International Realness Podcast

By International Realness

News & Politics Education Educational Technology

What's International Realness Podcast about?

International Realness is an accessible explainer for global events, issues, and general nonsense that crosses borders. Join EJ, May and Radford as they walk you through the ups and downs of world politics.

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International Realness Podcast episodes:

10.16.2018
UN-Disassembly
We’re back! And it looks like we’ve arrived just in time. Nikki Haley just resigned as the United Nations Ambassador last week and we have thoughts. That shouldn’t surprise you though! Enjoy our latest mini-sode and stay tuned for our...
03.23.2017
Maybe She's Born With It. Maybe They're Human Rights.
Happy Women’s History Month! We’re celebrating by highlighting the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women or CEDAW. We went over the basics about human rights a few weeks ago, but now we’re going to talk about the...
02.17.2017
Pay Attention to Venezuela
People are starving in Venezuela. Haven’t heard about it lately? The crisis in Venezuela should be spotlighted in spite of neglectful American media outlets. Ever since the death of Hugo Chavez, what was once the most stable nation in South...
02.03.2017
What’s a Rex Tillerson?
Hi fronds! We’re back at it with another episode that addresses the big orange elephant in the room: Donald J. Trump, the current president of the United States. I know, it still sounds weird and sad to us too. We...
12.15.2016
Know Your Rights
Contrary to the current political trends humans have rights! I’ll pause for a minute to let that sink in. Good? Ok. Yes, since the mid-20th century we’ve even had them in writing! In this episode we review what exactly human...
11.28.2016
Ethical Gifts 2: This Time It’s Personal
It’s that time of year again! Stumped on what to get your difficult to shop for loved ones? Or do you want to donate to an organization you love, but don’t want to skimp on a present for someone else?...
11.03.2016
To Donate $10 Text SCAM to 9999
Natural disasters in developing countries are serious business. In this episode we look at Haiti, recently struck by Hurricane Matthew, and how it was duped by the American Red Cross (ARC). Because the best time to kick a person is...
10.13.2016
The Fashionable Fascist
Sometimes the word fascism is thrown around like a new car at a taping of Oprah. It’s an actual political and economic system, and a dangerous one at that. We paint a picture what a fascist state actually looks like,...
09.22.2016
Fall-ing All Over Ourselves
It’s the first day of fall! The three of us couldn’t be more excited. So, we’ve chosen to celebrate the return of gourds and ghouls in our newest minisode! Get pumped for pumpkins with us! Listen here Subscribe on iTunes...
09.15.2016
For Just A Toddler A Day...Voluntourism and You
Be honest, how many of you have been a voluntourist? The three of us admit to it! You may ask yourself, what could possibly be wrong with going abroad and “doing good”? However, it may be more harmful than you originally...
09.01.2016
Times The Olympics Were Political AF
We’re still in a post-Olympics slump, so we’re bringing the games back to you! Sports have a history of dabbling within the political, as we highlighted in our last minisode as well as with the recent dialogue over Colin Kaepernick. We’re...
08.18.2016
I’m All About That Race, 'Bout That Race (Gold Medal)
We’ve caught the Olympics bug. No, not Zika, a metaphorical one! We have a sort of minisode about one of the most politicized Olympics that we can remember. We discuss our favorite athletes overall as well as some incredible ladies...
08.02.2016
Colonialism, [NO] Thanks For The Memories
We talk about our disdain for colonialism all the time, so here’s why you should find it repulsive too! We give a general overview of what colonialism is, what some of its affects are, and devastating examples of why empires...
07.20.2016
What Coup Talking About Willis?
Hey Turkey, what did YOU do this weekend? Oh, you know, started a coup d’etat, ended a coup d’etat. Brunch etc. Turkey had a pretty interesting weekend as the world watched its 5th coup within it’s contemporary history. We’ll be...
07.05.2016
Master-Set Piece Theater: Football and Politics in Three Acts
We’re back! After a short summer break, we have a new episode for you! Along with raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, football (soccer) is one of May’s favorite things. The summer tournaments have occupied the hearts and minds...
06.07.2016
Neoliberal Sorcery
We’re getting back to basics! In this “definition” episode we’re going to cover and critique one of the most powerful forces in modern economics: neoliberalism. What is it? How does it affect us? And why does Radford dislike it? Don’t miss...
05.31.2016
Going Abroad: The Musical!
It’s minisode time! This week, we share personal stories about the tunes that kept us in touch with home, connected to a new culture, or act as triggers for memories that would worry our mothers. Laugh with us, sing with...
05.24.2016
That Totalitarian State is Bomb
North Korea is in and out of the news. Typically, it’s through their oppressive shenanigans, but more and more it’s been about their nuclear program. Should we be worried? Why doesn’t the US step in since we’re the protector of...
05.10.2016
Beaches That Are the Wind Beneath OUR Wings
