If You Were In Charge

They Scream, We Scream, Defund the War Machine

Welcome back to a new season of If You Were in Charge The radical leadership podcast about people, power & possibilities from ICAN and ADA is excited to announce a new co-host! Kavita Nandini Ramdas, senior advisor to the International Planned Parenthood Federation and former head of the Global Fund for Women, joins host Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, founder of ICAN and a peace strategist who has worked with women in conflict zones for over thirty years.  Sanam and Kavita represent voices rarely heard in podcasting. Two powerful advocates for peace and social justice, women leaders with roots in India and Iran, who have built careers as global citizens at the highest levels. Launching officially Tuesday February 24th!  Welcoming an extraordinary range of guests including… Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh on advocating for survivors of sexual violence in war Ben Cohen, peace activist & founder of ‘Ben & Jerry’s’ on his battle with the Pentagon Alex Crawford, celebrated foreign correspondent, on this moment of global uncertainty If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠ADA Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If You Were In Charge

If You Were In Charge In this special edition, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini and new co-host Kavita Ramdas take an incisive look at the current crisis in Iran, where economic collapse, renewed protests, and a brutal government crackdown have converged into a pivotal moment for the nation. Sanam examines the latest developments and the historical roots of dissent, including her own family’s history as key actors in 20th-century Iran. Kavita and Sanam also discuss the resurgence of women as visible leaders of resistance, and the complex interplay of sanctions, politics, and social change. Through deep analysis and personal testimony, the conversation explores why peaceful dialogue and inclusive solutions are essential, and how the resilience of the Iranian people could help shape a future beyond despair. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠ADA Production⁠ ICAN’s newsletter: ⁠https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation on Iran 02:59 Understanding the Current Unrest in Iran 05:57 Historical Context: The Roots of Iranian Resistance 09:04 The Role of Women in the Protests 11:56 Economic Factors Behind the Protests 15:02 The Impact of Sanctions on Iranian Society 17:59 The Complexity of the Iranian Regime 20:46 The Need for Dialogue and Non-Violence 23:55 Imagining a Future for Iran 26:55 Hope Amidst the Struggle 30:09 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to our special “If You Were in Charge” summer series with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Each week, we’re thematically pairing some of our favorite conversations and this time, we’ve brought together two powerful voices on wealth and generosity. First, filmmaker and activist Abby Disney shares what it was like to grow up as an heiress to the Disney fortune, and why she’s urging the ultra-wealthy to give more, and give boldly. Then, Chris Worman from Giving Tuesday explores how philanthropy can be reclaimed by ordinary people as a force for good, personal fulfillment, and even joy. If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the⁠ ⁠⁠Bjian Ghaisar Foundation⁠ And ICAN⁠ International Civil Society Action Network⁠ Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ⁠Africa Digital Audio Production⁠ ICAN’s newsletter: ⁠https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ Chapters 00:00 Exploring Wealth Inequality and Philanthropy 07:27 The Impact of Extreme Capitalism 12:05 Fundamentalist Capitalism and Its Consequences 17:50 Political Power and Wealth Dynamics 25:28 Racial Justice and Economic Inequality 32:06 Philanthropy vs. Systemic Change 45:25 The Role of Civil Society in Crisis 57:06 Building Local Infrastructure for Generosity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices