EQUALS: Reimagining Our Economy

Did you know that some of Germany's wealthiest families, who control major brands like BMW and Volkswagen, had deep ties to the Nazi regime?In this eye-opening episode, journalist David de Jong reveals how these powerful dynasties amassed their fortunes through close collaboration with the Nazi party (National Socialist German Workers' Party), forced labour, and expropriation.Join us as we uncover the shocking truths about wealth built on war crimes and the ongoing efforts to whitewash history.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn. You can also find EQUALS podcast on YouTube. Subscribe and enjoy the show.

In this episode, Max and Nafkote interview Grace Blakeley, an economist and author, about the rise of oligarchy and the relationship between billionaires, corporations, and the state.Grace discusses the close relationship between the American political establishment and the billionaire class, highlighting how modern capitalist economies are characterized by a fusion of public and private power serving the interests of the wealthy. She also addresses the rise of the far right and its ties to big money, drawing parallels with historical fascism.Grace is the author of the book Vulture Capitalism, and a contributing editor to Tribune. Additionally, she authors a weekly newsletter, "What Can We Do," focused on fighting individualism and building collective power to combat inequality.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

To coincide with the launch of Oxfam’s Davos 2025 report, Takers, not Makers, Naf and Max interview acclaimed author, academic and activist Jason Hickel.Find out how our world is still organised primarily to benefit a small group of white men in rich countries and what we can do to stop this. If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

Grazielle and Max interview the epidemiologists Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson, whose groundbreaking work has shown how more equal societies are much safer, happier, healthier, more democratic and greener places to live. How the American dream is actually a Danish dream - and that radically reducing inequality is the key to our future.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

As South Africa prepares to take on the G20 presidency next year, we were inspired to explore how it might seize this opportunity to tackle inequality. In our latest episode, we speak with lawyer and activist Isobel Frye, Executive Director at Social Policy Initiative (SPI).With the enduring legacy of apartheid, high unemployment, and deep-rooted economic inequality, South Africa’s inequality crisis remains urgent. Join us as we explore what meaningful steps can be taken to create a more equal future.If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, comment, and leave us a review. Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

As we head to COP29 with climate finance taking centre stage, join Max and Nafkote for an insightful discussion. This episode features Meena Raman, a veteran activist and Head of Programs at Third World Network. Together, they explore the pressing $5 trillion climate debt, the call for reparations, and the main obstacles in climate finance negotiations.Discover how taxing the wealthy and redirecting war funds can help build a better world for all.Tune in to learn more about ensuring climate justice and find out how you can make a difference. Don’t forget to like, share, comment, and leave us a review.Follow us on X @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

In the summer of 2024, Kenya ignited with protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. This legislation threatened to impose heavy taxes on essential goods, sparking widespread outrage.In this episode, Grazielle and Nafkote delve deep into the movement with Grace Wendo, a passionate youth activist and student leader from Kenya. We explore the underlying factors that fuelled the protests: Was it solely about taxes, or were deeper grievances at play? Did the government truly address the people's concerns? And what impact did these demonstrations have?Tune in to uncover the power of the people, the role of the IMF, and the historic events that shook a nation.As always, like, share, comment and leave us a review. You can find us on X at @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

Jayati Ghosh is an incredible activist, campaigner, academic and thinker. She is leading the fight on so many issues key to the fight against inequality. In this fascinating interview hear her sharp analysis of issues from colonialism to care, and from tax to climate, and what we need to do to win.As always, like, share and leave us a review. You can find us on X at @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.

As we launch our new season focusing on fighting inequality, Max and Grazielle host Oxfam’s new Executive Director, Amitabh Behar.From growing up in Bhopal, India, a city infamous for the chemical leak by a US corporate that killed thousands, Amitabh talks us through his life experiences and how they have shaped his thinking and his passion to fight inequality and advocate for social justice and human dignity. Of the urgent need to build people’s power to demand a more equal world.As always, like, share and leave us a review. You can find us on X at @EQUALShope and on LinkedIn.