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Fractured
ReFOCUS Media Labs
105 episodes
3 days ago
A project of ReFOCUS Media Labs citizen journalists, FRACTURED is an informative podcast about the most important events as well as political and social challenges related to the refugee crisis and migration flows in the world with a special focus on Europe. ReFOCUS Media Labs foundation is dedicated to building a global network of media labs to equip asylum seekers and recognized refugees with modern media creation skills. For more go to: https://refocusmedialabs.org/
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All content for Fractured is the property of ReFOCUS Media Labs and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
A project of ReFOCUS Media Labs citizen journalists, FRACTURED is an informative podcast about the most important events as well as political and social challenges related to the refugee crisis and migration flows in the world with a special focus on Europe. ReFOCUS Media Labs foundation is dedicated to building a global network of media labs to equip asylum seekers and recognized refugees with modern media creation skills. For more go to: https://refocusmedialabs.org/
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Politics
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Episodes (20/105)
Fractured
DESERT DUMPS Outsourcing the Migration Problem to Africa. Summer Short 13

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with Klaas van Dijken - co-founder of Lighthouse Reports, independent journalist

For the full episode go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2DFZuEw-MM&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=24

For a year journalists connected to the Lighthouse Reports investigated the treatment of asylum seekers and migrants in North Africa, particularly focusing on the roles of various governments and militias in facilitating deportations and human rights abuses. In this episode  Klaas van Dijken, discusses the systematic arrests, racial profiling, and the complicity of the European Union in these operations.


FRACTURED is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsBECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://refocusmedialabs.org/donateFOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.orgMUSIC: Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound). Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)

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3 days ago
15 minutes 23 seconds

Fractured
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS. Tackling Racism, Anti-Muslim Hate, Antisemitism in the UK. Summer Short 12

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with Amjid Khazir, founder and CEO of Media Cultured.

For the full episode go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nh2MnCmUTk&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=28

In this episode, Amjid emphasizes the importance of engaging youth, understanding the trends in radicalization, and the role of social media in spreading hate. The conversation also touches on the significance of cultural intelligence, diversity training, and the impact of sports in promoting social change.


FRACTURED is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsBECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://refocusmedialabs.org/donateFOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.orgMUSIC: Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound). Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)

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1 week ago
17 minutes 26 seconds

Fractured
City of Thorns. Summer Short 11

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation Ben Rawlence - Founding director of Black Mountains College, Author “City of Thorns”You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE - https://youtu.be/KvRWr8YZO_Y?si=mRuGpGtCHHm6V19qBen shares his experiences and insights from his time in the Dadaab refugee camp, discussing the complexities of life for refugees, the cultural tensions between different communities, and the challenges faced by young leaders. He highlights the deteriorating conditions in the camp, the difficulties of returning to Somalia, and the misconceptions surrounding refugee needs in Western politics.FRACTURED is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsBECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://refocusmedialabs.org/donateFOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org

MUSIC:  Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound) .Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)


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2 weeks ago
14 minutes 49 seconds

Fractured
LIGHT YOUR SMALL CANDLE. A struggle for human rights on the Polish-Belarusian border

In this compelling episode of Fractured, we delve deep into the ongoing refugee crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border. Our guest, Anna Alboth, a journalist and human rights activist, brings firsthand insights into this humanitarian disaster. Anna has been working closely with refugees affected by this crisis and provides a unique perspective on the political, social, and human rights issues at play.

Anna discusses the complex geopolitical dynamics between Poland and Belarus, and how this conflict turned vulnerable populations into political weapons. She shares stories from the ground about the harrowing conditions refugees face—trapped in no man's land, caught between militarized borders, and subjected to extreme weather, violence, and neglect. Anna highlights the work of grassroots organizations, volunteers, and activists who are stepping in where governments have fallen short.


FRACTURED is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsBECOME A PATRON- [www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabs](  / refocusmedialabs  )DONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher...FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- [info@refocusmedialabs.org](mailto:info@refocusmedialabs.org)

MUSIC: Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound). Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)


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3 weeks ago
13 minutes 41 seconds

Fractured
TIK TOK MIGRATION. Understanding the Migration Trends in West Africa. Summer Short 09

In this episode of Fractured we discuss the complexity of migration dynamics in West Africa, particularly focusing on Senegal and Mauritania. Monika Pronczuk, a correspondent for the Associated Press, discusses the increasing trends of migration, the push factors driving individuals to leave their homes, and the role of smugglers in facilitating these journeys. The conversation highlights the economic challenges faced by these countries, the impact of overfishing on local communities, and the cultural perspectives surrounding migration. Additionally, the discussion touches on the challenges of reporting from the region and the implications of EU policies on migration.
Fractured is a production of ReFOCUS Media Labs.Our organisation is proud to join a growing campaign "Where We Rise" to raise €1 million in solidarity with 28 other organisations engaged as frontline actors and movement builders across Europe and beyond. This money will go directly to those doing the work: providing urgent care, challenging harmful systems, and creating new models of solidarity.BECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher...FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org


