Power, People and Planet

Kumi speaks with journalist and Coda Story co-founder Natalia Antelava about reinventing journalism in the age of authoritarianism, disinformation and algorithmic manipulation. From reporting in Yemen to pioneering context-driven coverage at Coda, Natalia shares how storytelling can resist authoritarian playbooks and (re)build public trust. They explore the role of media as activism, the dangers of being slaves to the “breaking news” cycle, and how narratives around family values and identity have been co-opted to fuel global authoritarianism. Natalia also reflects on her work with the ZEG Festival, an experiment in imagination and cross-disciplinary resistance that brings artists, journalists, and philosophers together to shape the “day after tomorrow.” This episode asks: Can arts and media help us move from information overload to deep understanding—and action? Can journalism reclaim its place as a bridge between divided realities?  Resources & Links Coda Story (co-founded by Natalia): www.codastory.com ZEG Festival (co-organized by Natalia): www.zegfest.org Coda's coverage on disinformation and authoritarianism: 👉 Coda’s Authoritarian Tech Section 👉 Coda’s Disinformation Section “Burning with Optimism” essay by Kumi Naidoo (on resistance, burnout & activism): openDemocracy Article Produced by Larj Media 

Is Culture our most powerful tool for making a just world? Artist Favianna Rodriguez joins Kumi Naidoo to explore how art isn’t just a mirror to society—it’s a hammer to shape it. As a cultural strategist Favianna reframes activism as a creative, emotional, and embodied act. From growing up amid the drug war and police brutality in East Oakland to leading national protests and organizing artists globally, Favianna’s life is a testament to culture as a catalyst. Together, they discuss: How culture shapes imagination and why imagination is essential for justice Why every movement needs art, music, and joy to thrive The systemic erasure of communities of color and why representation matters. Real-world examples of how culture preceded political victories—from LGBTQ+ rights to environmental protection. How right-wing politics have captured pop culture and what the resistance can learn from it. Her call to action: Make art. Make noise. Make joy irresistible. 🔗 Resources & Mentions Favianna Rodriguez’s website The Center for Cultural Power Sun City by Artists United Against Apartheid Bob Marley – Get Up, Stand Up “Migration is Beautiful” project [Global ARTivism Gathering, Nov 3–9, 2025 – details TBA]  Produced by Larj Media 

Kumi speaks with decolonial thinker Dr. Vanessa Andreotti about what it means to create change in a collapsing world.  Together they explore how art, activism, and even artificial intelligence can become tools for healing, resistance, and reimagining justice. From her upbringing in Brazil marked by colonial violence to now co-authoring a book with an AI named Aiden Cinnamon Tea, Vanessa dispels modern myths of what progress means and dares us to embrace complexity, humility, and relational intelligence. This is not your typical conversation about tech or protest—it's a call to transform how we live, relate, and build the future.  Featured Works & Resources Burnout From Humans (free book co-authored with AI “Aiden Cinnamon Tea”): burnoutfromhumans.nethomewardbound.org Hospicing Modernity (book): Hospicing Modernity: Facing Humanity’s Wrongs and the Implications for Social Activism climatewords.org Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures (collective): https://decolonialfutures.net/people/  Produced by Larj Media 

Kumi speaks with decolonial thinker Dr. Vanessa Andreotti about what it means to create change in a collapsing world.  Together they explore how art, activism, and even artificial intelligence can become tools for healing, resistance, and reimagining justice. From her upbringing in Brazil marked by colonial violence to now co-authoring a book with an AI named Aiden Cinnamon Tea, Vanessa dispels modern myths of  what progress means and dares us to embrace complexity, humility, and relational intelligence. This is not your typical conversation about tech or protest—it's a call to transform how we live, relate, and build the future. Featured Works & Resources Burnout From Humans (free book co-authored with AI “Aiden Cinnamon Tea”): burnoutfromhumans.nethomewardbound.org Hospicing Modernity (book): Hospicing Modernity: Facing Humanity’s Wrongs and the Implications for Social Activism climatewords.org Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures (collective): https://decolonialfutures.net/people/ Produced by Larj Media 

