Engaging With Eric

In this episode I’m joined by Dean Van Nguyen, the author of the recent book on the life and politics of rap megastar Tupac Amaru Shakur. With Dean, I discuss his motivations for creating the book, the political persons and initiatives that went into forming Tupac’s political ideology (including the Black Panther Party), the inspiration Tupac has provided to those engaged in revolutionary armed struggle, Tupac’s contradictions, his similarity with Irish Republican Revolutionaries, what he politically stood for and more!It’s a brilliant book, that I - as a Tupac mega fan who is quite disappointed in commercially inspired publications about the man (and as a political lefty) - couldn’t recommend more! Here is a link to purchase: https://www.dubraybooks.ie/product/words-for-my-comrades-9781399615440

In this episode, I am joined by good friend Prince Donald Forghab, who is studying a Masters of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University. Prince has a background in Peace and Development studies, has established community movements and led humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating inequality in his home country of Cameroon.Prince and I discuss we discussion political issues related to the continent of Africa such as the role youth can play in the future of Irish politics, challenges facing many African States, China's increasing role in Africa, and the question of whether reparations is owed to Africa for colonialism.

In this episode of the Engaging with Eric Podcast I’m joined by Dr. Antony Pemberton; professor, and specialist in Restorative Justice. During the episode we discuss the meaning of Restorative Justice, the positive effects it has according to the data, it’s ability to address modern culture-war issues and lots more. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode I’m joined by my good friend Larissa Trăistaru, to discuss astrology and spirituality. We talk about how astrology first caught her eye, why spirituality is becoming more popular amongst young people, how spirituality compares to organised religion, and lots more. This was an enjoyable, energetic, educational conversation for me, that I definitely took lots from- I hope you do too. Instagram: @eric.ehigie Twitter: @ericosa11

🇺🇦🇺🇦 Firstly, I would like to resolutely express absolute solidarity with the Ukranian people, and condemn Russia’s Illegal and immoral violation of the sovereignty of an independent State. I hope that peace, security, freedom, and justice soon reign in Ukraine and that Europe (and the rest of the world) continue to safeguard Ukranians in need of support🇺🇦🇺🇦 In this episode I’m joined by public policy professional, Sarah Said, and Commerce student, Wakila Latidoye, to discuss whether the war in Ukraine has exposed Western hypocrisy and double standards in humanitarianism. In the episode we talk about the discrepancy in the language used to describe those affected by the war in Ukraine as compared to wars elsewhere, the importance of Europe embodying its most cherished values consistently, the comments of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland to try and justify the difference in treatment of refugees based on geographic proximity, and lots more. I believe that it is fundamental that we here in Europe advocate for the application of our most cherished values indiscriminately, and that we jump at any opportunity to rectify our ways if we begin to stray away from these values- not least when this is done for tribalistic reasons. I really hope you enjoy the video and take something from it. Instagram: @eric.ehigie Twitter: @ericosa11

In this video I speak with a colleague of mine on the Black and Irish team, Briana Fitzsimons. We talk about the anti-racism training Briana has designed especially for teachers, and the project she is currently involved in that aims to diversify the Irish education curricula. I hold strong reservations against some of the anti-racism trainings that I’ve seen be promoted abroad- particularly those based on the Robin DiAngeloite model- as I believe they tend to be superficial and can abet the issue they aim to address. However, Briana’s training is a refreshing break from such models and represents a great attempt at getting to the bottom of racism. I hope you enjoy learning about it via the video!

In this episode of the Engaging with Eric Podcast I am joined by mental health professional, advocate, and founder of Black Therapist Ireland, Ejiro Ogbevoen. In the episode we discuss the cultural obstacles that can discourage members of the black community from engaging with therapy and mental health supports, the obstacles that can make access to mental health support difficult, the importance of representation amongst mental health professionals, and lots more!

In this episode of the Engaging with Eric Podcast, I’m joined by two very good friend of mine- Luke Casserly and Sean Carey- to discuss the controversy surrounding popular podcaster Joe Rogan. We explored various issues in our conversation- from covid misinformation, to the importance of sustaining empathy in discourse with others- and did so in an authentic, open way. I had lots of fun participating in the dialogue! I really hope you enjoy it- and even better, can take something helpful from our conversation!

In this podcast episode I discuss topics ranging from the importance of scientific literacy, the concept of political homelessness, and the furore around Critical Race Theory in the USA, all the way to the question of whether God and science can be reconciled; with Physics student, mathematician, and writer, Eric’s Electrons.

In this episode, I engage in a concise, yet enjoyable conversation with footballer for St. Pats FC James Abankwah. We talk about where James’ love for football came from, his motivations, his journey so far as a player and more.

In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Sheena Mason; assistant professor of English at SUNY Oneonta and founder of the Theory of Racelessness. In our discussion, we discussed Dr. Mason’s theory and various other factors pertaining to race- such as utility, or lack thereof, of racial categories, the difference between how race is perceived in the USA and Ireland, the best way to define racism and go about tackling it, and lots more.

In this episode I’m joined by Tomas F. - a Biochemistry & Biotechnology Masters Student at IMEC, Leuven. Tomas and I have an in depth conversation about evolution, vaccines and the anti-vaxxer movement, politics, whether God and Science can be reconciled- and more.

This is a speech I delivered at the IDEA 2021 Virtual Conference. My speech touches on the importance of global citizenship, and the need for activism to commit to uplifting all people for the better.

In this episode, I explore the concept of racial colour-blindness with host of web show, Gorm TV, and activist, Mamobo Ogoro.

In this episode, friend, activist and podcast host Aryaan Misra, and I, discuss the philosophical and social foundations of what is termed "wokeness", what "woke" activism per say represents today, its utility and its flaws, how it can act against those it aims to serve, how criticisms of "woke"activism have been monopolised by the right (to the detriment of those who want to engage in good faith conversations about it) and lots more!

In the podcast’s first episode, I’m joined by activist and free speech advocate; Christopher Wells. We discuss what is at the core of cancel culture, what cancel culture actually looks like in practice, the fact that cancel culture- and it’s surrounding culture- can be out of touch with those it intends to help, and lots more!