In this episode of Pushback Talks, hosts Fredrik and Leilani delve into a fascinating intersection of global trends: digital nomadism. As the world grapples with issues like migration, touristification, gentrification, and financialization, the rise of digital nomads adds another layer of complexity to the housing landscape. With the COVID-19 pandemic shifting the nature of work, digital nomadism has surged in popularity. What was once a niche lifestyle has now become a significant global phenomenon, with millions of individuals embracing remote work and the freedom to travel. But what exactly ..read more

This week, we turn our attention to Argentina, a nation grappling with political turmoil and economic distress. With rising polarization and economic instability, President Milei's controversial policies roll back social programs and consolidate power, exacerbating social inequalities and economic disparities. Sebastián Fest, a seasoned Argentinian journalist and political commentator, joins us to dissect the implications of Milei's Omnibus law and the country's rapid economic transformation. Together, Fredrik, Leilani, and Sebastian explore the factors behind Argentina's soaring cost of livin ..read more

As the cost of living continues to rise and housing remains one of the hottest topics in the news, there's a common misconception in North America that tenants are just homeowners in waiting. Laws and incentives are written to support this idea, and it's leaving a growing generation of tenants behind in a way that is detrimental for us all. This week's guest, author and political economist Ricardo Tranjan, Ph.D., does away with this myth in his latest book, The Tenant Class. Tranjan challenges the very notion of a housing crisis, proposing an alternative perspective – a housing market function ..read more

In this week's episode of Pushback Talks, we delve into the intricate dynamics of historical narratives and their profound influence on contemporary events. Award-winning South African journalist, filmmaker, and writer Sylvia Vollenhoven joins Fredrik and Leilani to explore the enduring power of empathy amidst longstanding conflicts and resistance movements. Drawing parallels between past and present, the trio examines South Africa's struggle against apartheid and its recent decision to challenge Israel at the International Court of Justice. Through their conversation, we dissect the mainstrea ..read more

"From 2010 to 2020, more people participated in protests than at any other point in human history. " Yet we are not living in more just and democratic societies as a result...How did so many mass protests lead to the opposite of what they asked for?" Take a look behind the scenes of global uprisings and their unfulfilled aims as Pushback Talks welcomes acclaimed author of "If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution," Vincent Bevins. In his compelling conversation with Leilani and Fredrik, Bevins dissects a decade of mass protests that captivated the world and changed thing ..read more

Embark on a transformative journey this week with the Filmmaker and the Advocate as they engage in conversation with Rutger Bregman, esteemed historian and author of Humankind and Utopia for Realists. Join the trio as they navigate the heart of societal transformation, unraveling Bregman's impactful contributions to Fredrik's film "Breaking Social." Dive deep into pressing questions like 'How does anger fuel social change?' and 'What defines true philanthropy?' Explore the nuanced dynamics of small groups, unearthing their transformative power in driving substantial change. Don't miss this enl ..read more

Ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving community of empowered tenants? In this illuminating episode of Pushback Talks, we speak with Valeria Raçu and Alba Jiménez of the Madrid Tenant's Union (also known as Sindicato de Inquilinas e Inquilinos de Madrid) about building meaningful movements. Join Fredrik and Leilani as they sit down with Valeria and Alba to look closer at the extraordinary impact of collective action in of tenants' rights. In a world where global actors wield immense influence, Valeria and Alba underscore the significance of a united global movement to combat the chall ..read more

This year's summer series is coming to a close! We did things a little differently this year, revisiting some of our favorite episodes from across all six seasons, and giving you updates on the guests and topics at the top of each episode. No matter where you are - we hope you enjoy the final episode of the 2023 Summer Series! Students the world over head to university filled with hopes and dreams for the future. But to pursue those dreams requires secure housing and that’s where the nightmare begins. The co-hosts swap stories of student life in London, Lagos, Dublin, Seoul, and Toronto. Stu ..read more

It's summertime in Sweden and Canada, so it's time for Pushback Talks - Summer Series! And we're doing things a little differently this year. For the next six weeks, we'll revisit some of our favorite episodes from across all six seasons, giving you updates on the guests and topics at the top of each episode. The Filmmaker and the Advocate are taking a break, but the podcast isn't. No matter where you are - we hope you enjoy this year's Summer Series! This week we revisit Pushback Talks' first-ever guest, Peabody Award-winning investigative journalist, San Francisco resident, and author of ..read more

It's summertime in Sweden and Canada, and that means it's time for Pushback Talks - Summer Series! And we're doing things a little differently this year. For the next six weeks, we'll revisit some of our favorite episodes from across all six seasons, giving you updates on the guests and topics at the top of each episode. The Filmmaker and the Advocate are taking a break, but the podcast isn't. No matter where you are - we hope you enjoy this year's Summer Series! In this episode, we look back at Fredrik and Leilani's 2021 conversation with Denmark’s then Housing Minister – Kaare Dybvad Bek ..read more