Best Wil Bennett Podcasts (2024)

1
The Dangers of CBDCs with Nick Anthony 26:48

1h ago26:48

26:48

Casey and Elisha are joined by Cato Institute policy analyst and HRF fellow Nick Anthony to talk about money, the world of central bank digital currencies, and how they pose significant risks to privacy, financial freedom, and markets. They also discuss which countries are the worst offenders so far and how you can track their devious ways.…

1
The UAE's Political Infiltration Campaigns 26:08

2d ago26:08

26:08

Casey and Elisha discuss HRF's newest report, investigating the UAE's breathtaking political interference campaign in the U.S. From illicit lobbying efforts to massive donations to leading think tanks and universities, to even secretly hiring America's leading military officers, the UAE's political influence campaign is arguably bigger - and far mo…

1
Nadia Hernández | Art as Protest 22:44

3d ago22:44

22:44

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy.This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series by the Human Rights Foundation, produced by FP Studios.Part four: “Art a…

1
Journalism in Exile with Carlos Chamorro 25:37

9d ago25:37

25:37

Casey and Elisha speak with renowned Nicaraguan journalist Carlos Chamorro, who's continued his groundbreaking work even from exile. They talk about the tactics the Ortega regime has used to silence dissent in Nicaragua, how important investigative journalism is to holding authoritarians to account, and hear all about a Miss Universe scandal no one…

1
Arthur Holland Michel | AI for Activists 26:10

10d ago26:10

26:10

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy.This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series by the Human Rights Foundation, produced by FP Studios.Part Three: “AI f…

1
Women, Life, Free Toomaj with Negin Niknaam and Claudia Bennett 22:17

16d ago22:17

22:17

Over the weekend, the Iranian Supreme Court overturned the death sentence of Toomaj Salehi, the Iranian hip-hop artist who was charged with "corruption on earth" for his defense of the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement. His friend and social media manager, Negin Niknaam, joins Casey and Elisha to talk about Salehi. he also brings a special message fr…

1
Sebastien Lai: Shining the Light 23:30

17d ago23:30

23:30

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series by the Human Rights Foundation, produced by FP Studios.Part Two: “Shini…

1
Inside Hotel Rwanda with Paul Rusesabagina 1:03:59

23d ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Casey and Elisha are joined live from the Oslo Freedom Forum by real-life "Hotel Rwanda" hero Paul Rusesabagina and two of his children, daughters Carine and Anaise Kanimba, to talk about the banana beer recipe you probably haven't tried but should, family, adoptions, Rwanda, kidnappings, and an extraordinary international campaign that led to free…

1
Anastasia Shevchenko: The Price of Freedom 28:37

26d ago28:37

28:37

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series produced by FP Studios and the Human Rights Foundation.Part One: “The P…

1
Remembering Magnitsky, Remembering Navalny 25:10

1M ago25:10

25:10

Casey and Elisha sit down with Bill Browder, the driving force behind the creation and expansion of Magnitsky sanctions over the past decade. They talk about how corrupt officials in Russia and elsewhere hate Magnitsky sanctions, and the allies Bill has found in his fight for justice. They also talk about the proposed Navalny Act, honoring slain Ru…

1
Reclaim Democracy: Stories from the Oslo Freedom Forum 2:28

1M ago2:28

2:28

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists, dissidents, leading thinkers and innovators to Oslo, Norway, home of the Nobel Peace Prize, to empower and embolden others in their fight for freedom and democracy. This event is called The Oslo Freedom Forum.This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with …

1
Honoring #ThisFlag with Evan Mawarire 56:29

1M ago56:29

56:29

Casey speaks with leading Zimbabwean democracy activist Evan Mawarire, chatting about taking down tyrants, Evan’s struggle against the Mugabe regime, and how Zimbabwe’s flag became a symbol of democracy. They also discuss how Evan became one of, and potentially the, most charismatic democratic activists in the world.…

1
Whitewashing Dictators 32:21

2M ago32:21

32:21

Casey sits down with Alex Dukalskis and Adam Scharpf, a pair of academics whose groundbreaking work shines new light on why dictatorships hire Western public relations firms. They talk about just how widespread the issue is, and what PR firms actually do for their dictatorial clients. They also chat about the PR industry's ethics as a whole, and wh…

1
It's Really Us On This Podcast 36:34

2M ago36:34

36:34

Casey and Elisha are joined by Mounir Ibrahim, a former US State Department diplomat-turned-techie, to talk about cheapfakes, deepfakes, the mal-use of Generative AI by bad actors around the globe, and what that means not only for human rights and democracy but for getting to the truth in a world of deception.…

