Future Heist

We meet Katie Scrafton, the mental health activist behind the Instagram account @thingsididsober.  Katie has been diarising her journey with a sober-curious lifestyle since August 2019. By charting her successes and feelings, what she’s getting out of it and what she’s finding difficult, she inspires others. We discuss finding a balance with alcohol, Dry January, how to quit drinking, the effect of the alcohol industry on mental health and the impact of the global pandemic. Rena Niamh Smith, podcast founder and host, has been sober since 1st August 2017. Sobriety is what she calls “radical self care”. Collective action is what can and does change the world. But that looking after yourself is a really important part of being an activist, to fight for systemic change. With alcohol so embedded into the society we live in, and the alcohol industry making huge amounts of profit on our hangovers, sobriety is just one way to practice radical self care, and to reject capitalist norms.  To anyone struggling with addiction, relapse or recovery in alcohol or drug addiction, please search for services in your area. Katie and I had a similar experience of quitting drinking through self help - but just as there are different forms of addiction, there are different ways to recover. Helplines, addiction support groups or 12-step programmes are just some examples of more thorough support that is available. If you live in the UK, the NHS website has a directory of addiction services you can search by postcode.  The books Katie recommends are:The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine GrayGlorious Rock Bottom by Bryony GordonQuit like a Woman by Holly Whittaker  Read a full transcript of the episode on RenatheJournalist.com. Follow Katie on Instagram @thingsididsober Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways. Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith. Theme music by Benjamin Tassie. Artwork by Fleur Beck. Sound engineering by Rena Niamh Smith. Consultation by Ben Weaver-Hincks. Original illustrations by Charlotte Rose Watts. Special thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

Clare Farrell is co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, the environmentalist group who lead huge protests against climate change. Alongside Greta Thunberg, they have helped force a conversation on global warming all over the world through direct action. Having worked full time as fashion designer for high street and luxury labels, Clare felt so strongly about the fashion industry's damage to the environment, she quit to organise full time with the movement. She is now fashion sustainability lecturer at the University of Arts London. We originally met to discuss the power behind the movement on 5th March 2020, just before life changed forever due to the global pandemic. Find this first discussion in the first half of the episode, where we discussed the action-based methods of Extinction Rebellion, the campaigns that inspired her to become a full time leader of rebellion, and how to get involved. We later caught up with Clare, on 15th September 2020, when Extinction Rebellion were in the midst of a national relaunch. We discuss how climate damage has lead to the global pandemic; and the impact of Black Lives Matter on the movement. You can find the update in the second half of the episode.  Follow Clare on Twitter. Follow Extinction Rebellion’s Fashion Act Now group on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Donate to their fundraising campaign at crowdfunder.co.uk/fashion-act-now. Get involved with Extinction Rebellion from anywhere in the world at rebellion.global.  Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Find a transcript to this episode here. Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith. Theme music by Benjamin Tassie. Artwork by Fleur Beck. Sound engineering by Gibran Farrah. Consultation by Ben Weaver-Hincks. Original illustrations and social media editing by Charlotte Rose Watts. Special thanks to Chloe Vasseghi.

Dave Randall is a guitarist and founder of Slovo, and has previously toured with Faithless, Sinead O’Connor and Dido. As an activist, he has campaigned for Love Music Hate Racism, Freedom for Palestine and the People’s Assembly Against Austerity. This year, he released the third album under his band Slovo titled Bread and Butterflies, which he finished under lockdown. In 2017, he authored a book, Sound System, the Political Power of Music.    We discussed his ongoing fascination with the way politics and music are intimately connected, from the anti-establishment raves of the Thatcher years in Britain to Beyonce’s engagement with the Black Lives Matter conversation.    Follow Dave Randall on Twitter @davidrrandall and learn more at randallmusic.net. Buy his music at slovo.bandcamp.com   Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.    Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin Tassie Artwork by Fleur Beck Sound engineering by Gibran Farrah Consultation by Ben Weaver-Hincks Original illustrations and social media editing by Charlotte Rose Watts Special thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

