Shows
PoliSciFrom the Arctic to Armenia – Danforth Oghigian on Policy, Place, and Global Perspectives [Part 2]In this second, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes back Danforth Oghigian, a globe-trotting Master of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) student at Concordia University, whose academic and personal journey spans Japan, Iceland, Norway, Armenia, and Canada.Dan reflects on his experience studying Polar Law in Iceland and Norway, where he was immersed in Arctic governance, environmental law, and indigenous rights, supported by Erasmus+ and the UArctic network. He shares what drew him to Armenia, his ancestral homeland, where he lived through the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflict while working in political consulting.Credits...2025-04-1144 min
PoliSciFrom Tokyo to the Arctic – Danforth Oghigian on Nationalism, Polar Law, and Indigenous Governance [Part 1]In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Danforth Oghigian, a Master of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) student at Concordia University, whose academic and personal journey spans continents—from growing up in Japan to studying polar law in Iceland.Dan shares how his experiences living in Tokyo shaped his worldview and cultural values, his evolving views on nationalism, and how a transformative course at Carleton University shifted his understanding of civic identity. He also introduces listeners to his passion for Arctic governance, explaining Canada's claim to the Northwest Passage, the principles of...2025-04-0446 min
PoliSciBelonging, Identity, and the Diaspora – Leandrew Goseco on Immigrant Political Behavior in Canadan this episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Leandrew Goseco , a master's student in political science at Concordia University, whose research focuses on immigrant political behavior, integration, and belonging in Canada—a theme deeply rooted in his own journey as a Filipino migrant.Leandrew discusses his work with the Migration Research Team at Concordia, where he explores transnational political engagement and how diasporic communities across Canada use technology to stay connected to their roots. The conversation unpacks how first- and second-generation immigrants engage politically, how identity is maintained or reshaped, and the importance of...2025-03-2844 min
PoliSciUrban Spaces, Migration, and Inclusion – Celia Bensiali on Cities and Social ChangeIn this episode of Polisci. host Navid Mahlooji speaks with Celia Bensiali, a PhD student in political science at Concordia University, whose research explores urban governance, migration policies, and inclusive city initiatives. Celia examines how cities like Montreal, Barcelona, and Copenhagen are leading the way in municipal ID card programs to promote social inclusion for migrants and marginalized communities.Throughout the conversation, Celia reflects on her journey from law to sociology to urban studies, her experiences as a coordinator for international research projects, and the challenges of translating diverse realities. She also shares her personal connection to...2025-03-211h 00
PoliSciSoft Skills, Hard Decisions – Lauren Thurber on Teaching, Policy, and Life Transitions [Part2]In this second part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji continues the conversation with Lauren Thurber, a former educator turned public policy analyst at Health Canada.Lauren dives into her MPA research on cosmetic regulations using Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), explaining how this intersectional policy framework is applied in the Canadian federal government. She also discusses balancing graduate studies, career changes, and new motherhood, offering valuable insights for students and professionals navigating similar paths.Join us for an engaging discussion on education, policy, and life transitions, plus a special mention of her golden doodle, Taxi!2025-03-1438 min
PoliSciFrom Teaching to Policy: Lauren Thurber on GBA+, Education, and Public Service [Part 1]In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji speaks with Lauren Thurber, a former educator who transitioned into public policy after a decade in teaching. Now a policy analyst at Health Canada, Lauren shares how the COVID-19 pandemic, personal experiences, and a passion for equity-driven policymaking led her to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy and Public Administration (MPA) at Concordia University.Lauren discusses her research on cosmetic regulations across Canada, the U.S., the EU, and Australia, where she applies GBA+ (Gender-Based Analysis Plus) to assess how policies impact different communities. She also reflects on...2025-03-0732 min
PoliSciGulliver, Ulysses and the Secret Curriculum: Dónal Gill’s Polisci JourneyIn this episode of Polisci Podcast, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Dr. Dónal Gill, assistant professor of political science, to discuss his academic journey, political thought, and literary influences. From Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels to Joyce’s Ulysses, Gill explores how literature reflects and critiques political ideas.The conversation also touches on Irish and Quebec nationalism, Gill’s experience moving from Ireland to Canada, and his work as a writer for the Montreal Gazette. He shares insights into teaching, the "hidden curriculum" of academia, and the challenges of balancing work and life. Plus, we learn abo...2025-02-2851 min
PoliSciBridging Belonging and Participation – Julien Duffy on Immigrant Political EngagementIn this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Julien Duffy, a political science researcher exploring immigrant political participation and the role of belonging in shaping civic engagement. Julien, a McGill graduate now pursuing his master’s at Concordia, dives into why immigrants tend to participate less in politics than native-born citizens and how conversations between different communities influence public attitudes on migration.Beyond academia, Julien’s experiences range from researching zoning bylaws after the REM expansion to working with people with physical disabilities at Camp Massawipi. He’s also currently traveling across Asia, gaining firsth...2025-02-2142 min
PoliSciA Thousand Days Without a Raise: Get the Info You Need to Vote at the Next Crew Union GAToday, we’re joined by Stephen Gnanasihamany and Jason Langford, members of Crew, the student-worker-led union representing Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) at Concordia University. With ongoing bargaining between Crew and the university, this episode unpacks the major issues at stake—wages, job security, and working conditions—and why the upcoming Special General Assembly (SGA) on February 17th, 19th, and 22nd is a crucial moment for student workers.We’ll discuss the challenges of negotiating fair wages, the importance of union participation, and what a potential strike mandate could mean for Concordia’s student workers. With rising costs...2025-02-1443 min
PoliSciPolitics, Religion, and Migration: Jocelyne Brad’s Research InsightsIn this episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes Jocelyne Brad, a globally minded political science scholar whose research explores how religiosity shapes immigration policies and public discourse. With an academic journey spanning the U.S., France, and Canada, Jocelyne brings a unique perspective on how different societies navigate the intersection of faith and migration.