1
An Open-Air Prison - Victoire Ingabire and Kate Gibson 29:39

2M ago29:39

29:39

On today’s episode, Casey and Elisha are joined by Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire and Kate Gibson, part of her international legal team, to discuss the case they filed with the East African Court of Justice to restore Ingabire’s civic rights after being absurdly convicted of terrorism and genocide denial, for which she spent eight year…

1
Pickle Diplomacy - Masih Alinejad 32:33

2M ago32:33

32:33

Casey and Elisha speak with Masih Alinejad, one of the leading journalists and campaigners highlighting the crimes of the regime still in power in Iran. They discuss Masih's journey, as well as the recent abduction and assassination attempts against her in the US and how the democratic world can continue standing up against the despots in Tehran. T…

1
Foreign Agents 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

Casey and Elisha talk about Casey's new book, "Foreign Agents," on all the ways dictators use lobbyists in the US to entrench their regimes and stamp out democratic movements. They talk about how regimes from Moscow to Beijing and beyond rely on these Americans to do their dirty work, and how these foreign lobbyists became henchmen and foot-soldier…

1
A Hong Kong Bounty With Joey Siu 29:10

3M ago29:10

29:10

Casey and Elisha chat with Joey Siu, a 25-year-old Hong Konger with a bounty on her head, after the Chinese Communist Party accused her of violating its draconian national security law. In 2019, Siu played a pivotal role in organizing large-scale pro-democracy protests. Now, living in exile, her work has anything but slowed. Siu talks about what it…

1
A Mother's Fight Against Dictatorship 33:38

3M ago33:38

33:38

Casey speaks with Russian opposition figure Anastasia Shevchenko, who was the first person to face criminal prosecution under Russia's so-called "undesirable organizations" law. Anastasia talks about how her role as a mother propelled her into the fight against both corruption and dictatorship, as well as the new documentary focusing on her work an…

1
Campaigning for Uyghurs 27:03

3M ago27:03

27:03

Casey and Elisha talk with Rushan Abbas, the founder of Campaign for Uyghurs, about the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing genocide against Uyghurs. They discuss some of the policy successes in recent years helping shine a light on Beijing's crimes, and a new congressional caucus aiding Uyghurs. They also talk about Rushan's journey into activism - …

1
Standing with Tanele 23:48

4M ago23:48

23:48

Casey and Elisha speak with HRF's Africa policy officer, Mo Keita, talks about the recent arrest of Swazi activist and former podcast guest, Tanele Maseko. They talk about how the Swazi regime's efforts to silence critics continue to backfire and how to support the pro-democratic reformers targeting Africa's last absolute monarchy.To listen to Case…

1
Sportswashing and Beyond with Karim Zidan 34:59

4M ago34:59

34:59

Casey and Elisha are joined by Karim Zidan, one of the world's foremost experts on how authoritarian regimes use the world of sports for their own ends. Karim discusses the history of the intersection of sports and politics, why the term "sportswashing" may already be outdated, and how depressing it is to be a Seattle Mariners fan.Learn more about …

1
The Habibi Effect with Faisal Al Mutar 35:46

4M ago35:46

35:46

Ideas Beyond Borders Founder Faisal Al Mutar joins Casey and Elisha to discuss the importance of creating a sense of national security for Iraqis as well as his experience combatting the villainy of authoritarianism and extremism. Then there’s the habibi effect.Show notes:To learn about Faisal Al Mutar: https://oslofreedomforum.com/speaker/faisal-a…

1
The Children of Monsters 40:22

4M ago40:22

40:22

Elisha and Casey talk with Jay Nordlinger, a senior editor at National Review and one of the leading writers covering the threats of modern dictatorship. They talk about Jay's focus on authoritarians across the political spectrum, the community of writers and activists trying to take down tyrants, and why the offspring of dictators aren't always wh…

1
How Bitcoin can Propel Democracy 43:19

5M ago43:19

43:19

It's well-known at this point that Bitcoin has many uses, from the fun to the financial. But did you know Bitcoin can also help democratic movements flourish and find funding? Casey and Elisha talk with author and HRF Chief Strategy Officer Alex Gladstein about how Bitcoin has grown into a tool to fight dictatorships and how new technologies can he…

1
Speaking Truth to an Absolute Monarch 34:17

5M ago34:17

34:17

After her husband, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, was assassinated in front of her, Swazi human rights defender Tanele Maseko picked up right where he left off: peacefully (and powerfully) speaking truth to power. In this episode, she talks with Casey and Elisha about the politics of Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarchy, her husband's le…

