Attacks on Palestinians have intensified during the holy month of Ramadan again – they resemble what we saw last year. And the year before. And the year before. Thankfully, as I’m writing this, Gaza is not being bombed by Israel as intensely as last year. There were bombings, yes, but they haven’t turned into another war on Gaza – not that a complete siege is not devastating the people of Gaza every day.  I had already released seven episodes on Palestine – and a number of articles, which you can all see here – and, honestly, have been reposting a lot of this recently because the topics of my pieces are sadly still relevant: apartheid, colonialism, ethnic cleansing, media silence, etc.  But there is one overarching theme that came to mind recently. An exploding head moment if you will.  It’s something that I have partially covered but it’s time to cover it more directly. To have an episode on just that.  It’s the topic of erasure.  In my episode, I talk about the very beginning of that erasure – the creation of the state of Israel – as well as how erasure presents itself in the media, and how it seems to be at the core of the state-sponsored violence we have seen in Jerusalem: in raids and attacks on the worshipers in Al Aqsa.  Find more resources here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-yO

<h2>Attacks on Palestinians have intensified during the holy month of Ramadan again – they resemble what we saw last year. And the year before. And the year before.</h2> Thankfully, as I’m writing this, Gaza is not being bombed by Israel as intensely as last year. There <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccmvtk7grbB/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">were bombings</a>, yes, but they haven’t turned into another war on Gaza – not that a complete siege is not devastating the people of Gaza every day. I had already released seven episodes on Palestine – and a number of articles, which <a href="https://justinaposkeviciute.com/topics-on-palestine/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">you can all see here</a> – and, honestly, have been reposting a lot of this recently because the topics of my pieces are sadly still relevant: apartheid, colonialism, ethnic cleansing, media silence, etc. But there is one overarching theme that came to mind recently. An exploding head moment if you will. It’s something that I have partially covered but it’s time to cover it more directly. To have an episode on just that. It’s the topic of erasure. In my episode, I talk about the very beginning of that erasure – the creation of the state of Israel – as well as how erasure presents itself in the media, and how it seems to be at the core of the state-sponsored violence we have seen in Jerusalem: in raids and attacks on the worshipers in Al Aqsa. Find more resources here: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-yO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-yO</a>

What Do We Talk About When We Talk About Palestine? Part 8: Erasure

I had written and spoken about it a lot but it’s time to phrase it more directly: When an empire – the U.S. to be more specific – takes up a role of a moral compass, the liberator, the “benign superpower”, we know too much at this point to trust and follow it blindly.  That mistrust doesn’t come from any tendencies of paranoia, contempt for the West, or uncalled cynicism.  It comes from knowing how it has behaved in various regions, what world leaders it has been working with, what paramilitary groups training, what weapons using against what population, what regimes selling weapons so, what refugees rejecting, and so much more.  As the war in Ukraine has started, we have seen some absolutely hypocritical statements made by U.S. officials.  But they’re only hypocritical if we know a bit of the context here.  And when we do, we are much better equipped to construct our own moral compasses, without any help from the U.S.  This is what I illustrate and explain much better in my episode.  You can find all the resources here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-xI

<h2>I had written and spoken about it a lot but it’s time to phrase it more directly: When an empire – the U.S. to be more specific – takes up a role of a moral compass, the liberator, the “benign superpower”, we know too much at this point to trust and follow it blindly. </h2> That mistrust doesn’t come from any tendencies of paranoia, contempt for the West, or uncalled cynicism. It comes from knowing how it has behaved in various regions, what world leaders it has been working with, what paramilitary groups training, what weapons using against what population, what regimes selling weapons so, what refugees rejecting, and so much more. As the war in Ukraine has started, we have seen some absolutely hypocritical statements made by U.S. officials. But they’re only hypocritical if we know a bit of the context here. And when we do, we are much better equipped to construct our own moral compasses, without any help from the U.S. This is what I illustrate and explain much better in my episode. You can find all the resources here: <a href="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-xI</a>