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1 month ago
14 minutes 4 seconds

Fractured
“WIDOWED BY EUROPE'S BORDERS” A BORDER GRAVES INVESTIGATION. Summer Short 08

Fetisov and Lorenzo Natali award-winning investigative journalist Gabriela Ramirez, discusses her investigative journalism story "Widowed by Europe's Borders” about Sanooja's frantic fight to find her husband Sanrim, who went missing in the forest after being illegally pushed back by Lithuanian authorities. The couple from Sri Lanka, highlights the struggles faced by migrants at European borders, and the grim reality of over 30,000 deaths along Europe's borders in the past decade, most of which unfold in total obscurity.

Gabriela and our cofounder Douglas Herman delve into the ethical dilemmas of reporting on such sensitive topics, the personal connections formed during the reporting process, and the broader implications of migration policies in Europe. Gabriela emphasizes the importance of humanizing migrant stories and the ongoing fight for justice faced by families of missing migrants, and the human rights all people deserve, even after death.


FRACTURED is a production of ReFOCUS Media Labs.Our organisation is proud to join a growing campaign "Where We Rise" to raise €1 million in solidarity with 29 other organisations engaged as frontline actors and movement builders across Europe and beyond. This money will go directly to those doing the work: providing urgent care, challenging harmful systems, and creating new models of solidarity.

BECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher...FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org

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1 month ago
17 minutes 4 seconds

Fractured
'Palestinian Children Under Siege'. The Breach of International Law in Gaza - Summer Shorts 07

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with the an international child protection specialist and former UNICEF staff Patrizia Benvenuti. You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiJ84fk0FqoIn this episode of FRACTURED we return to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Our guest, Patrizia Benvenuti—who has served on multiple missions in the region—shares first-hand insights into the catastrophic conditions for civilians, especially children. She discusses the obstacles to delivering aid, the psychological toll, the targeting of civilians, and the broader implications for international law, including the situation in the West Bank.FRACTURED is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsOur organisation is proud to join a growing campaign "Where We Rise" to raise €1 million in solidarity with 29 other organisations engaged as frontline actors and movement builders across Europe and beyond. This money will go directly to those doing the work: providing urgent care, challenging harmful systems, and creating new models of solidarity.BECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher...FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org

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1 month ago
12 minutes

Fractured
'Greek Coast Guard on Trial' Two Years Since the Pylos Shipwreck - Summer Shorts 06

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with the an independent journalist Lydia Emmanouilidou. You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiJ84fk0Fqo

Two years after the tragic Pylos shipwreck that claimed over 600 lives off the Greek coast, we take a closer look at what’s changed and what hasn’t. In this episode we speak with independent journalist Lydia Emmanouilidou, who has closely investigated the incident and its aftermath. Together we explore the latest legal and political developments, including the unprecedented decision to charge 17 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard, the crucial role of survivor testimonies, and the ongoing criminalisation of asylum seekers in Greece.

Fractured is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsOur organisation is proud to join a growing campaign "Where We Rise" to raise €1 million in solidarity with 29 other organisations engaged as frontline actors and movement builders across Europe and beyond. This money will go directly to those doing the work: providing urgent care, challenging harmful systems, and creating new models of solidarity.

BECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher...FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org

MUSIC - Theme:"Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound): Additional: "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)

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1 month ago
18 minutes 47 seconds

Fractured
"Still Destroyed and Displaced". Gaza Before and After the Cease Fire Collapsed - Summer Shorts 05

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with Bill Van Esveld, , Associate Director of Children's Rights Division . You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE - https://youtu.be/6bZhSkpQn9U?feature=shared In this episode Bill Van Esveld returns to discuss the daunting challenge of rebuilding Gaza’s education system: who will lead it, how to address the lack of teachers and schools, and what it means for children when estimates say reconstruction could take up to 14 years. Fractured is a production of ReFOCUS Media Labs Our organisation is proud to join a growing campaign "Where We Rise" to raise €1 million in solidarity with 28 other organisations engaged as frontline actors and movement builders across Europe and beyond. This money will go directly to those doing the work: providing urgent care, challenging harmful systems, and creating new models of solidarity.BECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher...FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org

MUSIC: Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound). Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)


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1 month ago
16 minutes 8 seconds

Fractured
"Musical Charis". Refugee Movement Within The African Union - Summer Shorts 04

