Planet: Critical

On this week’s episode is author, journalist and financial hacker, Brett Scott. Brett’s work centres around analysing and developing new monetary systems (stay tuned for a blistering review of crypto), whilst also campaigning for the bits in ours that aren’t broken (did you know cash is crucial to a democratic society?) Brett’s specialism is phenomenally interesting in a world being devoured by capitalism. It was an honour to pick his brain about money and its impact on society, and I highly recommend you make time for what he has to say. Watch this episode here. You can also listen on Apple or Spotify. Subscribe to Brett’s newsletter: www.alteredstatesof.money Platform is a newsletter and podcast for people pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

This week I speak with Ugandan entrepreneur, Trinity Heavenz, a former street child who now employs over 25 people, many of whom were living in poverty before working at Era92, the company that “builds brands to build lives”. This is a startling conversation about the benefits of the free market in a nation where people are afforded little opportunity. Trinity makes the case for business in Africa as a tool of empowerment, and says he believes the continent will learn from Western mistakes to come out as a superpower in the decades ahead. Don’t miss it. You can also listen on Apple or Spotify. Platform is a newsletter and podcast for people pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

This week I am joined by acclaimed poet, Joelle Taylor, the spoken word artist credited for bringing slam to the U.K. Joelle has a profound analysis of class and artistry that she threads through her work and this conversation; it is a startling investigation into privilege, poetry, and the literati. Buckle in—and enjoy. Watch this episode on Satellite, or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Get your copy of Joelle’s latest collection, C+nto & Othered Poems. Platform is a newsletter and podcast for people pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

On this week’s episode is Jens Trier, COO of We Make Change, a platform that partners skilled volunteers from all around the world with social enterprises. We discuss the politics of volunteering before taking a wonderful left turn into whether or not Scandinavia is as progressive as most of us believe. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. We Make Change: https://www.wemakechange.org/ Platform is a newsletter and podcast for people pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

On this week’s episode is designer and activist Charlie Waterhouse. Charlie has done fantastic work for both the Brixton Pound and Extinction Rebellion, and we had a fascinating discussion around alternative currencies and the power of communities before delving into how to design a movement. Watch the episode here: https://www.satellite.earth/pub/@rachel:designing-rebellion You can also listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Charlie’s website: https://www.thisaintrocknroll.com/ Platform is a newsletter and podcast for people pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

On this special edition of Platform Enterprise, Intellectual Property journalist, Charlotte Kilpatrick, returns to discuss why Biden's recent announcement to waive COVID-19 vaccine IP rights is too little too late for the developing world—and what we must learn from Big Pharma's refusal to produce a people's vaccine. Watch the episode here: www.satellite.earth/pub/@rachel:pharmageddon-the-destruction-of-the-peoples-vaccine You can also listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Platform is made for people who are pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to receive episodes delivered straight to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

This week I am joined by economic anthropologist, Julio Linares, to discuss Circles, a cryptocurrency project tackling world poverty. Circles provides users with a Universal Basic Income in Trust tokens, meaning accounts are topped up every day with new tokens. The aim is to build economies around communities—and trust. Watch the episode here: https://www.satellite.earth/pub/@rachel:circles-the-cryptocurrency-taking-on-world-poverty You can also listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Circles website: https://joincircles.net/ Julio’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Julio_Linares_ Subscribe to receive episodes delivered straight to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

Alice Frecknall is a poet, short fiction writer and fine artist whose collection will be published with Outspoken Press later this year. Alice joined me on the podcast to discuss artistry, language and the creative process. In this wonderful conversation, she highlights her journey from literature student to published poet, and delves into what being an artist and a writer means to her, and how the different mediums of her work continue to influence each other and evolve. This is a beautiful discussion on that highlights just how remiss the world would be if we lost our Art and Artists. Ease in, and enjoy. You can also watch the full episode here. You can also listen to the episode Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Alice’s website: www.alicefrecknall.com Subscribe to receive episodes delivered straight to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

This week I’m joined by the Stuart Bowman, creator of Satellite, a social network that puts decentralization and data ownership at the heart of its code. Satellite is mind-bogglingly good. Simply put: it’s the answer to the Facebook problem—you know the one I mean. Built on the blockchain, Satellite prioritises authenticity, diversity and privacy, with an algorithm specially coded against echo-chambers. I’m a Satellite convert since recording this interview a few weeks ago. To prove it, I’ve uploaded the video of this podcast episode to Satellite only. Watch my jaw drop 100 times during this conversation here. You can also listen to the episode Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Sign up to Satellite here. Be quick about it and you might still be able to claim your first name as your username (unless your name is Rachel; that ship has obviously sailed). Subscribe to receive episodes delivered straight to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

This week I am joined by Adventure Hydrology, the twin duo on a journey to educate their audience to the wonders of the planet, and inspire them to help save it. Using the lens of adventure, join Twin Brothers Chris & Ryan Wolff share stories about your world, inviting you to join them on a journey across our amazing planet. Experience what makes our world so amazing. Understand how it is changing. Learn how we all can help save it. Because the most dangerous world views are the world views of those who have never viewed the world. Listen to the episode Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube. Subscribe to Adventure Hydrology on Youtube. Subscribe to receive episodes delivered straight to your inbox every week. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe