The Political Dispatch

The Politics of Star Wars

To celebrate May 4th, Sidd, Lily and Tom travel to a galaxy far, far away to explore the politics of Star Wars. The franchise’s creator, George Lucas, didn’t just draw on the mythology of Joseph Campbell or the cinematic style of Akira Kurosawa. He also held up a mirror to the politics, economics, and society of 1970s America.
The Political Dispatch team discuss the influence of the Vietnam War and Watergate on Lucas’s early writing, how the prequel trilogy reflects the anxieties of the War on Terror, and how a once-great democracy can backslide into tyranny.
If you’re celebrating Star Wars Day on May the 4th, here are some of Tom’s recommended viewings:
Andor and Rogue One, which explore the rise of the Rebellion in the years leading up to A New Hope
The Mandalorian, the hit TV series starring Pedro Pascal as a bounty hunter who discovers a mysterious alien child. The series is set five years after Return of the Jedi
Star Wars Visions, Season 2, Episode 9: Aau’s Song, a touching animated tale about a child whose voice holds dangerous power
And finally, Tom’s top three Star Wars films:
The Empire Strikes Back
A New Hope
Rogue One
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

AI's Growing Role in Global Elections

Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for a deep dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in global elections.
From deepfakes to ballot scanning, The Political Dispatch team breaks down how AI is shaping elections. With examples from South Korea, India, the United States, and beyond, they explore AI's impact on accessibility, efficiency, and disinformation—and what it all means for the future of democracy.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

The Global Dispatch: Serbia, Canada, and Turkey

Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for political news from around the world. In this episode, The Political Dispatch team focuses on Serbia, Turkey, and Canada.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Living in Trump's America - Part 2

Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for Part 2 of a special two-part series exploring what life is like in the United States now that Donald Trump has returned to office.
This episode features Amelia Southern Uribe and Bryson Austin, who are two new members of Be the Change. Media Network and the hosts of the upcoming podcast The Ozark Agenda.
If you have not listened to Part 1 of this series, please listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcasting platforms.
This episode explores the key differences between Trump’s first and second administrations and what they mean for the future of the United States, as well as guidance for those feeling hopeless or disillusioned in America today.
This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025, and aired on March 28, 2025.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
To get connected Amelia or Bryson, please find them on Instagram, as well: @ameliasouthernnn and @iambrysonaustin.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Living in Trump's America - Part 1

Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for Part 1 of a special two-part series exploring what life is like in the United States now that Donald Trump has returned to office.
This episode features Amelia Southern Uribe and Bryson Austin, who are two new members of Be the Change. Media Network and the hosts of the upcoming podcast The Ozark Agenda.
This episode delves into the political climate, policy changes, and social impact of Trump’s second term. From firsthand experiences on the ground to an international perspective on US politics, the team unpacks what this new chapter means for democracy, activism, and everyday life.
This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025, and aired on March 21, 2025. Stay tuned for Part 2 on March 28, 2025!
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
To get connected Amelia or Bryson, please find them on Instagram, as well: @ameliasouthernnn and @iambrysonaustin.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Generation Z: The Magpies of Truth

Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom as they dive into Channel 4’s Gen Z Trends, Truth and Trust report, exploring the key themes shaping the views of young people in the UK. From a fragmented media landscape and declining trust in institutions to gender divides and shifting political ideologies, the team unpacks what the findings mean for society, democracy, and the future of news consumption.This episode was recorded on February 16, 2025 and aired on February 21, 2025.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Trump’s Second Act

Join Tom Spare for a solo deep-dive into Donald Trump’s inaugural address as the 47th President of the United States. Donald Trump is now the second president in US history to serve two non-consecutive terms.
President Trump now holds another distinction: at 78 years and 220 days old, he’s the oldest person to assume the office, taking the title from his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump is also the first convicted felon to hold the presidency.
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To get connected with Tom, please find him on Instagram: @sparetom.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Meta, Musk, and the Politics of Social Media

Join Sidd, Lily and Tom as they delve into some of the most pressing current events shaping the digital and political landscape, including Meta’s controversial decision to remove third-party fact-checkers, Elon Musk’s growing influence in global democracies, and the wider implications of online political speech.
This episode was recorded on January 9, 2025.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Carter

At the end of December, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 100. In this episode, Sidd, Lily and Tom discuss the life, political career, and legacy of the peanut farmer’s son who became President and redefined the post-presidency career.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

The End of Democracy?

2024 was heralded as the year of the election, however many democracies around the world find themselves in political crisis. France, Germany, South Korea, the United States of America and the United Kingdom have seen huge political changes over the last twelve months. In this episode, The Political Dispatch team discuss whether this is simply a blip of our time or if we are seeing the terminal decline of democracy itself.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.