Cairo Calling

It’s been a long year.People involved in this podcast have had the long experience living in authoritarian states one way or another. But what we are witnessing about Trump’s 2nd presidency is something else. In this episode Peter and I try to make sense of Trump's first three months. What's at risk in the US, and how it's already impacted many abroad. And we talk about what kind of response is needed.As ever, music and sound production by Tarek.Useful links* DOGE.* DOGE website offers error-filled window into Musk's government overhaul.* US federal agencies targeted by DOGE.* National Institutes of Health has fired 1,300 employees. * How Gutting the EPA's Research Team Could Impact Clean Air and Water Rules.* The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau terminated the positions of 1,400 of the agency’s 1,700 employees; medical debt and student loans will now be deprioritized.* 3 More Major Biglaw Firms Are Looking To Bow To Trump. * Harvard won’t comply with demands from Trump administration.* U.S. sent 238 migrants to Salvadoran mega-prison; documents indicate most have no apparent criminal records. .* Wisconsin judge arrested by FBI, charged with obstructing immigrant arrest.* Three US citizen children, one with cancer, deported to Honduras, lawyers say.* Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions. * Immigration Policy Tracking Project.* Trump blasts Fed Chair Powell, saying his ‘termination cannot come fast enough’. * Why Trump keeps attacking the US central bank.* Trump pardons Nevada politician who paid for cosmetic surgery with funds to honor a slain officer.* Indivisible.org.* ACLU.* How Trump Gutted America’s $40 Billion Aid Agency in Two Weeks.* Greenland not a piece of property, says PM after Trump threats.* Trump’s Threat to Take Over Canada Is a Scandal.* President Trump’s mindless tariffs will cause economic havoc.* Trump tariffs prompt slump in shipments to US ports.* CDC ordered to stop working with WHO immediately, upending expectations of an extended withdrawal.* HHI Humanitarian Update: Impacts of U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts on Global Crises.* In tears, USAID staff get '15 minutes to pack up a lifetime's work'.* 'Trump and Vance were so rude': Ukrainians react to disastrous White House meeting.* Gazans fear Israel is enacting Donald Trump’s ‘Riviera’ plan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

Since October 7th, Palestinians have been arriving in Cairo from Gaza. It was often incredibly expensive crossing the border and refugees arrived in a new place, injured and traumatised, and without resources. Dody brought a group of friends together to give support to those arriving. We could quickly provided basic support to those who were falling in the gaps and missed by larger organisations.We've been missing from Cairo Calling for a while, but in this episode Dody and Peter talk through the situation of those arriving and share insights from this mutual aid effort.In an entirely volunteer effort that mobilised friends from inside and outside Egypt, we raised €34,000 and distributed it in cash or kind to 108 families, at an average of €313 each. These families consisted of a total of 384 people, 160 of whom are children.With our deep thanks to everyone who contributed to the effort.As we explain in the podcast, we can't take more funds right now. But here are some other initiatives helping folk:* The Sameer project - organized by Palestinian diaspora* Network for Palestine – Cairo mothers helping Gazan familiesWith thanks to Tarek for music and sound production. You can find Cairo Calling on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

The climate is changing faster than safety codes can keep up. Architect-friend Arathi joins Dody, Peter and Tarek to talk about to help us understand the built environment and where we live, whether it's Washington DC or Cairo, Egypt.It's a conversation that holds clarity about the big picture at the same time as being routed in place and community. Or, in other words, “Dodylandia”.As ever, music and sound production by Tarek, who also joins us to co-host this for the first time! Thanks Arathi for joining us, and to Raph for artistic sparkles.Going further…* Arathi Gowda at ZGF* Arathi Gowda at Northwestern University* Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards 2019 Winners* Burj Khalifa, skyskraper in Dubai* Falling water, a house designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 * Portland Terminal redevelopment with local timber* Bill McKibben, author on climate change* The super-rich ‘preppers’ planning to save themselves from the apocalypse* A visual timeline of the hottest Summer in human history* Great Lakes* What is ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Reporting?* What is frontline economy?* Homes in parts of the U.S. are "essentially uninsurable" due to rising climate change risks* Environmental activists killed at a rate of one every other day in 2022 – report* Montana’s landmark climate ruling: three key takeaways* Initiatives Seeking Solutions for the Phenomenon of Cutting Trees in Cairo* The Ministry for the Future: a novel, “[A] compelling work of speculative fiction about solving the climate crisis around the world...”* The Paris Agreement at COP21, a global commitment to “keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius”.* COP26 Outcomes: Finance for Climate Adaptation * IPCC Reports* Climate Action Tracker* Extinction Rebellion * Sunrise Movement* School Strike for Climate* 350.org* #NotTooLate* OneGreenThing* priceofoil.orgYou can find Cairo Calling on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