The Outside Project is a LGBTIQ+ homeless shelter, community centre and support service. We met Harry Gay, Campaigns Manager, and a community activist who has previously worked with refugees and in local action groups. ⁠ Homelessness has been a long-neglected problem for decades. Cuts to social services and growing inequalities have seen numbers rise. Yet the Coronavirus pandemic prompted funding from national and local governments. But what will happen beyond the pandemic? And if funding could be made available now, why was more not being done before to tackle the issues that see people pushed to the fringes of society? ⁠ In this episode, Harry also discusses the particular challenges that see many from the LGBTIQ+ community end up homeless. Discrimination in the home is a particular consequence of homophobia and LGBTIQ+ people face further challenges in accessing homelessness services. ⁠ As well as being a campaigner, Harry is a DJ. As Pride celebrations take place in new and reinvigorated forms around the world, we talk to Harry about the limitations of commercialised Pride, and the Queer House Party, which he set up online with DJ friends to bring people together in these uncertain times. ⁠ Follow Harry on Instagram and Twitter. Follow the Outside Project on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or learn more at lgbtiqoutside.org. Follow the Queer House Party on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Read a full transcript of this episode on our website Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith. Theme music by Benjamin Tassie. Artwork by Fleur Beck. Sound engineering by Gibran Farrah. Consultation by Ben Weaver-Hincks. Original illustrations and social media editing by Charlotte Rose Watts. Special thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

As the Black Lives Matter protests erupt around the world, I sat down with Brian Richardson, a criminal barrister and anti-racist activist. Now a leading figure in Stand Up to Racism, he has worked for the Anti Nazi League and has been involved in the campaign for justice for the Grenfell community.. As a barrister, Brian has only ever done defence - standing up for some of the poorest and most marginalised individuals in society. He is with Nexus chambers with Michael Mansfield, a titan of social justice campaigns in the UK. Brian has authored books including “Say It Loud: Marxism and the Fight Against Racism”; “Tell It Like It Is: How Our Schools Fail Black Children”; and “Bob Marley: Roots, Reggae and Revolution”.  Brian is my partner, and there has never been a better time to interview him. The death of George Floyd has not just prompted global protests - it has also sparked conversations about racism in workplaces, on social media - and closer to home.  We sat down to discuss questions such as what is racism? Where does racism come from? What is white privilege? Can white people be anti-racist allies? Is there racism the criminal justice system? And should we remove racist statues? As with every episode of Future Heist -  resources and action points for activists. Follow Brian on Twitter @Richardson67B. Follow Stand Up to Racism on Facebook, Twitter, or learn more at standuptoracism.org.uk. Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Read a full transcript of this episode on RenatheJournalist.com/podcast Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith. Theme music by Benjamin Tassie. Artwork by Fleur Beck. Sound engineering by Gibran Farrah. Consultation by Ben Weaver-Hincks. Original illustrations and social media editing by Charlotte Rose Watts. Special thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

Dr Megan Parsons is an NHS doctor who specialises in mental health, who works in London. The narrative around frontline workers has been one of heroism since the global pandemic began. While it is undeniable that health workers have been doing a fantastic job for the sake of us all, the reality is much more bleak. Austerity and government cuts have brought the NHS to its knees even before the crisis began. As a health worker from a BAME (black and minority ethnic) background, Megan has been speaking out on the injustices in society which cause inequality. The death toll of people from BAME backgrounds has been extraordinarily high. Not simply a matter of genetics, there is a history of exclusion and poverty behind these figures which sees BAME people excluded from top-tier jobs, more likely to suffer poverty-related illnesses and less likely to receive adequate protection. We sat down to discuss privatisation, health and social care under Coronavirus and why the death toll among people from BAME backgrounds has been so high. Like this? Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith. Theme music by Benjamin Tassie. Artwork by Fleur Beck. Sound engineering by Gibran Farrah. Consultation by Ben Weaver-Hincks. Original illustrations and social media editing by Charlotte Rose Watts. Special thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