Feeling at all freaked out by the state of the world at the moment?   Wondering what you can do about it?  Join Kumi Naidoo, the veteran social and environmental justice campaigner, to tackle some of the biggest issues of our time. In each episode Kumi is joined by activists, artists and community leaders who are dismantling our broken system - and building something better in its place.  Hear their stories.  Learn what has kept them fighting.  Find out how we all can make a difference.  Learn more about the podcast by visiting: powerpeopleplanet.org  

In this special episode, which concludes Season 2 of the podcast, Kumi speaks with Indian activist Harsh Mander. This episode was recorded in August 2022 at a time when Harsh was under intense scrutiny for his activities by the Indian government. At the time of recording, he was on the point of returning home to India despite great risks to his personal liberty and pressure from family and friends not to do so. Still, he returned, committed to standing with those in need and fighting hate, Islamophobia, homelessness and violence. Learn more about Power, People & Planet on the website:https://powerpeopleplanet.orgTo watch full episodes of the podcast follow Kumi's YouTube channelFollow Kumi on social media:LinkedInInstagramTwitterFacebook-----------------------Power, People and Planet is produced in association with the Green Economy Coalition, the world’s largest movement for a green and fair economy:https://greeneconomycoalition.orgAdditional support for the podcast was provided by the Robert Bosch Stiftung:https://www.bosch-stiftung.de/en

Kate Raworth is a renegade economist focused on making economics fit for 21st century realities. She is the creator of the Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries, and co-founder of Doughnut Economics Action Lab.-----------------------Learn more about Power, People & Planet on the website:https://powerpeopleplanet.orgTo watch full episodes of the podcast follow Kumi's YouTube channelFollow Kumi on social media:LinkedInInstagramTwitterFacebook-----------------------Power, People and Planet is produced in association with the Green Economy Coalition, the world’s largest movement for a green and fair economy:https://greeneconomycoalition.orgAdditional support for the podcast was provided by the Robert Bosch Stiftung:https://www.bosch-stiftung.de/en

In a wide-ranging discussion on South Africa with veteran activist Vishwas Satgar, Kumi explores the country's political past, present and future. With crucial elections taking place in 2024, what impact will they have for a country in crisis? What are the systemic issues that perpetuate these problems? And what can be learned from the historical victories and failures of South African political resistance?Our Guest:Vishwas Satgar is an associate professor of International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He is the editor of the Democratic Marxism series, and is the principal investigator for the Emancipatory Futures Studies in the Anthropocene project and a democratic eco-socialist.Follow Vishwas's work:Emancipatory Futures website: https://emancipatoryfutures.co.za/On X: https://x.com/VishwasSatgarLearn more about Power, People & Planet on the website:https://powerpeopleplanet.orgTo watch full episodes of the podcast follow Kumi's YouTube channelFollow Kumi on social media:LinkedInInstagramTwitterFacebook-----------------------Power, People and Planet is produced in association with the Green Economy Coalition, the world’s largest movement for a green and fair economy:https://greeneconomycoalition.orgAdditional support for the podcast was provided by the Robert Bosch Stiftung:https://www.bosch-stiftung.de/en

Global leader María Fernanda Espinosa and feminist activist Meena Raman discuss engaging global power dynamics, systemic issues in governance, and the necessity of deep structural changes in global systems. They explore the challenges faced by civil society in the Global South, emphasizing the need for collective action and sustainable leadership to address global crises and promote justice worldwide.

Civil rights activists Clare Farrell and Marta Benavides discuss the importance of civil disobedience in resisting unjust laws and restrictions on freedoms. They explore the role of love, compassion, and justice in activism, urging for peaceful but persistent resistance. The podcast also examines the power of creative communication strategies, media literacy, and global movements in challenging societal norms and advocating for climate justice.