When an Empire Offers You a Moral Compass, You Can Pass

Can we talk about the war in Ukraine and its complexities without being shut down or accused of minimising its horrors? I think that is possible indeed – yet not that easy.  In my two-part series, I address six topics, six “Yes, and” talking points that I have personally found difficult (but important) to navigate.  In my first episode, I talked about NATO expansion, the extreme right in Ukraine, and what we have to know about how sanctions work.  In my second episode (so this one!), I talk about (1) racism in the media, (2) the overtness of racist and xenophobic immigration policies when it comes to accepting refugees, and (3) the difference between what-about-ism and saying, “this, too” when it comes to the war in Ukraine.  I also quickly address several types of comments I had received about my previous episode and, hopefully, add more value to this one by doing so.  Find more information here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-x7  

<h2>Can we talk about the war in Ukraine and its complexities without being shut down or accused of minimising its horrors? I think that is possible indeed – yet not that easy.</h2> In my two-part series, I address six topics, six “Yes, and” talking points that I have personally found difficult (but important) to navigate. In my <a href="https://justinaposkeviciute.com/2022/03/13/the-war-in-ukraine-and-its-multiple-yes-ands-part-1/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">first episode,</a> I talked about NATO expansion, the extreme right in Ukraine, and what we have to know about how sanctions work. In my second episode (so this one!), I talk about (1) racism in the media, (2) the overtness of racist and xenophobic immigration policies when it comes to accepting refugees, and (3) the difference between what-about-ism and saying, “this, too” when it comes to the war in Ukraine. I also quickly address several types of comments I had received about my previous episode and, hopefully, add more value to this one by doing so. Find more information here: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-x7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-x7</a>

The War in Ukraine and Its Multiple “Yes, And”s (Part 2)

Can we talk about the war in Ukraine and its complexities without being shut down or accused of minimising its horrors? I think that is possible indeed – yet not that easy.  In my two-part series, I address six topics, six “Yes, and” talking points that I have personally found difficult (but important) to navigate.  In my first episode, I talk about (1) NATO expansion, (2) the extreme right in Ukraine, and (3) what we have to know about how sanctions work.  To the best of my abilities, I present the multiple “Yes, and” situations we might find ourselves in, what accusations we might get when we claim A, and how we explain that claiming A doesn’t automatically mean B.

Can we talk about the war in Ukraine and its complexities without being shut down or accused of minimising its horrors? I think that is possible indeed – yet not that easy. In my two-part series, I address six topics, six “Yes, and” talking points that I have personally found difficult (but important) to navigate. In my first episode, I talk about (1) NATO expansion, (2) the extreme right in Ukraine, and (3) what we have to know about how sanctions work. To the best of my abilities, I present the multiple “Yes, and” situations we might find ourselves in, what accusations we might get when we claim A, and how we explain that claiming A doesn’t automatically mean B.

The War in Ukraine and Its Multiple "Yes, And"s (Part 1)

What right does one country have to freeze the assets of another one? What about when the country sanctioned is undergoing a major crisis? These are the questions we have to ask about what the U.S. has been doing to Afghanistan which is in its biggest crisis in 20 years.   On top of that, the U.S. has been holding $7 billion of its assets in its banks.  How is that being done, what are aid agencies saying about it, and what is a strange (somewhere between absurd and criminal) move that Presiden Biden make recently regarding these funds?  It's all in my episode.   Please find more resources (articles, a video, and a petition to sign!) here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-wa 

What right does one country have to freeze the assets of another one? What about when the country sanctioned is undergoing a major crisis? These are the questions we have to ask about what the U.S. has been doing to Afghanistan which is in its biggest crisis in 20 years. On top of that, the U.S. has been holding $7 billion of its assets in its banks. How is that being done, what are aid agencies saying about it, and what is a strange (somewhere between absurd and criminal) move that Presiden Biden make recently regarding these funds? It's all in my episode.  Please find more resources (articles, a video, and a petition to sign!) here: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-wa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-wa </a>

What Do We Have To Know About The Frozen Afghan Funds?

