PUSHBACK Talks

In this episode of Pushback Talks, Leilani and Fredrik sit down with David Ireland, the Chief Executive of World Habitat, to catch up on things since they teamed up for the filming of Push. Their conversation delves into the World Habitat Awards and the inspiring projects they recognize and support, highlighting innovative solutions that are transforming lives and communities worldwide. David shares his first-hand experiences witnessing positive change through the projects the awards support and discusses the challenges and successes of his work with World Habitat. Together, the three examine how the law plays a pivotal role in the success of projects fighting for the right to housing and highlight some of the many memorable award winners. View the 2024 World Habitat Award Winners Read more about the work of Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s first female architect Support the Show.

In this episode of Pushback Talks, hosts Fredrik and Leilani delve into a fascinating intersection of global trends: digital nomadism. As the world grapples with issues like migration, touristification, gentrification, and financialization, the rise of digital nomads adds another layer of complexity to the housing landscape. With the COVID-19 pandemic shifting the nature of work, digital nomadism has surged in popularity. What was once a niche lifestyle has now become a significant global phenomenon, with millions of individuals embracing remote work and the freedom to travel. But what exactly are digital nomads, and how do they fit into the broader narrative of migration and tourism? Joining Fredrik and Leilani is author, anthropologist, and consultant Dave Cook, who brings over 8 years of research experience on remote work and its impacts. With digital nomadism on the rise, understanding its implications for international migration and local economies is more crucial than ever. Tune in as Dave, Leilani, and Fredrik unpack the complexities of digital nomadism and its far-reaching consequences on housing and society. Read more about Dave's work. Support the Show.

This week, we turn our attention to Argentina, a nation grappling with political turmoil and economic distress. With rising polarization and economic instability, President Milei's controversial policies roll back social programs and consolidate power, exacerbating social inequalities and economic disparities. Sebastián Fest, a seasoned Argentinian journalist and political commentator, joins us to dissect the implications of Milei's Omnibus law and the country's rapid economic transformation. Together, Fredrik, Leilani and Sebastian explore the factors behind Argentina's soaring cost of living, the toll on the middle class, and the urgent need for a more equitable future. Support the Show.

As the cost of living continues to rise and housing remains one of the hottest topics in the news, there's a common misconception in North America that tenants are just homeowners in waiting. Laws and incentives are written to support this idea, and it's leaving a growing generation of tenants behind in a way that is detrimental for us all. This week's guest, author and political economist Ricardo Tranjan, Ph.D., does away with this myth in his latest book, The Tenant Class. Tranjan challenges the very notion of a housing crisis, proposing an alternative perspective – a housing market functioning precisely as intended. His conversation with Fredrik and Leilani looks at what happens when advocates go on the offensive, the power of collective action, and what happens when advocates get a little aggressive. Support the Show.

In this week's episode of Pushback Talks, we delve into the intricate dynamics of historical narratives and their profound influence on contemporary events. Award-winning South African journalist, filmmaker, and writer Sylvia Vollenhoven joins Fredrik and Leilani to explore the enduring power of empathy amidst longstanding conflicts and resistance movements. Drawing parallels between past and present, the trio examines South Africa's struggle against apartheid and its recent decision to challenge Israel at the International Court of Justice. Through their conversation, we dissect the mainstream media's portrayal of such actions, highlighting the ongoing battle to control narratives and the critical role of empathy in shaping social justice movements. Sylvia's latest project, a film in development and critically acclaimed play, The Keeper of the Kumm, is based on a book of the same name. You can learn more about Sylvia, as well as the book, the play, and the film here. Support the Show.

"From 2010 to 2020, more people participated in protests than at any other point in human history. " Yet we are not living in more just and democratic societies as a result...How did so many mass protests lead to the opposite of what they asked for?" Take a look behind the scenes of global uprisings and their unfulfilled aims as Pushback Talks welcomes acclaimed author of "If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution," Vincent Bevins. In his compelling conversation with Leilani and Fredrik, Bevins dissects a decade of mass protests that captivated the world and changed things in unforeseen ways. From the Arab Spring to Hong Kong's student movements, they explore the complexities and unexpected outcomes of these fervent calls for change and the media that surrounded them. Support the Show.

Embark on a transformative journey this week with the Filmmaker and the Advocate as they engage in conversation with Rutger Bregman, esteemed historian and author of Humankind and Utopia for Realists. Join the trio as they navigate the heart of societal transformation, unraveling Bregman's impactful contributions to Fredrik's film "Breaking Social." Dive deep into pressing questions like 'How does anger fuel social change?' and 'What defines true philanthropy?' Explore the nuanced dynamics of small groups, unearthing their transformative power in driving substantial change. Don't miss this enlightening episode that delves into the critical distinction between cynicism and anger, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the ever-evolving landscape of societal metamorphosis. Support the Show.

Ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving community of empowered tenants? In this illuminating episode of Pushback Talks, we speak with Valeria Raçu and Alba Jiménez of the Madrid Tenant's Union (also known as Sindicato de Inquilinas e Inquilinos de Madrid) about building meaningful movements. Join Fredrik and Leilani as they sit down with Valeria and Alba to look closer at the extraordinary impact of collective action in of tenants' rights. In a world where global actors wield immense influence, Valeria and Alba underscore the significance of a united global movement to combat the challenges posed by an increasingly financialized housing market. Valeria and Alba's work with the Union is a call to action, reminding us that when we join forces to protect the rights and dignity of tenants, we create better communities and, ultimately, a better world for all. Tune in to this engaging episode and explore how community power can shape the future of housing and human rights. Support the Show.

What is it that makes a worker essential? This is the question that Chris Smalls and hundreds of thousands of Amazon workers had to ask as they found themselves working long hours in unsafe conditions at the height of the pandemic, having been deemed 'essential.' But when Chris, who was responsible for training thousands of other employees and upper management, organized a protest for better work conditions he was immediately terminated and told he wasn't articulate enough to be the face of efforts to unionize. Chris responded by pushing it further, creating the Congress of Essential Workers and, eventually, the Amazon Labor Union. Chris joins Fredrik and Leilani to discuss the intense amount of work it took to create the union, the power of challenging the system as his authentic self, and proving those who underestimated him dead wrong. Support the Amazon Labor Union. You can see more about Chris's fight to create the Amazon Labor Union in Fredrik's latest film, Breaking Social. Support the Show.

Welcome to Season 7 of Pushback Talks! It's been an eventful summer, as nations worldwide grappled with the housing and climate crises, and people took to the streets to protest wealth inequality and the rapidly rising cost of living. In this highly anticipated season premiere, we join Fredrik and Leilani for a one-on-one conversation about their work to push back against the injustices of our time and how their mission adapts as the situation develops. In this premiere episode, Fredrik and Leilani engage in a candid conversation that peels back the layers of the housing crisis as it relates to student housing, the climate crises, and the social contract. What actions can be taken right now to mitigate the crises? The episode underscores the critical need for accountability from both governments and private entities in addressing these far-reaching housing issues. Join us for an engaging Season 7 premiere that deepens our understanding of the how the housing crisis is developing, and stay tuned for an exciting lineup of episodes that will inspire action, promote change, and illuminate the path toward a more just and equitable world. Support the Show.

This year's summer series is coming to a close! We did things a little differently this year, revisiting some of our favorite episodes from across all six seasons, and giving you updates on the guests and topics at the top of each episode. No matter where you are - we hope you enjoy the final episode of the 2023 Summer Series! Students the world over head to university filled with hopes and dreams for the future. But to pursue those dreams requires secure housing and that’s where the nightmare begins. The co-hosts swap stories of student life in London, Lagos, Dublin, Seoul, and Toronto. Students are working multiple jobs to pay the rent, lobbying for the right to sleep in their cars, experiencing sexual coercion, spending hours commuting back and forth each day, and worrying about the debt they’re accruing. Just when they should be stepping into the world with energy and strength, they are being beaten down. Lower-income students have less time to study and are leaving university with crippling debt loads, creating new patterns of inequality. The Filmmaker and the Advocate discuss one of the central drivers of these conditions: student housing has become one of the hottest commodities around. It's being scooped up by global vulture funds including … you guessed it … Blackstone. This episode will make you angry and should make all of us want to push back so young people can dream again. In recent days, the story has only gotten worse. In cities around the world, university students are facing homelessness, with many staging protests against universities that accept them without providing a proper and affordable place to stay. In Turkey, Canada, and beyond, students are pushing back against untenable housing conditions. Support the Show.

It's summertime in Sweden and Canada, so it's time for Pushback Talks - Summer Series! And we're doing things a little differently this year. For the next six weeks, we'll revisit some of our favorite episodes from across all six seasons, giving you updates on the guests and topics at the top of each episode. The Filmmaker and the Advocate are taking a break, but the podcast isn't. No matter where you are - we hope you enjoy this year's Summer Series! This week we revisit Pushback Talks' first-ever guest, Peabody Award-winning investigative journalist, San Francisco resident, and author of, Homewreckers, Aaron Glantz. Glantz speaks with Fredrik and Leilani about the devastating impact of vulture capitalists on millions of Americans since entering the housing sector after the Global Financial Crisis. Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz provides a jumping-off point for the trio to discuss the cozy relationship between government, banks, and private equity that ensured those with money would be winners and those without would have their dreams demolished. Fredrik and Leilani used this episode of PUSHBACK Talks as a wake-up call and a warning: the vultures are likely circling again, with 40 million people in the US who can’t pay their rent and nearly 4 million who can't pay their home mortgages. Years later, the financial situation in the US has only worsened, making this conversation all the more relevant. Produced by WG Film Recorded & Edited by Sebastian Cronholm Music by Florencia Di Concilio Social Media & Support - Kirsten McRae Support the show Support the Show.