Francesca Manning has been a primary school teacher for four years. She is a union rep for the National Education Union, and is active with her local NEU committee in South London.  As the death toll from Covid-19 continues to rise, parents and teachers are grappling with the UK government’s target to re-open schools to children beyond those of key workers by 1st June. We discussed how damaging it could be to children to re-open schools too quickly, what union organising has been like under the global Coronavirus pandemic, and how we could reimagine education to better include all children in the new normal of the future. Follow Francesca Manning on Twitter @EducatingFran and Instagram @rebel_womann. Follow the National Education Union on Twitter @NEUnion and Instagram @nationaleducationunion. Like this? Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh SmithTheme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound engineering by Gibran FarrahConsultation by Ben Weaver-HincksOriginal illustrations and social media editing by Charlotte Rose WattsSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

Tansy Hoskins, an author and journalist based in London. In March 2020, she released a new book “Foot Work: What Your Shoes Are Doing to the World”, an exposé of the shoe industry, and the damage it is doing to workers, consumers and the planet.  Tansy’s previous book, Stitched Up: The Anticapitalist Book of Fashion, is one of my favourites exploring the political issues in fashion. It’s a 360 degree view of the issues at stake, looking at everything from Karl Lagerfeld to Karl Marx, including sweatshops, branding, the environment and sustainable alternatives. Actor Emma Watson chose Stitched Up as one of her favourite books.  In her work, Tansy combines environmental concerns with a critique of capitalism and issues facing the global working class, Tansy is at the forefront of not only illuminating the problems facing fashion now, but thinking of how we might build a better future for all. We discussed the book, her background as an anti-war campaigner and how the left can better grapple with the issues in the fashion industry. Follow Tansy on Twitter and Instagram @TansyHoskins or find out more at tansyhoskins.org/ Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh SmithTheme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound engineering by Gibran FarrahConsultation by Ben Weaver-HincksOriginal illustrations and social media editing by Charlotte Rose WattsSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

Sarah Ann Macklin is founder of the Be Well Collective to improve mental health and wellbeing in the fashion industry. A model for 15 years, Sarah Ann has worked for designers such as Vivienne Westwood, and magazines from Vogue Italia to Esquire. Against the backdrop of a demanding career in the spotlight, Sarah Ann's journey of self-care lead her to train and open a Harley Street practice as a nutritionist. She launched the Be Well Collective in 2016 to bring nutritional education and mental health coaching to fashion models; the women and men that represent society’s aesthetic paradigm, yet off camera, often face the greatest body consciousness, self-esteem and stress-related issues. The organisation supports models across London through regular workshops and industry events and creates a safe online community of a wider audience via their website, including the newly launched Live Well Be Well Series; educational videos providing scientifically based expert advice and personal insights from influential individuals from the fashion community. The Be Well Collective is endorsed by the British Fashion Model Agents Association and the British Fashion Council. We sat down with Sarah to discuss mental wellbeing in the fashion industry for young people like models, how she came to create a platform for others, and how to open up the discussion to seek long-lasting change. Follow the Be Well Collective on Instagram @be_well_collective and find out more bewellcollective.co.uk. Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound engineering by Gibran FarrahSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi 

Women have routinely been written out of history, sidelined and forgotten. So have the working class. Dr Louise Raw, author of ’Striking a Light: the Bryant & May Matchwomen and Their Place on History’, in the book, she challenges the idea that the Dock Strike of 1889 was the first major strike in British history, and instead looks at an industrial strike the previous year, led by women, that was a key moment in the founding of today’s Labour Party. Louise describes herself as an activist historian. She has created the Matchwomen Festival in London’s East End, celebrating their story, and unearths untold stories weekly on “London Lives” on the Robert Elms show on BBC London. They say the winners write history – the stories we know from the past and the ones we have forgotten tell us what kind of society we live in. The missing pieces give us the clue to set it right. Follow Louise on Twitter @LouiseRawAuthor and hear her on the Robert Elms show on BBC London. Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound engineering by Gibran FarrahSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

In July 2019, Future Heist recorded a live podcast at Marxism Festival 2019, a celebration of socialist ideas. Podcast host Rena Niamh Smith presented a political analysis of the fashion industry, looking at how the fashion industry has misshaped our consumption of clothing, why style should be respected as an art form by socialists and revolutionary styles from the past. The discussion, with members of the audience, addresses questions like the hijab, the gilets jaunes movement, sexism in the industry, and so much more. Together, we consider the shortcomings of the industry, and look to an alternate future. Follow Marxism Festival on Twitter @marxismfestival and Instagram @marxism_festival. Find out more at marxismfestival.org.uk Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound engineering by Gibran FarrahSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi    