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with the journalist Lalla SY . You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE -    • FRACTURED S04E09: MUSICAL CHAIRS. Refugee ...  In this episode Lalla SY unpacks the complex realities of displacement in Africa, where many nations are both hosts to refugees and sources of outflow themselves. The conversation explores the legacies of colonialism, the influence of external powers on ongoing conflicts, and the humanitarian strain on host countries. Lalla highlights the specific challenges faced by women, the psychological toll of violence, and the critical role of NGOs in offering support. She also reflects on how climate change fuels displacement, the difficulties of peace and reconciliation, and the importance of cross-border solidarity and good practices to build lasting stability in the region.Fractured is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsOur organisation is proud to join a growing campaign "Where We Rise" to raise €1 million in solidarity with 28 other organisations engaged as frontline actors and movement builders across Europe and beyond. This money will go directly to those doing the work: providing urgent care, challenging harmful systems, and creating new models of solidarity.BECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher...FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabsCONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org

MUSIC-Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound). Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)

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2 months ago
15 minutes

Fractured
EXCLUDED FROM BIRTH TO DEATH. Solving statelessness in Thailand. Summer Short 03

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with Duniya Aslam Khan from UNHCR. You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMnrTIEY1dw&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=33


In this episode we discuss the complex issue of statelessness, particularly in Thailand. Our conversation highlights the challenges faced by stateless people, including lack of access to basic rights and services, and the importance of legal documentation. We also highlight the specific challenges faced by stateless individuals in Thailand, the cumbersome processes involved in gaining nationality, and the role of gender discrimination in perpetuating statelessness. 


Fractured is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsOur organisation is proud to join a growing campaign "Where We Rise"to raise €1 million in solidarity with 28 other organisations engaged as frontline actors and movement builders across Europe and beyond. This money will go directly to those doing the work: providing urgent care, challenging harmful systems, and creating new models of solidarity. BECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher... FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabs CONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org

MUSIC: Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound) . Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)


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2 months ago
13 minutes 8 seconds

Fractured
'Lost But Not Forgotten' Search and Rescue on US-MX Border- Summer Shorts 02

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with James Holeman and Abby Carpenter from Battalion Search and Rescue. You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE-    • FRACTURED S04E04: LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. ...  In this episode, James Holeman and Abby Carpenter discuss their work with Battalion Search and Rescue, a humanitarian organization focused on finding missing migrants along the US-Mexico border. They share the origins of their organization, the challenges they face in their search operations, and the grim realities of migration, including the deadly consequences of current border policies.Fractured is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsOur organisation is proud to join a growing campaign "Where We Rise"to raise €1 million in solidarity with 28 other organisations engaged as frontline actors and movement builders across Europe and beyond. This money will go directly to those doing the work: providing urgent care, challenging harmful systems, and creating new models of solidarity. BECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher... FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabs CONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org

MUSIC- Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound). Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)


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2 months ago
14 minutes 29 seconds

Fractured
"The Walls Have Eyes" Surviving Migration in the Age of AI- Summer Shorts 01

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with Petra Molnar- Attorney, Anthropoligist and Author of "The Walls Have Eyes". You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE-    • FRACTURED S04E02: THE WALLS HAVE EYES, Sur...  In this conversation, Petra Molnar discusses the intersection of migration and technology, focusing on the implications of surveillance technologies, data colonialism, and the automation of immigration processes. She highlights the role of Israel in the global surveillance tech market, the testing grounds for these technologies, and the politics of fear that shape migration policies. Molnar also emphasizes the need for technology to assist rather than control migrants and shares insights from her upcoming book on community resistance.Fractured is a production of ReFOCUS Media LabsOur organisation is proud to join a growing campaign "Where We Rise" to raise €1 million in solidarity with 28 other organisations engaged as frontline actors and movement builders across Europe and beyond. This money will go directly to those doing the work: providing urgent care, challenging harmful systems, and creating new models of solidarity. BECOME A PATRON- www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabsDONATE TODAY- https://www.collectiveaidngo.org/wher... FOLLOW/SHARE- @refocusmedialabs CONNECT- info@refocusmedialabs.org

MUSIC:  Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound). Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)


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2 months ago
8 minutes 59 seconds

Fractured
HUMANITARIAN WATCH E07

In our last Humanitarian Watch before the Summer break we highlight four humanitarian topics worth following in the next month. The situation in Gaza is of course one of them but we also discuss massive problems in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and damage to Palestinian water wells. In addition we discuss the consequences of the newest bill in Greece that suspends asylum procedures for anybody who arrives from Africa and bring you closer to the portrait of the new Migration Minister.  

In the context of the Polish-Belarusian and Polish-German border we focus on the tensions in society as the far right movements create citizen patrols to “secure the border”.

At the end we report on a tragic humanitarian situation in Sudan where domestic war causes massive displacement. At the same time some people return to the devastated states of Khartoum, Sennar and Al Jazirah which have been relatively peaceful for some time. 