It's summertime in Sweden and Canada, and that means it's time for Pushback Talks - Summer Series! And we're doing things a little differently this year. For the next six weeks, we'll revisit some of our favorite episodes from across all six seasons, giving you updates on the guests and topics at the top of each episode. The Filmmaker and the Advocate are taking a break, but the podcast isn't. No matter where you are - we hope you enjoy this year's Summer Series! In this episode, we look back at Fredrik and Leilani's 2021 conversation with Denmark’s then Housing Minister – Kaare Dybvad Bek – one of the few politicians in the world to have had the courage to take on Blackstone and other institutional investors. With Copenhagen being dominated by private equity, pension funds, and asset management firms, the Minister took matters into his own hands. Despite considerable pressure, a Parliamentary Committee launched an investigation into the matter and successfully put forward ground-breaking legislation aimed at keeping big finance out of Copenhagen’s housing market. Known as ‘Lex Blackstone’, the legislation put a 5-year ban on renovations and rent increases for new owners and strengthened tenants' rights. The legislation had its intended results: fewer institutional investors and a significant decrease in property prices. Denmark’s legislation still offers inspiration and stands as a model for advocates and politicians across the globe, even years later. Support the Show.

It's summertime in Sweden and Canada, and that means it's time for Pushback Talks - Summer Series! And we're doing things a little differently this year. For the next six weeks, we'll revisit some of our favorite episodes from across all six seasons, giving you updates on the guests and topics at the top of each episode. The Filmmaker and the Advocate are taking a break, but the podcast isn't. No matter where you are - we hope you enjoy this year's Summer Series! This week we're looking back at extra special guests from Port Harcourt Nigeria – Chicoco Radio, made up of rappers and mappers, musicians, journalists, filmmakers and photographers. Together they discuss the harsh inequalities experienced in Africa's largest nation, particularly in the oil-producing Delta Coast – where erasure of communities and extremely violent forced evictions are a common part of life. The Chicoco guests draw parallels between their experiences of police brutality at the hands of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and recent protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. What makes Chicoco utterly special - as well as this episode of PUSHBACK Talks - is their use of song in their resistance. They say -- in Chicoco we’ve all experienced forced evictions either first-hand or through someone we love. We’re singing for change … to push back the fear of demolitions, of bullets and of wounds. Here we go. Turn this one up LOUD. More from Chicoco Radio at https://chicoco.fm/ Guests: Grace Timi Tammy Uzodinma IB Johnson Michael Uwemedimo Musicians: Miebaka Kienabere - lead vox Faithia Blaze - vox Imanny Cleverstone - rap Slim D - rap Young Crown - rap Denny Tunez - guitar Bright Benjamin - cajon Chicoco Radio Team: Tech: Osom Product Promise Sunday Ana Bonaldo Camera: Imanny Cleverstone Tammy Fingaz IT: Kelex Maduewesi Produced by WG Film Recorded & Edited by Mikey Jones Music by Florencia Di Concilio Social Media & Support Team - Louise Gustafsson & Maja Moberg Support the show Support the Show.

It's summertime in Sweden and Canada, and that means it's time for Pushback Talks - Summer Series! And we're doing things a little differently this year. For the next six weeks, we'll revisit some of our favorite episodes from across all six seasons, giving you updates on the guests and topics at the top of each episode. The Filmmaker and the Advocate are taking a break, but the podcast isn't. No matter where you are - we hope you enjoy this year's Summer Series! In this flashback episode, Leilani and Fredrik are joined by Anand Giridharadas, an American journalist and writer, to discuss the art of persuasion and engaging in conversations that bring people together. They explore strategies to connect on a human level and foster emotional intelligence within pro-democracy movements. Drawing from Anand's book, "The Persuaders," they explore how to create compelling visions for the future that inspire others to join the cause. Join the conversation as they delve into the transformative power of persuasion and the importance of building shared visions for a more united world. Support the Show.