Welcome back to season two of Cairo Calling! After many heavy episodes in season one, we’re starting with a light one…. on British culture, traffic cones and Shakespeare.Peter and Dody talk about a British tourist who graffitied a message into the Colosseum. We talk about heritage, incest in Indonesian folklore and how Dody was nearly named after King Charles.It's fun, dumb, and insightful. Good to be back.Dody prepared these references as jokes are funnier if they have footnotes:* Two national anthems, one author* The legend of Sangkuriang* The legend of Malin Kundang* The Complete Works of William Shakespeare* Mahabharata* Tourist who defaced Colosseum says he wasn’t aware it was ancient* Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer* Why is Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest?* Bridgerton* Enid Blyton* Harry Potter* BBC* TV Globo* List of Arabic star names* What are the British Empire’s “Legacies”?* Great Wall of China ; 21,196.18 km (13,170.70 mi)Cairo Calling is made with friends, for friends. This episode was made by Dody and Peter, with original music and sound production by Tarek. You can find us on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

In the middle of April 2023, conflict broke out in Khartoum, as two Generals started fighting for control.In this episode we hear from two friends who were there, and how they got out.“Not the best night of my life:” voicenotes from Marine give us live updates through the first week of violence, and her experience as a foreign aid worker suddenly needing to shelter. The airstrikes ring in the background.Secondly we hear an extended conversation with Elaf. Elaf got out of Khartoum with her family, making an arduous and dangerous journey to Cairo that took over a week. Speaking with Dody, Laura and Peter, we hear from Elaf how they managed to get out, what life was like for her before the conflict, and what it is now.These conversations give us an intimate view into how our friends managed in this crisis, what gave them meaning, the help they received, and how they face life afterwards.Further Reading:* Sudan’s outsider: how a paramilitary leader fell out with the army and plunged the country into war. Guardian essay on the origins of the conflict.* “We are not alone”: Disabled people in Sudan's conflict. Peter's reporting on the experiences of disabled people in the conflict.* How one family escaped the war in Sudan — and what they carried with them. Washington Post feature on the journey of other Cairo Calling connections getting out of Khartoum.* Sudan: Why Is There A Conflict?: an insightful discussion about the history of modern Sudan by the Warfare podcast. AcknowledgementsMany thanks to Marine and Elaf for sharing moments of life during this crisis. This episode was only possible through Dody's attention to the people affected by this crisis, and as you can hear, the ways he and friends worked to support them. Together with Dody, Laura and Peter spoke with Elaf. As ever, music and sound production by Tarek. For the first time we hear Tarek's voice on an episode, as he introduces the dates of Marine's messages.You can find Cairo Calling on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

What was school like for us, and what do we wish it could be? Carol speaks with Dody and Peter about how we see education and what we wish it was.The three of us are lifelong learners: we share our personal experiences, how we see learning in our own lives, and what schools could be.This is a rich and fun conversation about how schools fit into our societies and lives, and about teaching sex-ed in Cairo without getting fired.Thanks Carol for such an important prompt and rich discussion, to Tarek for music and sound production, and to Raph for creative sparkles.You can find Cairo Calling on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

We asked our friends and family what their first memories were, and how those resonate in their lives. These are moments from our childhoods that often shaped who we are and who we try to be.There are memories from before, during and after wars, there are moments of pure childhood joy, and our earliest sadnesses. One friend shares the “longest walk of his life” and another confesses to stealing the family goat.As with the episode we did on Valentines messages this audio montage, made by friends, for friends, are unique. You won't hear anything like this anywhere else.And we’re coming to the end of season 1 of Cairo Calling! Let us know what you made of it – whatsapp one of us a voicemessage – Dody is on +20 127 979 9935 – or leave a voicenote at SpeakPipe.com/CairoCalling.Thanks to all of you who shared memories with us. Your stories are making us better people. Maddie, Rosie and Gui helped interview their children, Ahmed got a memory and Taher helped with translation and vibes. Raph was the creative force suggesting and choreographing this episode, Peter invited/chased people to contribute, and Tarek is the one who makes the music and brings all the sound together. As ever, Dody is our spiritual leader.You can find Cairo Calling on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

Peter and Dody speak to Ina, who has been doing humanitarian work in Gaziantep, Türkiye, for five years. She was preparing to wrap up her time there when February's earthquake hit.This is conversation full of adrenaline and reflection as Ina shares her lucky escape and how the weeks after the earthquake changed her world. We understand the context of the quake, and why it might be forgotten all-too-easily.These episodes from Gaziantep are a window into transitions, from people in the middle of them. They also offer a unique view of what it's like to work in emergency response while being in the middle of the emergency oneself.See also the first conversation with Francesca, who spoke with Dody and Laura.Cairo Calling is made with friends, for friends. Many thanks to Ina for sharing so openly in the middle of everything going on. Thanks to Tarek for music and sound editing, and to an ever-growing group on Cairo Calling whatsapp.Cairo Calling recommends the following organizations to support and donate to* Türkiye* Support to Life (STL) Hayata Destek Dernegi* AKUT* Ahbap* Syria* SAMS Foundation* IHSAN Relief and Development* The White HelmetsFurther Reading…* 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake* Syria/Turkey Earthquakes Situation Report #7, March 8, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

Laura and Dody spoke to their friend Francesca, a humanitarian worker who arrived in Gaziantep, Türkiye, in December 2022. She was looking forward to a quieter duty station after several assignments in emergency response in Iraq and Nigeria.Then a devastating 7.8 earthquake struck on February 6th, 2023, with epicenter only 37 km from where she was.She shared about the chaos of the first days of the catastrophe, the little things that brought her joy amidst the difficulties, and the solidarity that she formed with people around her. She highlighted the plight of survivors in the corners of Türkiye and Syria that have been mostly forgotten by much of the world.Francesca is one of two Cairo Calling friends in Gaziantep. We also spoke with Ina and that conversation will come in the next episode.Cairo Calling is made with friends, for friends. Thank you, Francesca, for sharing your stories and insights. This episode was made by Laura, and Dody, with original music and sound production by Tarek, and a Greek chorus by Peter and Raph.Cairo Calling recommends the following organizations to support and donate to* Türkiye * Support to Life (STL) Hayata Destek Dernegi* AKUT* Ahbap* Syria* SAMS Foundation* IHSAN Relief and Development* The White HelmetsFurther Reading…* 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake* Syria/Turkey Earthquakes Situation Report #7, March 8, 2023 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

Peter and Dody explore how politics cross through our lives. We go around the world from Brazil to Myanmar, and talk about revolutions in Indonesia and Egypt. Despite the violence, Indonesia got lucky in its transition away from dictatorship.Together we reflect on freedom, power, patriarchy, and how they interact. Dody shares why he makes a software company in Egypt and how talent can be developed even where formal education oppresses. Peter shares about the weirdest place he's been.We’re looking for first memories: share yours with us at SpeakPipe.com/CairoCalling or on whatsapp them to Dody on +20 127 979 9935.Cairo Calling is made with friends, for friends. This episode was made by Dody and Peter, with original music and sound production by Tarek and sparkles from Raph. Thanks to the message from Laura!Further Reading…Bangladesh* In increasingly authoritarian Bangladesh, the opposition is backBrazil* Brazil protests: Lula vows to punish ‘neo-fascists’ after Bolsonaro supporters storm congressEgypt* Timeline of the Egyptian revolution of 2011France* List of incidents of civil unrest in FranceIndonesia* Jakarta on Fire: The May 1998 Riots and Indonesian Revolution* May 1998 riots of Indonesia* Indonesia’s 4th President* Indonesia’s Transmigration Program* Sampit ConflictIsrael/Palestine* A regime of Jewish supremacy from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea: This is apartheidMyanmar* Myanmar coup anniversary: 'Silent strike' marks two years of military rule* The Buddhist monk who reviles the Myanmmar’s MuslimsPapal States* List of people executed in the Papal StatesSingapore* Is Singapore an Authoritarian Constitutional Regime? So What If It Is?Tunisia* Tunisia’s Constitutional Dictactorship and end of the Democratic experimentUK* UK strike calendar – service stoppages planned for February and March* 2019 UK General Election* 15 February 2003 anti-war protestsUnited States* Litigation Tracker: Pending Criminal and Civil Cases Against Donald TrumpVenezuela* Venezuela crisis in briefYou can find Cairo Calling on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

