In this second, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes back Danforth Oghigian, a globe-trotting Master of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) student at Concordia University, whose academic and personal journey spans Japan, Iceland, Norway, Armenia, and Canada.

Dan reflects on his experience studying Polar Law in Iceland and Norway, where he was immersed in Arctic governance, environmental law, and indigenous rights, supported by Erasmus+ and the UArctic network. He shares what drew him to Armenia, his ancestral homeland, where he lived through the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflict while working in political consulting.

Credits

Host: Navid MahloojiGuest: Danforth OghigianProduction: João RoqueAudio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-MorinDate: February 13th – 3 PMLocation: Concordia University – Library

With Music credits right here:

Music from Free Music Archive (CC BY-NC)

Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi

19:57 Indifferent Light by Even Twice

32:46 All The Colors In The World by Podington Bear

40:33 This Game Has No Nameby Antethic

In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Danforth Oghigian, a Master of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) student at Concordia University, whose academic and personal journey spans continents—from growing up in Japan to studying polar law in Iceland.

Dan shares how his experiences living in Tokyo shaped his worldview and cultural values, his evolving views on nationalism, and how a transformative course at Carleton University shifted his understanding of civic identity. He also introduces listeners to his passion for Arctic governance, explaining Canada's claim to the Northwest Passage, the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the vital role of indigenous participation in polar regions.

Through detailed reflections on colonial legacies, Dan highlights the unique political landscape of the Arctic, where indigenous governance, environmental challenges, and international law intersect.

Credits

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Danforth Oghigian

Production: João Roque

Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: April 2nd – 6PM

Location: Concordia University – Library

n this episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Leandrew Goseco , a master's student in political science at Concordia University, whose research focuses on immigrant political behavior, integration, and belonging in Canada—a theme deeply rooted in his own journey as a Filipino migrant.

Leandrew discusses his work with the Migration Research Team at Concordia, where he explores transnational political engagement and how diasporic communities across Canada use technology to stay connected to their roots. The conversation unpacks how first- and second-generation immigrants engage politically, how identity is maintained or reshaped, and the importance of feeling accepted in a new country.

He also reflects on the limitations of terms like “migrant,” “immigrant,” and “expat,” and shares his admiration for Jimmy Carter, his love for 70s rock music, and introduces us to his pet tortoise, Ross.

Host: Navid MahloojiGuest: Leandrew GosecoProduction: João RoqueAudio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-MorinDate: March 18th – 6 PM
Location: Concordia University – Library

In this episode of Polisci. host Navid Mahlooji speaks with Celia Bensiali, a PhD student in political science at Concordia University, whose research explores urban governance, migration policies, and inclusive city initiatives. Celia examines how cities like Montreal, Barcelona, and Copenhagen are leading the way in municipal ID card programs to promote social inclusion for migrants and marginalized communities.

Throughout the conversation, Celia reflects on her journey from law to sociology to urban studies, her experiences as a coordinator for international research projects, and the challenges of translating diverse realities. She also shares her personal connection to migration, her love for Montreal and Mexico City, and why she believes finding passionate research topics and supportive mentors is key to a fulfilling PhD experience.

Credits

Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Celia BensialiProduction: João RoqueAudio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-MorinDate: February 13th – 3 PMLocation: Concordia University – Library

Music from Free Music Archive (CC BY-NC)

Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi

11:47 not even dreams can make them begin by oji

20:56 The One Nice Weekend In September by Vic Dillahay

31:15 Megpie by Don Aman

39:49 sérénade (en mi mineur) by oji

56:52 not even dreams can make them begin by oji

In this second part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji continues the conversation with Lauren Thurber, a former educator turned public policy analyst at Health Canada.

Lauren dives into her MPA research on cosmetic regulations using Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), explaining how this intersectional policy framework is applied in the Canadian federal government. She also discusses balancing graduate studies, career changes, and new motherhood, offering valuable insights for students and professionals navigating similar paths.

Join us for an engaging discussion on education, policy, and life transitions, plus a special mention of her golden doodle, Taxi!

Please be aware that at 14:30 we discuss pregnancy loss and fertility treatment. Feel free to skip ahead to 15:50 if necessary.

🎙️ Host: Navid Majlooji 🎤 Guest: Lauren Thurber 🎛️ Production: João Roque 🎧 Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin 📅 Date: February 13th – 3 PM 📍 Location: Concordia University – Library

Music

Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
13:24 Motala Beyoncey by Axel Lundstrom
19:58 Just a bit horny - Lofi & Chill Sessions #1 by The Oracle Of St. Vincent
28:13 Linkoping bassline by Axel Lundstrom

In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji speaks with Lauren Thurber, a former educator who transitioned into public policy after a decade in teaching. Now a policy analyst at Health Canada, Lauren shares how the COVID-19 pandemic, personal experiences, and a passion for equity-driven policymaking led her to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy and Public Administration (MPA) at Concordia University.