CORRECTION: 73% of forcibly displaced people globally are hosted by low- and middle- income countries (source: UNHCR)


MORE EPISODES ON:

GAZA: 

S04E20: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocQxIx3aaLk&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=5

S04E18: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=527kkde4gm4&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=10

S04E11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bZhSkpQn9U&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=24


POLISH-BELARUSIAN BORDER and GERMANY:

S04E01: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3ueWcRGJts&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=36

S04E05: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYfNtGhpXI0&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=32


GREECE:

S04E19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiJ84fk0Fqo&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=8

S04E15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edcLq0F2x0g&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=16

S04E13: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CMLgh8Xvso&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=20

S04E02: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFzEtPZhJo4&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=35


SUDAN: 

S03E19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1TbVbehHM4&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=40

S04E09: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G6Z8zf_opg&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=28


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

https://www.unhcr.org/global-trends-report-2024

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/16/magazine/israel-west-bank-settler-violence-impunity.html


SUPPORT:

To support this program donate on ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/donate

or join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/refocusmedialabs


PRODUCTION FAMILY:

Hosts: Sonia Nandzik-Herman, Douglas Herman

Production Family: 

Sude Fazlollah, Eli Fazlollah, Dawoud Nouri, Rasheed Ghalli

Citizen Journalists: 

Yaser Taheri, Milad Ebrahimi, Yaser Akbari, Naqib Rasuli, Mohammad Ali Alami

Mentorship: Douglas Herman 

Producers: Sonia Nandzik-Herman, Douglas Herman 

Graphic Design: Eli Fazlollah for designs by Eli go to: ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/shop⁠


MUSIC: 

Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound) 

Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)

SPECIAL THANKS:

To the extended ReFOCUS Family for their dedication, passion and creativity all year long. We’re not where we are today without all the effort from Natalia Tsarenko, Dominika Pawlik, Andrii Zhuhai, Daniela Jimenez, Lorraine Muchangi, Karina Kozlowska, Rada Valchanova, Grace Neely, Fatima Al Ali,  Florian Krauer, Louise Holm, Chryssa Kouroukli, Fine Bieler, Tommaso Stingo, Nazanin Foroghi, Yaser Akbari, Dariia Stepanova, Rada Valchanova, Walker Watson, Eleonora Giacomelli, Joseph Murray, Omer Butt, Wojtek Paluch, Matthew Goncalves O’Kelly, Jennifer Perez, Jule Pehnt, Majid Bakhshi, Paul “Al” Simon, Jaime Moro Saavedra, Joëlle Hübscher, Beni Rietmann, Jakob Mayr, Jurek Edel, Francisco Ibanez, Bart Van Son, Federico Bustamente, Myriam Rey, Lotta Luley and Federico Rinaldi.

CONTACT: 

sonia@refocusmedialabs.org

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3 months ago
1 hour 12 minutes 23 seconds

Fractured
S04E22: “WIDOWED BY EUROPE'S BORDERS” A BORDER GRAVES INVESTIGATION

In the grainy constellation of pixels of the phone screen in her palm, from 8,000 kilometers away, she watched her husband disappear forever into the cold European soil.- Gabriela Ramirez

Fetisov and Lorenzo Natali award-winning investigative journalist Gabriela Ramirez, discusses her investigative journalism story "Widowed by Europe's Borders” about Sanooja's frantic fight to find her husband Sanrim, who went missing in the forest after being illegally pushed back by Lithuanian authorities. The couple from Sri Lanka, highlights the struggles faced by migrants at European borders, and the grim reality of over 30,000 deaths along Europe's borders in the past decade, most of which unfold in total obscurity.

Gabriela and our cofounder Douglas Herman delve into the ethical dilemmas of reporting on such sensitive topics, the personal connections formed during the reporting process, and the broader implications of migration policies in Europe. Gabriela emphasizes the importance of humanizing migrant stories and the ongoing fight for justice faced by families of missing migrants, and the human rights all people deserve, even after death.

SPECIAL GUEST: GABRIELA RAMIREZ- Fetisov Award-winning Investigative journalist with Unbias The News

LEARN MORE: Widowed by Europe's Borders: https://unbiasthenews.org/widowed-by-europes-borders-graves/

Border Graves Investigation: https://unbiasthenews.org/border-graves-investigation/

PREVIOUS EPISODES:

S04E01: Light Your Small Candle- Anna Alboth, cofounder- Grupa Granica - A Struggle for Human Rights Along Polish-Belarusian Border: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3ueWcRGJts&t=1881s

S03E11: Buried in the Balkans- Stavros Malichudis Special Joint Report- Lighthouse Reports, Der Spiegel, ARD, British newspaper "I”Reports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKpLFQ1LzqM&t=20s

S02E07: Legalizing Illegal Pushbacks in Lithuania- Dalia Krapavitskaitė, Sienos Grupė : https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ejQMDZ1ghYB8hpwY7mmoz?si=59e3bcbaffd74339 


SUPPORT:

"Fractured" is an original production of ReFOCUS Media Labs citizen journalists. To support this program donate on ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/donate

or join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/refocusmedialabs


PRODUCTION FAMILY:

Host: Douglas Nandzik-Herman

Production Family: 