We’re so touched by your Valentines messages. Definitely catch up with that episode if you didn't, it'll change the way you think about love, as it did for us.It's beautiful to create this podcast with friends – thank you for opening up so trustingly. We’d love to make another montage of the moments you share with us.Our next prompt for your stories and insights is first memories. These moments from our early lives can resonate in so many ways with who we are now. Or maybe yours are very different from your life now?Let us know. Bringing our stories together, from all over the world, let’s us create something unique together.Share your first memories at Speakpipe.com/CairoCalling or send a voicenote to Dody on whatsapp +20 127 979 9935. We can make your voice anonymous on request. As ever, music and audio production by Tarek. Thanks to Raph for the suggestion of this subject.You can find Cairo Calling on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

Friends around the world told us love saved them, how it hurt them, and what they're still looking for. We hear about love in marriages, divorce, arranged marriages 2.0, and situationships, self-love and the violence of love. Whether you're resenting or celebrating Valentines days, loving or still looking, or “inbetween of inbetween”, this episode will touch you and probably change the way you feel about love, as it did for us.And yes, 7 continents means that there is a detailed description of dating culture in “the Ice” continent. We’re so grateful for people who shared their experiences with honesty and insight.And we’d love to hear more! Tell us what you thought or something about your story. Send us a message at SpeakPipe.com/CairoCalling or on whatsapp them to Dody on +20 127 979 9935. This episode was made possible by everyone who sent us a message. Dody was the doctor of love bringing people together, Tarek is the surgeon of sound, Raph choreographed and Peter (almost) managed to stop talking.You can find Cairo Calling on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

Dody and Peter speak with Nomsa, who tells us about returning to South Africa in the early 2000s and how she was part of a generational change in black professionals entering the corporate workforce.It's a conversation full of laughter and reflections, with fresh perspectives on what's changed, what hasn't, and how Nomsa stays optimistic about the future. We talk about how the violence of apartheid carries through to today, the legacy of Mandela and how the 2010 World Cup brought out the best in people.It's a good one! Send us a voicemail to let us know what you think. Message us on cairocalling@substack.com.You can see more about Nomsa's 2007 paper “The Rolling Stones: Exploring the job-hopping phenomenon amongst Black Professionals” on page 22 of this journal. Thanks Nomsa for sharing her experiences, to Tarek for music and sound production, and to Raph for creative advice. You can find Cairo Calling on Substack, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or in a plain old podcast feed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

Peter and Dody put 2022 on the chopping board. Weaving in and out of our own experiences and big ways the world is changing, we get into catching covid, the war in Ukraine, and how it impacted cat food in Cairo.Episode two has our first listener voice message, the question Dody won't answer – but he definitely wants all of you to send us notes about. Message us on cairocalling@substack.com.We included audio from a documentary on 90 years of the BBC World Service. Peter talked about The Pink Line: The World's Queer Frontiers by Mark Gevisser and Dody about Dirt: Adventures in French Cooking by Bill Burford. Dody also mentioned Dave Winer's blog, Scripting News.Thanks to Tarek for music and sound production and Anne for the voice note. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

Episode One has our very first guest, the wonderful Stephanie. She tells us about work with Dublin Simon, a charity tackling the long-term crisis of homelessness in Dublin.We talk about what home means, and how dealing with homelessness means providing services in all areas of life, as well as taking measures to stop it happening in the first place.See Scrappy but Happy for artwork and creative writing by people using Dublin Simon Community’s services.Thanks to Stephanie for her passion and time, and to Tarek for music and sound production. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com

We’re trying to figure out how to live right now: and we’re trying to figure out how to make a podcast about it. This episode is about memory, connection and sharing, and how we hope to shape meaningful conversations with people all over the world. All credit to Tarek for brilliant sound-track and producing the audio. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cairocalling.substack.com