It’s almost summer! It is just beginning to feel like spring, here in New York City, but we’re so ready for summer. To get you all in the mood for warmer ready we talk about our favorite beaches and beach-related...
05.03.2016
Women's Work: How Liberian Women Peacefully Ended a Civil War
Here at International Realness, we’re all about bad-ass ladies getting things done. Today, we’re happy to present the story of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, and how these incredible human beings successfully SHUT DOWN a civil war in...
04.26.2016
Who's Your Mhysa? Game of Thrones and the White Savior Complex
Valar morghulis! We are clearly excited about the return of one of our favorite series, Game of Thrones. While the depth of our MAs only covered International Affairs here on Earth, we like to dabble in the politics of fictional...
04.21.2016
Got Rights? Comparing #BlackLivesMatter and Palestine: Part 2
Here it is! Part 2 of our interview with Yousef about #BlackLivesMatter and Palestine. On Tuesday, we looked at the roots of the current events in Palestine, and we pick up where we left off to paint a picture of...
04.19.2016
Got Rights? Comparing #BlackLivesMatter and Palestine: Part 1
Exciting episode(s) for you this week! Not only is this our first two-parter, but it also features our first guest interview! We start at home, in the USA, and discuss the #BlackLivesMatter movement a (relatively) new group that fights for...
04.12.2016
Cheers! Salud! Gun bae!
One of the richest experiences that travel can bring you is the gift of new alcohol (if you’re into that sort of thing) and alcohol related shenanigans. It can bring you friends, adventure, and harrowing train/bus rides the morning after....
04.05.2016
Yemen: Chokepoint to the Danger Zone
Yemen is a mess. Haven’t heard much about it in the news lately? Well, there’s only so much tragedy Western media can cover at once, we guess. As you will learn, conflict has been an unfortunate constant in this area...
03.22.2016
Who Run the World?
In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode focuses on women who have become political leaders, heads of state in particular. We discuss our favorite, and not so favorite, women who are/have been in power, as well as explore how...
03.15.2016
Mandatory Friendship
Loneliness is a real thing y’all, especially when you’re traveling alone or living in a new place. Lucky for you, we are all gregarious, amicable people who have tips on how to forge human connection when you’re wandering this pale...
03.09.2016
Barbie: A Life in Plastic
In honor of Barbie’s 57th birthday, we’re putting out this episode all about our girl! Barbie not only has an international background (intergalactic, actually, since she’s also an astronaut) but this much discussed figurine is a popular subject for social...
03.01.2016
“What Do You Mean Bank of America Isn’t Here?”
Minisode time! In this fun-filed riff, we talk about how not to seem like an obvious American while traveling because let’s be honest, we have a tendency to stand out. Don’t blame us…blame freedom. Listen here! Also, download/subscribe on iTunes...
02.23.2016
Pardon Me, Is That Cocaine Fair Trade?
Spoiler Alert! The answer to the title is never. Never never never never never. We delve into the cocaine trade in South and Central America, and why it is harmful beyond addiction and 70′s swinger parties. Let’s just say that...
02.16.2016
"No money. No F-cks" Times We've Hulked Out While Traveling
The beauty of the human experience lies in the vast amount of emotions that we’re capable of feeling. However, sometimes you’ve got to cuss bitches out. Traveling can bring out the best in us, as well as the worst. A...
02.09.2016
Intersectional Feminism: A Call to Formation
Intersectional Feminism is increasingly being talked about within the mainstream whether or not it’s called out by name. Have you watched the new Beyonce video (we have, clearly.)? Do you pay attention to the objections Hillary Clinton’s feminism? Do you...
02.02.2016
Why Swoon Over Justin Trudeau? Because It's 2016.
Justin Trudeau. He’s the Stefan Urquelle of world leaders. In this minisode we audibly melt over his progressive ideas, his blatant feminism, and that hair. HAVE YOU SEEN HIS HAIR?! If you don’t visibly sweat like May does when talking...
01.26.2016
Hey Baby, What's Your Favorite Position-al Good?
Hey consumers! What are positional goods, and, more importantly, what do they say about us? We include obvious ones like diamonds and Birkin bags (babygiiiirl), but we also delve into a few things that may surprise you. For more listen...
01.12.2016
Yes, I Eat Fast Food When I Travel
Jumping off from our last episode on globalization, we talk about (almost) every traveler/expat’s deepest darkest desire: fast food, or American junk. We’ve all answered a siren song from a McDonalds or been drawn into the warm bosom of a...
01.05.2016
Biggie Biggie Biggie Can't You See, Sometimes Your Products Globalize Me
Globalization. We all participate in it, but what is it? In this episode, we break down what globalization is, where it comes from, who are the major players, and why it can be bad. That’s right…opinions. Come for the info...
12.29.2015
The Best Thing I’ve Ever Eaten While Traveling
This is the first mini-sode that we recorded, however it is not the first one that we’ve released. So, we do intro the episode saying that it’s our first. Sorry about that! However, it was for the greater good. You...