Moyra Samuels has lived near Grenfell Tower for over 30 years. On 14th June 2017, she watched in horror as catastrophic fire raged through the residential block, killing 72 people. She immediately became involved in the relief operations in the community following the fire and is now Project Manager for Justice4Grenfell. A long-time activist from South Africa, Moyra grew up under apartheid and was radicalised as the movement for civil rights took off across the globe. We discuss the shape of the campaign so far, her own path to politics and the lack of action from government and corporations on what has become a tragic symbol of austerity Britain.   Follow Justice4Grenfell on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @officialj4g. Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound engineering by Gibran FarrahSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

Tony Sullivan is Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Historical Studies at London College of Fashion, UAL. He is contributing author in a new book "Fashion & Politics", which looks at fashion from the mid 19th century to today and how it has been used to express nationalism, terrorism, surveillance and individualism. His chapter, 'Dressing the Opposition: Sartorial Resistance on Europe’s Political Left', looks at the way in which politicians including Jeremy Corbyn, have used dress to transmit their message, and the importance of critiquing fashion from a Left perspective. As lecturer, Tony works with today's students, tomorrow's fashion industry insiders. We discuss the need for change in the fashion industry, and the barriers to change that are a natural part of the system today. You can hear Tony's talk "Fashion & Capitalism" from Marxism Festival 2018, or book to attend Marxism 2019 in central London, where there will be discussions on fashion, culture, and, of course, capitalism. Follow Marxism Festival on Twitter @marxismfestival and Instagram @marxism_festival. Find out more at marxismfestival.org.uk Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound editing by Simon GuySpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi 

Jasmine Fischer has been a vegan for 5 years, but her politics has changed over time. While she still believes people should consider the environmental and ethical impact of their decisions, she believes veganism is an individualistic approach that will not end the suffering of animals. For Jasmine, the meat, dairy and egg industries are driven not by cruelty alone, but by capitalism. Only by dismantling capitalism will there be an end to the cycle of oppression, not only for animals, but for people as well. Follow Marxism Festival on Twitter @marxismfestival and Instagram @marxism_festival. Find out more at marxismfestival.org.uk Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound editing by Simon GuySpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi 

Aimée Cohen is a co-founder of 52GIRLS. 52GIRLS aims to bring together a space for women, trans, non-binary people and allies to bring empowerment to the foreground. The event aims to celebrate women’s exploration of music and women in music. Aimée co-founded the event with Raissa Pardini. The regular club night, which has held events in East London and Glasgow, puts women, femmes, trans and non binary people at the forefront of the lineup, and each night is dedicated to a different charity. As well as raising money for a cause needy of support, the organisers make the night a space to discuss the issue at hand with guests. In this podcast, Aimée discusses the origins of the night, why women, trans and non-binary people are excluded and ways you can support the movement. Follow 52Girls on Facebook and Instagram @hey52girls. Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound editing by Simon GuySpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

Zak Cochrane is the National Organiser at Love Music Hate Racism, a platform set up in 2002 to challenge the growth of the far right. Born out of the Rock Against Racism movement, which goes back to the 1970s, Love Music Hate Racism organise gigs that allow people of all backgrounds to mix, over a shared love of music, and empower the anti-racist message by showing how we have more in common with our neighbours than differences, which racists seek to exploit. Artists who have performed under Love Music Hate Racism banners so far include Ms Dynamite, Kasabian, Hard -Fi, Babyshambles, Akala, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Estelle, The View, Lethal Bizzle, Kano, Roll Deep and Basement Jaxx. Zak explains how the organisation has developed, the strategy of local gigs and events, and how you can get involved. Follow Love Music Hate Racism on Twitter @lmhrnational and on Instagram @lovemusichateracism. Find out more at lovemusichateracism.com Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound editing by Simon GuySpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