Sude Fazlollah, Eli Fazlollah, Dawoud Nouri, Rasheed Ghalli,Lotta Luley, Federico Rinaldi, Dariia Stepanova

Citizen Journalists: 

Yaser Taheri, Milad Ebrahimi, Yaser Akbari, Naqib Rasuli, Mohammad Ali Alami

Mentorship: Douglas Herman 

Producers: Sonia Nandzik-Herman, Douglas Herman 

Graphic Design: Eli Fazlollah for designs by Eli go to: ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/shop⁠


MUSIC: 

Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound) 

Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)

SPECIAL THANKS:

To the extended ReFOCUS Family for their dedication, passion and creativity all year long. We’re not where we are today without all the effort from Florian Krauer, Louise Holm, Chryssa Kouroukli, Natalia Tsarenko, Fine Bieler, Tommaso Stingo, Nazanin Foroghi, Yaser Akbari, Dariia Stepanova, Rada Valchanova, Walker Watson, Eleonora Giacomelli, Joseph Murray, Omer Butt, Wojtek Paluch, Matthew Goncalves O’Kelly, Jennifer Perez, Jule Pehnt, Majid Bakhshi, Paul “Al” Simon, Jaime Moro Saavedra, Joëlle Hübscher, Beni Rietmann, Jakob Mayr, Jurek Edel, Francisco Ibanez, Bart Van Son, Federico Bustamente, Myriam Rey, Lotta Luley and Federico Rinaldi. Daniela Jimenez, Andrii Zhuhai, Wendy Wongani Hara, Lorraine Muchangi, Aya Bennani, Fatima Al Ali, Karina Kozlowska, Dominika Pawlik, Grace Neely and Giulia Lauricella.

CONTACT: 

Thoughts or questions about this episode? Suggestions for topics we can cover later in the season? 

Contact: ⁠sonia@refocusmedialabs.org


Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 8 minutes 8 seconds

Fractured
DisInfo Watch 07: Impact of AI on Hot Wars

Investigative journalist Nick Muller is back on "The “Watch” to unpack the overwhelming chaos of information in today's digital landscape. The challenges faced by fact-checkers are unparelled amidst a barrage of misinformation, particularly during times of conflict, and perhaps for the first time decisions made during “hot wars” are impacted by AI and deliberate disinformation. Nick helps us dive deeper into the tool kit fact-checkers and verifiers use on a daily basis, plus the steps we all can and need to take in verifying information on our social media feeds.


SPECIAL GUEST:

Nicholas Muller- investigative journalist, Regular Contributor for The Diplomat


LEARN MORE:

STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR DATA VERIFICATIONData Journalism Tool Kit:

https://datajournalism.com/read/handbook/verification-1/verifying-images/4-verifying-images

Bellingcat Tool Kit:

https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/

Poynter Global Fact-Checking Network: https://www.poynter.org/ifcn/


TOOLS OF VERIFICATIONREVERSE IMAGE SEARCH

Google Lens: https://lens.google/

Tin Eye:https://tineye.com/

Yandex Image Search (Russian Google): https://yandex.com/images/


REPUTABLE & TRUSTED VERIFCATION DEPARTMENTSBBC VERIFY: https://www.bbc.com/news/bbcverify

AP NEWS FACT CHECK:https://apnews.com/ap-fact-check

REUTERS FACT CHECK: https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/

AFP FACT CHECK: https://factcheck.afp.com/

ARD FACT FINDER: https://www.fact-finder.com/

NY TIMES FACT CHECK: https://www.nytimes.com/spotlight/fact-checks


FAKE MEDIA EXAMPLES DISCUSSED IN EPISODEDOWNED ISRAELI F-35 IN IRAN:

https://www.npr.org/2025/06/26/nx-s1-5442682/ai-chatbots-fact-check-videos-images-israel-iran

ISRAEL BOMBS IRAN "WITHOUT MERCY”(Recycled footage from US ‘Shock & Awe’ bombing of Baghdad, 2003): https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-ai-chatbot-grok-wrongly-identifies-old-iraq-footage-as-2025-iran-israel-conflict/a-72950293

ARD FACT FINDER- IRAN BOMBS ISRAEL" https://www.tagesschau.de/faktenfinder/iran-israel-fakes-100.html

AI-DETECTION SOFTWAREDEEPWARE.AIDeepware.ai Deepfake Detected: https://scanner.deepware.ai/result/3781629de083ecdef14b534c31611962686a7376-1751601781/PERPLEXITY.AIhttps://www.perplexity.ai/

SUPPORT: "Fractured" is an original production of ReFOCUS Media Labs citizen journalists. To support this program donate on ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/donate

or join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/refocusmedialabs


PRODUCTION FAMILY:

Host: Douglas Herman

Production Family: 

Sude Fazlollah, Eli Fazlollah, Dawoud Nouri, Rasheed Ghalli,Lotta Luley, Federico Rinaldi, Dariia Stepanova