Almost exactly a year ago, I launched my podcast by asking what good happened in 2020.  A year later, I ask the same about 2021.  Needless to say, it was a turbulent year with a lot of suffering inflicted in countries like Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine, and others, just to name a few.   The uncertainty and deaths of COVID continued and we saw that, hey, a pandemic CAN last more than a year!  Yet if I was able to see the good in 2020, I thought surely there were things worth celebrating in 2021, too.  In my episode, I chose to talk about three things:  Barbados becoming an independent republic (I dive a little bit into political science and explain that a Head of State and a Head of Government is) multiple elections in Latin America - and no military coups! Elliot Page coming out as a trans man (you can listen to my episode on Why We Need Pride here).  Join me in this celebratory episode --- and we could use some positivity right now.

Almost exactly a year ago, I launched my podcast by asking <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-8l" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">what good happened in 2020</a>. A year later, I ask the same about 2021. Needless to say, it was a turbulent year with a lot of suffering inflicted in countries like <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-vc" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Afghanistan</a>, Lebanon, <a href="https://justinaposkeviciute.com/topics-on-palestine/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Palestine</a>, and others, just to name a few. The uncertainty and deaths of COVID continued and we saw that, hey, a pandemic CAN last more than a year! Yet if I was able to see the good in 2020, I thought surely there were things worth celebrating in 2021, too. In my episode, I chose to talk about three things: <ul> <li>Barbados becoming an independent republic (I dive a little bit into political science and explain that a Head of State and a Head of Government is)</li> <li>multiple elections in Latin America - and no military coups!</li> <li>Elliot Page coming out as a trans man (you can listen to my episode on <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-ic" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Why We Need Pride here</a>).</li> </ul> Join me in this celebratory episode --- and we could use some positivity right now.

What Good Happened in 2021?

If we allow ourselves to integrate the experiences we're having, how can that change where we think we are in the world?  And how is this political?  In the fourth part of my series on privilege, I take the liberty - and take my time, oh my - to tell you about my own privilege journey.  How the concept of privilege has changed throughout my life, what directions it took, what different regions have to do with it, and how it explains so much of what you're hearing in all of my podcast episodes.  It explains so much that this episode could have been an introductory episode exactly a year ago when I started this podcast.  Either way, I hope you find it valuable, I hope it changes something in you, and I hope you stick around for more episodes, now that you know where they're coming from.  

If we allow ourselves to integrate the experiences we're having, how can that change where we think we are in the world? And how is this political? In the fourth part of my series on privilege, I take the liberty - and take my time, oh my - to tell you about my own privilege journey. How the concept of privilege has changed throughout my life, what directions it took, what different regions have to do with it, and how it explains so much of what you're hearing in all of my podcast episodes. It explains so much that this episode could have been an introductory episode exactly a year ago when I started this podcast. Either way, I hope you find it valuable, I hope it changes something in you, and I hope you stick around for more episodes, now that you know where they're coming from.

Privilege: What Makes Us Change? Part 3

Can we inspect the very lens through which we see the world?  How can reflecting on the concept of privilege help us here?  In the third part of my series on privilege, three more people share their privilege stories.  Japan, Thailand, Scotland, Brazil, Lithuania, and Palestine are mentioned.  But it's not really about the places: it's about what the newly gained experience does to us.  I hope you enjoy and stick around for the last episode of this series where I myself share my own privilege story.

Can we inspect the very lens through which we see the world? How can reflecting on the concept of privilege help us here? In the third part of my series on privilege, three more people share their privilege stories. Japan, Thailand, Scotland, Brazil, Lithuania, and Palestine are mentioned. But it's not really about the places: it's about what the newly gained experience does to us. I hope you enjoy and stick around for the last episode of this series where I myself share my own privilege story.

