Geography Island Jams: Recent Episodes
LSE Geography & Environment Department/Society
Geography Island Jams is a podcast run jointly by the LSE Department of Geography and Environment and the LSESU Geography and Environment Society. The podcast is in a similar style to the BBC Radio 4’s Desert island Discs where guests explain what eight songs, book and luxury item they would take with them if they were stranded on a desert island.
Music produced by Tilly Mason. Artwork produced by Saskia Straub Interviewer and producer Will Stein
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Julian Robinson. Julian became a part of the LSE community in 2005, assuming the role of project manager for the redevelopment of the New Academic Building. With his appointment as Director of Estates, Julian has been instrumental in overseeing the establishment of three new buildings in the LSE Holborn-quarter, with a fourth on the horizon. Alongside these achievements, Julian has actively contributed to enhancing and upkeeping various aspects of the LSE campus, including the successful pedestrianisation of the school's surrounding streets.
Song 1: Vesperae Solennes de confessore - Laudate Dominum by Mozart K 339
Song 2: Soul Limbo by Booker T and the MG’s
Song 3: Messiah Alleluia Chorus by G.F. Handel
Song 4: No More Hero’s by The Stranglers
Song 5: Ever fallen in Love by Buzzcocks
Song 6: Prelude Suite for Cello No.1 in G major by J.S.Bach
Song 7: Chan Chan by Buena Vista Social Club
Song 8: Time Flies by Ramsey Lewis Trio
Book: The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell
Luxury Item: Sketching & watercolour set
Favourite meal: Tapas
Fav Quote: ‘We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us’ - Winston Churchill
Presenter/Producer: Will Stein
GIJ Graphic: Saskia Straub
Music: Tilly Mason
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Imogen White. Imogen supports the LSE social media team in making content for their channels, including reels and tiktoks. She also runs her own YouTube channel where she documents a wide range of her life experiences. Her channel has 7.5K subscribers and has amassed over 700k views.
Song 1: Proud Mary by Tina Turner
Song 2: When The Going Gets Tough by Boyzone
Song 3: Whenever, Wherever by Shakira
Song 4: Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves
Song 5: Love Me Now (feat. Zoe Wees) by Kygo
Song 6: Experience by Ludovico Einaudi, Daniel Hope I Virtuosi Italiani
Song 7: Sali Mann Paryo by Kali Prasad Baskota, Ashmita Adhikari
Song 8: The Flood by Take That
Book: The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
Luxury Item: Camera
Fave meal: Chicken & Sweetcorn Pizza
Fav Quote: “Love many, trust few & always paddle your own canoe”
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Issam Jamaleddine. Whilst at LSE, Issam was the 2019-2021 Treasurer for the LSESU Geography & Environment Society. In addition, Issam was President of the Middle East North Africa Society, a member of the LSE all-male dance group Heart Dance, a student trustee for the LSESU Student’s Union, and sailed around Scotland with LSE Marine society.
Song 1: Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
Song 2: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Song 3: Piano Man by Billy Joel
Song 4: Circles by Post Malone
Song 5: Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
Song 6: Por una Cabeza by Carlos Gardel
Song 7: We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel
Song 8: Youth by Daughter
Book: Animal Farm by George Orwell
Luxury Item: Kindle
Fave meal: Lebanese Mezze and Grill Platter
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Jenna Meyer. Jenna is the 2021/2022, Postgraduate President for the LSESU Geography & Environment Society. In this position, Jenna works with the department in the execution of G&E PG initiatives. Before coming to LSE, Jenna Studied Political Science at Queen’s U in Kingston, Ontario. During her time studying Political Science at Queen’s U, Jenna spent four months studying abroad in Prague.
Song 1: Nobody by Mitski
Song 2: White Sky by Vampire Weekend
Song 3: The Spins by Mac Miller
Song 4: On the Sea by Beach House
Song 5: Let it Happen by Tame Impala
Song 6: Another Love by Tom Odell
Song 7: Bike Dream by Rostam
Song 8: Love on the Brain by Rihanna
Book: Normal People by Sally Rooney
Luxury Item: REALLY nice perfume
Fave meal: Spaghetti (nice and hearty!)
