The Academic Podcast Agency

GBG Ep. 6 #BlackLivesMatter

This podcast episode looks at the global political phenomenon which has become #BlackLivesMatter. An enquiry into both the history and realities of living with a culture of UK and US empire. We explore the meaning of 'structural violence' and the love of those that are fighting to dismantle it.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GBG Ep. 10 Northern Ireland & the Referendum

At the end of May 2018 the Republic of Ireland held a referendum to appeal a law which up until that time, had effectively made abortion illegal. Voters chose by a clear majority to change this law and repeal the 8th amendment. But why does abortion continue to be such a controversial subject? By looking at how issues around the referendum affect the people of Northern Ireland this episode of the Glass Bead Game podcast is an enquiry into what abortion laws mean and how different groups navigate their way around them.

GBG Ep. 4 Stasi Grandpa: Privacy & States of Surveillance

Marten’s grandfather was a member of the Stasi. Living in modern day Berlin how does he reconcile the bohemian city with its pre 1989 legacy of surveillance and state paranoia? Released to coincide with the UK government’s ‘investigatory powers bill’ this episode explores the meaning of privacy and the significance of agencies that wish to gain complete access to our digital lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GBG Ep. 9 Queer Super Powers: Sexual Orientation as a Human Right

China and the USA are often depicted on the world stage as super powers with opposing cultural and national characters. This episode of the Glass Bead Game visits youth centres in Southern China and Mid West America to consider how state policy and ideas of national character inform the personal experiences of those that identify as LGBT. Are the cultural differences between China and the US meaningfully comparable and should both countries be doing more to uphold their commitment to the international bill of human rights?

GBG Ep. 8 Capital In Kenya: The Meaning Of Aid - Free Development

Over the last 50 years more than 1 trillion dollars in development related aid has been transferred from rich countries to the continent of Africa and yet few would argue that it has achieved anything near sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. This episode of the Glass Bead Game travels to Kisumu, Kenya in order to understand the concept of Aid Free Development. What does it mean for one country to consider itself more developed than another. What role does Government, Business or NGO play in addressing the energy and food needs for some of the poorest people on the planet? And how do those on the ground carrying out development understand their motivations for the work they do?