People’s Pod: Politics for the People with Bowinn & Boyle is a limited series podcast with BC MLA Bowinn Ma and Vancouver City Councillor Christine Boyle.
Produced & engineered by Kate Milberry and Liz Hunter. Graphic design by Shivangi Sikri. Web development by Stefan Avlijas.
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Ep: 1 - The Road to Now
Bowinn & Boyle talk about their journey to elected office, including community activism and the very different but formative experiences that drew them to politics, the challenges they faced along the way and the pivotal decision to put their name forward as a candidate. What happens next is life changing…
Ep: 2 - Day to Day & Week to week
Ever wonder what it's like to be a Member of the BC Legislature or a Vancouver City Councillor? Does political life interest you but you don’t know the first thing about it? Bowinn & Boyle give a "day in the life" rundown of their jobs as elected officials, from attending Council meetings and Legislature sittings to participating in community events and working to help constituents solve problems. Hilarity, frustration — and progressive change — ensue.
Ep: 3 - Making Change from the Inside
Bowinn & Boyle interview each other about what it's like to work for positive change within the political systems they've been elected into — provincial and municipal, respectively. They share their experiences, including some “what the eff” moments as they navigate a political system designed to resist change. While they’re impatient to help people and make things better *now* B&B find that a lot of important, systemic work is slow — much slower than either of them would like.
Ep: 4 - Making Change from the Outside
Creating positive social change can be messy at the best of times! But how do you make change from outside the political system? Bowinn & Boyle discuss what they learned as activists and community organizers prior to political life, what they see from the inside as making an impact, and why social movements and progressive elected leaders can — and should — see their roles as complementary.
Ep: 5 - Elections: Running for Office
Elections are a team effort and there are many components in a successful campaign. Speaking from experience as both volunteers on election campaigns and (successful!) candidates, Bowinn & Boyle share the nitty gritty of electing strong community champions. From putting elastics on door hangers to making get-out-the-vote phone calls on E-Day, there's a job for everyone! And yes, there will be hummus. Lots of hummus.
Ep: 6 - Grab Bag: Questions from our Listeners
In the final episode, Bowinn & Boyle answer questions from you, the listeners! What’s the best way to support women in politics? Do you get along with politicians you vehemently disagree with? How can you gain support for wedge issues within your party? Does being in politics interfere with your personal and family relationships? Is there a balance between pestering and engaging a politician? As always, Bowinn & Boyle deliver the straight goods, including what they would instantly change about the political systems in BC if they had magical powers.