At the 2023 UK Evaluation Society presentation, we synthesised our experience with national and international non-governmental organisations, focusing on the pragmatic application of Kimberlé Crenshaw's intersectionality and the Data Feminism principles of Catherine D'Ignazio and Lauren F. Klein while addressing ethical considerations and strategies. Our presentation, Negotiating Feminist Principles and Approaches in Complex Contexts, underscores that traditional feminist and anti-racist perspectives often overlook the complexities of multi-dimensional identities.

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Please donate to the Maui Strong Fund to support victims of the fire.

The Maui Strong Fund is providing financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people and places affected by the devastating Maui wildfires.

In this episode, we delved into the topic of Greenpeace's protest at the residence of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This protest was sparked by the UK government's announcement to issue new oil and gas drilling licenses, a move that contradicts the country's commitment to battling climate change. Lauren and Teia talk about the complexities and challenges of environmental activism in today's political climate.

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Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

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📬 Fan Mail Frenzy!

Lauren and Teia dive deep into the mailbag this week, uncovering some juicy challenges from listeners. Why? Because they dare to ask the tough questions! And let's not forget – exclusive behind-the-scenes van pics on the way. Vantastic, right?

🎯 Main Event: Dissecting Disaggregated Data!

Ever felt like "disaggregated data" sounds like a fancy dish at a posh restaurant? We’ll break it down (pun intended!). Dive into the deep end of:

• What's the buzz behind it?
• To disaggregate or not? That's the question!
• Who's it actually helping, and who just wants to look good on paper?
• Has it become the bureaucracy's favourite checkbox?

🌌 Lauren & Teia's Life Lessons:

The dynamic duo reflect on the week, pondering:

• The magic ingredients of belonging. (Is it sprinkles? It's got to be sprinkles...)
• Real talk from South London beneficiaries.
• The silent sector.

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Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

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Lauren and Teia take a close look at the buzz around the 'Triple Nexus' approach. It's about weaving humanitarian aid, development, and peace-building into one strategy, but is it really a novel idea? Tune in as your hosts unpack the Triple Nexus approach. They'll separate the hype from the substance and explore if organisations claiming to 'do the nexus differently' are really onto something new. Or is it just a case of fresh wrapping on an old package? Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of this approach, how it affects the non-profit sector, and what it could mean for their work. As always, expect a blend of insightful discussion, light-hearted banter, and practical takeaways.

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In this episode of Journey to Transformation, Lauren and Teia take on the concept of cultural relativism and its entanglement with ethical conflicts in international development.

Picture a religious holiday dinner – your family tradition might dictate turkey, while another household might insist on pancakes and spam. Can one impose their tradition onto another? The concept of cultural relativism argues no, a sentiment we extend into the diverse world of humanitarian and international development.

Further, we discuss the challenge of non-governmental organisations that are committed to inclusivity and gender equality operating in places where these principles are not a given. Can these organisations impose their viewpoints, or is this a dangerous dance with cultural colonisation? We examine the friction between respect for cultural norms and the push for universal human rights and social change, revealing the inherent complexities and dilemmas. What is our role in places where social norms contradict our deeply held beliefs about human rights and equality? Are we imposing our beliefs, or are we advocating for universal human rights?

Join us as we grapple with these profound ethical dilemmas, spilling the tea on the contentious intersection of cultural relativism, human rights, and the quest for social change. We promise no easy answers but a thought-provoking journey you wouldn't want to miss.

Trigger Warning: Lauren and Teia discuss instances of gender-based violence. This can be triggering and hard to hear. If you need support, these organisations can help:

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

https://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/traumapedias/716

www.blackmindsmatteruk.com

www.rethink.org

www.mind.org.uk

Follow us:

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Twitter: @jrnypodcast

Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of our deep dive into conflict sensitivity, hosts Lauren and Teia further unravel this critical approach.

