In Episode 3 of The Seeking Justice Podcast™, host Benedict Bloggs engages with Welsh folk musician Geraint "Gair-with-the-Hair" Jenkins, exploring the intersection of music, activism, and social justice. They discuss the power of songwriting as a tool for raising awareness about critical issues, including the stories of whistleblower David McBride and journalist Julian Assange. The conversation highlights the importance of using art to challenge narratives, inspire action, and foster a sense of responsibility in a privileged society. Through personal anecdotes and musical performances, the episode emphasizes the need for individuals to express themselves and take action against injustice. Takeaways Songwriting can raise awareness about critical social issues. Art and music are powerful tools for activism. The story of David McBride illustrates the importance of whistleblowing. Courage involves feeling fear and acting anyway. Everyone has the ability to express themselves creatively. The impact of war on civilians is often overlooked. Privilege comes with a responsibility to act against injustice. Music can unite people and inspire change. Awareness can be spread through storytelling in songs. There is always hope for future generations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Creative Expression 02:52 Introduing Gare with the Hair - Geraint Jenkins Welsh Folk Musician Troubadour and Surfer of Rhythms and Rhymes 03:39 The Etymology of Geraint and Indigenous Surfing Australia 04:36 A Lutheran Luthier? 08:06 The Power of Songwriting and Activism 13:04 Music as a Tool for Awareness 15:57 Busking for Love - Action is the Antidote to Despair 19:41 A Whistleblower's Anthem - "David McBride (Blew the Whistle)" by Gair Jenkins 25:27 Personal Journeys in Music and Expression 28:42 Bucket listing, being brave and Carpé-ing the Diem 35:42 The Power and Purpose of Bearing Witness to Injustice 40:55 The Role of Art in Activism 44:00 An Ode to Julian Assange - "Collateral Murder" by Gair Jenkins 50:22 Signing Off - Spread the Word, Spread the Song 53:39 TSJP Outro

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In Episode 2 of The Seeking Justice Podcast™, host Benedict Bloggs interviews Eddie Lloyd, a social justice warrior and criminal defense lawyer. They discuss Eddie's journey into law, her experiences with clients, and the importance of social justice work. The conversation also delves into Eddie's personal story of rehabilitation, her first case involving people smuggling, and the challenges of running her own law firm. The episode highlights the case of war crimes whistleblower, David McBride, facing serious charges, and the implications of national security laws on democracy. The discussion emphasizes the need for hope and support in the legal system, as well as the importance of crowdfunding for justice. In this conversation, Benedict Bloggs discusses the complexities of pro bono legal work, the significance of public interest cases like David McBride's, and the overarching influence of the military on democracy in Australia. He emphasizes the need for a federal Human Rights Act, explores the strategies behind climate activism, and reflects on the shifting political landscape from Labor to the Greens. The discussion also highlights the importance of civic education and the role of media in shaping public perception of protests, particularly in the case of Violet Coco. Ultimately, the conversation calls for hope and action in the face of overwhelming challenges.

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[***Please note we had some technical difficulties with this Episode due to internet lag in Northern Gaza***]

Please donate to help Mohammed and his family in Northern Gaza - every little bit helps even $5 or $10 can make a BIG difference from a lot of people. Please imagine it was your own family and please give generously: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-ahmed-alshanti-and-his-family-escape: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-mohammed-escape-gaza-build-a-better-life-in-australia

Please donate to help Ahmed Al Shanti (who produced the intro video) and his family in Northern Gaza - every little bit helps even $5 or $10 can make a BIG difference from a lot of people. Please imagine it was your own family and please give generously: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-ahmed-alshanti-and-his-family-escape

In the inaugural episode of The Seeking Justice Podcast™, host Benedict Bloggs engages with guests Mohammed Abo Mansour and Isabella Kershaw to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Mohammed shares his harrowing experiences of living through war, the destruction of his home, and the challenges of continuing his education amidst chaos. Isabella, who has been supporting Mohammed from Australia, highlights the importance of their friendship and the efforts to raise funds for his family. The conversation sheds light on the dire conditions in Gaza, including food shortages and the psychological toll of war, while emphasizing the resilience and spirit of those affected. In this conversation, Mohammed Abo Mansour shares his harrowing experiences living in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict, detailing personal losses and the challenges of finding work as a freelancer in a war-torn region. The discussion also touches on the psychological impact of trauma on activists and the importance of art and expression in times of crisis. The participants emphasize the need for global solidarity and support for those affected by the conflict, highlighting the resilience of individuals like Mohammed who continue to strive for a better future despite overwhelming odds.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Seeking Justice Podcast
05:11 Introducing our guests - Mohammed in Gaza and Isabella in Sydney
08:26 Life in Gaza - Mohammed's Story
12:20 Building a Global Friendship in the Midst of Genocide
16:39 Fundraising and Support Efforts from Australia
18:32 Positive Contribution of Refugees to Our Economies
20:21 Censorship issues with GoFundMe, LinkedI

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[A background episode for posterity, for the archives, and for those interested in the inspiration for starting The Seeking Justice Podcast and to introduce the host Benedict Bloggs a.k.a Bennarama, Bennaddiction, Bennabuzz, Benna Zenabomb, the Wunderland, Gaiatribe, 3 Eyed Fish and on goes the list...]

Summary

In the inaugural episode of the Seeking Justice Podcast, host Benedict Bloggs introduces himself and shares his multifaceted journey as a human rights advocate, barrister, and social justice activist. He reflects on the motivations behind starting the podcast, his diverse experiences, and the vision for future episodes that will explore themes of justice, activism, and creativity.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:46 Acknowledgement of Country
01:57 TSJP Video Intro (produced by Ahmed Al Shanti in Northern Gaza)
02:20 Journey to Law through Activism
13:59 The Vision for the Podcast
16:29 Closing Thoughts
17:06 TSJP Video Outro (produced by Ahmed Al Shanti in Northern Gaza)
17:21 Credits

Greetings Justice-Seekers! Welcome to The Seeking Justice Podcast (TSJP), dedicated to exploring and spotlighting issues of justice and injustice throughout the world. I am your host, Benedict Bloggs, a passionate and dedicated social and environmental justice advocate throughout my entire adult life and now a Barrister-at-Law and international human rights advocate based in Brisbane Australia. I want to use this platform to give a voice to the voiceless, to interview interesting guests working on important human rights and social and environmental justice issues and as an independent media mechanism to clarion call forth positive change in our societies and our world.

The name of the Podcast is inspired by the motto of my Catholic High School which I resolutely hated. The school I hated, the motto “Seek Justice” must have got seared on the insides of my eyelids and after spending my late teens and twenties being a globally adventuring outlaw and ratbag from blockading old growth forests, breaking onto secret American spy bases, cycling across Australia to promote sustainability, I became a lawyer and now a Barrister and international human rights law (IHRL) advocate having completed an IHRL Masters at the University of Oxford where I met my Puerto Rican fiancée and now

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