Privilege: What Makes Us Change? Part 2

What makes us change? What changes the way we perceive the world and our place in it? I find these questions fascinating.  And although privilege is not the only lens through which we see the world, I think it contains an important part of the answer to these questions.  That's why I'm very excited to present to you a mini-series on privilege where I ask people how the concept of privilege has changed throughout their lives.  In my introductory episode, I talked about the definition of privilege, what we should be conscious about so it doesn't freeze us in our political actions, and how we can discuss privilege without falling into the traps of what is called comparative suffering.  In this very episode, three people (full disclosure: three friends of mine, yes!) summarise their own privilege stories for you.   I hope you enjoy and stick around for upcoming episodes!

<h2>What makes us change? What changes the way we perceive the world and our place in it?</h2> I find these questions fascinating. And although privilege is not the only lens through which we see the world, I think it contains an important part of the answer to these questions. That's why I'm very excited to present to you a mini-series on privilege where I ask people how the concept of privilege has changed throughout their lives. In my <a href="https://justinaposkeviciute.com/2021/10/22/privilege-introduction/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">introductory episode</a>, I talked about the definition of privilege, what we should be conscious about so it doesn't freeze us in our political actions, and how we can discuss privilege without falling into the traps of what is called comparative suffering. In this very episode, three people (full disclosure: three friends of mine, yes!) summarise their own privilege stories for you. I hope you enjoy and stick around for upcoming episodes!

Privilege: What Makes Us Change? Part 1

The Exploding Head is properly back, with an episode that is not a summary of my previous season!  I start Season Two by introducing a topic on which I did a tiny personal project. You will hear what that is exactly in my upcoming episodes to which I have invited some guests!   The topic of this project is a potentially controversial one: privilege.  In this episode, I present to you one of the definitions of privilege that I really like - and, yes, give some examples that are of different levels of weirdness.  I also identify what we should be conscious about so our sense of privilege doesn't prevent us from speaking out or taking a different action.  Lastly, I allow myself to go down the path of psychology (which sounds a bit like a crossover with my other podcast, Investigative Selfism, which is on personal development and mental health) and talk about what Brené Brown calls 'comparative suffering'. In short, it's terrible for us. Let's not do that. I hope you enjoy this episode and the potential reflections it brings about! 

The Exploding Head is properly back, with an episode that is not a summary of my previous season! I start Season Two by introducing a topic on which I did a tiny personal project. You will hear what that is exactly in my upcoming episodes to which I have invited some guests! The topic of this project is a potentially controversial one: privilege. In this episode, I present to you one of the definitions of privilege that I really like - and, yes, give some examples that are of different levels of weirdness. I also identify what we should be conscious about so our sense of privilege doesn't prevent us from speaking out or taking a different action. Lastly, I allow myself to go down the path of psychology (which sounds a bit like a crossover with my other podcast, Investigative Selfism, which is on personal development and mental health) and talk about what Brené Brown calls 'comparative suffering'. In short, it's terrible for us. Let's not do that. I hope you enjoy this episode and the potential reflections it brings about!

Privilege: Introduction

Is there anything that makes your head wanna explode? Any particular issue that bothers you? Any kind of injustice, disappointment, or negligence?In this podcast, I take up the pretentious task of addressing some of these issues. What’s happening around the world, what’s the human behind the political, and - my lord - where do we begin to fix it?You might hear more questions than answers here. But, hey, it’s not a bad place to start.You can read more about my projects here: http://www.justinaposkeviciute.com/