Taban Shoresh was a teenager when she escaped genocide in Iraq. She escaped to the UK, where she grew up, but quit her City job to go back to Kurdistan to help refugees displaced by conflict, and set up Lotus Flower. Lotus Flower is a non-profit that supports women and girls impacted by conflict and displacement. They empower vulnerable women and girls so that they are safe, have opportunities to learn, given the tools to become financially independent and have the freedom to speak out and lead change.They create and operate community centres for women and girls that provide programming structured around 6 pillars chosen in accordance with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Each centre offers bespoke programming based on the community's needs and incorporating their feedback, with classes like boxing, English language and computing skills. Follow Lotus Flower on Twitter and Instagram @thelotusf and find out more at www.thelotusflower.org Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh SmithTheme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSound engineering by Simon GuySpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

When Saffiyah Khan stood smiling in the face of a screaming member of the English Defence League in Birmingham, little did she think she would become the face of a multicultural, confident youth in the face of racism. Recorded in the summer of 2018 a year after that picture went viral, we catch up with Saffiyah, now signed to model agency Elite and a photographer and activist.  Now volunteering with Off the Scale Vintage, a mental health charity reaching out to students, we caught up with Saffiyah to find out how she has been using her moment in the spotlight as a force for good, tackling the growing mental health crisis in the youth, and building unity on the left. Follow Saffiyah Khan on Instagram @saffiyah__khan. Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith Theme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

Bonnie Fechter is a fashion label by Sarah Buchanan and Rosie Ingleby produced entirely in the UK which challenges the seasonal structure of fashion collections.  They say: "As designers, we've always been really passionate about clothing and design, however, quickly became disillusioned by the fast fashion industry and how it encourages a throw-away culture. We wanted to create a conceptual clothing label to make people more consumer conscious, to really appreciate the quality and design process involved and to fall back in love with clothes!" Co-hosted with Chloe Vasseghi, in this episode, we discuss influences from their Scottish heritage, the growing crisis of waste in fashion and the need for a new understanding of clothes beyond the fashion prism that sees material in terms of what's hot and what's not. Follow Bonnie Fechter on Instagram @bonnie_fechter or visit bonniefechter.com Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith with Chloe VasseghiTheme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

When motion designer Hedvig Ahlberg was a student in Stockholm, she and some female classmates noticed that women tended to take a backseat in creative projects, allowing male classmates to be front and centre with their work. Once in industry, she saw the trend continuing, so she co-founded Punanimation (now Panimation) with Bee Grandinetti and Linn Fritz, a multi-platform community of equality-driven women, trans and non-binary friends within the animation industry. Launched as a Facebook group, they now have over 3,000 members. They went on to launch a job directory that helps the industry hire these amazing animators, and Google and Adobe have now hired from their site. She has lead workshops training animators to rethink gender representation in their work. We sat down to discuss the value of diversity, both in the workforce, and specifically in those kooky cartoons that the coolest companies love these days. Are you an animator? Join Panimation here: www.facebook.com/groups/654345878021827/ Follow Panimation on Instagram @panimation.tv. Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh Smith with Chloe VasseghiTheme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi 

Naima Omar is an activist across anti-racist and anti-austerity campaigns. She is also a Muslim who wears a hijab. In this episode, we discuss the right for women to wear what they want, and the way in which the media often misrepresents Muslim women, as well as the real and frightening threat posed by growing Islamophobia. Follow Naima Omar on Instagram @naima_omar1994. Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh SmithTheme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi

We sit down with mens fashion designer Bethany Williams. Bethany Williams believes that social and environmental issues go hand in hand and through exploring the connection between these issues we may find innovative design solutions to sustainability. She wants not just to comment on a community, but work in their social spaces to try to create a change through furthering economic gain for charity. By using social capital, intellectual and labour intensive skills we aim to create a profit, which will be given to connected charities, continuing the cycle of exchange.Through collaboration with communities and charities we hope to create a collection embedded with real people and hope to cause a real effect in the social space we engage with. We discuss how Bethany has engaged with community projects, and pioneered new ways of working in fashion to reduce waste. She explains how she got into fashion design, and new projects for the future. Follow Bethany Williams on Instagram @bethany_williams_london or visit bethany-williams.com. Like this? Follow Future Heist on Instagram and Twitter @future_heist for episode updates, news and giveaways.  Produced and recorded by Rena Niamh SmithTheme music by Benjamin TassieArtwork by Fleur BeckSpecial thanks to Chloe Vasseghi