From volunteering as a Model UN instructor to studying abroad in Paris, Jocelyne shares her experiences, research insights, and the surprising connections between politics and her favorite pastimes—Dungeons & Dragons and video games!
Credits:
Ho...2025-02-0742 min
PoliSciThe Politics of Fear – Logan Bates on LGBTQ2S+ Rights and RhetoricIn this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Logan Bates, a political science scholar whose research examines the evolution of conservative rhetoric in opposition to LGBTQ2S+ rights in the U.S. From analyzing emotional discourses in Florida’s Don’t Say Gay bill to uncovering how fear, security, and disgust are transformed into rights-based arguments, Logan’s work highlights a critical shift in political messaging.
Beyond academia, Logan is deeply engaged in advocacy, volunteering with the Queer History Club and organizing community events that amplify queer voices. Tune in as we explore Logan’s resear...2025-01-3148 min
PoliSciNavigating Academia and Beyond: Rubens Lima Moraes on Building a Career in Public ServiceIn this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji speaks with Rubens Lima Moraes, a scholar, educator, and public service professional with a remarkable journey from Brazil to Canada. Rubens shares his experiences as an international student navigating cultural shifts, the challenges of pursuing a PhD, and his decision to transition from academia to government work.
From teaching at Concordia and Dawson College to shaping policies at Environment and Climate Change Canada, Rubens reflects on the lessons he’s learned about resilience and adaptability. He also discusses the importance of social innovation and civil society, drawing from his re...2025-01-2455 min
PoliSciAmplifying Voices – Francesco MacAllister-Caruso on LGBTQ+ Rights and Representation [Part 2]In this second part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji continues the conversation with Francesco MacAllister-CarusoFrancesco MacAllister-Caruso, a PhD candidate researching the political experiences of transgender, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people in Quebec. Francesco discusses the limitations of the LGBTQ+ umbrella term, focusing on the distinct challenges faced by gender minorities regarding citizenship, policy, and political representation. He highlights the complexities of Quebec's history with LGBTQ+ rights, particularly the uneven progress for transgender individuals, and the role of the notwithstanding clause in hindering further advancements. The conversation also touches upon the impact of misinformation and the challenges of data collection in...2025-01-1738 min
PoliSciAmplifying Voices – Francesco MacAllister-Caruso on LGBTQ+ Rights and Representation [Part 1]In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Francesco MacAllister-Caruso, a trailblazing PhD candidate at Concordia University whose research sheds light on the political representation of Two-Spirit, trans, and nonbinary (2S/TNB) individuals in Canada.
Francesco shares insights from his journey as a scholar and advocate, reflecting on the distinctions between sexual and gender minorities in politics and the challenges of amplifying marginalized voices. From analyzing trans representation in electoral politics to addressing the rise of anti-trans legislation, Francesco’s work highlights the importance of intersectionality in shaping a more inclusive future.
...2025-01-1036 min
PoliSciMobilizing Communities: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin on Saving Green Spaces and Building EngagementIn this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes Gaëlle Poirier-Morin, a political science graduate student at Concordia University. Gaëlle shares her inspiring journey from leading student activism at UQAM to researching grassroots citizen engagement in her master’s thesis.
Listen as Gaëlle discusses the impact of growing up in Montréal, the surprising lessons from saving green spaces with Mobilisation 6600, and how her creative background in jazz influences her approach to activism. Whether you're passionate about community action, grassroots movements, or exploring democracy beyond elections, Gaëlle’s story offers fresh insights and inspirati...2025-01-0244 min
PoliSciThe Notwithstanding Clause and Beyond: A conversation with Kristina Uleckas-LavigneIn the second episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes Kristina Uleckas-Lavigne, a Concordia University political science graduate student with a unique and multifaceted academic path. Kristina shares how her background in Cinema Communications, Journalism, and life during COVID led her to a passion for political science.
With experiences ranging from supervising elections for Elections Canada to researching the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Kristina provides a fascinating perspective on topics like the notwithstanding clause and Quebec's approach to multiculturalism.
Credits:
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Kristina...2024-12-2633 min
PoliSciFrom Long Island to Montreal – Exploring Populism with Nick Von RoskIn the debut episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Nick Von Rosk, a passionate political science graduate student from Concordia University. Nick shares his journey from Long Island, New York, to Montreal, Canada, exploring the pivotal events that shaped his academic path, from the rise of populism to democratic backsliding under leaders like Trump and Bolsonaro.
Credits:
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Nick Von Rosk
Podcast production: João Roque
Audio Editing: Gaëlle Morin
Date: December 17 - 10h30
Lieu: So...2024-12-1837 min