Although my articles didn't stop, my podcast did take a needed break⁣⁣.  In its first season (22 episodes!), I've talked about:⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ - Palestine⁣⁣ - Brazil⁣⁣ - Chile⁣⁣ - Argentina⁣⁣ - Bolivia⁣⁣ - Belarus⁣⁣ - Lithuania⁣⁣ - Australia⁣⁣ - New Zealand⁣⁣ - Jordan⁣⁣ - Thailand⁣⁣ and the US, of course.⁣⁣  I've talked about different aspects (and assets) of democratic regimes and how countries move between that and authoritarianism, the importance of political representation for minorities and other vulnerable populations, some messed up history of Latin America, social issues in Lithuania and other places, and, needless to say, various ways to deconstruct what's happening in Palestine.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ State-sanctioned violence ⁣⁣and other forms of oppression, exclusion, silencing, misrepresentation, fear-mongering, dehumanisation...⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ There's so much to cover.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ There's so much to speak out against.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ There's so much to change for the better. ⁣⁣ Now, I'll see you in the second season of The Exploding Head podcast!⁣⁣  In it, you'll see more collaborations, more regions covered, and...well, some topics that you've heard about already, simply because there are issues about which we have to talk continuously. ⁣⁣ Thank you for sticking around and for caring, and for amplifying the ideas that need that amplification so much!  

Although my articles didn't stop, my podcast did take a needed break⁣⁣. In its first season (22 episodes!), I've talked about:⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ - Palestine⁣⁣ - Brazil⁣⁣ - Chile⁣⁣ - Argentina⁣⁣ - Bolivia⁣⁣ - Belarus⁣⁣ - Lithuania⁣⁣ - Australia⁣⁣ - New Zealand⁣⁣ - Jordan⁣⁣ - Thailand⁣⁣ and the US, of course.⁣⁣ I've talked about different aspects (and assets) of democratic regimes and how countries move between that and authoritarianism, the importance of political representation for minorities and other vulnerable populations, some messed up history of Latin America, social issues in Lithuania and other places, and, needless to say, various ways to deconstruct <a href="https://justinaposkeviciute.com/topics-on-palestine/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">what's happening in Palestine</a>.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ State-sanctioned violence ⁣⁣and other forms of oppression, exclusion, silencing, misrepresentation, fear-mongering, dehumanisation...⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ There's so much to cover.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ There's so much to speak out against.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ There's so much to change for the better. ⁣⁣ Now, I'll see you in the second season of The Exploding Head podcast!⁣⁣ In it, you'll see more collaborations, more regions covered, and...well, some topics that you've heard about already, simply because there are issues about which we have to talk continuously. ⁣⁣ Thank you for sticking around and for caring, and for amplifying the ideas that need that amplification so much!

Welcome to Season Two of the Exploding Head!

Dehumanisation is a prerequisite for some of the darkest things we've witnessed in our history. Slavery, genocides, torture, mass killings - just to name a few, and it's one heavy list already.  Because of that, ANY time is a good time to talk about it.  Although this episode was sparked by what's happening in my own country, Lithuania, in regards to asylum seekers (I’ve written about it in my most recent article: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-qs), it's about more than that. In my episode, I also talk about South America, about our innate humanity, and the need to allow ourselves to draw parallels between the darkest events in our history and the beginnings of something that might seem small at first. It's not a "light" topic for this Northern Hemisphere summer season, but it's an important one --- so thank you all for listening!

Dehumanisation is a prerequisite for some of the darkest things we've witnessed in our history. Slavery, genocides, torture, mass killings - just to name a few, and it's one heavy list already. Because of that, ANY time is a good time to talk about it. Although this episode was sparked by what's happening in my own country, Lithuania, in regards to asylum seekers (I’ve written about it in my <a href="https://justinaposkeviciute.com/2021/07/14/an-apology-to-my-refugee-friends/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">most recent article</a>: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-qs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-qs</a>), it's about more than that. In my episode, I also talk about South America, about our innate humanity, and the need to allow ourselves to draw parallels between the darkest events in our history and the beginnings of something that might seem small at first. It's not a "light" topic for this Northern Hemisphere summer season, but it's an important one --- so thank you all for listening!