Citizen Journalists: 

Yaser Taheri, Milad Ebrahimi, Yaser Akbari, Naqib Rasuli, Mohammad Ali Alami

Mentorship: Douglas Herman 

Producers: Sonia Nandzik-Herman, Douglas Herman 

Graphic Design: Eli Fazlollah for designs by Eli go to: ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/shop⁠


MUSIC: 

Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound) 

Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)

SPECIAL THANKS:

To the extended ReFOCUS Family for their dedication, passion and creativity all year long. We’re not where we are today without all the effort from Florian Krauer, Louise Holm, Chryssa Kouroukli, Natalia Tsarenko, Fine Bieler, Tommaso Stingo, Nazanin Foroghi, Yaser Akbari, Dariia Stepanova, Rada Valchanova, Walker Watson, Eleonora Giacomelli, Joseph Murray, Omer Butt, Wojtek Paluch, Matthew Goncalves O’Kelly, Jennifer Perez, Jule Pehnt, Majid Bakhshi, Paul “Al” Simon, Jaime Moro Saavedra, Joëlle Hübscher, Beni Rietmann, Jakob Mayr, Jurek Edel, Francisco Ibanez, Bart Van Son, Federico Bustamente, Myriam Rey, Lotta Luley and Federico Rinaldi. Daniela Jimenez, Andrii Zhuhai, Wendy Wongani Hara, Lorraine Muchangi, Aya Bennani, Fatima Al Ali, Karina Kozlowska, Dominika Pawlik, Grace Neely and Giulia Lauricella.

 

CONTACT: 

Thoughts or questions about this episode? Suggestions for topics we can cover later in the season? 

Contact: ⁠sonia@refocusmedialabs.org


Show more...
3 months ago
43 minutes 22 seconds

Fractured
S04E21: TIK TOK MIGRATION. Understanding the Migration Trends in West Africa

In this episode of Fractured we discuss the complexity of migration dynamics in West Africa, particularly focusing on Senegal and Mauritania. Monika Prończuk, a correspondent for the Associated Press, discusses the increasing trends of migration, the push factors driving individuals to leave their homes, and the role of smugglers in facilitating these journeys. The conversation highlights the economic challenges faced by these countries, the impact of overfishing on local communities, and the cultural perspectives surrounding migration. Additionally, the discussion touches on the challenges of reporting from the region and the implications of EU policies on migration.

SPECIAL GUEST: Monika Prończuk - West and Central Africa Correspondent at The Associated Press

LEARN MORE: 

https://apnews.com/article/migration-gambia-remittances-europe-6c8feb33b24e03c0276dceeb13985144

https://apnews.com/article/sahel-islamic-state-alqaida-niger-mali-burkina-cb640f8f2a59db08c9ba3dce86ede5a9

https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russia-africa-whistleblower-disinformation-central-african-republic-35445ef04568b65763180246019c102b

https://apnews.com/article/france-chad-military-senegal-sahel-russia-85f2cf5066033db4b0bd044a7ed80438

http://apnews.com/article/burkina-faso-extremism-displacement-government-military-3679966a4c549169ea840f289e9eb6cd

https://apnews.com/article/usaid-extremism-ivory-coast-trump-8d8ff11495bfd1350cf88bb48307414c

https://apnews.com/article/rubaya-congo-mining-coltan-trump-deal-8bc0b36cc1def4be7e583e658b0bb444


SUPPORT:

"Fractured" is an original production of ReFOCUS Media Labs citizen journalists. To support this program donate on ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/donate

or join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/refocusmedialabs


PRODUCTION FAMILY:

Host: Sonia Nandzik-Herman

Production Family: 

Sude Fazlollah, Eli Fazlollah, Dawoud Nouri, Rasheed Ghalli,Lotta Luley, Federico Rinaldi, Dariia Stepanova

Citizen Journalists: 

Yaser Taheri, Milad Ebrahimi, Yaser Akbari, Naqib Rasuli, Mohammad Ali Alami

Mentorship: Douglas Herman 

Producers: Sonia Nandzik-Herman, Douglas Herman 

Graphic Design: Eli Fazlollah for designs by Eli go to: ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/shop⁠


MUSIC: 

Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound) 

Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)

SPECIAL THANKS:

To the extended ReFOCUS Family for their dedication, passion and creativity all year long. We’re not where we are today without all the effort from Florian Krauer, Louise Holm, Chryssa Kouroukli, Natalia Tsarenko, Fine Bieler, Tommaso Stingo, Nazanin Foroghi, Yaser Akbari, Dariia Stepanova, Rada Valchanova, Walker Watson, Eleonora Giacomelli, Joseph Murray, Omer Butt, Wojtek Paluch, Matthew Goncalves O’Kelly, Jennifer Perez, Jule Pehnt, Majid Bakhshi, Paul “Al” Simon, Jaime Moro Saavedra, Joëlle Hübscher, Beni Rietmann, Jakob Mayr, Jurek Edel, Francisco Ibanez, Bart Van Son, Federico Bustamente, Myriam Rey, Lotta Luley and Federico Rinaldi.

