Eutopya Podcasts

In this episode, Anya and Mario talk with the the official spokesperson for the National Unity Government, or NUG, of Myanmar. The NUG is the clandestine resistance government that was created after the military junta took control in February 2021. After a horrific war characterized by brutal civilian massacres and other atrocities, this year has marked a real shift in the Myanmar conflict—in recent months, the resistance has been beating back the junta forces, which have never been weaker than they are now. There’s hope that the end is in sight; all the more reason to keep talking about the uprising and to keep putting a spotlight on the injustices committed by the military leaders. 

In this episode, Manju and Mario talk with Meredith Bunn, founder of Skills for Humanity, about the current humanitarian situation in Myanmar. As the popular armed resistance to the military junta in Myanmar has gained significant territory since the 2021 military coup, this conversation is a timely one. With a background as a combat medic, Meredith has spent nearly a decade providing vital humanitarian and emergency support in Myanmar. In this episode, she shared with us her experiences of working on the ground in Myanmar to provide emergency services, medical aid, evacuations, landmine clearance, community training, and education for displaced children. Meredith takes us through her personal experiences of working on the ground in Myanmar, the many challenges the people and the country are facing, and shares her insights into what is next for the country.

In this episode, Manju and Mario talk with Meredith Bunn, founder of Skills for Humanity, about the current humanitarian situation in Myanmar. As the popular armed resistance to the military junta in Myanmar has gained significant territory since the 2021 military coup, this conversation is a timely one. With a background as a combat medic, Meredith has spent nearly a decade providing vital humanitarian and emergency support in Myanmar. In this episode, she shared with us her experiences of working on the ground in Myanmar to provide emergency services, medical aid, evacuations, landmine clearance, community training, and education for displaced children. Meredith takes us through her personal experiences of working on the ground in Myanmar, the many challenges the people and the country are facing, and shares her insights into what is next for the country.

In this collaborative episode with the ReefRoundUp podcast team, Manju and Tamara sit down with Farah Obaidullah, long time ocean advocate and founder of The Ocean and Us, to learn about deep sea mining, international seabed regulation, and the global ecological implications of opening an industry in this ancient and untouched ecosystem. Farah Obaidullah is the founder of The Ocean and Us, the editor of the new book The Ocean and Us. She holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Imperial College in London. With over 20 years professional experience, Farah has travelled the world, observing the beauty of the ocean and witnessing some of the most egregious practices happening at sea. Among her achievements, Farah has executed campaigns to end destructive fishing, worked with affected communities, lobbied for ocean protection and been deeply involved in exposing fish crimes, including slavery and labour abuse at sea. Farah is currently campaigning for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, a reckless emerging industry that will cause irreversible harm to deep-sea ecosystems, and for which the consequences in terms of disturbing locked-away carbon are unknown. Support Farah's audacious new project: The Ocean Hope Tour, connecting people to the ocean and stopping the next climate disaster from starting! Follow her work here: https://www.theoceanandus.org/

In this episode, Mario and Anya sit down with the renowned economist and activist, Ann Pettifor. The interview is a deep dive into her illustrious career, as well as an exploration of Pettifor's insights regarding the global financial system. She sheds light on its pervasive impact on daily lives and underscores the pressing need for transformative grassroots actions. Drawing from her experience leading the influential Jubilee 2000 campaign, Pettifor shares invaluable lessons and her vision for a more equitable economic future. Join us for an enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between high-level economic theories and on-the-ground realities. This episode was produced by Anya Bégué, Manju von Rospatt, and Mario Simmaco.

In this episode, we are sharing an interview with an anonymous young Afghan woman that was recorded in November 2021. Now a student in the US, our guest spent time working within Afghanistan's political civil society and public sector prior to the August 2021 Taliban takeover. She tells us about her experience under the US occupation, her assessment of the rapid fall of Kabul, and the implications of Taliban rule. When compared to the state of affairs today, the discussion offers a prescient look at what went wrong—and what could go wrong in the future if the international community fails to draw a harder line. This episode was produced by Anya Bégué, Mario Simmaco, and Manju von Rospatt

In this episode, Mario and Anya sit down with the renowned economist and activist, Ann Pettifor. Recorded as a deep dive into her illustrious career, the interview also delves into Pettifor's insights regarding the global financial system. She sheds light on its pervasive impact on daily lives and underscores the pressing need for transformative grassroots actions. Drawing from her experience leading the influential Jubilee 2000 campaign, Pettifor shares invaluable lessons and her vision for a more equitable economic future. Join us for an enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between high-level economic theories and on-the-ground realities. This episode was produced by Anya Bégué, Manju von Rospatt and Mario Simmaco.

In this episode, we are sharing an interview with an anonymous young Afghan woman that was recorded in November 2021. Now a student in the US, our guest spent time working within Afghanistan's political civil society and public sector prior to the August 2021 Taliban takeover. She tells us about her experience under the US occupation, her assessment of the rapid fall of Kabul, and the implications of Taliban rule. When compared to the state of affairs today, the discussion offers a prescient look at what went wrong—and what could go wrong in the future if the international community fails to draw a harder line. This episode was produced by Anya Bégué. 

In this episode, Eutopya sits down with the anonymous Burmese filmmakers behind the new documentary project called Myanmar Diaries. The film is a collection of short movies that depict everyday life and resistance under junta violence. The conversation covers contemporary civil disobedience movements, the role of film in resisting authoritarianism, and more. This episode was produced—across 4 countries and 2 continents—by Manju von Rospatt, Anya Bégué, Sarah Lewis, and Mario Simmaco.

In this episode, Caio Guatelli—a Brazilian journalist and photographer—shares his exclusive testimony with Eutopya surrounding the environmental crisis occurring in Brazil. Caio explains how the country’s political class has historically decided to be blind to the destruction of its environment. Today, the government is actively facilitating this devastation. In this way, Caio explains the notion of "Environmental Blindness” that he used for one of his photographic series (available in his online portfolio). Caio explains how geography, social issues, and economic interests complicate journalism in the Brazilian Amazon and hinder environmental justice. This episode was produced—across 4 countries and 3 continents—by Lidia Varda, Manju von Rospatt and Anya Bégué.