Listening Beyond

Adiel Cohen, an Israeli influencer and activist, shares his insights on the challenges and potential pathways for reconciliation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also offers his perspective on the rise of pro-Palestinian protests and the BDS movement in Western countries. 

On a Friday morning in a small Milton-Parc appartment, we gratefully interviewed Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash. Maïtée is an activist, author, animator, political figure and proud community member of Waswanipi First Nation. She grew up in Quebec city, but spent most of her summers connecting with community and the land where she feels most at home in Waswanipi, which is situated around the middle of Q...

In this episode, Lina, Zack and Yussif sit down with Zeyad Abisab, former General Coordinator of SPHR Concordia (Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights), to discuss his journey as an activist and the impact of grassroots movements. Zeyad reflects on his upbringing, the role of family and mentors in shaping his activism, and the ongoing challenges faced by the Palestinian youth movement. From mass...

In this episode, Antonio, Tania and Camila interview Nelly from climate justice Montreal. She discusses what Climate Justice Montreal does and her role in this movement. She also gives activist advice, from her experience in the activist world. 

This interview, hosted by Saraluz Barton-Gomez, Naia Ballman, and Samuel Gold, introduces Montreal activist, SCPA alum, and law student, Jay Sallos-Carter, exploring their story as an activist. The conversation touches on a variety of movements and moments that have been fundamental to their work. We begin by exploring their initial forays into activism through the Occupy Wall Street movement and...

This episode features Mia Kennedy for an episode “Food for thought,” where we take a deep dive into the pressing issue of food insecurity Canadians are facing. Kennedy takes us through some of her inactivates she has participated in such as “Atwater Community Pantry” project, and a new start up campaign “fed-up”, as well as how she got to where she is today. Student life is a hot topic and how oth...

Anna Kryzynzki is a beacon of positivity, with a lifelong commitment to various activist movements. Beginning with feminism and student activism, she has since embraced anarchism. Her fervor for political engagement is contagious, motivating those around her. Batiment 7 stands as a prime example of a community-driven effort to reclaim what was rightfully theirs, demonstrating the power of grassroo...

Description: Angelica Antonakopoulos is the academic coordinator at the Arts and Science Federation of Associations (ASFA) here at Concordia University. In this role, Angelica was originally tasked with campus upkeep, planning fun spirit week activities, and coordinating writing workshops. However, in October 2023, everything changed as Quebec announced its plan to massively increase tuition for o...

Mostafa Henaway is a community organizer and advocate for migrant and temporary foreign workers' rights at the Immigrant Workers Center in Montreal. With over two decades of experience, he has tirelessly fought for social justice and labor equity. A researcher, PhD candidate at Concordia University, and author of  Essential Work, Disposable Workers: Migration, Capitalism and Class , Mostafa brings...

In this episode, we sit down with Koby Rogers Hall, an artist and activist whose journey has been profoundly shaped by her upbringing as a "dip brat," traveling extensively in her youth. These experiences, exposing her to diverse cultures and injustices from a young age, ignited her passion for performance arts and migrant justice. It led her to working with the Immigrant Justice Center, building...

Our interviewee is Samuel Vanzin, graduating student of the school of community and public affairs who was an activist during the Quebec student protests of 2012 while studying at the Cégep du Vieux Montréal. This interview discusses a look back at the 2012 Quebec student protests, their impact on Quebec politics and education, as well as where the movement is today. He also touches on recent...

Join us for an insightful episode delving into the life experiences of Michael Frakas, a creative individual who uses his music and education to fuel activism within the Little Burgundy community, known for its crucial role in black culture in Montreal, Quebec. Please be aware that this interview is done in French and English, covering sensitive topics like race, identity, drugs, and violence. CON...

This episode presents an insightful interview with Vlada Polischuk, a dedicated Ukrainian activist who strongly advocates for the freedom of Ukraine. Vlada's childhood experiences served as a source of motivation for her fight for justice. Vlada works primarily from Montreal but takes every opportunity to travel to Ukraine, where she fights for various initiatives on the ground. "What I a...

