Cider & Sensitivity

In our last episode of Season 2 (or ever?), we discuss the power of words and language to reinforce systems and to subvert them. Also, Vana is not here to get a degree in linguistics, Teresa finds more sponsorship opportunities for us, and Simmy forgets the name of the pod, but finally remembers our Twitter … Continue reading S2 Episode 6: War of the words →

We discuss the power and influence wielded by three media moguls: William Randolph Hearst, Rupert Murdoch, and Jack Dorsey. Also, Simmy ponders if she could be friends with Rupert (and his bust of Lenin), Vana thinks not spreading misinformation is a good life rule, and Teresa learned about echidna feet.  If you’re viewing this in … Continue reading S2 Episode 5: Media Mogul Manfluencers →

We discuss how distance makes it harder for people in rural areas to access health care services, and some programs different countries have introduced to try and address this issue. Also, Teresa might share her Disney+ login if you’re nice, Simmy is keen to start a travelling healthcare truck business, and Vana is predictably reclaiming … Continue reading S2 Episode 4: O healthcare where art thou? Healthcare in rural areas →

We discuss TV shows, books, and movies we do NOT recommend you reclaim your time with, aka unpopular pop culture opinions. Vana would prefer if this episode were called ‘Things that are not for me, but you feel free to enjoy,’ Teresa likes her tension in real life only, and Simmy is two ciders in … Continue reading S2 Bonus Episode: How Not to Reclaim Your Time →

We discuss historical and current discrimination in housing based on race (often referred to in the US as ‘redlining’). Also, Simmy won’t stop sneaking in TV recommendations, Vana does her best impression of the Tardis, and Teresa proposes we start a DVD lending service for our listeners. Content note: We mention some distressing news stories. … Continue reading S2 Episode 3: Housing Bias: Seeing Red →

We discuss the challenges the Shona, the Rohingya, and the Uyghur communities face as stateless peoples and the systems that created their statelessness. Also, Teresa tries to throw a wrench into Vana and Simmy’s friendship, Simmy defies our episode structure by reclaiming her time during a mini do-better in the news section, and Vana is … Continue reading S2 Episode 2: No State for Our Nation →

We’re baaaaaaaaaaack! We talk about the perils of automated debt collection and how job ad algorithms may be good at getting clicks but can also excel at teaching themselves to perpetuate systemic inequity. Also, Vana is well caffeinated, Teresa is sick, and Simmy would like to welcome you to her Arrow TED talk. Content note: … Continue reading S2 Episode 1: Don’t automate me! →

Guess who’s back, back again! Check out our trailer for season 2 and look for the first episode soon! Coming up in season 2, we’ll discuss the power of words, media moguls, automation, and more.   For more Cider & Sensitivity follow us on Twitter, @ciderandsense. Logo and artwork by Kelsey Perrykkad Music “Funky Feelgood” by … Continue reading Season 2 Trailer →

In the last episode of season 1 we discuss intersectional design, examples of poor design, and how the design process can become more inclusive. Also, Vana’s drink choice is finally found to be acceptable, Simmy manages to bring up peeing again (on topic for once), and Teresa is not here for your GoT tweets. Content … Continue reading S1 Episode 9: Intersectional design →

We discuss incarceration rates for Indigenous people in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, and the underlying systemic oppression these countries need to address to create less discriminatory justice systems. Also, another pop culture reference goes over Teresa’s head, we realize Dickensian debtors prisons never went out of style, and we urge people not to pee … Continue reading S1 Episode 8: Indigenous incarceration rates →

We discuss current inequities in the access to safe water, and what we can do better to ensure all communities have safe water supplies. Also, we agree that people shouldn’t be peed on without their consent, tell the Chicago School economists to go eat a bee, and show that colonisation remains problematic even in fictional … Continue reading S1 Episode 7: Access to safe water →

We discuss women’s suffrage in the US and the lessons we can take from this historical movement to inform current progressive causes. Also, Simmy is up for civil disobedience in the form of lie-ins so she can rest her painful head, Vana gets her chickens and eggs scrambled, and Teresa surprises herself with a newfound … Continue reading S1 Episode 6: The women’s suffrage movement in the United States →

We discuss Australia’s refugee policies, how we can treat refugees with greater compassion, and what our communities can do better to reduce the underlying causes of refugee migration. Also, a GoT joke flies right over Teresa and Vana’s heads, we marvel at the amazing shrinking Australian migration zone (think the mainland would be included? Think … Continue reading S1 Episode 5: Australian refugee policies →

We discuss the spread of fake news and how damaging it has been to society. We also look at the scientific research into why we believe fake news and consider how we (as individuals) and social media organizations can do better. We ask ourselves WTF is wrong with the UN, we find out why Simmy … Continue reading S1 Episode 4: The spread of fake news →

We discuss affirmative action policies in US colleges and how we can keep working to make university admissions fairer. We also indulge in a Vana-mini-rant about Theresa May’s glass cliff, find out why Simmy is not bothered by imposter syndrome, and learn a bit more than we wanted to know about Teresa’s reading habits when … Continue reading S1 Episode 3: Affirmative Action in US Colleges →

We discuss the disproportionate levels of violence women politicians experience, the gendered attacks Julia Gillard faced as Australia’s first female prime minister, and how we can keep working to make political life safe for everyone. We also learn corruption icebergs are Teresa’s favorite kind, remember our confusion when former Australian PM Tony Abbott appointed himself … Continue reading S1 Episode 2: Violence against women in politics →

We discuss the historical context of #MeToo, the success and frustrations of the movement so far, and explore ideas about how we can prevent harassment happening in the future. We also find hope in the activism of younger generations, Simmy warns us to never ever Google “the history of sexual assault”, and we share our … Continue reading S1 Episode 1: #MeToo →