Conflict sensitivity – it’s more than just a buzzword; it's an essential development toolkit. But what exactly is it, and how does it shape our work in crisis-affected regions? What implications does it have for humanitarian efforts, and how can we apply it effectively? Lauren and Teia take you on a journey to answer these questions and more.

With our unique blend of scepticism and hope, we explore the nuances of conflict sensitivity, its potential impact on development practices, and its role in promoting more effective and sustainable interventions. We delve into its practicalities and the key factors that make it an indispensable approach in the humanitarian and development sector.

Join us as we traverse this fascinating territory, bringing you expert insights, critical analysis, and real-world examples. Tune in, and let's continue our journey to transform humanitarian action through a deepened understanding of conflict sensitivity. We're ready. Are you?

Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Lauren and Teia discuss conflict sensitivity. It's more than just an academic concept; it's an intrinsic part of any transformative process that warrants thoughtful understanding.

We don't shy away from the tough stuff. Ethical challenges? We discuss them. Delicate dilemmas? Absolutely. Surprising trade-offs? They're on the table too. We navigate these complexities with transparency and sensitivity because understanding these nuances is part and parcel of the journey.

To wrap up, we explore various strategies to approach conflict sensitivity. We're not about textbook answers but about giving you insights that can be transformative in real-world situations.

Join us on this two-part episode!

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Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by: Praz Khanal

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Teia and Lauren ARE BACK. This time traversing the realm of Participatory Action Research. They exchange academia for the actual, revealing the power of context and genuine conversations. It's an informative dive into the complexities of community dynamics and how evaluators' identities play a significant role in uncovering authentic narratives. Tune in for an insightful discussion peppered with humour, real-world stories, and refreshing honesty. Unpack the nuances of gender and power dynamics, and explore why context truly matters when asking important questions. It's research, but not as you know it.

Listeners can learn about the practical implications of Participatory Action Research, the importance of fostering genuine dialogue, selecting participant evaluators, and appropriately compensating them for their time and insights. Join them on this engaging exploration and equip yourself with the knowledge and understanding needed to engage in or facilitate Participatory Action Research effectively.

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Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

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On the back of some thought-inducing conversations recently, Lauren and Teia tackle 'white allyship'. What does it mean? How does a white person know when they are (or not) a white ally? What does this look like in our everyday interactions? We take you from the coffee shop to the check out counter and to the organisation you work for...

WARNING: This episode might be a lot for some white people. It could make you feel a bit uneasy and hot around the collar; you might even start realising you are part of the problem.....

Trigger warning: This episode touches on personal experiences of racism.

If you need support, these organisations can help:

www.blackmindsmatteruk.com

www.rethink.org

www.mind.org.uk

Things we mentioned:

Duncan Green’s tweet on the visibility of women in seminars: https://twitter.com/fp2p/status/940856062785155072?s=21&t=_Xdr2y2dJrs8O_lmkPc-Dw

Original source: Women’s visibility in academic seminars: Women ask fewer questions than men by Alecia J. Carter, Alyssa Croft, Dieter Lukas, and Gillian M. Sandstrom. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0202743 

Book: The Clapback: Your Guide to Calling Out Racial Stereotypes by Elijah Lawal

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In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we delve deep into the amusing yet significant terrain of the 'Saviour Complex' and the 'Superhero Complex.' Particularly common amongst high achievers and workaholics, these fascinating psychological phenomena could be affecting you or those close to you.

Are you the kind of person who's always switched 'on', tirelessly striving to provide for those around you, and seemingly incapable of acknowledging a need for rest? Maybe you're irrevocably attracted to the role of the protector, particularly towards those showing signs of weakness and vulnerability. If these characteristics ring true, you might be grappling with the Saviour Complex.

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Values and Jurassic Park were an unexpected meet-up in this episode. Lauren and Teia talk about a decision that echoed the cautionary wisdom of Dr Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park: We were so preoccupied with whether we could that we didn't stop to think if we should. The decision? To cease work until they were certain that the delivery genuinely reflected core values. This episode explores the crossroads when you find your work is not resonating with your values. Expect an open and candid conversation about the difficulties and pushbacks faced and the profound impact this decision had on interactions with clients and the broader humanitarian and development sector.