What's International Realness Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

International Realness Podcast episodes:

UN-Disassembly

Maybe She's Born With It. Maybe They're Human Rights.

Pay Attention to Venezuela

What’s a Rex Tillerson?

Know Your Rights

Ethical Gifts 2: This Time It’s Personal

To Donate $10 Text SCAM to 9999

The Fashionable Fascist

Fall-ing All Over Ourselves

For Just A Toddler A Day...Voluntourism and You

Times The Olympics Were Political AF

I’m All About That Race, 'Bout That Race (Gold Medal)

Colonialism, [NO] Thanks For The Memories

What Coup Talking About Willis?

Master-Set Piece Theater: Football and Politics in Three Acts

Neoliberal Sorcery

Going Abroad: The Musical!

That Totalitarian State is Bomb

Beaches That Are the Wind Beneath OUR Wings

Women's Work: How Liberian Women Peacefully Ended a Civil War

Who's Your Mhysa? Game of Thrones and the White Savior Complex

Got Rights? Comparing #BlackLivesMatter and Palestine: Part 2

Got Rights? Comparing #BlackLivesMatter and Palestine: Part 1

Cheers! Salud! Gun bae!

Yemen: Chokepoint to the Danger Zone

Who Run the World?

Mandatory Friendship

Barbie: A Life in Plastic

“What Do You Mean Bank of America Isn’t Here?”

Pardon Me, Is That Cocaine Fair Trade?

"No money. No F-cks" Times We've Hulked Out While Traveling

Intersectional Feminism: A Call to Formation

Why Swoon Over Justin Trudeau? Because It's 2016.

Hey Baby, What's Your Favorite Position-al Good?

Yes, I Eat Fast Food When I Travel

Biggie Biggie Biggie Can't You See, Sometimes Your Products Globalize Me

The Best Thing I’ve Ever Eaten While Traveling