1
Ukrainian anniversaries 23:36

5M ago23:36

23:36

Casey and Elisha talk with Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko about Ukraine’s upcoming anniversaries—both the 10-year anniversary of Ukraine’s successful democratic revolution and the two-year anniversary of Russia’s expanded invasion. They discuss how Ukrainians remain on the frontlines of the fight against dictatorship and why democracies must continue supp…

1
Taiwan's political parties 24:53

5M ago24:53

24:53

Casey and Elisha talk with Joyce Ho, HRF's Asia-Pacific policy officer, about the recent elections in Taipei, the need for the ruling Democratic People's Party (DPP) to double down on democracy after narrowly beating the pro-Beijing Kuomintang Party (KMT), and what that all means for the future of the island.To read Joyce's op-ed in The Hill: https…

1
Wearing your values 34:07

5M ago34:07

34:07

Casey and Elisha sit down with HRF's Claudia Bennett, talking about the role of the fashion industry in propping up dictators. They discuss how the cotton industry relies on forced labor, and how consumers can find out where their clothes come from. They also talk about how the CCP targeted HRF's efforts to shine a light on Beijing's genocidal camp…

1
Don't feed the crocodile 23:57

6M ago23:57

23:57

Casey and Elisha talk about Casey's recent trip to Nairobi, and the latest on Russian and Chinese interference and corruption in Africa. They also discuss the latest on the frontlines of the fight for freedom in Ukraine. Plus, they talk about all the things crocodiles and dictatorships have in common.Show notes:Watch Casey Michel's talk at the Atla…

1
Latin America's history with dictatorships 48:21

6M ago48:21

48:21

With Casey off gallivanting halfway around the globe, Elisha is joined by HRF Chief Legal and Policy Officer Javier El-Hage. The two discuss Latin America's history with dictatorships, the many (and varying) shades of grey between left-wing and right-wing authoritarian regimes, and Javier's progression from a Che Guevara (myth) fan in college to a …

1
Who is the most corrupt person of the year? 25:25

6M ago25:25

25:25

Casey and Elisha dive into the world of foreign agents, looking at how kleptocratic regimes use foreign lobbyists to do their dirty work. They also chat about the recent winner of the Corrupt Person of the Year award. And, of course, they talk about the newest addition to their office: Harry Styles.Show notes:To read more about the indictment of Bo…

1
The trial of Jimmy Lai (with Sebastien Lai) 30:58

6M ago30:58

30:58

Casey and Elisha reunite after the holiday break, and Elisha brings with her catastrophic news: a mouse in her house. In the actually important segment, Elisha talks with Sebastien Lai, son of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial in Hong Kong under Beijing's national security law for “colluding with foreign forces"—aka, speaking out fo…

1
Remembering Václav Havel 23:42

7M ago23:42

23:42

Dec. 18 marks the anniversary of the death of dissident, playwright, and first democratically elected president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel. Elisha and Casey discuss his life and legacy, the role he played in Elisha's formative years, and the prize the Human Rights Foundation created in his honor. In lighter topics of discussion, Casey and …

1
Why dictators love invading their neighbors 31:49

7M ago31:49

31:49

Casey and Elisha talk about the latest news out of Venezuela, where Nicolas Maduro threatens to unleash an invasion on neighboring Guyana. They then turn to a spectacular espionage case out of Cuba, and what it says about dictatorships' infiltration efforts. They also talk about the UAE rolling out the red carpet for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin…

1
A prisoner in Moscow 22:17

8M ago22:17

22:17

Monday, December 4, 2023 marked 250 days in prison for Wall Street Journal investigative reporter Evan Gershkovich on trumped-up espionage charges. Casey and Elisha discuss his case and what Evan's friends, family, and colleagues are doing to not forget him as he remains a political prisoner. Also up for conversation: Casey's article on New York Ci…

1
Why celebrities can't stop performing for dictators 29:24

8M ago29:24

29:24

As rapper Kendrick Lamar sets to headline Move Afrika in Rwanda, Casey and Elisha talk about the atrocities committed by the country’s ruler, Paul Kagame, and how and why dictators like him turn to celebrities to help launder their reputation abroad. The duo also discusses the ongoing genocide of Uyghurs in China and how democracies can help unwind…

1
Democracy in Taiwan 29:02

8M ago29:02

29:02

Casey and Elisha discuss HRF's recent pro-democracy conference in Taipei and the role the island plays in the struggle against tyranny in Beijing and around the world. They also discuss the legacies and brutality of Russian colonialism from Alaska to Ukraine.To learn about the Oslo Freedom Forum in Taiwan: https://oslofreedomforum.com/events/oslo-f…

