Undesign: A Social Change Podcast - podcast cover

Undesign: A Social Change Podcast

DrawHistory drawhistory.com
Launched by agency DrawHistory, Undesign is a collection of conversations untangling today’s big social challenges. With our host Kosta Lucas, we speak directly and frankly about wicked problems with guests from influential global brands to fierce grassroots movements. Learn more at drawhistory.com.
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Episodes

Annotations Part 3: The Reckoning (2022-2025)

In the final chapter, the conversation turns inward. Jeff and Angel reflect on the decision to integrate DrawHistory into national impact agency Today, a step toward evolving their legacy alongside one of their earliest sources of inspiration. Set against a backdrop of pivotal milestones — including parenthood and layoffs — this episode carries both grief and grace. It ends not with finality, but with a passing of the baton, and hope that the work will continue to bloom in new hands. About Annot...

Jul 28, 20251 hr 19 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Annotations Part 2: The Stretch (2018-2021)

Following their public recognition, the studio is no longer a secret — and neither are its growing pains. This episode explores the ambitions and sacrifices behind DrawHistory’s expansion, from growing the business during the pandemic to expanding into APAC: the wins, the cultural tightropes, and the reckoning that comes when purpose starts to feel stretched. Jeff and Angel speak openly about leadership fatigue, transparency, and keeping the soul of the studio intact. About Annotations Annotatio...

Jul 28, 202549 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Annotations Part 1: The Leap (2015-2017)

Jeff and Angel trace the origin story of DrawHistory, a leap of faith away from the legal profession and into the unknown. They reflect on the early convictions that fueled their mission, the decisions that set the tone for the studio’s emerging culture, and the naivety that helped them persist in the early days of imposter syndrome. However, as word about the studio begins to spread, the stage is quietly set for a new kind of pressure: the spotlight. About Annotations Annotations is a raw and r...

Jul 28, 20251 hr 10 minSeason 3Ep. 1

How can Indigenous wisdom guide how we live and work? (Four Arrows & Darcia Narvaez)

With world leaders responding to climate emergencies, and unprecedented threats such as the pandemic and global conflict, we seem to be running headlong into a future where our learnings from the past are both too slow and too small. Have we been too attentive and attached to the wrong things, are we suffering from problems of our own unenlightened making? We speak with Four Arrows and Darcia Narvaez, who introduce us to the limitations of the dominant worldview which has propelled a world conce...

Jul 26, 20221 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 9

What does the future of morality look like? (Tim Dean)

In a world of rapidly evolving expectations on citizens due to COVID, environmental pressures, and the very public role playing of morality and ethics on social media, people face a dizzying space in which to set and attune their own moral compass. Unpicking this challenge, Dr Tim Dean, Senior Philosopher at The Ethics Centre, discusses how morality and ethics came to exist for humans and what roles they play in our modern lives today. The contagious nature of outrage on social media is uncovere...

Jul 12, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 8

How do we design social media platforms that are safer for marginalized youth? (Ben Hanckel & Shiva Chandra)

In 2022, as public institutions continue to grapple with implementing more inclusive structures to curb historical marginalization of people, experts such as Dr Benjamin Hanckel (Senior Research Fellow, Digital Health and Youth) and Dr Shiva Chandra (Research Officer) are exploring ways to make social media platforms safer for marginalized youth—both of whom are researchers from Western Sydney University's Institute for Culture and Society and the Young and Resilient Research Centre . In this wi...

Jul 05, 202255 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Are “intentional communities” the safest way for communities to exist online? (Lillian 'FlexMami' Ahenkan)

The expectations and variety of roles that social media influencers play have increased exponentially, mirrored by increasing scrutiny and policing of how their behaviour plays out amongst their communities and followers. The shifting expectations of followers on influencers has prompted a reappraisal of the status quo by those such as Lillian Ahenkan, also known as FlexMami. FlexMami is a DJ, TV presenter on MTV, model, and multidisciplinary millennial making waves in the Australian entertainme...

Jun 28, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 6

How do we harness the power of video games for good? (Galen Lamphere-Englund)

The world of gaming has long been highlighted as a hotbed of cultivation of extremist actors and activities, but more recently it's also started to be recognised as a platform where early intervention of extremism and encouragement of democracy and tolerance can be fostered. Alongside Galen Lamphere-Englund, Senior Advisor, Preventing Violent Extremism and Conflict at Love Frankie, we examine the complexities of gaming, uncovering the distinction between figures of influence, the role of violenc...

Jun 21, 202255 minSeason 2Ep. 5

COVID-19 and the enforcement of safety: Do mandates work? (Katie Attwell)

Our host, Kosta Lucas speaks with Dr Katie Attwell, Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at The University of Western Australia (UWA). Dr Attwell leads the large interdisciplinary research project “Coronavax: Preparing Community and Government” with colleagues from UWA and Telethon Kids Institute. ‘Vax’ was the Oxford word of the year in 2021, with ‘Strollout’ being the word of the year in Australia according to the Macquarie Dictionary. The beginning of 2022 then became all about ma...

Jun 14, 202259 minSeason 2Ep. 4

How has technology influenced the way we date and the stigmatization of online dating? (Part 2) (Lucille McCart)

How does the person who admits to hating the concept of marriage proposals see the future of online dating? In this episode, we speak to Lucille McCart, APAC Communications Director of Bumble, who candidly speaks with us about how and why online dating has grown and evolved on apps such as Bumble since the first COVID lockdowns began. She steps us through her take on how technology and dating apps are being used and adapted in places such as India and Indonesia, and incorporated into the existin...

Jun 07, 202253 minSeason 2Ep. 3

How can we harness the power of data in the quest for gender justice? (Anisha Asundi)

What does the Boston Symphony Orchestra installing curtains for auditions back in 1952 have to do with gender justice in 2022? And why could the rigour of data capture and analysis hold the key to undoing unconscious bias in the community, and specifically in the workplace? Anisha Asundi, Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, talks to us about how she has been working on how gender gaps in the technology sector can be addressed to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. She speaks on ...

May 31, 202256 minSeason 2Ep. 2

How has technology influenced the way we date and the stigmatization of online dating? (Part I) (Lauren Rosewarne)

If you’ve seen shows such as the Tinder Swindler, Inventing Anna or The One, it would be easy to believe that technology enabled romance is rife with danger and subterfuge. Yet despite popular culture’s fixation with the risks of online dating, it has been the bread and butter of current personal relationships for years. So why is it still often hidden, demonized or stigmatized? In this episode speaking with Dr Lauren Rosewarne from the University of Melbourne, we unpick why online dating is unp...

May 23, 202253 minSeason 2Ep. 1

How do you create a social change podcast? (Angel Chen and Jeffrey Effendi) (Epilogue)

On this episode of Undesign, we look back on our inaugural first season with host Kosta Lucas and DrawHistory founders Angel Chen and Jeffrey Effendi to share podcast learnings and insights from behind the scenes, as well as opportunities and pitfalls for aspiring podcasters seeking to make change in the world around them.

May 08, 202238 minSeason 1Ep. 11

How can technology be inclusive for everyone, everywhere? (Garen Checkley) (Special)

Joining Undesign on this special surprise episode to discuss inclusive technology is Garen Checkley, Product Manager at Google's Next Billion Users initiative. Garen shares plenty of insightful stories on Google’s mission to make technology helpful for everyone, everywhere, from their new research on building voice-first products, to an important report on gender equity online. This surprise episode was released to celebrate DrawHistory's sixth birthday, and the enduring role that technology des...

Jul 21, 202159 minSeason 1Ep. 10

How do we move beyond the 'black tile' in the fight for racial justice? (Fadzi Whande)

Joining us on Undesign’s Season One finale to talk racial justice, online activism, and active allyship is our guest, Fadzi Whande. Fadzi is currently the Senior Programme Officer (Diversity and Inclusion Adviser) at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). She is also the Founding Director of the Whande Group, a consultancy and program development organisation extending this work. For more, go to DrawHistory's website: drawhistory.com/undesignpodcast/....

Jul 19, 20211 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 9

What surprise special episode is coming soon? (Announcement)

We drop by with two quick announcements we're excited to share. While we originally planned for 8 interviews this season, we have a special bonus episode with Google next week to talk about their Next Billion Users initiative on making technology inclusive for everyone, everywhere! Also, Undesign is up for the 2021 People's Choice Podcast Awards. To vote, go to podcastawards.com and click on the big blue button for “Nominations Voting”. We’re under the “Society & Culture category”. The rest ...

Jul 16, 20212 minSeason 1Ep. 8

What can genuine Indigenous empowerment look like? (Luke Pearson)

Talking to us on this episode of Undesign is our guest, Luke Pearson. Luke is a Gamilaraay man who founded IndigenousX, a digital “pass the mic” platform for upcoming Indigenous writers, creatives and thought leaders to take back control over their stories and their voices. For more, go to DrawHistory's website: drawhistory.com/undesignpodcast/ .

Jul 12, 20211 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 7

How do we use social media to influence good? (Nadir Nahdi)

On this episode of Undesign, we discuss using social media for social good with Nadir Nahdi. Nadir is the founder of BENI, a multi-platform space for a truly multicultural, pluralist, digital community to emerge, as well as a YouTube Creators for Change Ambassador. This episode is a personal, introspective chat where hard truths emerge. For more, go to DrawHistory's website: drawhistory.com/undesignpodcast/ .

Jul 05, 20211 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Can digital activism create enduring change? (Emmy Suzuki Harris)

On this episode of Undesign, we are joined by Emmy Suzuki Harris. Emmy is the Asia Regional Director for the Change.org Foundation, the philanthropic initiative of Change.org. We dive into some of the questions that she and her team spend everyday trying to better understand, from what makes a campaign successful to assessing the effectiveness of petitions. For more, go to DrawHistory's website: drawhistory.com/undesignpodcast/ ....

Jun 28, 202157 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Is nationalism distorting our sense of identity? (Dr Farida Fozdar)

On this episode of Undesign, we dive deeper into nationalism and its impacts on our identity with Dr Farida Fozdar. Farida is a distinguished sociologist with The University of Western Australia who has published over a hundred journal articles, chapters, books and reports on these fundamental questions of how diverse communities (and people) form relationships with one another. For more, go to DrawHistory's website: drawhistory.com/undesignpodcast/ . Special thanks to Kai from Curiosity Digital...

Jun 21, 20211 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Is sustainable tourism a zero-sum game? (Edmund Morris)

On this episode of Undesign, we unpack travel and tourism with Edmund Morris. Edmund is a well-travelled and experienced international economic development professional, currently Founder at Equator Analytics and formerly an economist with USAID. For more, go to DrawHistory's website: drawhistory.com/undesignpodcast/ . Special thanks to Kai from Curiosity Digital for recording this episode. Learn more about Kai at kailovel.com.

Jun 14, 202151 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Why is participating in free knowledge important? (Zack McCune)

On this episode of Undesign, we discuss free knowledge and open-source culture with Zack McCune — diving deep in everything that entails, from edit wars to the legacy of former President Trump. Zack is the Director of Brand for Wikipedia and various projects of the Wikimedia Foundation, arguably the most well-known, global mobilization of the free knowledge movement. For more, go to DrawHistory's website: drawhistory.com/undesignpodcast/ ....

Jun 07, 20211 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 2

How does counterspeech prevent online extremism? (Dr Erin Saltman)

On this episode of Undesign, we discuss online extremism and counterspeech with Dr Erin Saltman . Erin is an experienced researcher and practitioner who is the current Director of Programming for the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT). She was also formerly Facebook’s Head of Counterterrorism and Dangerous Organizations Policy for Europe, Middle East and Africa. For more, go to DrawHistory's website: drawhistory.com/undesignpodcast/ ....

May 31, 20211 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 1

How can we untangle the world's problems and redesign them? (Trailer)

Launched by social change agency DrawHistory, Undesign is a collection of conversations untangling today’s big social challenges. With our host Kosta Lucas, we speak directly and frankly about wicked problems with guests from leading global brands to fierce grassroots movements. For more, go to DrawHistory's website: drawhistory.com/undesignpodcast/ .

May 27, 20213 min
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