In this second, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes back Danforth Oghigian, a globe-trotting Master of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) student at Concordia University, whose academic and personal journey spans Japan, Iceland, Norway, Armenia, and Canada.
Dan reflects on his experience studying Polar Law in Iceland and Norway, where he was immersed in Arctic governance, environmental law, and indigenous rights, supported by Erasmus+ and the UArctic network. He shares what drew him to Armenia, his ancestral homeland, where he lived through the COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflict while working in political consulting.
Credits
Host: Navid MahloojiGuest: Danforth OghigianProduction: João RoqueAudio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-MorinDate: February 13th – 3 PMLocation: Concordia University – Library
With Music credits right here:
Music from Free Music Archive (CC BY-NC)
Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
19:57 Indifferent Light by Even Twice
32:46 All The Colors In The World by Podington Bear
40:33 This Game Has No Nameby Antethic
In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Danforth Oghigian, a Master of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) student at Concordia University, whose academic and personal journey spans continents—from growing up in Japan to studying polar law in Iceland.
Dan shares how his experiences living in Tokyo shaped his worldview and cultural values, his evolving views on nationalism, and how a transformative course at Carleton University shifted his understanding of civic identity. He also introduces listeners to his passion for Arctic governance, explaining Canada's claim to the Northwest Passage, the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the vital role of indigenous participation in polar regions.
Through detailed reflections on colonial legacies, Dan highlights the unique political landscape of the Arctic, where indigenous governance, environmental challenges, and international law intersect.
Credits
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Danforth Oghigian
Production: João Roque
Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: April 2nd – 6PM
Location: Concordia University – Library
n this episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Leandrew Goseco , a master's student in political science at Concordia University, whose research focuses on immigrant political behavior, integration, and belonging in Canada—a theme deeply rooted in his own journey as a Filipino migrant.
Leandrew discusses his work with the Migration Research Team at Concordia, where he explores transnational political engagement and how diasporic communities across Canada use technology to stay connected to their roots. The conversation unpacks how first- and second-generation immigrants engage politically, how identity is maintained or reshaped, and the importance of feeling accepted in a new country.
He also reflects on the limitations of terms like “migrant,” “immigrant,” and “expat,” and shares his admiration for Jimmy Carter, his love for 70s rock music, and introduces us to his pet tortoise, Ross.
Host: Navid MahloojiGuest: Leandrew GosecoProduction: João RoqueAudio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-MorinDate: March 18th – 6 PM
Location: Concordia University – Library
In this episode of Polisci. host Navid Mahlooji speaks with Celia Bensiali, a PhD student in political science at Concordia University, whose research explores urban governance, migration policies, and inclusive city initiatives. Celia examines how cities like Montreal, Barcelona, and Copenhagen are leading the way in municipal ID card programs to promote social inclusion for migrants and marginalized communities.
Throughout the conversation, Celia reflects on her journey from law to sociology to urban studies, her experiences as a coordinator for international research projects, and the challenges of translating diverse realities. She also shares her personal connection to migration, her love for Montreal and Mexico City, and why she believes finding passionate research topics and supportive mentors is key to a fulfilling PhD experience.
Credits
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Celia BensialiProduction: João RoqueAudio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-MorinDate: February 13th – 3 PMLocation: Concordia University – Library
Music from Free Music Archive (CC BY-NC)
Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
11:47 not even dreams can make them begin by oji
20:56 The One Nice Weekend In September by Vic Dillahay
31:15 Megpie by Don Aman
39:49 sérénade (en mi mineur) by oji
56:52 not even dreams can make them begin by oji
In this second part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji continues the conversation with Lauren Thurber, a former educator turned public policy analyst at Health Canada.
Lauren dives into her MPA research on cosmetic regulations using Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), explaining how this intersectional policy framework is applied in the Canadian federal government. She also discusses balancing graduate studies, career changes, and new motherhood, offering valuable insights for students and professionals navigating similar paths.
Join us for an engaging discussion on education, policy, and life transitions, plus a special mention of her golden doodle, Taxi!
Please be aware that at 14:30 we discuss pregnancy loss and fertility treatment. Feel free to skip ahead to 15:50 if necessary.
🎙️ Host: Navid Majlooji 🎤 Guest: Lauren Thurber 🎛️ Production: João Roque 🎧 Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin 📅 Date: February 13th – 3 PM 📍 Location: Concordia University – Library
Music
Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
13:24 Motala Beyoncey by Axel Lundstrom
19:58 Just a bit horny - Lofi & Chill Sessions #1 by The Oracle Of St. Vincent
28:13 Linkoping bassline by Axel Lundstrom
In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji speaks with Lauren Thurber, a former educator who transitioned into public policy after a decade in teaching. Now a policy analyst at Health Canada, Lauren shares how the COVID-19 pandemic, personal experiences, and a passion for equity-driven policymaking led her to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy and Public Administration (MPA) at Concordia University.
