Podcast
Blueprints of Disruption
Hosted by Rabble Rousers' Cooperative · EN
Blueprints of Disruption is dedicated to amplifying the work of activists, organizers and rabble rousers. This weekly podcast, hosted by Jessa McLean and Santiago Helou Quintero, features in-depth discussions that explore different ways to challenge capitalism, decolonize spaces and create movements on the ground. Together we will disrupt the status quo one episode at a time.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Scaling Up: Toronto Tenant Union
2w ago01:38:52Tap to summarizeOn 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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Not in Our Name: Divesting Pensions and Rejecting Carney's War Bank
4w ago01:09:45Tap to summarizeHow is Carney's War Bank and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP) connected? Through investments in weapons and genocide, as well as the activists and organizations fighting for a Free Palestine.Teacher and organizer with OTPP Divest, James Campbell gives an overview of the movement to get the OTPP to divest from weapons manufacturers.With a collection of success stories, it is clear the campaign resonates with teachers in the Province - with two of the largest unions overwhelmingly voting YES to divestment when given the chance.So where does the resistance come from? Where it usually does - Capital. But also from the CEO of the $300 billion OTPP, Joe Taylor, who has refused calls from the ranks to stop using their name to line the pockets of war profiteers.As it turns out, OTTP CEO Taylor is also a big supporter of the Defence, Security and Resilience Initiative (DSRB), or as second guest Tyler and his fellow activists with Stop the DSRB call it - the War Bank.What is it? Its a project of Carney's to get the G7 nations to sign on to this slush fund for the weapons industry. Its clearly stated purpose is to bypass popular (democratic) demands for social service spending and basic rights, in order to secure an endless supply of 'defence' funding. Its all being sold alongside Carney's Canadian militarism narratives, which has made it easier for him to line up supportive politicians from across the spectrum.This makes the job of activists harder, but not impossible. James and Tyler talk about the tactics they've deployed, and the alliances they are building along the way. There are accessible pressure points to be pushed, tarnishing the reputation of unethical investments being one of them. Another is opposing the pitch for Toronto to serve as the headquarters for the DSRB.Be sure to stay until the end to hear what else these activists have up their sleeve and learn more about the impacts divestment campaigns are having on the economic and political landscapes.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanCall to Action: SIGN ON TO STOP THE WARBANKRelated Episodes:UNIFOR's Hot Cargo: Labour Internationalism (Aug 2025) Labour for Palestine on their campaign to have any goods or services coming from, or going to Israel, declared 'hot cargo'.Nationalism and the Working Class (Mar 2023) Chris Fairweather, academic, activist and labour organizer, talks about the pervasiveness of nationalism and the impact is has on the working class No Arms in the Arts (Aug 2024) Hear how the successful campaign to pressure Scotiabank and the Giller Prize to do the right thing.More Resources: Pension Divestment FAQ - Google DrivePACBI: Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel | BDS MovementReferenced Report: Special Rapporteur Report on GazaVIDEO: World Beyond War Action Reel (IG)Ontario Government's Statement on Bid for DSRB HQTop 100 arms-producing and military services companies in the world, 2024 | SIPRIOur Call to Workers Everywhere – Stop the Genocide — Workers in PalestineFor more content from these creators, be sure to subscribe to the Blueprints 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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Organizing in a Fascist Canada with the Atlantic Regional Communists
Apr 1601:08:45Tap to summarizeThe Atlantic Regional Communists return to Blueprints to talk about their growth as political organization, and share some of the methodology that unpins their work. They obviously take some of their cues from Marx, but also from the Black Panthers."We're here to learn from people. We're here to serve people. And we're here to help people organize towards a revolution." - Comrade MOne of the things they think sets them apart from other political groups, is the work they do in their communities, and how that work continuously shapes their own organization.A large part of what they do is also centred around building knowledge. To that end, Comrades M and E give us a quick study on how fascism presents itself here in Canada.They cover class collaboration, the labour aristocracy and the different phases of fascism that co-exist with our so-called democratic state.Seeing our typical relationship with the state as being one of "fascist minutemen" - helping to legitimize its domination - their take on 'reforming' the federal NDP, and electoral politics in general, is to be expected.It also builds on our first discussion with ARC, where they went into more about how they've structured themselves, and why.Hosted by: Jessa McLean. Produced by: Santiago Helou QuinteroRelated Episodes:Reimagining Politics and Demystifying Communism (Jan 2025) Our first discussion with the Atlantic Regional Communists;Canada's Colonialist Imagination (Oct 2023) Professor Tyler Shipley talks about the mindset that aided genocide in Canada and continues to shape politics here.More Resources: Fascism: A Scientific Definition - Atlantic Regional Communists Guest Suggested Reading: “A Rethinking of Everything Altogether” – The Red ClarionHead to our SUBSTACK for more content, including articles and other resources for activists and organizers.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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Defending Against Invasion: Lebanon
Apr 701:02:09Tap to summarizeIsraeli Occupation Forces are attempting to annex Southern Lebanon. They are erasing towns from the map, blowing up bridges and roads, and telling the world they're about to redraw their borders...again.Previous guest, Mohamad, returns to the studio to talks about the current situation in Lebanon, what it was like being back home during the latest escalation of violence, and how it felt to leave family behind.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanRelated Episodes: Lebanon, Palestine and Resisting Colonialism (Jan 2024) Mohamad's first appearance - just before the 'ceasefire'.Right to Resist (Oct 2024) Journalist and human rights lawyer, Dimitri Lascaris on Lebanon, the resistance and bringing down an apartheid state.More Resources: Israel Attacked Lebanon 10000 Times During Ceasefire - New Arab.comBBC: Israel intensifies Lebanon attacks and hits areas not in Hezbollah's controlIG: What "How are you?" Costs the Diaspora (video)Al Jazeera - Lebanon daily updatesGet more of our content, including articles and resources for activists, 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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CUPE Ontario: What's Next?