1
Trading newsrooms for human rights 22:42

8M ago22:42

22:42

Casey Michel, head of Combating Kleptocracy, and Elisha Maldonado, director of communications, welcome you to the Human Rights Foundation's revamped podcast, Dissidents and Dictators. The two co-hosts discuss the Foundation's vision, which focuses solely on authoritarian regimes, and why they traded newsrooms for the human rights mission field.…

1
Honoring Shireen Abu Akleh 16:47

9M ago16:47

16:47

In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Philippa Thomas, a former BBC correspondent, and Dalia Hatuqa, an independent journalist specializing in Palestine and Israeli affairs, discuss the life, legacy, and story of the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Shireen’s life prematurely ended when she was killed by Israel…

1
Bolivia's Authoritarian Drift (Spanish Language) 12:16

9M ago12:16

12:16

Toribia Lero Quispe is a Bolivian assemblywoman and opposition leader affected by the 2019 electoral fraud committed by strongman Evo Morales. Quispe routinely faces violence, intimidation, and widespread judicial persecution. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, she sheds light on Bolivia’s democratic movement, protecting ordi…

1
#FreeAlaa -Sanaa Seif 12:16

9M ago12:16

12:16

Sanaa Seif is a British-Egyptian filmmaker, producer, and political activist leading a global campaign for her imprisoned brother, Alaa Abd el-Fattah. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Seif shares her family's story and speaks on the unjust imprisonment of those who speak against the Egyptian government. She calls on the int…

1
One Pastor’s Rescue Mission (Korean Language) 10:43

9M ago10:43

10:43

In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, we hear from Pastor Seungeun Kim, a prominent Korean human rights activist and leader of a modern-day underground railroad. He passionately serves North Korean defectors and works tirelessly on their behalf, rescuing and helping them become self-sufficient. Note: This episode is recorded in …

1
Unleashing Hope for Freedom - Hanna Liubakova 12:01

9M ago12:01

12:01

Hanna Liubakova is a Belarusian journalist, analyst, and non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council. After protesting Alexander Lukashenko’s regime, Liubakova was forced into exile, yet she fearlessly continues to report on the developments in her home country. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, she reveals the Lukashenko re…

1
The Transnational Repression of the Uyghur Diaspora 59:42

10M ago59:42

59:42

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has increased its efforts to stifle dissent beyond its borders, discreetly intimidating individuals from various religious, political, and dissenting groups. The Uyghur diaspora's experience of such repression has worsened since the 2016 crackdown, leaving Uyghurs across the globe facing the pressure of state viole…

1
The Swazi People’s Lawyers -Mzwandile Masuku 14:37

10M ago14:37

14:37

In 2009, Swazi human rights lawyer Mzwandile Masuku launched, with the late renowned human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, the only law firm in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) fully dedicated to public interest litigation against the kingdom’s repression law and pro-bono legal representation of ordinary Swazis. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Osl…

1
The Islamic Republic vs. Iran -Nazanin Boniadi 14:40

10M ago14:40

14:40

Nazanin Boniadi is an award-winning actress and Iranian human rights activist who focuses on the unjust conviction and treatment of Iranian youth, women, and prisoners of conscience. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Boniadi speaks on the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests in Iran and unearths the rich history of her home count…

1
The Hidden Island: Unmasking the Cuban Dictatorship (Spanish Language) 11:56

11M ago11:56

11:56

Note: This episode is recorded in Spanish. Abraham Jiménez Enoa is an exiled Cuban journalist and author of “La isla oculta,” a collection of stories of ordinary Cubans living under the dictatorship. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Olso Freedom Forum, Jiménez Enoa shares his experience calling for action against the tyranny that oppresses ord…

1
Lukashenko’s Role Aiding Putin’s War in Ukraine 1:00:20

11M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Aug. 9 marks the third anniversary of the Belarus presidential elections, followed by nationwide protests and violence. Alexander Lukashenko has increasingly turned to Russia, which provided him with resources and diplomatic support to help him stay in power. This episode looks at Lukashenko’s role in the conflict in Ukraine and the strategies the …

1
The World's Most Fearless Skier -Kristen Ulmer 6:58

11M ago6:58

6:58

Kristen Ulmer is a high-performance facilitator and thought leader on fear and anxiety, drawing from her experience as the world’s most “fearless” female extreme skier for 12 years and studying Zen for 15 years. In this episode, recorded at the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum, Ulmer provides strategies to conquer our fear and anxious feelings.…

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Wil Bennett Podcasts

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