CONTACT: 

Thoughts or questions about this episode? Suggestions for topics we can cover later in the season? 

Contact: ⁠sonia@refocusmedialabs.org


Show more...
3 months ago
59 minutes 12 seconds

Fractured
DisInfo Watch 06: Spotlight on Iran

There's a lot to unpack in the wake of Israel's attack on Iran, the regime's response, Trump's unprecedented decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites, bold talk of  forced  regime change, and now a tentative cease-fire. Most importantly, what does all this mean for the 90 million Iranians still struggling for a normal life under a repressive regime? In this episode we speak with our beloved Eli Fazlollah- an Iranian dissident media creator, women_life_freedom activist, and ReFOCUS alum.In this powerful talk Eli delivers an insider perspective of the state of the Women_Life_Freedom movement, the shocking explosion of executions by Iranian regime, the impact of the Israel-Iran war, the broader implications of regime change, the impact of AI-generated disinformation and most importantly what the majority of Iranian citizens truly want for Iran's present and future. 


SUPPORT:

Fractured, Humanitarian Watch and Disinfo Watch are original productions of ReFOCUS Media Labs (@refocusmedialabs) citizen journalists. To support this program donate on ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/donate

or join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/refocusmedialabs


PRODUCTION FAMILY:

Host: Douglas Herman

Production Family: 

Sude Fazlollah, Eli Fazlollah, Dawoud Nouri, Rasheed Ghalli,Lotta Luley, Federico Rinaldi, Dariia Stepanova

Citizen Journalists: 

Yaser Taheri, Milad Ebrahimi, Yaser Akbari, Naqib Rasuli, Mohammad Ali Alami

Mentorship: Douglas Herman 

Producers: Sonia Nandzik-Herman, Douglas Herman 

Graphic Design: Eli Fazlollah for designs by Eli go to: ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/shop⁠


MUSIC: 

Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound) 

Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)


OUR PARTNERS:

Allianz Foundation, Choose Love, Aputure, Leave No One Behind, Europe Cares, Parea Center Lesvos

SPECIAL THANKS:

To the extended ReFOCUS Family for their dedication, passion and creativity all year long. We’re not where we are today without all the effort from Florian Krauer, Louise Holm, Chryssa Kouroukli, Natalia Tsarenko, Fine Bieler, Tommaso Stingo, Nazanin Foroghi, Yaser Akbari, Dariia Stepanova, Rada Valchanova, Walker Watson, Eleonora Giacomelli, Joseph Murray, Omer Butt, Wojtek Paluch, Matthew Goncalves O’Kelly, Jennifer Perez, Jule Pehnt, Majid Bakhshi, Paul “Al” Simon, Jaime Moro Saavedra, Joëlle Hübscher, Beni Rietmann, Jakob Mayr, Jurek Edel, Francisco Ibanez, Bart Van Son, Federico Bustamente, Myriam Rey, Lotta Luley and Federico Rinaldi. Daniela Jimenez, Andrii Zhuhai, Wendy Wongani Hara, Lorraine Muchangi, Aya Bennani, Fatima Al Ali, Karina Kozlowska, Dominika Pawlik, Grace Neely and Giulia Lauricella.

CONTACT: 

Thoughts or questions about this episode? Suggestions for topics we can cover later in the season? 

Contact: ⁠sonia@refocusmedialabs.org


Show more...
4 months ago
1 hour 8 minutes 23 seconds

Fractured
S04E20: PALESTINIAN CHILDREN UNDER SIEGE. The Breach of International Law in Gaza

In this episode of Fractured we cover the humanitarian crisis in Gaza again, focusing on the catastrophic conditions faced by civilians, particularly children. Our guest Patrizia Benvenuti, who served on several missions in Gaza shares her insights on the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid, the psychological impact on children, and the systematic targeting of civilians. Patrizia also highlights that the discussion also touches on the implications of international law and the situation in the West Bank, pointing to the urgent need for action to address the ongoing atrocities.