It's summertime in Sweden and Canada, and that means it's time for Pushback Talks - Summer Series! And we're doing things a little differently this year. For the next six weeks, we'll revisit some of our favorite episodes from across all six seasons, giving you updates on the guests and topics at the top of each episode. The Filmmaker and the Advocate are taking a break, but the podcast isn't. No matter where you are - we hope you enjoy this year's Summer Series! The Filmmaker and the Advocate take listeners of this episode of PUSHBACK Talks into the real world – one where $$ money $$ is the principle value and corruption and kleptocracy the means of acquisition. Few are better placed to expose the workings of corruption than Sarah Chayes – former NPR reporter, and senior adviser to government officials in the US Department of Defence, and author of three books including her most recent, On Corruption in America and What is at Stake. Drawing on her experiences in Afghanistan, Nigeria, Honduras, Lebanon and beyond, Chayes reveals that contrary to media reporting, corruption is not about individuals or single acts. Rather, it operates through sophisticated networks that link together people from very different sectors of society, spanning governments and the private sector. These networks are flexible and exist through time, over decades, losing members along the way as protests and civil unrest require, and then gaining more members after each sacrifice. Network members bend and repurpose the institutions and agencies of government to make them serve the objectives of the network, rather than the public interest. The pivotal role of real estate in all of this is not lost on Chayes who notes a universal feature of these networks of corruption is the use of real estate as a vehicle. So what’s at stake when kleptocracy and corruption are left unchallenged? Nothing less than democracy. Produced by WG Film Recorded & Edited by Mikey Jones Music by Florencia Di Concilio Social Media & Support Team - Maja Moberg, Valerie Estrina, Hanna Leander Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/pushbacktalks) Support the show Support the Show.

In the last few years, the city of Bologna has been undergoing some big changes. Already known as a progressive city throughout the region, the city is putting its people in the driver's seat when it comes to housing policy in the hopes that the national government will follow its example. Sparked by the election of a neo-fascist national government and nationwide protests over a lack of affordable student housing, Bologna is joining with 11 other cities across Italy to push for housing change. After decades without structural investment in housing at any government level, the people of Bologna joined together to push the government to take action. Fredrik and Leilani speak with Emily Marion Clancy, Deputy Mayor of Bologna, about the cool ways the city is using policy to give power back to the people and where they hope it will all lead. Support the Show.

Join us for an eye-opening episode as we dive into the world of urban geography and technology with Dr. Desiree Fields, an esteemed scholar, and researcher. Drawing from her extensive expertise, Dr. Fields shines a light on the tangible effects of digital platforms, uncovering the stark socio-economic disparities they bring to our cities. In this engaging conversation, we explore the real-life implications of digital technologies on urban governance and policy-making. Dr. Fields emphasizes the need to understand how algorithms, data-driven decision-making, and smart city initiatives shape our communities, perpetuating inequalities in the distribution of crucial resources. Follow along as we explore the real-life consequences of digital platforms, from housing challenges and affordability issues to technological inequalities faced by marginalized communities. Leilani, Fredrik, & Dr. Fields discuss the need for inclusive policies that address the negative impacts of digital platforms, promote equitable access to technology, and prioritize the well-being of all urban residents. Listen in to gain insights on the impacts of digital platforms and discover how we can foster a more inclusive and equitable future for our cities. Check out Dr. Fields' paper of the same name: "Automated Landlord: Digital Technologies and Post-crisis Financial Accumulation" and her other work on technology and financialization here. Support the Show.

Join us in this thought-provoking episode of Pushback Talks as we sit down with Rebecca Riddell, Policy Lead, Economic Justice at Oxfam America. In a candid conversation, Leilani, Fredrik, and Rebecca speak on the importance of engaging in difficult conversations and effectively communicating across ideological divides when advocating for housing rights. We delve into what increasing taxes on the rich for the specific purpose of human rights outcomes could look like, the importance of working in coalition, and even about a group of millionaires committed to raising taxes on the wealthy. Is there a way to keep the essential parts of our society out of the speculative finance bubble? What does economic justice look like? Listen to this week's episode to find out! Rebecca Riddell, BIO Support the Show.

It's been over 7 years since the Jubilee Party of Kenya set out the ambitious Big Four Agenda to address affordable housing, affordable healthcare, food security, and manufacturing. As part of this ambitious plan, the City of Nairobi aimed to deliver 1 million housing units by 2022, with that number later being lowered to 500,000 to make the goal more attainable. But now, all these years later and more than halfway to the Big Four deadline of 2030, barely 9,000 units have been built. The government has done little to address the shortfall or to rebuild the confidence of Kenyan citizens that they can accomplish the task. At the same time, residents of informal settlements are being evicted en masse to make way for new development, sometimes tens of thousands of people at a time. Fredrik and Leilani meet with Pauline Vata, founder, and lead lawyer at Pauline Vata & Associates Advocates, an expert in public policy advocacy, and former Executive Director of Kenyan human rights organization Hakijamii, to talk about informal settlement evictions, the importance of comprehensive domestic law in realizing the right to housing, and how more Kenyans are becoming empowered to fight for adequate housing. To learn more about Pauline's work, check her out on Twitter @VataPauline. Support the Show.