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Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

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In this episode, we unpack the complex issue of the right to protest, using the recent protests at the King’s coronation as a case study. We delve into the implications of the arrests made during these protests, the controversy surrounding new protest-related legislation in the UK, and discuss the balance between freedom of expression and public safety. Join us as we explore the delicate dance between democratic freedoms and societal cohesion, and the role protests play in shaping our society. Teia also gives her hot protesting tips.

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Join us for a wild ride as the World Bank evolves under new leader Ajay Banga, tackling Fragility, Conflict, and Violence while navigating power dynamics and the controversial Gentlemen's Agreement. We talk development intrigue, power plays, and green ambitions in this thrilling tale of transformation. We briefly mention the recent Coronation. We're got more to say...stay tuned for an extra episode this week!

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Join Lauren and Teia as they share their lively adventures at Camp Quirky, the captivating van life festival in the UK. Listen to how Teia delivered an inspiring self-defence class tailored for van life owners and the duo's spirited interactions with fellow van enthusiasts. Inspired by a new space at Camp Quirky called "Camp Queerky", this got Lauren and Teia thinking about safe spaces, what actually makes a safe space, and for whom. Reflecting back on the humanitarian sector, Lauren and Teia discuss the intriguing idea of "third spaces" and how they contribute to creating more inclusive and collaborative environments. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the go-to phrase "creating a safe space", and you got it, what Lauren and Teia really think about it...

Things we mention:

• Camp Quirky: A lively van life gathering in the UK
• Third Space: An innovative concept for creating inclusive and collaborative environments

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Twitter: @jrnypodcast

Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, we discuss the book "Factfulness" by Hans Rosling and its key themes, including challenging misconceptions and adopting a fact-based understanding of global trends. The episode delves into the "negativity bias," a psychological phenomenon that leads us to perceive the world as more negative than it is. We explore its implications on decision-making, policy-making, and public opinion and discuss how "Factfulness" counters this bias with data-driven evidence. Teia takes the quiz, and as we all know Teia by now, her results are unsurprising!

If you are interested, you can purchase the book here.

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Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

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In this second instalment of our engaging discussion on Oxfam's Inclusive Language Guide, Lauren and Teia dive deeper into the content, examining the guide's specific suggestions like using "partner" and "parenthood" as more inclusive language alternatives. They candidly share their opinions on putting these recommendations into practice and ponder the question: Is there such a thing as too inclusive?

Join Lauren and Teia for a captivating conversation that strikes the perfect balance between fun, insightful, and informative. You'll also get an update on Teia's exciting clinical trial journey, so don't miss out!

This episode promises to enrich your understanding of the complexities of inclusive language and its role in shaping our society. Be sure to check out Oxfam's Language Guide and let us know your thoughts at jrnypodcast@gmail.com! We always enjoy hearing from our listeners!

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Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

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In part one of this two-part series, Lauren and Teia examine the recent controversy surrounding Oxfam's Inclusive Language Guide, exploring the motivations behind its creation, the reactions it has sparked, and the implications it has for broader conversations around inclusion and language. Throughout the episode, Teia and Lauren provide a nuanced and engaging analysis of the guide and the debates it has generated. From the challenges of implementing inclusive language policies within large organisations to the ways in which language reflects and shapes societal norms and values, this episode is packed with insights and takeaways that are sure to leave you pondering the role of language in our lives.

You can find Oxfam's Langauge Guide here. Write to us at jrnypodcast@gmail.com and let us know what you think!

