PUSHBACK Talks

It's the Season 8 premiere of Pushback Talks! Filmmaker Fredrik Gertten and Advocate Leilani Farha welcome back New York Times correspondent Peter S. Goodman to discuss his provocative new book, "How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain." Goodman, Gertten, and Farha explore the often-overlooked human consequences of our interconnected economy. The three dissect the language used to describe global experiences, examine the power dynamics of international trade, and analyze past policy decisions that prioritized profits over people.Check out How the World Ran Out of Everything and stay updated on Peter's work with the New York Times.Support the show

This week, we welcome back friend of the show Dr. Joanna Kusiak to discuss her new book, "Radically Legal" and Berlin's ongoing efforts to keep housing affordable through innovative legal approaches.We explore the often-overlooked role of emotion in the creation and interpretation of law, challenging the notion that legal systems operate purely on cold logic. Joanna reveals how the hopes, frustrations, and determination of ordinary citizens have shaped Berlin's housing policies.Listen in as Fredrik, Leilani, and Joanna discuss the perseverance required in long-term activism and how legal frameworks can be powerful tools for social change when wielded by engaged communities.Read Joanna's book, Radically Legal, for free.Support the show

In this first episode of a four-part special series, Pushback Talks Producer Kirsten sits down with Leilani Farha and Sam Freeman to introduce listeners to The Shift Directives; a revolutionary approach to the global housing crisis. Setting the stage for the series, this episode begins reimagining how we understand, regulate, and experience housing in the 21st century. Hear directly from the architects of this new framework as they reveal the urgent catalysts behind The Shift Directives and paint a vivid picture of how a human rights-based approach could transform housing as we know it. Follow along for the next 4 weeks and be sure to read The Shift Directives.Support the show

In the second installment of this four-part special series, Pushback Talks Producer Kirsten delves deeper into The Shift Directives with Leilani & Sam.Leilani and Sam get into Directive 7 of The Shift Directives, which is all about protecting tenants and creating spaces for them to participate in the future of their communities.Together the three cut to the heart of modern housing challenges: AI-driven rent hikes, the cascading crisis of unaffordability and evictions, and the looming specter of homelessness. Leilani and Sam lay out the urgent need for robust tenant protections, advocating for a seismic shift towards transparency, meaningful participation, and the integration of human rights principles in housing policies.Read The Shift Directives and follow the series for the next four weeks.Support the show

In this critical third installment of our series on The Shift Directives, Sam, Leilani, and Kirsten delve into the intricate dance between local, national, and international policies, exposing how disconnects in governance can leave vulnerable citizens without a roof over their heads. Leilani and Sam dissect the multi-level approach needed to effectively implement housing rights and talk about how The Shift Directives were designed to do just that.From innovative local initiatives to game-changing national policies, this episode equips listeners with a deeper understanding of how governments can—and must—work together to secure the right to housing for all.Support the show

In the finale of our series on The Shift Directives, our experts examine the staggering scale and far-reaching impact of institutional investment on housing. What could we gain if housing investment and housing redevelopment complied with human rights standards? Leilani and Sam tackle thorny issues like tax advantages for REITs and the alarming trend of financializing vulnerable housing sectors such as student accommodations and long-term care homes.Leilani and Sam also preview an exciting new resource - the Investor Guidelines. Developed over the last year, these guidelines demonstrate that smart investment and housing as a human right can coexist. We offer a glimpse into this groundbreaking new tool (which is out today!) and the possibility of transforming the role of investors in the housing sector.Support the show

In Nigeria's largest city, a powerful story is unfolding - one that shines a light on the urgent struggle for housing rights and urban resilience. In this episode, we sit down with the creative team behind the new film "The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos," which dramatizes the real-life tragedy of the Otodo Gbame informal settlement.Between November 2016 and April 2017, over 30,000 residents of this waterfront community were violently evicted, with nine drowning and two shot in the process. Our guests - lead actor Temi Ami-Williams, director/producer Bisola Akinmuyiwa, and director Temi Ogungbamila - have worked tirelessly with community members to craft a cinematic experience that demands our attention.But this is more than a movie - it's a work of resistance, part of a broader campaign led by Slum Dwellers International. For decades, they've stood alongside organized communities to challenge forced evictions and build inclusive cities.You can also support the launch of the film, or request a screening.Learn more about the film, and the work of Slum Dwellers International.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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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 WinnersRead more about the work of Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s first female architectSupport the show

This week on Pushback Talks, Fredrik and Leilani explore a bold proposition: What if we put the business of landlordism on trial?Nick Bano's latest work, "Against Landlords: How to Solve the Housing Crisis," serves as our guide. Bano, a barrister specializing in representing marginalized groups, takes us on a journey through the history of housing law in the UK, tracing its evolution from the Victorian era to the present day. He illuminates how this legal landscape has shifted, contributing to the current crisis of unaffordability and skyrocketing rents.Today, 1 in 21 people in the UK is a landlord, a staggering statistic that underscores the imbalance in our housing system. In this episode, Fredrik, Leilani, and Nick delve into the repercussions of this disparity, exploring how the profitability of housing impacts our ability to address the crisis. Together, they examine the potential solutions and reflect on how close Britain came to outlawing landlords.Support the show

In this episode of Pushback Talks, we delve into the global wave of pro-Palestinian student protests igniting campuses worldwide. After students at Columbia University treated the Gaza Solidarity Encampment on April 17th, they found themselves in a two-week standoff that inspired students around the world. In just 3 weeks, pro-Palestinian encampments had spread to nearly 140 campuses across 45 states in the US, as well as to Latin America, Australia, Japan, the Middle East, and Europe. This episode explores the resilience, unity, and relentless pursuit of justice driving these student-led actions.We hear from Fabiola Villanueva, a Columbia College undergraduate and key protest participant, sharing her firsthand experiences and the solidarity inspired by the encampment. Additionally, Helena Hägglund, a journalist and PhD candidate in media studies, offers insights from her reporting on the Middle East and North Africa and her involvement in pro-Palestinian student groups.Join us as we uncover the stories behind the headlines and discuss the broader implications of this international movement.Want to learn more? Dive into Columbia University Apartheid Divest and Helena Hägglund’s impactful work.Support the show

What's it like to be the world leader of human rights at a time when it looks like they've been abandoned? Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, sits down for an eye-opening talk about "human rights economies" that value human dignity over profits. Türk shares his bold ideas to fundamentally reshape finance, policy, and growth around protecting basic freedoms. From confronting exploitation to putting human worth first, he offers a fresh vision for pursuing justice through fair economic systems. It's an insightful discussion on pioneering ways for the human rights movement to create meaningful change.Read Volker's statements on rebuilding a foundation of hope through human rights economies.Support the show