Troublemakers Podcast

Fostering Safer Spaces with Ally Baharoon

In this Trouble Makers episode, Ally Baharoon shares how stuttering led him to storytelling and activism. Speaking with Monica Kamandau, he explores inclusive communities, challenges fluency bias, and shows how creative writing and intentional listening can shift civic spaces toward dignity, power, and deeper democratic engagement.

Enable, Don’t Command with Juma Erassy

This Trouble Makers episode spotlights Juma Erassy and the Youth Hub at MSTCDC, showcasing enabling leadership that empowers youth beyond graduation. By decentralising power and nurturing collaboration, the Hub fosters climate justice and civic action, proving that leadership rooted in shared responsibility can outlast any single figure.

Make New Folks Welcome with Rebecka Blomqvist

This Trouble Makers episode features architect Rebecka Blomqvist on designing activist spaces that truly welcome newcomers. From cosy environments to one-on-one connections, she shows how intentional design, both physical and social, can help groups move beyond recruitment to real belonging and lasting engagement.

Consider your audience with Minentle Luthuli

In this episode of Trouble Makers, South African filmmaker Minentle Luthuli explores the balance between authenticity and strategy in storytelling. She shares insights from her film Heart Attack, reflecting on how true stories connect deeply and how audience-centred platforms risk diluting meaning in pursuit of mass appeal.

Resources & Show Links

Heart Attack by Minentle Luthuli

Consider Your Audience by Beautiful Trouble

Troublemakers Ep1 - Conflict Kitchen

Amidst growing radicalization of public debate around refugees and migrants in Poland, a conscious restaurant serves dishes from regions of active conflict around the world for Warsaw locals. With Jarmila Rybicka, co-founder of Conflict Kitchen, we talk food and solidarity. We learn how preparing and sharing a delicious dish can offer many points of entry for public engagement and cultural exchange.

Read more about a Pittsburgh version of Conflict Kitchen at https://beautifultrouble.org/toolbox/tool/conflict-kitchen. 
Follow Kuchnia Konfliktu on https://www.instagram.com/kuchniakonfliktu or https://www.facebook.com/kuchniakonfliktu/.