Trigger Warning: Lauren and Teia discuss words and phrases that could be triggering to some people. Please visit the websites below for support:

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

https://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/traumapedias/716

www.blackmindsmatteruk.com

www.rethink.org

www.mind.org.uk

Follow us:

Instagram: @jrnypodcast

Twitter: @jrnypodcast

Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our 60th episode, and Lauren's going solo! She takes us on an insightful journey into the world of Talk to Loop with special guests Alex Ross, the Director of Talk to Loop and Mpala Nkonkomalimba, a Monitoring and Evaluation specialist. Talk to Loop is a groundbreaking feedback platform revolutionising the humanitarian and development sector, fostering inclusivity, responsiveness, and accountability. Lauren, Alex, and Mpala discuss the power of real-time feedback, its ability to challenge traditional Monitoring and Evaluation practices, and the impact it can have on the communities served. They also explore the potential of Talk to Loop to bridge communication gaps and enhance engagement between local organisations and communities.

Listeners will gain insights on:

• How Talk to Loop emerged as a solution to the challenges in the humanitarian and development sector
• The platform's role in breaking down social norms, cultural barriers, and traditional practices
• The positive effect of Talk to Loop on gender dynamics, inclusivity, and representation

You can find out more about Talk to Loop here. Or you can email alex@talktoloop.org if you're interested in using the platform!

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Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

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Get ready to dive headfirst into the mysterious realm of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in the nonprofit sector with your trusty guides, Lauren and Teia! In this episode of Journey to Transformation, they embark on a fun, investigative, and informative adventure unravelling the hidden truths behind NDAs.They'll take you on a roller coaster ride through the ethical twists and turns of NDAs, exploring their purpose, prevalence, and the challenges they present. Listeners will leave with a treasure trove of best practices and valuable insights on handling NDAs like a pro or even getting rid of them altogether, ensuring organisations maintain trust with stakeholders while upholding ethical practices.

But beware, fellow adventurers – the sound quality in this episode is a little less than perfect, as Teia is still away on her clinical trial. However, we promise that the content is worth braving the audio obstacles! So, grab your headphones and buckle up as we embark on this exciting and thought-provoking journey into the world of NDAs in nonprofits!

Things we mention:

1. National Council of Nonprofits. (n.d.). Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements. Retrieved from https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/confidentiality-and-non-disclosure-agreements
2. Ratcliffe, R., & McVeigh, K. (2018, February 13). Oxfam faces fresh claims that staff used prostitutes in Chad. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/feb/12/oxfam-faces-allegations-staff-used-prostitutes-in-chad
3. Townsend, M. (2018, March 31). Save the Children accused of hiding sexual harassment claims. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/31/save-the-children-accused-of-hiding-sexual-harassment-claims
4. Datar, I. (2017, August 21). Why We Don't Sign NDAs. New Harvest. Retrieved from https://new-harvest.org/why-we-dont-sign-ndas/
5. Charity Commission for England and Wales. (2019, March 6). Charities and non-disclosure agreements. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-and-non-disclosure-agreements
6. CHS Alliance. (2020, February 5). Cover-up culture or a protection tool? The use of NDAs in the humanitarian sector. Retrieved from https://www.chsalliance.org/get-support/article/cover-up-culture-or-a-pro

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Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

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In this captivating and insightful episode, Teia shares her upcoming three-week clinical trial adventure with listeners. As she embarks on this unique journey, Lauren and Teia discuss the challenges and benefits of participating in clinical trials, emphasising the importance of staying informed and asking questions about one's health. They also delve into the dynamics of hierarchy, gender, and power in the medical field, drawing insights from resources such as "Invisible Women" and "Data Feminism." With a blend of humour, personal experience, and critical discussions on health and empowerment, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the world of clinical trials and the necessity of being an advocate for one's own health.

Things we mention:

1. Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg
2. "Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men" by Caroline Criado Perez
3. "Data Feminism" by Catherine D'Ignazio and Lauren F. Klein
4. "Grey's Anatomy" - TV Show
5. "The Undiscussed Trauma of COVID-19" - Article (source to be provided)
6. Thalidomide tragedy
7. mRNA technology and COVID vaccine
8. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and power dynamics in the aviation industry
9. Positivity bias in research and evaluation

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Twitter: @jrnypodcast

Edited by Teia Rogers

Music by Praz Khanal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.