Not My Problem Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sephora Madjiheurem & Annika Schoene
Sephora and Annika are two scientists who met through serendipity in a random pub near King’s Cross. Over too many drinks, they discussed world affairs and social issues, but were at a loss to know how to make a difference in this world. The one recurring question of all conversations that followed was: “Why would anybody care?”. In this podcast, they tackle social justice issues that are often ignored. More specifically, they ask tough questions and discuss topics that are commonly overlooked by the more privileged in our society.
What exactly is classism? How likely are you to become super rich? In this episode, we explain what classism is and who is affected by it and we present some surprising statistics about the super rich. We also talk about philanthropy.. how much good does it really do?
To continue learning, check out our recommendations:
- WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSOVBiEotaw - it is a short TikTok ok that puts into perspective how rich the world’s richest man is, we thought it is good to include here as it is hard to imagine what billions actually look like
- READ: Culture shock: My Experience with Classism in Higher Education
Let's talk about the Hidden Curriculum and Classism on Campus
Poverty Ethnicity Evidence Summary * LISTEN: LSE Podcast
Join us as we discuss the disproportionate impact of the current climate crisis. This episode's discussion includes surprising facts and figures on which populations are most responsible for the global climate change and pollution, and which populations are more likely to suffer from it. We open a conversation about what we can - and should - each do to make the world a little safer for all.
Shout out:
Read: Glamour article By Wanjiku Gatheru, “Want to Be an Environmentalist? Start With Antiracism”
Jane Fonda, “What Can I Do?”, My path from climate despair to action
IG account called @intersectionalenvormentalist
Listen: Earth Rights Podcast -
Watch: Dr atyia martin - Racism and climate change are about you
We are doing something a little different in this episode! We reflect on the lessons we have learned in our journeys of discussing sensitive topic. We share our approaches to having tough conversations, and give our favourite tips and tricks for maximum effect.
Shout outs:
Read: Calling IN: A Less Disposable Way of Holding Each Other Accountable - Black Girl Dangerous
Listen: Headspace - Difficult Conversation meditation
Watch: Using active listening in time of hostility by Crux
We discuss mental health and well-being. We look at what the stats tell us about mental health, for example who is at a higher risk of being affected by mental health issues, and why. From trauma, to eating disorders, to the imposter syndrome, we cover a broad range of mental health issues that don’t necessarily always get the right amount of mainstream coverage.
As always, we share our personal experiences, and also provide suggestions as to how to make a change.
- READ: The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma - Bessel van der Kolk, PhD
The MindMedic Instagram account by Dr. Sarah Vorah (Consultant Psychiatrist) * LISTEN: Stronger Minds by Kimberley Wilson, Therapy for Black Girls with Joy Harden Bradford * WATCH: Freddie Flintoff: Living with Bulimia
Let's talk about sex! In this episode, we discuss what is missing in the sex education curriculum given to teenagers. We talk about sex and disabilities, about consent, about performative vs pleasure-centred sex and much more.
- READ: Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good (Emergent Strategy) - written and gathered by Adrienee Maree Brown
For Black listeners: Afrosexology.com, great online resource centering black sexual liberation and healing
Queer Sex: A Trans and Non-Binary Guide to Intimacy, Pleasure and Relationships by Juno Roche * LISTEN: Undressing Disability Podcast - Enhance UK (charity) * WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVHZS1qgtrA - Dr Ann Olivarius ‘Revenge Porn - The Naked Truth’
We have an open and informed discussion about diet culture, why is it a serious societal problem, and what can we do about it. We explain the history of the body positivity movement, the progress it has enabled and we also discuss its limitations. We also share our personal struggles with weight and body image.
READ:
The body is not an apology - Sonya Renee Taylor
Body Positive Power: How to stop dieting, make peace with your body and live - Megan Jayne Crabbe
LISTEN:
Don’t salt my game - Laura Thomas
Train Happy Podcast - Tally Rye
WATCH: Poodle Science - Deb Burgard
We discuss how sexism manifests itself in the health sector. We expose major inconsistencies in medical research studies with respect to sex and gender and how they negatively impact women. We deconstruct the idea of a "gendered brain" and share personal experiences of sexism in healthcare.
- READ: The Gendered Brain: The new neuroscience that shatters the myth of the female brain - Professor Gina Rippon
Brain Storm: The flaws in the science of sex differences (Harvard University Press 2010) - Dr Jordan-Young * LISTEN: FoodMedic Podcast - Season 4, Episodes 4 (Women are not small men with Dr Stacy Sims) & 5 (The female brain with Dr Sarah McKay) * WATCH: Alok’s interview with Dr Rebecca Jordan-Young (the author of The Flaws in the Science of Sex Differences)
Why Medicine often has dangerous side effects for women by Dr Alyson McGregor
We are back! In this episode, we discuss how racist ideologies have shaped healthcare throughout history, and how it affects present day healthcare systems in the West. We provide tips on how to recognise when healthcare is biased and discriminatory, as well as historical examples so that we can learn from the past.
SHOUT OUTS:
- READ: Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present - Harriet A. Washington.
- LISTEN: The Food medic - SUPERIOR: The Return of Race Science with Angela Saini
- WATCH: Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine Damon Tweedy
In this episode, we discuss how the language we use has an impact on the people around us. We discuss examples and highlight contexts of when language may be hurtful or problematic. We then suggest easy fixes to these situations and why making this change can have such a big impact.
