, Fraser speaks with Rishi from People and Planet and members of Media Revolution about divestment, climate activism, and global media systems. The discussion covers: Divestment strategies across borders and institutions How mainstream media and algorithmic news feeds shape public perception Live “News Club” segment highlighting current global events Reports from the show’s Chief of News analyzing political, social, and environmental developments Listeners will gain insight into media literacy, activism, and the forces influencing global news, as well as practical ideas for navigating and challenging information systems.

In the first episode of The Ripple Effect Radio, we explore the connections between environmental crisis, political narratives, and rising social tensions across Europe. Joining the discussion are Anwar from the Middle Eastern and North African Society (MENA), Elizabeth Fairgrieve from Forth Valley Welcome, and filmmaker Dr Pete Knapp, whose film Fires and Fascism examines the relationship between climate disaster and the rise of far-right politics. Together we discuss the links between worsening wildfires across Europe, the growth of far-right movements, and the ways national symbols and political messaging can be mobilised during moments of crisis. The conversation also reflects on recent confrontations outside migrant hotels and the wider atmosphere of fear and division shaping public debate. Through thoughtful discussion and careful myth-busting, the episode looks beyond headlines to examine how environmental instability, political identity, and media narratives interact to shape the stories societies tell about themselves.