Fave quote: “The less you eat, drink and read books; the less you go to the theatre, the dance hall, the public house; the less you think, love, theorize, sing, paint, fence, etc., the more you save-the greater becomes your treasure which neither moths nor dust will devour-your capital. The less you are, the more you have; the less you express your own life, the greater is your alienated life-the greater is the store of your estranged being.” (Karl Marx)
This episode features clips from previous guests' interviews, talking about their favourite meals. The following guests are featured:
S1 E8 - Anu Jain - BSc Geography with Economics (Class of 2021)
S1 E9 - Neil Lee - Professor of Economic Geography
S1 E12 - Francisca Rockey - Founder of Black Geographers
S1 E13 - Tom Cope - BA Geography (Class of 2018)
S2 E1 - Meredith Whitten - ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow
S2 E7 - Dana Agrotti - MSc Environmental Economics and Climate Change (Class of 2019)
S3 E3 - Peter Oppenheimer - Chief Global Equity Strategist for Goldman Sachs
S3 E7 - Dave Smith - Head of Social Media at the LSE
This episode features clips from previous guests' interviews, talking about their pet peeves. The following guests are featured:
S1 E9 - Neil Lee - Professor of Economics Geography
S2 E3 - Nic Gottman - MSc Environment and Development (Class of 2020)
S3 E1 - Thembi Chihambakwe - BSc Environment & Development (Class of 2022)
S3 E2 - Erica Pani - Assistant Professor in Environmental Geography
S4 E5 - Jonathan Terrefe - MSc Environment and Development (Class of 2021)
This episode features clips from previous guests' interviews, talking about memorable childhood stories. The following guests are featured:
S1 E1 - Fabian Nilsson - BSc Environment & Development (Class of 2022)
S1 E3 - Sam Zak - MSc Environment and Development (Class of 2020)
S1 E10 - Kane Rabanal-Hunt - BA Geography (Class of 2019)
S1 E11 - Ria Shah - BSc Geography with Economics (Class of 2016)
S2 E4 - Robyn Moore - BA Geography (Class of 2020)
S2 E10 - Kyle Kothari BSc Geography with Economics (Class of 2019)
S3 E3 - Peter Oppenheimer - Chief Global Equity Strategist for Goldman Sachs
This episode features clips from previous guests' interviews when talking about what they like most about being 'Part of LSE'. The following guests are featured:
S1 E5 - Martha Ojo - LSESU Education Officer 2018-2020
S1 E4 - Lydia Goonetillake - BA Geography (Class of 2018)
S2 E1 - Meredith Whitten - ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow
S1 E14 - Andrew Young -Chief Operating Officer of the LSE
S3 E1 - Thembi Chihambakwe - BSc Environment & Development (Class of 2022)
S1 E2 -Emily Douglas - BA Geography (Class of 2021)
S2 E8 - Tom Smith - Assistant Professor in Environmental Geography
S1 E6 - Niklas Piringer BSc Geography with Economics (Class of 2022)
S4 E6 - Joanne Hay - Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the LSE
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Joanne Hay. Joanne is Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) at the LSE. She has worked at the LSE since 1995 in a number of roles including leading the Director’s office, and Manager (Strategic Planning and Resources) of the Department of Management. She took up the role of DCOO in summer 2018. In her capacity as DCOO, Joanne has been involved in numerous business change projects including the Assessments Services Change Project where in-year resits were offered for the first time in 2020. She works in close partnership with the SU, most notably, with the SU General Secretary, Co-Chairing the Welcome Steering Group, and the Homelessness partnership (with St Mungo’s), She has responsibility and involvement in a number of areas around the School such as the business continuity, health and safety, Business Improvement Unit, and Professional Services staff development. She also Chairs the annual Values in Practice awards for Professional Service. Joanne undertook an MSc in Comparative Politics at LSE during 1994-5, following a BSc in Economics and Politics at Swansea University.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Jonathan Terrefe. Before coming to the LSE, Jonathan did a BA in Social Science and Environmental Science at Jacobs University in Germany. Jonathan has lived in Germany, South Africa, Ghana, and Ethiopia. Whilst at LSE, Jonathan joined the team for the LSE Africa Summit as the Speakers and Content coordinator. In this position, he supported the team in implementing their first-ever virtual conference which had 27 speakers and close to 1,000 attendees.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Joe Gantz. Joe is known for work that examines personal stories with honesty, humour, and depth. His film style, called “life in progress”, allows subjects to be comfortable enough to go about their daily life as if there was no one filming. His credits include Taxicab Confessions, American Winter and Ending Disease. His latest film, The Race To Save The World illuminates the human stories in the fight for climate action. Rather than focusing on scary statistics and abstract predictions, the feature follows a range of environmental campaigners, of all ages, who are prepared to sacrifice everything in order to save the world.