Lauren discusses her research on cosmetic regulations across Canada, the U.S., the EU, and Australia, where she applies GBA+ (Gender-Based Analysis Plus) to assess how policies impact different communities. She also reflects on the teacher shortage in Quebec, the importance of soft skills in policy work, and the challenges of balancing grad school, work, and parenthood.

Note: MLT means Medical Lab Technician

Credits

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Lauren Thurber

Production: João Roque

Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: February 13th – 3 PM

Location: Concordia University – Library

Music credits:9:03 Stupid Trade War _ Stupid President by JKL17:56 Be Present by Ketsa26:17 words will always hurt me by coolkid

In this episode of Polisci Podcast, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Dr. Dónal Gill, assistant professor of political science, to discuss his academic journey, political thought, and literary influences. From Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels to Joyce’s Ulysses, Gill explores how literature reflects and critiques political ideas.

The conversation also touches on Irish and Quebec nationalism, Gill’s experience moving from Ireland to Canada, and his work as a writer for the Montreal Gazette. He shares insights into teaching, the "hidden curriculum" of academia, and the challenges of balancing work and life. Plus, we learn about Arnold, his beloved Bichon Maltese.

Credits

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Dr. Dónal Gill

🎛️ Production: João Roque

🎧 Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: February 25th – 18h00

📍 Location: Concordia University – LB 583 – Poland

Music:

Intro and outro Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
7:56 Fredsong by Mr Smith
17:54 Drive, Phone, Crash, and Death by De Morte
32:56 Polska by Doppelskangers
42:44 Mother Will Call by Pk jazz Collective
47:33 Salish Sea (unplugged) by Legally Blind

In this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Julien Duffy, a political science researcher exploring immigrant political participation and the role of belonging in shaping civic engagement. Julien, a McGill graduate now pursuing his master’s at Concordia, dives into why immigrants tend to participate less in politics than native-born citizens and how conversations between different communities influence public attitudes on migration.

Beyond academia, Julien’s experiences range from researching zoning bylaws after the REM expansion to working with people with physical disabilities at Camp Massawipi. He’s also currently traveling across Asia, gaining firsthand insights into political cultures worldwide.

Credits

🎙️ Host: Navid Mahlooji
🎓 Guest: Julien Duffy
🎧 Production: João Roque
🎛️ Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
📍 Recorded at: Concordia Library
📅 Date: February 4th – 18h00

Today, we’re joined by Stephen Gnanasihamany and Jason Langford, members of Crew, the student-worker-led union representing Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) at Concordia University. With ongoing bargaining between Crew and the university, this episode unpacks the major issues at stake—wages, job security, and working conditions—and why the upcoming Special General Assembly (SGA) on February 17th, 19th, and 22nd is a crucial moment for student workers.

We’ll discuss the challenges of negotiating fair wages, the importance of union participation, and what a potential strike mandate could mean for Concordia’s student workers. With rising costs of living, an outdated pay structure, and pressure to secure better contracts, Crew is calling on its members to mobilize and take action.

 Whether you’re a TA, an RA, or just interested in labor rights and student activism, this episode is a must-listen! Let’s welcome Stephen Gnanasihamany and Jason Langford to the PoliSci Podcast!

Disclaimer: Apologies to Jason and the audience for the faulty microphone in this episode! We will adjust our gear and make sure the sound quality is back to usual on the next episodes.

Credits

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Jocelyne Brad

Production: João Roque 

Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: February 11th - 18h00

Lieu: Concordia Library

Music

Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi

7:34 King by Phillip Gross

13:41 Fredsong by Mr Smith

19:19 Wait a Minute by Crowander

25:07 Sausage vertigo by Paweł Feszczuk

32:38 Amusement Bark by Paweł Feszczuk

41:38 Satellite by Mr Smith

In this episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes Jocelyne Brad, a globally minded political science scholar whose research explores how religiosity shapes immigration policies and public discourse. With an academic journey spanning the U.S., France, and Canada, Jocelyne brings a unique perspective on how different societies navigate the intersection of faith and migration.

From volunteering as a Model UN instructor to studying abroad in Paris, Jocelyne shares her experiences, research insights, and the surprising connections between politics and her favorite pastimes—Dungeons & Dragons and video games!

Credits:

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Jocelyne Brad

Production: João Roque 

Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: January 28th - 19h30

Lieu: Concordia Library

Music