Mar 3101:07:29Tap to summarizeCUPE Ontario, is at a crossroads. Their next convention is just months away, and for the first time in 12 years, Fred Hahn won’t be on the ballot for President. In February, after two and a half years of intensified attacks, he announced this would be his last term leading the union.What does this mean for the Province’s largest public sector union? Is this a blow for leftists in CUPE Ontario, or an opportunity? Maybe it can be both.Katherine Grzejszczak and Krista Laing, two candidates for the next CUPE Ontario Executive join Blueprints to talk about where things are at right now, and their visions for their union’s future. They talk about the impact Fred has had, but also what they might do differently.Despite public sector unions being under attack, both guests share hopeful signs that workers are becoming bolder and more eager to engage politically. They emphasize the need for a more member driven approach, spending fewer resources on electoral politics, and more ways to realize the power of 290,000 union members.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanRelated Episodes: Stolen Wages - Featuring the Naujawan Support Network Nationalism and the Working ClassMore Resources: Israel’s supporters attack Ontario trade-union leader | CounterfireCUPE Ontario Convention 2026 - CUPE OntarioAll 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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Building Momentum: Canadian Federation of Students
Mar 1701:21:24Tap to summarizeOntario's Premier, Doug Ford has had post-secondary students, and their unions, in his sights since he took office, but a new round of cuts to OSAP has taken them over the edge.On March 14th, 2026, students mobilized at Queen's Park to demonstrate, only to be met by violence at the hands of the Toronto Police Services. This did not deter them.Organizers with the Canadian Federation of Students talk about how we got to this point, and what work needs to be done in order for students to be the force of change they're meant to be - including what it will take for a student strike to actually be effective.Hosted by: Jessa McLean, and produced by Santiago Helou-QuinteroCall to Action: Sign the No to OSAP Cuts Petition and Attend Day of ACTION MARCH 24thRelated Episodes: Lessons from Student EncampmentsMore Resources: Hands Off Our Education! Ne touchez pas à notre système d'éducation!CBC: OSAP Cuts - What you Need to KnowBe sure to subscribe to our SUBSTACK for even MORE content.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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Boycott Indigo Books Because...
Mar 900:57:23Tap to summarizeAlthough using a new URL, activists behind the boycott of Canada's largest bookstore still say that 'Indigo Kills Kids'.A representative for the campaign talks about their choice of language, tactics and targets - most notably the CEO of Indigo Books, Heather Reisman. You'll hear how this Canadian oligarch has proudly poured millions into the HESEG foundation, which actively recruits soldiers for the Occupation Forces, and rewards them for their violence.This connection to the genocide is important, not only in justifying the boycott, but to refute claims Reisman is being targeted for being Jewish.The IKK campaign also respond to critics from the Left side of the political spectrum, and reflects on the work that still needs to be done.Hosted by Jessa McLean and Produced by Santiago Helou QuinteroCalls to Action: Take the Pledge to Boycott Indigo and Demand CRA Revoke HESEG's Charitable StatusRelated Episodes: Machinery of Suppression: Bill C9 and the weaponization of antisemitism (jan 2026) Jews Say NO to Genocide break down the latest suppressive legislation from Carney and challenge the narratives being used to pass it.Answering the Call: Labour for Palestine (jan 2024) L4P representative Anna Lippman on the call from Palestinian workers to disarm Israel and Free Palestine.More Resources: Rabble: Boycott Israel campaign hits Chapters and Mountain Equipment Co-opAssaulted for questioning ‘charitable’ donations by billionaire - Yves EnglerCJPME: More on IndigoJust Peace Advocates: Billionaire couple continues to support genocidal armyThe Maple: Indigo’s Copyright Victory Opens A New Front In BDS StruggleIndigo Kills Kids WebsiteBe sure to subscribe to our SUBSTACK for even more content.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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Making Connections From Salish Sea to Palestine