Shout outs:
READS: “Mindset”, Dr. Carol Dweck
LISTEN: “The Vocal Fries Pod” Carrie Gillon and Megan Figueroa
WATCH: "The Significance of Linguistic Profiling" - Dr. John Baugh
In this episode, we discuss cultural appropriation. We explain when and why it is problematic, and highlight the differences with cultural appreciation. We support our discussions with examples as they can be found in the beauty, music or entertainment industries as well as more casual everyday examples. We give suggestions on how to show appreciation for a different culture without appropriating it. Shout outs: READ: “White Negroes: When Cornrows Were in Vogue ... and Other Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation”, Lauren Michele Jackson LISTEN: “Minority Korner Podcast” James Arthur WATCH: “Cultural Appropriation: Who Gets a Pass?!” Tee Noir
In this special episode, Sephora and Annika take turn asking each other personal questions about their lives and about hosting a podcast.
Get in touch with us!
Instagram: @nmppodcast
Facebook: @nmppodcast
Twitter: @nmppodcast1
YouTube: Not My Problem Podcast
Email: notmyproblemthepodcast@gmail.com
Happy holidays everyone!
While we won't release any traditional Not My Problem Podcast episode in December, we will gift you with a Holiday Special episode soon. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, connect with us in any way you like:
Instagram: @nmppodcast
Facebook: @nmppodcast
Twitter: @nmppodcast1
YouTube: Not My Problem Podcast
Email: notmyproblemthepodcast@gmail.com
We discuss what does it mean to be an ally, things not to do when trying to be a good ally, and recommendations on where to start or how to continue your journey to genuine allyship. We also raise awareness about the white saviour industrial complex, and propose steps to make a change. Shoutouts:
READ: “How to be an Anti-racist!” Ibram X Kendi
LISTEN: No white saviour podcast / The missionary Podcast
WATCH: Arthur Simeon - “Africa doesnt need your help if you work in a mall”
Is white privilege real? What does it even mean? Can you benefit from white privilege if you are not white? In this episode, we break it all down and discuss the white privilege and white fragility taboos. As always, we end the episode with suggestions to make a change at an individual level. Shout outs:
READS: White fragility - Robin DiAngelo The Guradian series “Shades of black” LISTEN: George The Poet - “Have you heard George’s Podcast?” WATCH: BBC three testimonials: “Dark-Skinned Girls On Colourism”
In this episode, we address the topic of intersectionality. We first give a formal definition and then proceed to provide many everyday life examples to help listeners to grasp the concept. We highlight the importance of acknowledging the systemic neglect of intersectional injustice and make suggestions to help to alleviate it.
Shout outs:
- READ: Galdem Magazine
- LISTEN: Sooo Many White Guys with Phoebe Robinson
- WATCH: The Urgency of intersectionality, Kimberlé Crenshaw
Do you consider yourself a feminist? What does it even mean to be a feminist? In this episode, we open the discussion around feminism. We give a definition and provide everyday life examples. We challenge our listeners to rethink feminism, and give suggestions as to how to better advocate for equal rights for all genders.
Shoutouts:
- Read: Gloria Steinem “My life on the road”
- Listen: Girl Boss Radio with Sophia Amoruso
- Watch: Film "Suffragettes"
In our third episode, we start a discussion about sexism. We first give the definition of sexism, and explain its different dimensions using everyday examples as well as research studies. In addition to mentioning the most known aspects of sexism, we dive deeper and dissect the more subtle forms of casual sexism. As usual, we end the episode by giving some suggestions on small steps we can all take to make a change towards combating sexism.
Shout outs:
- READ: “You should have asked”, Emma
- LISTEN: "Why its time to make a fuss about sexism", by Laura Bates
- WATCH: Laura Bates TedTalk "Everyday Sexism"
In this episode, we continue our discussion around racism, with a focus on internalised racism. We give a rigorous definition and provide examples to help listeners grasp the concept. We then discuss representation as a tool to help combat internalised racism. Finally, we provide straightforward examples to make a change.
Shout outs:
- READ: “More than Enough” by Elaine Weltheroth
- LISTEN: "The woke ass podcast"
- WATCH: Nikesha Elise Williams TEDx Talk “Representation matters”
In this episode, we discuss racism in its individual and institutional forms. We explain terms such as “microaggressions” and “systemic racism” through rigorous definitions and everyday life examples. Finally, we provide suggestions to make a change.
Recommendations for further information:
READ the book “Why I am no longer talking to white people about race” by Reni Eddo-Lodge
LISTEN to the podcast “About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge”
WATCH the TedTalk “How to deconstruct racism, one headline at a time” by Baratunde Thurston
Sephora and Annika are two scientists who met through serendipity in a random pub near King’s Cross. Over too many drinks, they discussed world affairs and social issues, but were at a loss to know how to make a difference in this world. The one recurring question of all conversations that followed was: “Why would anybody care?”. Many months later, they finally decided to take action by sharing their conversations and the “Not My Problem” podcast was born. In this podcast, they tackle social justice issues that are often ignored. More specifically, they ask tough questions and discuss topics that are commonly overlooked by the more privileged in our society.
Sephora is a black woman scientist. She was born in Chad, raised in Switzerland and is now living in the UK, fulfilling her passion for computer science. Annika is a white woman, who was born and raised in Germany until she left for the UK to become a Computer Scientist.