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If You Were In Charge

If You Were In Charge

Written by: Sanam Naraghi Anderlini
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 If You Were In Charge with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini Each episode, she tackles a major global challenge but flips the script. Instead of hearing from politicians and pundits, Sanam talks to the frontline doers and imaginers—activists, organizers, and peacebuilders—whose lived experience, courage, and ideas are reshaping what’s possible. People who, if they were in charge, could change the world. Exploring what they’re already achieving, what they could do with greater power and money, and, most importantly, what gives them hope. Join Sanam and her daughter, Soleh, each week as they reimagine a better future with thought-provoking discussions and insights from leading global experts. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bijan Ghaisar Foundation and ICAN (International Civil Society Action Network). This is an Africa Digital Audio (ADA) Production.Africa Digital Audio Ltd Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Special Episode: Azaadi - Freedom, Resistance, and Iran’s Future

    Special Episode: Azaadi - Freedom, Resistance, and Iran’s Future
    Jan 15 2026
    If You Were In Charge In this special edition, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and new co-host Kavita Ramdas take an incisive look at the current crisis in Iran, where economic collapse, renewed protests, and a brutal government crackdown have converged into a pivotal moment for the nation. Sanam examines the latest developments and the historical roots of dissent, including her own family’s history as key actors in 20th-century Iran. Kavita and Sanam also discuss the resurgence of women as visible leaders of resistance, and the complex interplay of sanctions, politics, and social change. Through deep analysis and personal testimony, the conversation explores why peaceful dialogue and inclusive solutions are essential, and how the resilience of the Iranian people could help shape a future beyond despair. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠ADA Production⁠ ICAN’s newsletter: ⁠https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation on Iran 02:59 Understanding the Current Unrest in Iran 05:57 Historical Context: The Roots of Iranian Resistance 09:04 The Role of Women in the Protests 11:56 Economic Factors Behind the Protests 15:02 The Impact of Sanctions on Iranian Society 17:59 The Complexity of the Iranian Regime 20:46 The Need for Dialogue and Non-Violence 23:55 Imagining a Future for Iran 26:55 Hope Amidst the Struggle 30:09 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • A Billionaire on Wealth Distribution and the Radical Gift of Giving

    A Billionaire on Wealth Distribution and the Radical Gift of Giving
    Aug 14 2025
    Welcome back to our special “If You Were in Charge” summer series with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each week, we’re thematically pairing some of our favorite conversations and this time, we’ve brought together two powerful voices on wealth and generosity. First, filmmaker and activist Abby Disney shares what it was like to grow up as an heiress to the Disney fortune, and why she’s urging the ultra-wealthy to give more, and give boldly. Then, Chris Worman from Giving Tuesday explores how philanthropy can be reclaimed by ordinary people as a force for good, personal fulfillment, and even joy. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the⁠ ⁠⁠Bjian Ghaisar Foundation⁠ And ICAN⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠Africa Digital Audio Production⁠ ICAN’s newsletter: ⁠https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Chapters 00:00 Exploring Wealth Inequality and Philanthropy 07:27 The Impact of Extreme Capitalism 12:05 Fundamentalist Capitalism and Its Consequences 17:50 Political Power and Wealth Dynamics 25:28 Racial Justice and Economic Inequality 32:06 Philanthropy vs. Systemic Change 45:25 The Role of Civil Society in Crisis 57:06 Building Local Infrastructure for Generosity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • A Settler Rabbi & a Palestinian Scholar: Two Visions for Peace in Israel and Palestine

    A Settler Rabbi & a Palestinian Scholar: Two Visions for Peace in Israel and Palestine
    Jul 31 2025
    As we gear up for Season 3 of If You Were in Charge, we’re revisiting some of Sanam’s most compelling conversations, curated into thematic pairings to offer deeper insights into the complex issues we explore. This week, we bring you two powerful perspectives on building peace between Israelis and Palestinians—even in these dark and challenging times. First, Sanam speaks with Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger about the surge in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. They discuss the urgent need for lasting peace and the difficult path to achieving it. Then, she sits down with Mohammad Darawshe, a leading political analyst and expert on Jewish-Arab relations inside Israel. Darawshe unpacks the intricate realities of coexistence, the struggles faced by Palestinian citizens, and the transformative power of education in forging a shared future. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage - https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge Original Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio Production ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 39 mins
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