Feb 2400:54:24Tap to summarizeSisters in film, Rawan Ramini and Jada-Gabrielle Pape were brought together for the film, From Salish Sea to Palestine. They joined Blueprints to talk about their use of the medium to make connections between movements, and tell the 'true stories' of their people.Ultimately though, it is a discussion on what really builds solidarity.The most obvious connections between Palestinians and Indigenous Peoples' in so-called Canada are that of colonialism and occupation. Rawan highlights so many of the shared tactics of land displacement, ethnic cleansing and of course, genocide that tie their fights together.Despite shared mechanisms of oppression, Rawan and Jada's work serves as a reminder this ultimately, not what should define them and their people."Walking along in solidarity means seeing us as a whole people, not just as a people living in resistance" - JadaMore on our guests:Rawan Hassan, Palestinian filmmaker and mother of two. She Directed, wrote and co-produced the Documentary Series: Ana Falastini Jada-Gabrielle Pape, wu’Was’welam, is Xwelmuxw Mestuyuxw: Saanich and Snuneymuxw Nations. She is the Director of From the Salish Sea to Palestine, and the co-founder of Drawing Wisdom. She also Drawing Wisdom Video Podcast, and is part of the Team at Courage Consulting.Hosted by: Jessa McLeanProduced by: Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Help Fundraise for a Full Length Feature FilmRelated Episodes: Filmmaking Resistance (April 2024) Pier-Philippe Chevigny, writer-director of 'Richelieu', discusses how he uses his skills in filmmaking to shed light on social issues Canada's Colonial Imagination (October 2023) Tyler Shipley on the ways our view of the genocide of Indigenous peoples here STILL shapes how Canada interacts with the world.More Resources: More on the Film 'From the Salish Sea to Palestine'Ana Falastini Trailer (VIDEO)Ana Falastini Canada Wide TourAll 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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100 Victoria Street: Community Under Attack w/KW Fightback
Feb 1700:47:32Tap to summarizeDespite court rulings saying they could stay, the Region of Waterloo has spent considerable effort trying to remove people living at the 100 Victoria Street encampment in Kitchener.Aaron, from Fightback KW! talks about the conflicts the Region, the Police and even social workers instigate to try to push residents out. From the denial of services, a carceral approach and continued court battles, activists have had their hands full organizing to defend the rights of their unhoused neighbours.The discussion is about the community that exists at the encampment, and the deliberate choices 'authorities' are making to punish anyone surviving in ways that defy the capitalist model."The structures that be have a vested interest in the situation of the people at the very bottom to be as bad as possible” - Aaron, Fightback KWHosted by: Jessa McLeanProduced by: Santiago Helou QuinteroCall to Action: Donate to Fightback KW via e-transfer fightback.kw(at)gmail(dot)com, orDrop off donations onsite or at Coven in KitchenerRelated Episodes:Rabble Rant: Housing Half Measures (Sept 2023) On Waterloo Outdoor Shelter 'Community'Resisting Toronto's Tactics Against the Unhoused (Sept 2024) Organizers with Voices for Unhoused Liberation share what they're doing to fight encampment evictions and against the war on the poor. Voices for Unhoused Liberation (May 2024) On strategy building, the limitations of advocacy work and the need for escalated direct actions.More Resources: The Regional Municipality of Waterloo v. Persons Unknown and to be Ascertained – 2025 Litigation – Waterloo Region Community Legal ServicesRegion ordered not to evict people from homeless encampmentBay Observer: Waterloo Shelter Formula Statement: FightBack @ 100Vic Full TimeAll 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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Strategic Incapacitation: Toronto Police and Protests
Feb 1100:53:34Tap to summarizeTwo Toronto based Legal Observers from the Orange Hats return to give us details on the tactics Toronto Police are using to try to bring down the Palestinian Solidarity Movement.Tasked with keeping an eye on cops during protests and other actions, Gisela and Leon have lots of stories to tell. Together the group recently issued a 2025 Year-In-Review on Toronto Police Services conduct at protests. The report includes statistics on injuries and arrests; it warns of trends in policing; and it points to a clear strategy to suppress the activities of activists - and legal observers. Its not all bad news. Thanks to their experience, the Orange Hats are a great source of advice for organizers and activists - or anyone coming into contact with Police. Hosted by: Santiago Helou Quintero and Jessa McLeanProduced by: Santiago Helou Quintero Call to Action: Support Legal Observers - Donate to the Orange HatsREGISTER FOR ONLINE COURSE: Documenting Protests - Feb. 25 @6pm ETRelated Episodes: Watching Cops: Advice for Activists (Feb 2025) The Orange Hats share how to stay safe at protests, and the tactics Toronto police use to harass, intimidate and brutalize activists Exposing Toronto Police Tactics (Sep 2025) Activist and journalist Benjamin Nolan on the Toronto Police Services' violent responses to peaceful protests and their use of the knee-on-neck technique.More Resources: Inside the ‘shocking’ police operation targeting pro-Palestine activists in Toronto - The BreachPolice Chief Plays Loose with the Truth on Radio Call-in Show - The Grind MagazineWhat is Strategic Incapacitation – Orange HatsBe sure to catch all our content, including articles and resources for activists, 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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