Draft:Surviving Society

History
"Surviving Society" is a British podcast series that has been running for seven years, providing a platform for discussions on sociology, politics, arts, and various social issues. It was founded by Chantelle Jessica Lewis, Saskia Papadakis, and Tissot Regis at Goldsmiths, University of London. The podcast began as a response to significant societal events like the EU referendum, the Grenfell Tower Fire, and the election of Donald Trump.

Over its seven-year journey, "Surviving Society" has evolved through three distinct iterations, each building on the last to deepen its engagement with sociological themes and expand its audience reach.

First Iteration: Casual Conversations and News Analysis

Initially, the podcast featured a relaxed, conversational format where three friends—Chantelle, Saskia, and Tissot—discussed current news events that sparked their interest or frustration. This setup allowed them to blend personal insights with sociological analysis, creating a space where academic discourse met everyday frustrations. It served as a therapeutic outlet for the hosts and an informal introduction to sociology for their listeners.

Second Iteration: Structured Interviews with Experts

As the podcast matured, it shifted towards a more structured format, focusing on interviews with academics, activists, and community organizers. This phase was marked by deeper explorations into the human stories behind sociological research and activism. Chantelle and Tissot, later joined by George Ofori-Addo, facilitated discussions that unpacked complex social issues, bridging the gap between scholarly work and public understanding. This format broadened the podcast's educational impact, making sociological perspectives more accessible.

Third Iteration: Collaborative and Thematic Series

The latest evolution of "Surviving Society" can be described as its "franchise era." This phase includes a series of collaborative projects with various academics and community organizers, focusing on specific sociological themes or historical examinations. Topics have ranged from the history of Liverpool and colonial crimes to the role of love in social justice work. By thematizing its content, the podcast has expanded its scope and depth, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of subjects that resonate with both scholarly interests and community concerns.

Each stage of the podcast's development reflects a growing ambition to engage listeners in meaningful discussions about society, politics, and the power of sociological thought. "Surviving Society" continues to adapt and respond to the societal landscape, ensuring its relevance and impact in the ever-evolving field of public discourse.

Current Host: Chantelle Jessica Lewis
Dr. Chantelle Jessica Lewis is an influential public social scientist who focuses on exploring issues of social inequality, particularly at the intersections of race and class. She earned her PhD in Sociology from Goldsmiths, University of London, with a thesis titled "Race, place, love, and family: Narrations from Black (and White) Mixed-race Families." In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Lewis has held significant positions such as a Junior Research Fellow in Black British Studies at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, and the Lead Convenor of the Race and Resistance program at TORCH, University of Oxford.

Dr. Lewis is also the co-founder, executive producer, and host of the "Surviving Society" podcast, which critically examines local and global politics of race and class. The podcast has evolved significantly since its inception in 2017, reflecting Dr. Lewis's commitment to public sociology. It began as a platform for PhD students to discuss news media and politics from an anti-racist and postcolonial perspective and has grown to include contributions from scholars, activists, and community organizers, making sociological discourse accessible to a broad audience.

Her personal journey is profoundly intertwined with her professional and creative endeavors. Dr. Lewis faced significant personal challenges as she balanced her career with caring for her husband, Matthew Miller, who battled cancer for five years until his passing in March 2022. This period deeply influenced her work and perspective, reinforcing her commitment to social justice and community support through her podcast and academic work.

Surviving Society has been a crucial outlet for Dr. Lewis, not only for exploring sociopolitical issues but also for personal growth and community building. The podcast has seen various formats, starting with discussions on news items that evolved into in-depth interviews with experts, and now to a more collaborative model involving different series focused on specific themes or histories. This evolution highlights Dr. Lewis's adaptability and her dedication to making academic knowledge accessible.

Dr. Lewis's work is characterised by a blend of academic rigour, public engagement, and a deep commitment to social justice. Her efforts extend beyond the podcast, as she actively participates in initiatives aimed at supporting the next generation of Black academics through Leading Routes and other platforms. Her personal experiences, academic pursuits, and creative projects collectively demonstrate her profound impact on both the academic community and the broader public discourse on race, class, and social equity.

Guests
Here are some guests who has been on the show: Jason Arday, Meredith Clark, Kim Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn, Gary Younge, Sudha Bhuchar, Yara Rodrigues Fowler, Barbara Ransby, Colin Prescod, Lola Olufemi, Rizwaan Sabir, Lawrence Hoo, Vron Ware, Alison Phipps, Danny Dorling, Rafeef Ziadah, Liz Fekete, Akwugo Emejulu, Leila Hassan Howe, Paul Gilroy, Stella Dadzie, Toni Haastrup, Ebun Joseph

The Surviving Society Podcast has also produced shows in collaboration with institutions such as Sage Publishing, Black Health and Humanities Network, Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity at the University of Manchester, Institute of Race Relations and others.

Receptions
Joshua Virasami (Black Lives Matter activist and author of guide How to Change It) in an article on Penguin called "My Favourite Things": I picked Surviving Society because of that unparalleled excited feeling I get when a new episode is released. I was a bit late to the podcast scene but Surviving Society, now 100 episodes in, showcases some of the most brilliant minds working on some of the most pressing issues in British society, and you can’t help but fall in love with the salt-of-the-earth realness, and sharpness, of hosts Chantelle and T.

Alana Lentin on Episode 22: Everyone knows how much I love the Surviving Society podcast with Chantelle Lewis and Tissot Regis, produced by George Ofori-Addo. So I was absolutely delighted to be invited back to talk about my feelings about my book more or less 1 year after its publication, a year of crisis and resistance.

External Links:
Official Website: https://survivingsociety.co.uk/