In this episode, we interview the one and only Ted Rutland, associate professor at Concordia, about the  Defund the Police movement. Rutland has helped in the creation of the  Defund the Police  Coalition , and has published two books on the subject of crime and racial discrimination in Montreal. In this episode filled with personal stories, insightful examples, and unfiltered facts, we touch on w...

In this episode, Adam Yahav, and Sawyer Kiernan-Parsons interview Concordia University PHD student T Braun to discuss the expression of gender identity in virtual reality spaces. The interview also takes a dive in Braun’s extensive history in drag performance, using drag as a resistance to the gender binary and as a vessel for their activism.

In this episode, Rylee and Eleanore talk to Celeste Trianon, Transfeminist jurist & activist - about her experiences with law school, activism, and navigating the internet as a trans person fighting for her community. All this is in face of, or perhaps in response to, the growing presence of anti-trans ideologies in Canada. For information about the name change clinic: https://celeste.lgbt/en/...

This interview sheds light on the career of Suzan Simatos, a lifetime of learning, educating and empowering. She used her personal experience to become an educator fighting against human rights violations specifically related to children, First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people. Sue spent her career at LBPSC where she created a legacy that inspired many generations to learn, grow, and build meaningf...

In this episode, we share with you our guest’s story as an inspiring force for change, challenging norms and fostering social justice in our community. We had the pleasure and great opportunity to meet and get-to-know John Davids, a dynamic individual that is consistently keen to expand his knowledge base and demonstrates a genuine passion for learning. Having grown up in countries around the worl...

Veronica Jane “Vero” Bertiz joins Jon Marvin and Ariel at Concordia University for a conversation about intersectional activism through the lens of her lived experiences. Title inspired by Vero’s own podcast “Everything’s Political” (“Lahat Konektado” in Tagalog), this episode explores the realities of Filipinx community facing queer intersectionality and racism in Montreal. As an active community...

In this episode, Silvia, Paula, and Martin have the pleasure of interviewing Carlos Arco. Through a series of questions regarding his life experience, the interviewers are able to explore how Carlos Arco carries out his activism through his passion for art. This conversation is a reminder that there is more than one way to be an activist and make a difference in one's own community. It also he...

In this episode, we talk to Alexandra Pierre, activist and author of  Empreintes de Résistance -  a book of interviews with nine women of colour activists in Quebec - about her experiences within Quebec’s activist sector. In particular, we discuss the performative intersectionality of the province’s feminist movement, tensions within the Black activist community, and ancestries of resistance. This...

In this episode, interviewers Tamiah Bourgeois, Jelian Alcos and Anitha Sivaginesh will be interviewing Gisela Frias, a professor at Dawson College and doctor of geography, earned from McGill University. Gisela Frias shares her difficulties, achievements and hopes for the future generation in this insightful interview. As a second-generation activist, Gisela Frias has gained insight from her fathe...

Jean Hogue is the founder of the grocery store chain Co-op Alentour. Co-op Alentour are grocery stores that sell organic local products . Hogue, Co-op of Alentour’s president, has long been considered an activist for all the effort he puts into producing healthier products for people. As a niche farmer, it is difficult to compete with larger companies but Jean Hogue has maintained his ideology. Hi...

We invited Jessica Quijano to Concordia's Webster Library, to talk about the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, & Two-Spirit people. She has been involved in community work and activism for over two decades. Among her many roles she coordinated the Iskweu Project, which aims to reduce the number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, & Two-Spirit people of Qu...

Anwar Alhjooj is a Palestinian Bedouin. He was born and raised in an unrecognized village in occupied Palestine/ Israel with no electricity, running water, or proper housing, and there he learned what injustice meant. He got his law degree in Italy and headed back to occupied Palestine/Israel to pursue his career, and there his activism began. As an Arab, Bedouin, and Palestinian he faced discrimi...