Lauren discusses her research on cosmetic regulations across Canada, the U.S., the EU, and Australia, where she applies GBA+ (Gender-Based Analysis Plus) to assess how policies impact different communities. She also reflects on the teacher shortage in Quebec, the importance of soft skills in policy work, and the challenges of balancing grad school, work, and parenthood.
Note: MLT means Medical Lab Technician
Credits
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Lauren Thurber
Production: João Roque
Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: February 13th – 3 PM
Location: Concordia University – Library
Music credits:9:03 Stupid Trade War _ Stupid President by JKL17:56 Be Present by Ketsa26:17 words will always hurt me by coolkid
In this episode of Polisci Podcast, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Dr. Dónal Gill, assistant professor of political science, to discuss his academic journey, political thought, and literary influences. From Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels to Joyce’s Ulysses, Gill explores how literature reflects and critiques political ideas.
The conversation also touches on Irish and Quebec nationalism, Gill’s experience moving from Ireland to Canada, and his work as a writer for the Montreal Gazette. He shares insights into teaching, the "hidden curriculum" of academia, and the challenges of balancing work and life. Plus, we learn about Arnold, his beloved Bichon Maltese.
Credits
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Dr. Dónal Gill
🎛️ Production: João Roque
🎧 Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: February 25th – 18h00
📍 Location: Concordia University – LB 583 – Poland
Music:
Intro and outro Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
7:56 Fredsong by Mr Smith
17:54 Drive, Phone, Crash, and Death by De Morte
32:56 Polska by Doppelskangers
42:44 Mother Will Call by Pk jazz Collective
47:33 Salish Sea (unplugged) by Legally Blind
In this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Julien Duffy, a political science researcher exploring immigrant political participation and the role of belonging in shaping civic engagement. Julien, a McGill graduate now pursuing his master’s at Concordia, dives into why immigrants tend to participate less in politics than native-born citizens and how conversations between different communities influence public attitudes on migration.
Beyond academia, Julien’s experiences range from researching zoning bylaws after the REM expansion to working with people with physical disabilities at Camp Massawipi. He’s also currently traveling across Asia, gaining firsthand insights into political cultures worldwide.
Credits
🎙️ Host: Navid Mahlooji
🎓 Guest: Julien Duffy
🎧 Production: João Roque
🎛️ Audio Editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
📍 Recorded at: Concordia Library
📅 Date: February 4th – 18h00
Today, we’re joined by Stephen Gnanasihamany and Jason Langford, members of Crew, the student-worker-led union representing Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) at Concordia University. With ongoing bargaining between Crew and the university, this episode unpacks the major issues at stake—wages, job security, and working conditions—and why the upcoming Special General Assembly (SGA) on February 17th, 19th, and 22nd is a crucial moment for student workers.
We’ll discuss the challenges of negotiating fair wages, the importance of union participation, and what a potential strike mandate could mean for Concordia’s student workers. With rising costs of living, an outdated pay structure, and pressure to secure better contracts, Crew is calling on its members to mobilize and take action.
Whether you’re a TA, an RA, or just interested in labor rights and student activism, this episode is a must-listen! Let’s welcome Stephen Gnanasihamany and Jason Langford to the PoliSci Podcast!
Disclaimer: Apologies to Jason and the audience for the faulty microphone in this episode! We will adjust our gear and make sure the sound quality is back to usual on the next episodes.
Credits
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Jocelyne Brad
Production: João Roque
Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: February 11th - 18h00
Lieu: Concordia Library
Music
Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
7:34 King by Phillip Gross
13:41 Fredsong by Mr Smith
19:19 Wait a Minute by Crowander
25:07 Sausage vertigo by Paweł Feszczuk
32:38 Amusement Bark by Paweł Feszczuk
41:38 Satellite by Mr Smith
In this episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes Jocelyne Brad, a globally minded political science scholar whose research explores how religiosity shapes immigration policies and public discourse. With an academic journey spanning the U.S., France, and Canada, Jocelyne brings a unique perspective on how different societies navigate the intersection of faith and migration.
From volunteering as a Model UN instructor to studying abroad in Paris, Jocelyne shares her experiences, research insights, and the surprising connections between politics and her favorite pastimes—Dungeons & Dragons and video games!
Credits:
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Jocelyne Brad
Production: João Roque
Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: January 28th - 19h30
Lieu: Concordia Library
Music
In this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Logan Bates, a political science scholar whose research examines the evolution of conservative rhetoric in opposition to LGBTQ2S+ rights in the U.S. From analyzing emotional discourses in Florida’s Don’t Say Gay bill to uncovering how fear, security, and disgust are transformed into rights-based arguments, Logan’s work highlights a critical shift in political messaging.
Beyond academia, Logan is deeply engaged in advocacy, volunteering with the Queer History Club and organizing community events that amplify queer voices. Tune in as we explore Logan’s research, the rise of anti-LGBTQ2S+ legislation, and the strategies that can counteract these political trends.
📅 Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation about the power of rhetoric, activism, and the fight for LGBTQ2S+ rights!