The LSE Geography & Environment Department and Society will have an online Special Preview Screening of the film documentary the day before world earth day on 21st April. The ticket is available on the LSE GeogBrella link tree (https://linktr.ee/GeogBrella)
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Jennifer Zhan. Jennifer has been the marketing officer for the LSE Geography & Environment Society for the past year. As well as being passionate about Geography, Jennifer describes herself as a “sustainable fashion lover”. She has done internships and part-time jobs for fashion companies such as Nike, Hollister, and various Australian Fashion Labels.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Francis Braddell-Dawson. Francis is a current student in the MSc Environment & Development programme. He is doing his dissertation on Implementing a political ecology approach in the conservation of the Iberian Wolf in Portugal. Before coming to the LSE, Francis did his undergraduate degree in History at Durham University. Francis’ childhood was spent growing up in Portugal after being born in London.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Andrea Pérez Porres. Andrea is due to start her PhD at Sussex University this September which is focussing on grassroots innovation movements within a degrowth framework in the UK. Whilst at LSE Andrea studied as MSc in Environment & Development. Alongside her studies, she did Muay Thai and was a student rep for her cohort. Before coming to LSE, Andrea did a BA in International Relations at The Complutense University of Madrid.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Martha Clarke. In 2019 Martha joined the LSE as the G&E UG coordinator. Before coming to the LSE, Martha did her undergraduate degree in Politics and International relations at Cardiff University. As of this academic year, Martha is also a part-time student at the LSE, studying an MSc in Gender, Media, and Culture. Outside of LSE, Martha has hosted two charity balls for Rape Crisis England and Wales, published four poems and she is an Editor and Event Organiser in Poets Versus.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Charlotte Harrabin. Charlotte is a 2nd Year BA Geography student who was born and grew up Berkshire. Outside of her studies, Charlotte is an active member of the LSE Dance Club and has participated in various Hackathons, placing as a finalist in the Global Clean Tech Challenge. Living up to the Geography stereotype, Charlotte has completed the full Duke of Edinburgh Award, achieving gold this year.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Dave Smith. Dave has been the Head of Social Media at LSE since May 2018. Dave and his team are responsible for LSE’s five central social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter), and provide support for the hundreds of LSE-affiliated profiles across the departments and research centers. Before moving to the UK, Dave previously lived in Australia, Canada, and Japan, and once won a silver medal representing Australia at an international Geography competition.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Josie Stephens. Josie is a 3rd-year Politics and Philosophy student at the LSE. Since moving from Leicester to join the LSE in 2018, Josie has been very active in the LSE community. Her positions include the President of Rosebery Hall, the Chair of the Creative Network, and now, the President of the LSESU Drama society. One can be certain she has enhanced the experience of many students both in and outside the department.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Ben Plummer-Powell. Ben is a member of the LSE Senior Management Committee and has strategic oversight for philanthropy, alumni engagement, corporate engagement, international strategy and global academic partnerships for the LSE. Alongside his role as Chief Philanthropy and Global Engagement Officer, Ben proudly chairs the LSE LGBTQ+ Steering Group as well as working as a senior inclusivity and diversity champion.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Jason Wong. Whilst Jason was only at the LSE for one academic year he made a great impact on the academic community. He lectured in GY121 Sustainable Development, assisted with delivering GY428: Applied Quantitative Methods, and also supervised a series of dissertations both masters and undergraduate across the year. Jason fluently speaks 4 languages (English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and German) and has two in progress (French and Japanese). Since leaving LSE, Jason has acquired the position of Assistant Professor at Occidental College in Los Angeles.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Peter Oppenheimer. Peter graduated from the LSE with a degree in BSc Geography in 1985. Whilst at the LSE, Peter did a series of Economics modules which kickstarted his now 35 year long career as a research analyst. He is currently the Chief Global Equity Strategist and Head of Marco research in Europe for Goldman Sachs. Before going to the LSE, Peter was born and grew up in Hendon North West London. Outside of his work he is into cycling and painting as well as getting involved in various charities including The Anna Freud Charity and Mitzvah Day.