The Dangers of Dehumanisation

I am not here to convince you that all people deserve equality.  I'd like to think you already believe that - on Pride Day or any other day.  In my episode, I quickly summarise several important arguments why we still need Pride and where, among other areas, there's still a lot of work ahead. Where might that work be needed in your country? We have to look at its legal base. For example, the rights and anti-discriminatory laws that exist to protect the LGBTQ community. Media laws regarding LGBTQ representation. Marriage laws.  We can also look at statistics surrounding hate crimes and violence towards our LGBTQ friends. We can look at heart-breaking statistics at LGBTQ youth suicide rates and different indices on mental health.  In short, even if it's incomplete, there is a LOT of data showing that in many countries, to use very simple language, the situation is just not great.   That's why, as I've been saying in my previous episodes: Political representation matters. Visibility matters. Raising your voice matters. It's a short episode. I hope you find it valuable and even share it with the ones who might appreciate it, too.  Lastly, please please watch two beautiful and impactful videos that I've shared in the article surrounding this episode: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-ic  

I am not here to convince you that all people deserve equality. I'd like to think you already believe that - on Pride Day or any other day. In my episode, I quickly summarise several important arguments why we still need Pride and where, among other areas, there's still a lot of work ahead. <h3>Where might that work be needed in your country?</h3> We have to look at its legal base. For example, the rights and anti-discriminatory laws that exist to protect the LGBTQ community. Media laws regarding LGBTQ representation. Marriage laws. We can also look at statistics surrounding hate crimes and violence towards our LGBTQ friends. We can look at heart-breaking statistics at LGBTQ youth suicide rates and different indices on mental health. In short, even if it's incomplete, there is a LOT of data showing that in many countries, to use very simple language, the situation is just not great. That's why, as I've been saying in my previous episodes: <h3>Political representation matters. Visibility matters. Raising your voice matters.</h3> It's a short episode. I hope you find it valuable and even share it with the ones who might appreciate it, too. Lastly, please please watch two beautiful and impactful videos that I've shared in the article surrounding this episode: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-ic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-ic</a>

Why We Need Pride

I've covered this topic before but it's time to put it at the very centre of my episode. Gaza might not be bombed anymore yet so much remains. The blockade, the occupation with all of its mechanism, apartheid, and so many questions.  One of these questions sounds simple but it so important to ask: Who can hold Israel accountable? And if the answer is 'no-one', we have to talk about impunity.  In this episode, I summarise several thematic areas of where we find that impunity in Israel and Palestine (the recent bombing of Gaza being just one of them), I point to the lack of accountability in the past, I ask which organisations would have any power here, and remind us why this topic is such a big one.  Find all the references and two vidoes I mention here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-kM 

I've covered this topic before but it's time to put it at the very centre of my episode. Gaza might not be bombed anymore yet so much remains. The blockade, the occupation with all of its mechanism, apartheid, and so many questions. One of these questions sounds simple but it so important to ask: <h3>Who can hold Israel accountable?</h3> And if the answer is 'no-one', we have to talk about impunity. In this episode, I summarise several thematic areas of where we find that impunity in Israel and Palestine (the recent bombing of Gaza being just one of them), I point to the lack of accountability in the past, I ask which organisations would have any power here, and remind us why this topic is such a big one. Find all the references and two vidoes I mention here: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-kM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-kM</a>

What Do We Talk About When We Talk About Palestine? Part 7: Impunity

As I'm recording this, Gaza is being bombed by the Israeli forces. In short, a lot has happened since last week. A lot needs to be unpacked.  In this episode, trying to further answer the question I have asked myself in this series - what do we really talk about when we talk about Palestine? - I talk about the abstract but often used concepts of security and self-defence.  What I do exactly is the following:  use the concepts from my previous episodes as prisms to analyse this situation, talk more about the mainstream media narrative and, more importantly, where it starts, explore the concept of security and self-defence by mentioning what the International Humanitarian Law has to say about it, point to potential hypocrisy that might surround any talks about Gaza.   Give it a listen. Join the debate. Check my references and more here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-jo 