SPECIAL GUEST:

Patrizia Benvenuti - an international child protection specialist and former UNICEF staff

SUPPORT:

"Fractured" is an original production of ReFOCUS Media Labs citizen journalists. To support this program donate on ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/donate

or join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/refocusmedialabs


PRODUCTION FAMILY:

Host: Sonia Nandzik-Herman

Production Family: 

Sude Fazlollah, Eli Fazlollah, Dawoud Nouri, Rasheed Ghalli,Lotta Luley, Federico Rinaldi, Dariia Stepanova

Citizen Journalists: 

Yaser Taheri, Milad Ebrahimi, Yaser Akbari, Naqib Rasuli, Mohammad Ali Alami

Mentorship: Douglas Herman 

Producers: Sonia Nandzik-Herman, Douglas Herman 

Graphic Design: Eli Fazlollah for designs by Eli go to: ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/shop⁠


MUSIC: 

Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound) 

Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)

SPECIAL THANKS:

To the extended ReFOCUS Family for their dedication, passion and creativity all year long. We’re not where we are today without all the effort from Florian Krauer, Louise Holm, Chryssa Kouroukli, Natalia Tsarenko, Fine Bieler, Tommaso Stingo, Nazanin Foroghi, Yaser Akbari, Dariia Stepanova, Rada Valchanova, Walker Watson, Eleonora Giacomelli, Joseph Murray, Omer Butt, Wojtek Paluch, Matthew Goncalves O’Kelly, Jennifer Perez, Jule Pehnt, Majid Bakhshi, Paul “Al” Simon, Jaime Moro Saavedra, Joëlle Hübscher, Beni Rietmann, Jakob Mayr, Jurek Edel, Francisco Ibanez, Bart Van Son, Federico Bustamente, Myriam Rey, Lotta Luley and Federico Rinaldi.

CONTACT: 

Thoughts or questions about this episode? Suggestions for topics we can cover later in the season? 

Contact: ⁠sonia@refocusmedialabs.org

Show more...
4 months ago
48 minutes 2 seconds

Fractured
Disinfo Watch 05: World Refugee Day: UNHCR Report Quizzo

Do you know how many refugees  there are worldwide? How many asylum seekers in Greece? Which five conflict zones make up 70% of all refugees? Think there are 500 million African refugees "storming the beaches of Europe? Depending on who you listen to, or where you get your news you may be wildly misinformed of the true reality.

On this World Refugee Day (Month), join us for our latest episode of DisInfo Watch to unpack the latest UNHCR Report on what is really unfolding globally and locally, and see if you fare any better than our students as they try to see how much they know about the situation of refugees worldwide. Join us for this episode and test your own knowledge.


SUPPORT:Fractured, Humanitarian Watch and Disinfo Watch are original productions of ReFOCUS Media Labs (@refocusmedialabs) citizen journalists. To support this program donate on ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/donate

or join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/refocusmedialabs


PRODUCTION FAMILY:

Host: Douglas Herman

Production Family: 

Sude Fazlollah, Eli Fazlollah, Dawoud Nouri, Rasheed Ghalli,Lotta Luley, Federico Rinaldi, Dariia Stepanova

Citizen Journalists: 

Yaser Taheri, Milad Ebrahimi, Yaser Akbari, Naqib Rasuli, Mohammad Ali Alami

Mentorship: Douglas Herman 

Producers: Sonia Nandzik-Herman, Douglas Herman 

Graphic Design: Eli Fazlollah for designs by Eli go to: ⁠https://refocusmedialabs.org/shop⁠


MUSIC: 

Theme- "Intro for Legends" by Bonkers Beat Club (Epidemic Sound) 

Additional- "Mogul" by Blue Steel (Epidemic Sound)


OUR PARTNERS:

Allianz Foundation, Choose Love, Aputure, Leave No One Behind, Europe Cares, Parea Center Lesvos

SPECIAL THANKS:

To the extended ReFOCUS Family for their dedication, passion and creativity all year long. We’re not where we are today without all the effort from Florian Krauer, Louise Holm, Chryssa Kouroukli, Natalia Tsarenko, Fine Bieler, Tommaso Stingo, Nazanin Foroghi, Yaser Akbari, Dariia Stepanova, Rada Valchanova, Walker Watson, Eleonora Giacomelli, Joseph Murray, Omer Butt, Wojtek Paluch, Matthew Goncalves O’Kelly, Jennifer Perez, Jule Pehnt, Majid Bakhshi, Paul “Al” Simon, Jaime Moro Saavedra, Joëlle Hübscher, Beni Rietmann, Jakob Mayr, Jurek Edel, Francisco Ibanez, Bart Van Son, Federico Bustamente, Myriam Rey, Lotta Luley and Federico Rinaldi. Daniela Jimenez, Andrii Zhuhai, Wendy Wongani Hara, Lorraine Muchangi, Aya Bennani, Fatima Al Ali, Karina Kozlowska, Dominika Pawlik, Grace Neely and Giulia Lauricella.

CONTACT: 

Thoughts or questions about this episode? Suggestions for topics we can cover later in the season? 

Contact: ⁠sonia@refocusmedialabs.org


Show more...
4 months ago
58 minutes 34 seconds

Fractured
A project of ReFOCUS Media Labs citizen journalists, FRACTURED is an informative podcast about the most important events as well as political and social challenges related to the refugee crisis and migration flows in the world with a special focus on Europe. ReFOCUS Media Labs foundation is dedicated to building a global network of media labs to equip asylum seekers and recognized refugees with modern media creation skills. For more go to: https://refocusmedialabs.org/