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Erica Pani. Erica is the Director of the MSc, Local Economic Development, in the Department of Geography and Environment at the LSE. She joined the LSE just a year ago having previously worked at Queen Mary University as a lecturer in Economic Geography and Regional Development. Her attachments to Queen Mary run deep as she studied there as a mature student for her Undergraduate degree, Masters and PhD. Before going into academia, Erica had a varied career which includes running a stained glass company.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Thembi Chihambakwe. During her travels she has visited almost 40 different countries. Thembi’s adventures include swimming with sharks in Malaysia, being involved in a severe motorbike crash in Thailand and spending New Year’s Eve in a Sicilian Dog Shelter with over 100 dogs. Whilst at LSE, Thembi has worked at widening participation, mentoring children aged eleven to thirteen from underperforming state schools in London.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Scarlett Eunji Park. Scarlett is currently studying for her masters in Environment & Development at LSE. Before coming to LSE, Scarlett did a Bachelor's in International Relations at the Ewha Womans University based in Seoul, Republic of Korea. After LSE, Scarlett is moving to Vienna to work for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation as an intern for the climate technology department. This internship is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Carwyn Morris. Carwyn recently completed his PhD in Human Geography and Urban Studies at LSE, passing without any corrections. His PhD was titled, ‘Life under chai: Spatial governmentality and practices of resistance in the digital and physical spaces of Beijing, China’. Carwyn grew up in North Devon and lived there until the age of 18 when he decided to move to the Gansu province in China to volunteer. At 19, Carwyn became an English teacher and continued to live in China until the age of 23.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Kyle Kothari. Kyle graduated from LSE with a degree in BSc Geography with Economics in 2019. Kyle is an international diver who specialises in the 10-metre platform event and competes in both individual and synchronised events. In 2014 he was the Junior European Champion as well as the Junior World Bronze Medallist. Kyle is currently in the running to be selected to be part of Team GB for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. In addition to competing, Kyle coaches younger divers who are aiming to get to the national level.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Sonny Williams. Sonny is currently in the process of completing his MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change at the LSE. Sonny also completed his undergraduate degree at LSE in Geography with Economics. Whilst at LSE, he was an active member of the Lacrosse Sports Club, serving as Vice-President for two years. Sonny is due to start at Deloitte in February next year as a consulting analyst.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Thomas Smith. Tom is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Geography, specialising in interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the role of wildfires in the Earth system. His research focuses on wildland fire emissions in savannas, tropical peatlands, and UK moorlands. Tom is the Undergraduate Tutor in the Geography and Environment Department. Tom is also the course director for the undergraduate Environment programmes, BSc Environment & Development, and BSc Environmental Policy with Economics.
Dana graduated from the LSE in 2019 with an MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change in 2019. Whilst at LSE, Dana was the Postgraduate President of the LSESU Geography & Environment Society. Dana is currently working as a Junior Researcher at the European Roundtable on Climate Change and Sustainable Transition, a think tank based in Brussels.
Ben has recently left LSE, where he was Professor of Environment and Development Economics. His research has focused on the welfare analysis of public policies that have long-term welfare effects. In particular, he has worked on the determinants of the social discount rate (SDR) and empirical measures of intergenerational and intra-generational fairness. Ben’s new position is Dragon Capital Chair of Biodiversity Economics at the University of Exeter where he will lead a £1.6 million pound partnership between the University of Exeter and Dragon Capital.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Cynthia Anyadi. Cynthia is due to finish her undergraduate degree in BA Geography this year. Whilst at LSE, Cynthia was the Head of External Partnerships and Treasurer for the Women in Business Society and Vice President of the Alternative Careers Society. Outside of LSE, Cynthia has been involved in a variety of teaching and mentoring projects. She is a board member for the charity Envision and has also fundraised for the organisation by completing a 250-mile cycle across the U.K.