As I'm recording this, Gaza is being bombed by the Israeli forces. In short, a lot has happened since last week. A lot needs to be unpacked. In this episode, trying to further answer the question I have asked myself in this series - what do we really talk about when we talk about Palestine? - I talk about the abstract but often used concepts of security and self-defence. What I do exactly is the following: <ul> <li>use the concepts from my previous episodes as prisms to analyse this situation,</li> <li>talk more about the mainstream media narrative and, more importantly, where it starts,</li> <li>explore the concept of security and self-defence by mentioning what the International Humanitarian Law has to say about it,</li> <li>point to potential hypocrisy that might surround any talks about Gaza.</li> </ul> Give it a listen. Join the debate. Check my references and more here: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-jo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-jo</a>

What Do We Talk About When We Talk About Palestine? Part 6: Gaza and The Fake Security vs. Equality Dichotomy

What is happening in East Jerusalem?  Or, rather, what has been happening in East Jerusalem? Depending on your location, political interests, and what media you consume, you might have heard the name of Sheikh Jarrah.  If anything, you might have seen some hashtags at least, like #SaveSheikhJarrah.  Sheikh Jarrah is a neighbourhood of East Jerusalem and what is happening there gives me an (unfortunate) opportunity to further explore my own question: What do we really talk about when we talk about Palestine? In light of current events, today's topic simply has to be colonialism.  It's...strange to be using this word to describe something that we're witnessing in the 21st century, I know. Yet, just like with other concepts that have actual definitions, we shouldn't be afraid to use them where these definitions fit.  It's a dense episode. I hope you enjoy it and check my references here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-iG   

What is happening in East Jerusalem? Or, rather, what has been happening in East Jerusalem? Depending on your location, political interests, and what media you consume, you might have heard the name of Sheikh Jarrah. If anything, you might have seen some hashtags at least, like #SaveSheikhJarrah. Sheikh Jarrah is a neighbourhood of East Jerusalem and what is happening there gives me an (unfortunate) opportunity to further explore my own question: <h3>What do we really talk about when we talk about Palestine?</h3> In light of current events, today's topic simply has to be colonialism. It's...strange to be using this word to describe something that we're witnessing in the 21st century, I know. Yet, just like with other concepts that have actual definitions, we shouldn't be afraid to use them where these definitions fit. It's a dense episode. I hope you enjoy it and check my references here: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-iG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-iG</a>

What Do We Talk About When We Talk About Palestine? Part 5: Colonialism

It's a system of apartheid.  This is how Human Rights Watch has summarised its extensive report documenting how the Israeli government treats Palestinians living both inside of Israel and the Occupied Territories.  In my episode, I talk about this report and what broader questions we should ask when it comes to how international organisations assess any Israeli policies.  You can find an article surrounding this episode (with photos and references!) here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-gg

It's a system of apartheid. This is how Human Rights Watch has summarised its extensive report documenting how the Israeli government treats Palestinians living both inside of Israel and the Occupied Territories. In my episode, I talk about this report and what broader questions we should ask when it comes to how international organisations assess any Israeli policies. You can find an article surrounding this episode (with photos and references!) here: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-gg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-gg</a>

What Do We Talk About When We Talk About Palestine? Part 4: International Organisations

It's a rather reflective episode with a simple message:  Black Lives still matter, and (y)our discomfort still doesn't.   I launched my personal page with my article on shame and my own journey from ignorance to...less ignorance.  It was June 2020, and Black Lives Matter had just exploded. (the movement, not the issues, obviously)  In this episode, recorded just two days after David Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd, I aim to engage you in a personal reflection of how this year of protests has been for you.  I quote Glennon Doyle, I talk about bravery, and I remind myself and, hopefully, you, what is and what isn't at the centre of this issue.

It's a rather reflective episode with a simple message: Black Lives still matter, and (y)our discomfort still doesn't. I launched my personal page with my <a href="https://justinaposkeviciute.com/2020/06/14/allshamematters-on-cracks-leaps-and-other-types-of-movements/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">article on shame</a> and my own journey from ignorance to...less ignorance. It was June 2020, and Black Lives Matter had just exploded. (the movement, not the issues, obviously) In this episode, recorded just two days after David Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd, I aim to engage you in a personal reflection of how this year of protests has been for you. I quote Glennon Doyle, I talk about <a href="https://justinaposkeviciute.com/2020/08/24/the-politics-of-everyday-bravery/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">bravery</a>, and I remind myself and, hopefully, you, what is and what isn't at the centre of this issue.