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Logan Bates
Production: João Roque
Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: January 21th - 18h00
Lieu: Concordia Library
Intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
8:19 The Race / Funk Jazz Groove by Lowtone Music on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
16:54 Rising of the Sun (ID 2122) by Lobo Loco on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
24:45 Rainy Streets by Dee Yan-Key on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
36:19 Caffeinated by Laughing Manny & The Swinging Dicks on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
In this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji speaks with Rubens Lima Moraes, a scholar, educator, and public service professional with a remarkable journey from Brazil to Canada. Rubens shares his experiences as an international student navigating cultural shifts, the challenges of pursuing a PhD, and his decision to transition from academia to government work.
From teaching at Concordia and Dawson College to shaping policies at Environment and Climate Change Canada, Rubens reflects on the lessons he’s learned about resilience and adaptability. He also discusses the importance of social innovation and civil society, drawing from his research on the Movement Against Electoral Corruption in Brazil. Most importantly, he talks about his two amazing cats.
Crédits:
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Rubens Lima Moraes
Production: João Roque
Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: January 14th - 18h00
Lieu: Concordia Library
Music:
In this second part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji continues the conversation with Francesco MacAllister-CarusoFrancesco MacAllister-Caruso, a PhD candidate researching the political experiences of transgender, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people in Quebec. Francesco discusses the limitations of the LGBTQ+ umbrella term, focusing on the distinct challenges faced by gender minorities regarding citizenship, policy, and political representation. He highlights the complexities of Quebec's history with LGBTQ+ rights, particularly the uneven progress for transgender individuals, and the role of the notwithstanding clause in hindering further advancements. The conversation also touches upon the impact of misinformation and the challenges of data collection in this area, alongside Francesco's personal life and hobbies.
Credits
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Francesco MacAllister-Caruso
Production: João Roque
Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: January 5th - 11h00
Lieu: Concordia/Zoom
Music
intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
7:48 Cloudburst by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
18:27 Senor by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
27:48 It’s Nice (And I Like It) by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
35:37 Spikey Skies by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
In this first part of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Francesco MacAllister-Caruso, a trailblazing PhD candidate at Concordia University whose research sheds light on the political representation of Two-Spirit, trans, and nonbinary (2S/TNB) individuals in Canada.
Francesco shares insights from his journey as a scholar and advocate, reflecting on the distinctions between sexual and gender minorities in politics and the challenges of amplifying marginalized voices. From analyzing trans representation in electoral politics to addressing the rise of anti-trans legislation, Francesco’s work highlights the importance of intersectionality in shaping a more inclusive future.
Outside the academic world, Francesco is a gardener, baker, and gamer whose creativity shines in every aspect of life. Tune in to explore the intersections of activism, scholarship, and personal passion in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.
Credits
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Francesco MacAllister-Caruso
Production: João Roque
Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: January 5th - 11h00
Lieu: Concordia/Zoom
Music
intro and outro : Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi
7:48 Cloudburst by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
18:27 Senor by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
27:48 It’s Nice (And I Like It) by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
35:37 Spikey Skies by Modern Monster on Free Music Archive CC BY-SA
In this episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes Gaëlle Poirier-Morin, a political science graduate student at Concordia University. Gaëlle shares her inspiring journey from leading student activism at UQAM to researching grassroots citizen engagement in her master’s thesis.
Listen as Gaëlle discusses the impact of growing up in Montréal, the surprising lessons from saving green spaces with Mobilisation 6600, and how her creative background in jazz influences her approach to activism. Whether you're passionate about community action, grassroots movements, or exploring democracy beyond elections, Gaëlle’s story offers fresh insights and inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference.
Credits
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Production and audio editing: João Roque
Date: December 23 - 16h00
Lieu: Halte 24-7 - Coworking Montréal
Music: Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
In the second episode of Polisci Perspectives, host Navid Mahlooji welcomes Kristina Uleckas-Lavigne, a Concordia University political science graduate student with a unique and multifaceted academic path. Kristina shares how her background in Cinema Communications, Journalism, and life during COVID led her to a passion for political science.
With experiences ranging from supervising elections for Elections Canada to researching the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Kristina provides a fascinating perspective on topics like the notwithstanding clause and Quebec's approach to multiculturalism.
Credits:
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Kristina Uleckas-Lavigne
Production: João Roque and
Audio editing: Gaëlle Poirier-Morin
Date: December 19 - 16h00
Lieu: South Africa - Study Room - Library
Music:
In the debut episode of Polisci, host Navid Mahlooji sits down with Nick Von Rosk, a passionate political science graduate student from Concordia University. Nick shares his journey from Long Island, New York, to Montreal, Canada, exploring the pivotal events that shaped his academic path, from the rise of populism to democratic backsliding under leaders like Trump and Bolsonaro.
Credits:
Host: Navid Mahlooji
Guest: Nick Von Rosk
Podcast production: João Roque
Audio Editing: Gaëlle Morin
Date: December 17 - 10h30
Lieu: South Africa - Study Room - Library
Music: Dee Yan-Key, DJ Messagroove - Move your body, Lowtone Music - Lofi CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial