In this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Logan Bates, a political science scholar whose research examines the evolution of conservative rhetoric in opposition to LGBTQ2S+ rights in the U.S. From analyzing emotional discourses in Florida’s Don’t Say Gay bill to uncovering how fear, security, and disgust are transformed into rights-based arguments, Logan’s work highlights a critical shift in political messaging.

Beyond academia, Logan is deeply engaged in advocacy, volunteering with the Queer History Club and organizing community events that amplify queer voices. Tune in as we explore Logan’s research, the rise of anti-LGBTQ2S+ legislation, and the strategies that can counteract these political trends.

📅 Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation about the power of rhetoric, activism, and the fight for LGBTQ2S+ rights!

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Logan Bates

Production: João Roque 

Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: January 21th - 18h00

Lieu: Concordia Library

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

8:19 The Race / Funk Jazz Groove by Lowtone Music on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

16:54 Rising of the Sun (ID 2122) by Lobo Loco on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

24:45 Rainy Streets by Dee Yan-Key on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

36:19 Caffeinated by Laughing Manny & The Swinging Dicks on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

In this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji speaks with Rubens Lima Moraes, a scholar, educator, and public service professional with a remarkable journey from Brazil to Canada. Rubens shares his experiences as an international student navigating cultural shifts, the challenges of pursuing a PhD, and his decision to transition from academia to government work.

From teaching at Concordia and Dawson College to shaping policies at Environment and Climate Change Canada, Rubens reflects on the lessons he’s learned about resilience and adaptability. He also discusses the importance of social innovation and civil society, drawing from his research on the Movement Against Electoral Corruption in Brazil. Most importantly, he talks about his two amazing cats.

Crédits:

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Rubens Lima Moraes

Production: João Roque 

Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: January 14th - 18h00

Lieu: Concordia Library

Music:

In this second part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji continues the conversation with Francesco MacAllister-CarusoFrancesco MacAllister-Caruso, a PhD candidate researching the political experiences of transgender, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people in Quebec. Francesco discusses the limitations of the LGBTQ+ umbrella term, focusing on the distinct challenges faced by gender minorities regarding citizenship, policy, and political representation. He highlights the complexities of Quebec's history with LGBTQ+ rights, particularly the uneven progress for transgender individuals, and the role of the notwithstanding clause in hindering further advancements. The conversation also touches upon the impact of misinformation and the challenges of data collection in this area, alongside Francesco's personal life and hobbies.

Credits

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Francesco MacAllister-Caruso

Production: João Roque 

Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: January 5th - 11h00

Lieu: Concordia/Zoom

Music

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

7:48 Cloudburst by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

18:27 Senor by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

27:48 It’s Nice (And I Like It) by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

35:37 Spikey Skies by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Francesco MacAllister-Caruso, a trailblazing PhD candidate at Concordia University whose research sheds light on the political representation of Two-Spirit, trans, and nonbinary (2S/TNB) individuals in Canada.

Francesco shares insights from his journey as a scholar and advocate, reflecting on the distinctions between sexual and gender minorities in politics and the challenges of amplifying marginalized voices. From analyzing trans representation in electoral politics to addressing the rise of anti-trans legislation, Francesco’s work highlights the importance of intersectionality in shaping a more inclusive future.

Outside the academic world, Francesco is a gardener, baker, and gamer whose creativity shines in every aspect of life. Tune in to explore the intersections of activism, scholarship, and personal passion in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.

Credits

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Francesco MacAllister-Caruso

Production: João Roque 

Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: January 5th - 11h00

Lieu: Concordia/Zoom

Music

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

7:48 Cloudburst by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

18:27 Senor by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

27:48 It’s Nice (And I Like It) by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

35:37 Spikey Skies by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA

In this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes Gaëlle Poirier-Morin, a political science graduate student at Concordia University. Gaëlle shares her inspiring journey from leading student activism at UQAM to researching grassroots citizen engagement in her master’s thesis.

Listen as Gaëlle discusses the impact of growing up in Montréal, the surprising lessons from saving green spaces with Mobilisation 6600, and how her creative background in jazz influences her approach to activism. Whether you're passionate about community action, grassroots movements, or exploring democracy beyond elections, Gaëlle’s story offers fresh insights and inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference.

Credits

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Production and audio editing: João Roque

Date: December 23 - 16h00

Lieu: Halte 24-7 - Coworking Montréal

In the second episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes Kristina Uleckas-Lavigne, a Concordia University political science graduate student with a unique and multifaceted academic path. Kristina shares how her background in Cinema Communications, Journalism, and life during COVID led her to a passion for political science.

With experiences ranging from supervising elections for Elections Canada to researching the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Kristina provides a fascinating perspective on topics like the notwithstanding clause and Quebec's approach to multiculturalism.

Credits:

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Kristina Uleckas-Lavigne

Production: João Roque and 

Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin

Date: December 19 - 16h00

Lieu: South Africa - Study Room - Library

Music:

In the debut episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Nick Von Rosk, a passionate political science graduate student from Concordia University. Nick shares his journey from Long Island, New York, to Montreal, Canada, exploring the pivotal events that shaped his academic path, from the rise of populism to democratic backsliding under leaders like Trump and Bolsonaro.

Credits:

Host: Navid Mahlooji

Guest: Nick Von Rosk

Podcast production: João Roque

Audio Editing: Gaëlle Morin

Date: December 17 - 10h30

Lieu: South Africa - Study Room - Library

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