Black Lives Still Matter, And (Y)our Discomfort Still Doesn't

I start my episode by revealing to you how irresponsibly I would go on motorbike rides when I was living in Thailand.  Why do I do that?  To juxtapose it with a certain strict law Thailand has regarding its media.  Media freedom is the topic of this week's episode.  But in addition to lèse-majesté (laws prohibiting criticism of the Royal family, and something I cannot pronounce correctly) and other types of censorship structures, we have to talk about something else. Something that is easier to miss.  That is media plurality.  What's the difference between internal plurality and external plurality?  A quick answer: that difference is huge, and it has to deal with media ownership consolidation levels.  Listen to this episode to learn more about it.  Find all the references and recommendations here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-f8 

I start my episode by revealing to you how irresponsibly I would go on motorbike rides when I was living in Thailand. Why do I do that? To juxtapose it with a certain strict law Thailand has regarding its media. Media freedom is the topic of this week's episode. But in addition to lèse-majesté (laws prohibiting criticism of the Royal family, and something I cannot pronounce correctly) and other types of censorship structures, we have to talk about something else. Something that is easier to miss. That is media plurality. What's the difference between internal plurality and external plurality? A quick answer: that difference is huge, and it has to deal with media ownership consolidation levels. Listen to this episode to learn more about it. Find all the references and recommendations here: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-f8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-f8</a>

How Free Is Media in Your Country, Really?

On the day I moved to Jordan, a big thing happened.  The country's monarchy was apparently threatened. Although not much is known about exactly what happened, it presents to us a good opportunity to talk about different types of political change - something I've been doing in multiple episodes of this podcast. I also talk about the refugee crisis, mention my episode on a parliamentary coup (!) in Brazil (https://spoti.fi/3cxKhVk), promote my series on Palestine, and reveal to you that I have, in fact, another podcast (https://spoti.fi/3pWUJsR)!  Check it out. For an episode recorded on a hilly street of Amman, it's surprisingly quiet!   You can find the article on this episode with all the links and a table I mention here: https://wp.me/pc6sQr-eO

On the day I moved to Jordan, a big thing happened. The country's monarchy was apparently threatened. Although not much is known about exactly what happened, it presents to us a good opportunity to talk about different types of political change - something I've been doing in multiple episodes of this podcast. I also talk about the refugee crisis, mention my episode on a parliamentary coup (!) in Brazil (<a href="https://spoti.fi/3cxKhVk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://spoti.fi/3cxKhVk</a>), promote my series on Palestine, and reveal to you that I have, in fact, another podcast (<a href="https://spoti.fi/3pWUJsR)!" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://spoti.fi/3pWUJsR)!</a> Check it out. For an episode recorded on a hilly street of Amman, it's surprisingly quiet!  You can find the article on this episode with all the links and a table I mention here: <a href="https://wp.me/pc6sQr-eO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wp.me/pc6sQr-eO</a>

Political Turbulence in Jordan: What Framework Can Political Science Provide?

Is there anything that makes your head wanna explode? Any particular issue that bothers you? Any kind of injustice, disappointment, or negligence? In this podcast, I take up the pretentious task of addressing some of these issues. What’s happening around the world, what’s the human behind the political, and - my lord - where do we begin to fix it? You might hear more questions than answers here. But, hey, it’s not a bad place to start. You can read more about my projects here: <a href="http://www.justinaposkeviciute.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.justinaposkeviciute.com/</a>

The Exploding Head

The best podcast episodes about true crime. For any thrill seeking podcast listeners who just can't get enough of the captivating stories of murderers and criminals. This topic has all the best episodes from many different true crime podcasts.  Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best True Crime Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!