Blueprints of Disruption

Getting the Receipts: Canadian Universities' Secret Chats and Networks

Journalists Euan Thomson and David Slater tell us how they uncovered secret chats between Canadian universities, and national networks of school administrators and police - all seemingly tasked with infringing on the Charter Rights of students, and dismantling Palestinian Solidarity encampments, before they even started.It took Euan and David almost two years to compile all of the documents they needed to write their recent piece for The Breach, Canadian universities set up a secret network to crack down on student Palestine demonstrators, largely due to sustained efforts to deny access to, what should be, public documents. We hear how they worked as a team, sharpened their tactics and caught many of these institutions contradicting themselves.The episode also includes a discussion on the degradation of access to public documents across Canada. From new legislation, to the normalization of secrecy in public institutions, the powerful are finding new ways to avoid accountability.Its really two stories in one! We hear the details of those secret chats and the lengths to which universities worked together to prevent protests from even happening, and then violently shutting them down when they did. But we also get to hear how these same players work when it comes to operating in secret and covering their tracks.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanProduced by: Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Related Episodes:Student Suppression by Any Means (Mar 2025)Raheleh's Story (June 2026) Part 1 of our miniseries on the University of Calgary encampment clearing Holding Institutions Accountable (Oct 2025) Lawyer Dimitri Lascaris on students' $10 million lawsuit against the Toronto Metropolitan UniversityMore Resources: Drug Data Decoded: University of Calgary destroyed records related to May 9 police violence against protestersThe Orchard: UCalgary Palestine encampment's fate was sealed before a single tent was pitched, documents revealAlberta’s Bill 34 attacks the public’s right to know | The NarwhalSupreme Court of Canada | Access to Information and Protection of Privacy in Canadian DemocracyThe Breach: Canadian universities set up a secret network to crack down on student Palestine demonstratorsFind even more of our content on SUBSTACK.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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Up Against the System: 240 Markland Tenants Association

3w ago01:20:24Tap to summarize

Despite getting initial assurances from the City that they wouldn’t be priced out of their home - the tenants at 240 Markland in Toronto have been left to fend for themselves against a real monstrosity of an enemy.Carterra Management Inc. have seemingly made it their mission to force out the legacy tenants by an means necessary, including FIVE (5) above-guideline rent increases (AGIs), harassment and other slumlord style tactics.Stelios and Jerry, tenant organizers at 240 Markland, are back to talk about their fight against their landlord, and the system that protects them - including the Ontario Landlord Tenant Board.The details of the tenants' first appearance at the LTB are shocking. The large amount of evidence tenants painstakingly gathered was ignored, and their claims largely dismissed.Undaunted, they are preparing for another challenge, now better equipped.Listen in to hear how smart, determined, and resourceful these tenants are, and learn from all the work they've put into the building a Tenant Class.Its another great story we've added to our Tenant Power Playlist.Hosted by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Related Episodes: Scaling UP: Toronto Tenant Union (May 2026) In-depth coverage and analysis of the founding convention for Toronto's first city-wide tenants' union. The Tenant Class (Feb 2024) Author Ricardo Tranjan on the housing market, its purpose and the uselessness of policies that don't challenge the narrative of shelter commodification.More Resources: Toronto Tenant Union WebsiteACORN Canada: Rent Control Loopholes REPORTAbove-Guideline Rent Increases Ontario: Tenant Guide - tenantrights.caCBC: Tenants say they lack quality of life during years-long renovations at Etobicoke buildingFind even more of our content on our SUBSTACKAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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Recovery After AI with Kim Crawley

Jul 1601:14:26Tap to summarize

AI is here - but it won't last.Cyber security expert, author, and activist, Kim Crawley makes the case that generative AI is unsustainable, and will eventually meet its demise. But not before our power grids, our water supplies and our minds take a hit.An GenAI abolitionist, Kim is researching for a new book; one that will examine the impacts of this relatively new and unchecked technology the oligarchs are "pushing down our throats". It will also help lay the plans for a recovery from GenAI.Host Jessa McLean asks Kim about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's promised investments in AI, and the efforts by some to 'democratize' the technology, rather than reject it altogether. Listen in to hear her takes, learn more about AI and plug into ways you can help.Call to Action: HELP KIM with her KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN Related Episodes: Stop Gen AI: Mutual Aid for a Coming Age (June 2025) The impact of Generative AI and creative ways to raise funds for folks most impacted by the expansion of this technology, with activists from StopGenAI.com. COVID Under Capitalism (Sept 2023) Kim Crawley and Jessa McLean use a class analysis to looks at individual human behavior, the response of our governments and how the greed of our 'capitalist overlords' plays into it all.More Resources: The Physical Limits of AI Intelligence: The Collision Course With The Law of Thermodynamics (Part I)Your Brain on AI: Cognitive Offloading, Debt, and Atrophy | Psychology TodayStop Gen AI – Mutual Aid and Political ActivismFind even more content on our SUBSTACK!All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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Noisemaker with Deana Sherif

Jul 202:19:04Tap to summarize

Deana Sherif has been called a lot of things. A perpetual protestor, an Antifa ringleader, a criminal…but she’s also been described as a fierce advocate for her community, a tireless activist, and a protective presence to those around her.All of these things made her a target of the Police, the Crown and the right-wing propagandists who serve them.The legal saga that is Deana’s story starts off at a routine action for Palestine, and ends with a criminal conviction for making noise and just over 17 months time-served for a single mother of two with no prior criminal record.As Deana describes her initial arrest, the bogus charges, and the unconstitutional bail conditions she faced for using a Fox40 electronic whistle, it is clear the system is looking to make an example of her.Then comes the squeak-toy incident. You have to hear it to believe it, but Police are able to weaponize ridiculous bail conditions to again lock up an activist exercising their Charter Rights - for over 300 days.Both Deana and host Jessa McLean make the case that cases like this are part of a larger effort to silence the loudest amongst, and incapacitate social movements. But it isn’t working.Deana was able to realize community in jail, learn more about the legal system being used against her, and steel her resolve even more so - despite still not being on the other side of this ordeal yet.Folks are still trying to get her arrested, and there are appeals pending that could impact all of us. See the Call to Action below to donate to Deana’s legal defence, and be sure to share her story with anyone disrupting the status quo.Song Credit (Opening): The Whole Damn System, by Deana SherifSong Credit (Closing): This is Your Genocide, by Deana SherifProduced by: Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Email Money Transfer to FreeDeana@gmail.com Related Episodes: Process as Punishment (Feb 2025) Movement lawyers, Nora Fathalipour and Arash Ghiassi, discuss the processes police and the Crown are employing to intimidate, silence, and criminalize movements.Support Systems Amid State Suppression (Oct 2024) Dalia Awwad and Rachelle Friesen, members of the Toronto Legal Support Committee, discuss oppressive tactics being used by Police and their impact on individuals and the larger movement.More Resources: VIDEO: April 15th ProtestThe Breach: Secretive committee in Ontario ministry pushed crackdown on pro-Palestine activismCentreTown Buzz: Assault by Noise AloneCBC: Ottawa Protestor who Used Squeaky Toy Found GuiltyGet even more of our content on SUBSTACKAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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Student Movements vs. Neoliberal Corporatism / Part 4 of Setting Precedent: The Right to Protest on Campus

Jun 1800:43:40Tap to summarize

Part 4 of Setting Precedent: The Right to Protest on Campus - a podcast miniseries that tells the whole story behind the lawsuit activists have launched against the University of Calgary and the Calgary Police in response to an encampment eviction on the campus back in May 2024.Dr. Roberta Lexier, an expert of student movements in Canada, explains why institutions like the University of Calgary are responding to peaceful protests with such hostility. She provides historical context for the shifting relationship between student activists and their, now "neoliberal corporatist" universities.She's also points to examples from campuses, and makes the case that post-secondary schools across Canada are becoming increasily intolerant of the very activists they helped create. Although the Palestinian exception weighs heavily on how universities (and Police) approach protests, Dr, Lexier talks about many other factors that play into what student movements are up against these days.If you missed the first (3) three parts - they can be listened to in any order.Part 1 featured Dr. Raheleh Tarani and her story of participating in the peaceful protest with her son one minute, and being pinned by police the next. We heard about the impact that had on her, and how she's reclaiming power through the court.Part 2: Liaising with Police - Calgary based activist Wesam Cooley talks about his role as the encampment's police liaison, and what its been like trying to hold police and other parties accountable in Alberta.Part 3: Charter Violations - Legal counsel for the nine Plaintiffs, Chris Weibe, on the merits of the case, what a victory would mean, and what its like going after the state on behalf of activists.Hosted by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: DONATE TO THE LEGAL FUND FOR THE PLAINTIFFSRelated Episodes: Student Hunger Strike - Its Only a Matter of Time (Apr 2025) UBC & UBCO student activists talk about their hunger strike and other efforts to have their University divest from weapons manufacturers. Holding Institutions Accountable (Oct 2025)More Resources: More of our content is available on our SUBSTACK.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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"The Cultural Expression of Our Politics" - 100 Years of the United Jewish Peoples Order

Jun 900:43:17Tap to summarize

The United Jewish Peoples' Order is in the midst of celebrating their 100th year as a secular, leftist Jewish organization in Canada.Three of UJPO's staff join Blueprints to share some of what they've learned working for the century-old organization, and reflect on how they might build for the next 100 years.What UJPO does is largely a reflection of their origin story as outsiders:"We began in the 1920s out of a need for mutual aid between secular, leftist Jews - the majority of them factory workers. They needed community." - Shayle Kilroy, UJPO Operations Manager gives a brief history of how socio-economic conditions led to the creation of a versatile network that understands the importance of collective liberation.We hear how UJPO has navigated through extraordinary times, both globally and internally - and how they've remained Leftists through it all; Embracing change, and inclusivity, while holding onto their core values.UJPO have a big event coming up on June 11th, titled "Joy and Struggle". Its an example of how the organization seeks to blend the cultural (the communal) with the political - an approach Executive Director Sarena Sarain and Cultural Director David Wall say have been critical to the longevity of the group.The three guests also talk a lot about what solidarity means, how they practice collective liberation and the other elements that have made them what they are today.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanGet Tickets to the 100th Celebration: Joy and StruggleRelated Episodes: Jews Say No to Genocide (Dec 2024) Serena Sairan and Lauren Moses-Brettle on the identity crisis being purposely crafted by the Israeli lobby to thwart the work being done to liberate Palestine. Return and Liberation (Oct 2022) A discussion with the Palestinian Youth Movement on how they organize as a diaspora, both culturally and politically, in an environment hostile to their existence.More Resources: UJPO on YouTubeOur History – Morris Winchevsky Centre | Secular Jewish TorontoGet ALL our content through our SUBSTACK.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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Setting Precedent: The Right to Protest on Campus, Charter Violations (Part 3)

Jun 300:33:37Tap to summarize

This is Part 3 of our series that tells the whole story behind the lawsuit activists have launched against the University of Calgary and the Calgary Police in response to an encampment eviction on the campus back in May 2024.Legal Counsel for the nine Plaintiffs, Chris Weibe joins us to talk about the merits of the case, and just how people's Charter Rights were violated. We ask him what a victory in this case would look like, for the Plaintiffs AND other activists facing similar situations. Weibe also gives some insight on what its like going after the state on behalf of activists.Be sure to also check out...Part 1: Raheleh's Story - Dr. Tarani tells her story of participating in the peaceful protest with her son one minute, and being pinned by police the next. We heard about the impact that had on her, and how she's reclaiming power through the court.Part 2: Liaising with Police - Calgary based activist Wesam Cooley talks about his role as the encampment's police liaison, and what its been like trying to hold police and other parties accountable in Alberta.Part 4: Coming up....Hosted and by Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: DONATE TO THE LEGAL FUND FOR THE PLAINTIFFSOther Related Episodes:Student Suppression by Any Means with Jeremy Appel (March 2025)Student Encampments (May 2024) a look at their demands for divestment, the responses from the Universities, the police and the public.More Resources: Calgary Police, City of Calgary and University of Calgary sued by demonstrators - via DrugDataDecoded.ca(REFERENCED) Statement of Claim: May 2026More of our content is available on our SUBSTACK.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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Setting Precedent: The Right to Protest on Campus, Liaising with Police (Part 2)

May 2500:35:21Tap to summarize

This is Part 2 of our series that tells the whole story behind the lawsuit activists have launched against the University of Calgary and the Calgary Police in response to an encampment eviction on the campus back in May 2024.Activist and Plaintiff, Wesam Cooley, joins us to talk about the night in question, specifically his role as the encampment's police liaison, and the interactions that led up to sudden escalation of violence. He also talks about what its been like trying to hold police and other parties accountable in Alberta, and what he expects to get out of all of this.Part 1 featured Dr. Raheleh Tarani and her story of participating in the peaceful protest with her son one minute, and being pinned by police the next. We heard about the impact that had on her, and how she's reclaiming power through the court.Up Next (Part 3): An interview with legal counsel Chris Weibe on the merits of the case, what a victory would mean, and what its like going after the state on behalf of activists.Hosted and by Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: DONATE TO THE LEGAL FUND FOR THE PLAINTIFFSOther Related Episodes:Student Suppression by Any Means with Jeremy Appel (March 2025)Student Encampments (May 2024) a look at their demands for divestment, the responses from the Universities, the police and the public.More Resources: More of our content is available on our SUBSTACK.All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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Setting Precedent: The Right to Protest on Campus, Raheleh's Story (PART 1)

May 2100:34:43Tap to summarize

This is Part 1 of a multi-part series that tells the whole story behind the lawsuit activists have launched against the University of Calgary and the Calgary Police in response to a violent encampment eviction back in May 2024.We start with Dr. Raheleh Tarani's compelling story; a mother from Iran who was on campus to support her son, and to speak up against what is happening in Gaza. Holding hands, singing, and then violently tossed to the ground, pinned and arrested.She talks about her shock, and the profound impact that night has had on her. But she also talks about how she is reclaiming her power by taking the Police who did this, and the University who called them, to court.Next UP: Part 2 - Another Plaintiff, Wesam Cooley, was the unofficial Police Liaison for the encampment that night. Hear his unique perspective on Monday May 25th.Hosted and Produced by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: DONATE TO THE LEGAL FUND for the PlaintiffsRelated Episodes: Student Suppression by Any Means with Jeremy Appel (March 2025) Student Encampments (May 2024) a look at their demands for divestment, the responses from the Universities, the police and the public.More Resources: City of Calgary and University of Calgary sued by demonstrators - via DrugDataDecodedStatement of Claim - Court Filing 2601 08209 - May 4, 2026Calgary Police, City of Calgary and University of Calgary sued by demonstrators for excessive force, breach of rights in 2024All of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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Scaling Up: Toronto Tenant Union

May 601:38:52Tap to summarize

On April 18th, hundreds of tenants gathered inside a school cafeteria to help shape Toronto’s first city-wide tenant’s union – the TTU. There were elections, robust policy discussions and plenty of stories from tenants. Blueprints of Disruption was there to capture it all, and provide analysis afterwards.On-scene interviews from inside the Toronto Tenant Union’s founding Convention start off with Ricardo Tranjan, housing policy expert and author of The Tenant Class. Tranjan talks about his expectations for the day, and his excitement at the prospect of “taking another step” towards building the tenant class consciousness he wrote about in his book.There are also interviews with tenant organizers from different buildings across the city – including Jerry and Steve from 240 Markland. They talk about their saga with an REIT buying their building, applying for five consecutive above-guideline rent increases (AGIs) and trying to push legacy tenants out of the building.We also interview Bridgette, a resident of the Caseway building – outside of which convention participants rallied after the day’s more official proceedings. She talks about why its been such a battle with their landlord, and how she felt about being a part of something bigger.Organizers of the event, and leaders within the ‘parent’ organizations of the TTU also took time to speak with Santiago and Jessa as things wrapped up.Aniket Kali, formerly of Climate Justice Toronto, and Bruno Dobrusin of YSW Tenants Union talk about their new roles (both elected during the Convention), the scaling up of their models, and their vision for the TTU in the years to come.Hosted and Produced by: Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Sign up for TTU Orientation on May 9th, 2026Related Episodes: Blueprints of a Rent Strike (July 2023) Shifting Gears: Climate Justice Toronto (Sept 2024) CJTO on their decision to transition towards tenant organizing as a means to fight climate change.We also have a TENANT POWER PLAYLIST with more stories of neighbours organizing.More Resources: Can the new Toronto Tenant Union change the tired housing debate? – Ricardo Tranjan for Canadian DimensionWho Controls Toronto? The People or Developers? - ACORN ReportHamilton moves to strengthen renoviction bylaw - via CBCRent Strikes! - The Grind MagazineCanada: How Tenants Fought Back- via Progressive InternationalAll of our content is free - made possible by the generous sponsorships of our Patrons. If you would like to support our work through monthly contributions: PatreonFollow us on Instagram or on Bluesky

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Getting the Receipts: Canadian Universities' Secret Chats and Networks