In celebration of International Women’s Rights Day, Greenpeace Canada is proud to highlight the womxn powering this house! Each day, they will share their perspectives on their roles and experiences as women in the environmental movement!

A few years ago, I discovered the wonderful medium of podcasting. It was around the same time that I started taking an interest in climate change, gender inequality, racial discrimination, gender issues… Basically, the ills of our societies, their causes, and — most importantly — how to deconstruct them (No small task!). Suffice it to say, it was like a revelation for me. What I discovered went beyond just words. It was discourse — mostly womxn’s — that reached me, in my living room, on public transport, and in my conversations with friends. Words that completely changed my way of thinking. You may have heard the old Latin proverb: “spoken words fly away, written words remain.” Well, not so true in my case. What I heard still resonates, and has shaped me into who I am today. So I hope, with this list of podcast recommendations, you’ll find something that resonates with you too!

Without further ado, here are six podcasts to fuel your thoughts, answer your questions, and spark new ones. They’re all made by womxn, but for all those who strive for a fairer society. 

For another look at political news: Sandy and Norah talk politics (EN)

Listening to Sandy and Norah deciphering politics is a bit like a discussion between friends: putting political news in the spotlight, turning the subject at hand on its head, and above all, ALWAYS learning something. As a listener, I get to hear a greater diversity of voices talking politics than if I were to tune in to the average radio or TV show, where the majority of hosts are white men between the ages of 30 and 60. I’m not going to lie — in those shows, there aren’t a wide range of opinions offered. I hear myself more in the nuances brought by the two hosts, and their expertise gives me a deeper understanding of Canadian political news. 

To question masculinity: Les couilles sur la Table (FR) 

With this podcast, you’ll learn more about different types of masculinity, and how the dominant vision of a certain type of masculinity harms womxn… And men. Exploring topics like sport, education, the sex industry, and the fight against climate change, amongst others, Victoire Tuaillon and her guests analyse the patriarchy at the root of our societies. Sounds complicated? Would you like to deepen your thinking on these issues? This is THE feminist podcast that I recommend to everyone. All the time. In fact, Victoire Tuaillon is a bit like my feminist hero, I admit it. <3

To decolonise and celebrate Indigenous cultures: Warrior Life (EN)

This podcast is undoubtedly my #1 discovery of 2020, even though it’s actually been around for a while. Hosted by the extraordinary Dr. Pamela Palmater — Mi’kmaq, lawyer, professor, activist and politician — each episode is an incredible resource full of knowledge on Indigenous issues. The podcast, which is both informational and educational, deals with major issues that are often not covered by mainstream media, such as environmental racism, racist policies and laws, ecocide and feminicide, and battles against oil projects. The podcast is also a great way to learn about Indigenous issues. It’s an incredible source of inspiration, shedding light on community-generated solutions, highlighting Indigenous personalities who have made history and those who continue to lead Indigenious’ struggles on a daily basis. The interview with Aliqa Illauq (talking about Inuit demonstrations) is one of the episodes that touched me the most, reminding me that the issues that communities are rising up for, such as the protection of land and water, are not only Indigenous issues, but human ones.

To explore racial issues: Kiffe ta Race (FR) 

The two presenters of this podcast, Rokhaya Diallo and Grace Ly, say it often enough: they’re jumping in with both feet when it comes to racial issues. And having devoured each episode, I can confirm that they are not lying about that! From cultural appropriation, to stereotypes about racialized people, to the importance of family memory, to environmental racism… They don’t hold back on tackling a whole range of issues, whether their critics like it or not (those critics being predominantly rich, conservative white men, of course 🙃 ). Although the podcast is more rooted in the French context, many episodes deal with themes that transcend borders. They’ve even produced a few episodes in English! And for all you French speakers, I strongly recommend that you start with the episode on the use of the word race. 

To fill in the gaps of history: The secret life of Canada (EN)

Raise your hand if you ever thought history was boring. Well, with Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as hosts, it gets revisited and comes to life with each episode! The hosts honour the people who have shaped the history of this country but who’ve also, unfortunately, been left out of our history books. Because yes, what we choose to put in textbooks — the stories we tell and the stories we don’t tell — these are all political acts. So retelling our history is really a form of activism. My two favourite episodes to date: Shout out to your Grandma, based on stories of listeners’ grandmothers who made a difference in their communities and changed the world on their own scale; and Crash Course on Canada’s First Mosque, about the story of the first mosque in Canada that was started by a group of Lebanese Muslim women.

To understand gender and sexual identities: Camille (FR) 

Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. A third Binge Audio podcast?! Well, what can I say, these people are so talented! On the mic this time, Camille Regache, who helps demystify gender and sexual identities. This podcast broaches topics like queer representations, heterosexuality as a political system, the shackles of church and medicine, and much more. The episode “How to be a good ally to trans people” is definitely a must-hear, while “The Big Bad Queer” turned my whole view of “bad guys” in film upside down.

To all the activists, journalists, artists, academics, scientists, sociologists, and even grandmothers featured in these podcasts (not to mention all the other inspiring womxn who urge us to rethink the world) : Thank you.

Laura

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Who am I? For a long time, I was one of those people who just wasn’t interested in politics. Because I didn’t know much, because I saw it as elitist or because I didn’t feel concerned. I was guilty of saying, “I don’t care”, up until the day I realised that every aspect of life is in fact completely political: whether it’s the way you dress, eat, define yourself, live your relationships, speak out or occupy space — especially when you’re a womxn. Enough with inaction: I express myself. My voice is that of a white, cis-gender, heterosexual wxman. I often talk about the patriarchal system, the end of capitalism, anti-racist struggles — or about plants, microbrewery beers, and animals. I also sometimes talk nonsense, and that’s okay, because at the end of the day, we’re all beautiful in our imperfections.