Human Coined (A Nexus PFM Podcast)

In this discussion, Nic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy at the University of Birmingham and author of How to Rig an Election , joins Geoff Dubrow to examine the global decline of democracy, the rise of authoritarianism, and how to build resilience against disinformation and democratic backsliding. The conversation highlights strategies for future-proofing political systems and why rebranding dem...

In this discussion, Olusegun Elemo, Executive Director of the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative, joins Geoff Dubrow to examine the challenges and recent developments in Nigeria’s public debt management and oversight. They explore weak oversight mechanisms, limited public scrutiny, and the constrained capacity of the Auditor-General. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of strong le...

In this episode, author Tom Brown joins to discuss his book The Mind of The Minister, offering a candid look into the complex relationship between ministers and civil servants. He explores how trust, training, and the quality of advice shape effective governance, and examines the impact of political appointments on the civil service. The conversation touches on the role of precedent in democracy,...

In this episode, Nadishani Perera reflects on her tenure as the executive director of Transparency International Sri Lanka, discussing the challenges and achievements in combating corruption during a pivotal time in the country's history. She emphasizes the importance of legal accountability, the role of civil society in governance diagnostics, and the need for cultural shifts in understanding cor...

In this episode, we caught up with Jason Rosario Braganza, Executive Director of AFRODAD, who was in Washington for the annual IMF and World Bank meeting. Jason emphasized the “lackluster” outcome of the meetings and the pressing debt crisis facing many African nations. He highlighted the negative impacts of austerity measures on public services and human rights. The discussion also covers the rol...

In this episode, Geoff Dubrow interviews Annalise Burkhart from Transparency International US to delve into the complex relationship between corruption, public debt, and legal frameworks, based on her recent paper, "Links Between Weak Governance and Unsustainable Debt in IMF Loan Programs Require Action." They explore the obstacles civil society encounters in monitoring IMF agreements, e...

In this episode, we’re joined by Diana Gichengo from The Institute for Social Accountability Kenya to explore the ongoing debt crisis in Kenya. Diana delves into the government's response to the crisis and the rising public discontent that has led to widespread protests, demanding accountability and leadership reform. We also discuss the critical role of public engagement in governance and the...

Interview with Nadishani Perera, Executive Director, Transparency, International Sri Lanka, on the role of civil Society in monitoring the implementation of the IMF economic reform program in Sri Lanka. Technical Note: this podcast episode was originally recorded to have Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, known as "Dr. Sara", and Nadishani Perera. Due to technical difficulties, we had to edi...

An epic conversation/interview with Sammy Obeng , Executive Director of Parliamentary Network Africa , on transparency, civic participation and public accountability on the African continent.

An incredible chat with Phyllis Makau, former (and first) Director of Kenya's Parliamentary Budget Office! We delved into the roots of the Kenyan PBO, from its humble (and rocky) beginnings to becoming an independent powerhouse with over 50 staff. It wasn't always smooth sailing – starting small and facing resistance from the executive branch. This episode has some potential lessons for em...

Part Two of my invigorating discussion with gender equality and GRB expert Claire O'Donnell and Marija Risteska, Executive Director of the Centre for Research and Policy Making (North Macedonia) on the recent International Budget Partnership publication on "Addressing Gender Responsive Budget Implementation: How Civil Society is Holding Governments Accountable to Gender Promises in Budget...

Such an invigorating discussion with gender equality and GRB expert Claire O'Donnell and Marija Risteska , Executive Director of the Centre for Research and Policy Making (North Macedonia) on the recent International Budget Partnership publication on "Addressing Gender Responsive Budget Implementation: How Civil Society is Holding Governments Accountable to Gender Promises in Budget Execu...

In this episode, Geoff interviews special guest Jason Braganza, Executive Director of African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD). They discuss all the work AFRODAD is doing to: reform the international financial and debt architecture, push for the creation of more fiscal space and fight for Africa sovereignty/agency.

In this episode, Geoff shares some recent experience working in and with countries that are in debt distress, or in some cases at high risk of debt distress. Many have IMF bailout agreements, and Geoff has been working with institutions such as parliaments and civil society to strengthen their involvement in the debt crisis in terms of helping to find a solution and rectify the situation.

This is an enlightening episode featuring Mae Buenaventura from the Asian Peoples' Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD). Join us as we delve into the world of building debt justice alliances, where Mae shares her invaluable insights on creating powerful collaborations for positive change.

This episode with Dr. Peter Philips, MP (Jamaica), delves into the significance of civil society monitoring of IMF Financial Assistance Programs. We spent 45 minutes discussing the vital role of independent monitoring and why we can't solely rely on governments and the IMF to ensure proper implementation of these agreements. This interview presents a compelling business case for the inclusion...

An interview with Manju Varma, New Brunswick's former Commissioner for Systemic Racism, on her views regarding changes to Policy 713.

In this continuing series on gender based analysis plus, host Geoff Dubrow interviews Mylène Després and Carole Chan about their lived intersectional experience.

The inaugural episode of the podcast series Human Coined features an interview with Manju Varma, who was New Brunswick‘s first commissioner of systemic racism. Host Geoff Dubrow talks to Manju about the recommendations arising from her report and the importance of applying gender-based analysis plus to government policies.

While most of us spent the last six months gravely concerned about Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Don Bowser left the comfort of his home in New Brunswick, Canada, to support Ukraine’s resistance. An international anti-corruption consultant, Don shares his experience in Ukraine and his perspective on what Russia might look like after Putin.

Can ESG Save the World or at Least Make it More Gender Equitable?

As the quality and quantity of democracies around the world continue to decline, Politics and Public Finance examines whether Canada is doing enough to stem the tide. My guest is Tom Cormier, President and CEO of the Parliamentary Centre. The Centre has over 50 years of experience strengthening democracy at home and abroad. How has the institution changed over the decades? We then talk about wheth...

An interview with Mae Buenaventura from the Asian People's Movement on Debt and Development on the quest for a debt audit in the Philippines, the crisis in Sri Lanka and the of civil society in achieving debt justice in Asia.

“The overturning of Roe V. Wade. Are the decline in Gender and Sexual Minority Rights Connected to  Democratic Backsliding?.  ”