This year Robyn is finishing her degree in BA Geography, which included doing a dissertation on ‘the Attenborough Effect: an analysis of the impact of environmental documentaries on public behaviours and attitudes and how this translates into policy’. Whilst at LSE, Robyn founded the Extinction Rebellion Society and was also secretary of the Green Party Society.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Niclas Gottman. Niclas is currently studying for his Masters degree in Environment & Development at LSE. Niclas holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration and a Masters in International Economics from the Erasmus University, Rotterdam. In between finishing his first masters and starting at LSE, Niclas spent two years working as an economic policy consultant at Trinomics, focussing on the areas of energy and climate change.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is LJ Silverman. LJ is the current and first Head of LSE Generate, the LSE’s entrepreneurial and start-up hub. Before coming to the LSE, LJ ran a careers and recruitment consultancy firm which focused on the Environmental Sector. LJ has also worked in television on shows such as Big Brother as well as doing voiceovers for children's television programmes.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Meredith Whitten. Meredith is currently an ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow at LSE and has also been a GTA, guest teacher, lecturer, careers advisor, and an exam invigilator. Her research focuses on green space planning, and the role that urban greening plays in addressing impacts stemming from urbanisation and processes of urban change. Outside of LSE, Meredith is a board member of the American Association for Geographers Landscape Specialty Group and has served on the Mayor of London's Green Infrastructure Task Force and as a consultant to Parks for London.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Andrew Young. Andrew became LSE’s first Chief Operating Officer in January 2016. He is also a member of the LSE Directorate and the School Management Committee . Previously, Andrew was COO for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as well as the Head of the Science, Agriculture and Engineering Faculty Office at Newcastle University. Before starting his career in academic administration, Andrew completed an undergraduate degree, a PhD and 8 years of research in Zoology and related areas.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Tom Cope. Tom graduated from the LSE in 2018, with a degree in BA Geography. Whilst at the LSE, Tom was an active member of the LSESU geography & Environment Society, fulfilling the role of society President in his final year. Since leaving the LSE, Tom has pursued a career in aviation as he is currently training to become a commercial pilot with Easyjet.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Francisca Rockey. Francisca is the founder of the newly formed NGO Black Geographers. Black Geographers has the aim to create a space for black geographers to network and connect whilst also promoting black geographer’s perspective in the discipline.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Ria Shah. Ria graduated from the LSE in 2016 with a degree in Geography with Economics. Whilst at the LSE, Ria was involved in a range of societies such as Beekeeping, FemSoc and AcapelLSE. Since leaving the LSE Ria has worked for Atkins, a design, engineering and project management consultancy, and has recently acquired a position as a Change Manager for the Natural History Museum.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Kane Rabanal-Hunt. Kane graduated from the LSE in 2019 with a 1st class honours in BA Geography. Whilst at LSE, Kane founded the LSE Swimming Club which has continued to grow in popularity over the following years. Before coming to the LSE Kane was a national swimmer and at one point was the 3rd fastest in the U.K. for breaststroke in his age group.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Anu Jain. Since coming to the LSE, Anu’s life has revolved around journalism. Within the LSE, Anu has been the News Editor for the Beaver and beyond she is currently the Northern-Europe sub-editor for the Globalist. Anu has been accepted on the Berkeley exchange programme. However, due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions, Anu is hoping to defer her year abroad to 2021.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Neil Lee. Neil is a Professor in Economic Geography at the LSE. He is the outgoing course director for the MSc Local Economic Development programme and currently the course director for BSc Geography with Economics programme. Neil’s research revolves around cities, economic changes, and the social dimensions of innovation.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Niklas Piringer. Niklas, a 1st year BSc Geography with Economics, has lived in many parts of the world. Before coming to the LSE, he has lived in New Orleans, Austria, Costa Rica and Tunisia. Since coming to London, Niklas has taken residence at Roseberry Hall and become a regular in the LSE Geography & Environment common room.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Mark Justin. Mark is the founder and owner of the Le Gothique gastropub which has hosted the annual LSE G&E Winter Ball since 2018. Since being founded in 1987, Le Gothqiue has held everything from beer festivals to Bar Mitzvahs. In 2019, the venue hosted every major birthday from 18th all the way to 100th.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Lydia Goonetillake. Since graduating LSE in 2018 with a degree in BA Geography, Lydia has been working for Condé Nast. At Condé Nast Lydia currently holds the position of Senior Sales Executive at Tatler magazine. Whilst at LSE, Lydia co-founded the LSE Cocktail Society and co-launched their flagship event ‘Around the World Cocktails and Tea’.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Emily Douglas. Joining the LSE in 2018, Emily is in her second year studying BA Geography. Alongside her degree, she stewards the LSE public lecture events as well as being president of the LSE Geography & Environment Society. As president, Emily was the lead organiser of this year’s annual LSE Geography & Environment Winter Ball which hosted over 150 students, staff and faculty.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Sam Zak. Zak is doing his masters in MSc Environment and Development. Before coming to the LSE he did his undergraduate degree in History at the University of York and undertook a position in the Switzerland National Service.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Martha Ojo. Martha graduated from the LSE with a degree in BA History in 2018. As the LSESU’s Education Officer, Martha has led a number of initiatives. Her biggest achievements include co-launching the LSE Changemakers, revamping Black History Month and reimagining the LSE100 module. Whilst a student, Martha was heavily involved in Afro-Caribbean Society and co-founded the Nigerian Society alongside studying for her degree.
Will Stein’s interviewee for this episode is Fabian Nilsson. Joining the LSE in 2018, Fabian is in his first year studying BSc Environment and Development, previously switching from BSc Accountancy and Finance. Fabian has been selected to go on an expedition led by Rob Swan OBE, to go to Antarctica to witness climate change first hand. He will be the youngest European to be selected to go on the trip.