We asked and you replied!
Here are the podcasts, books, articles, and videos that made an impact this year and why.
Listens
Current Affairs: The Life of Murray Bookchin
“I think Bookchin's work is incredibly important for people who work in or have an interest in government-either at a national or more local level-in the 21st century. He advocated for a politics of direct democracy, and his vision of a decentralised, post-scarcity society is an inspiring and hopeful alternative to the current order…”
- Sam Spencer, Continuous Improvement Officer at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
A series on the successful Nazi penetration of the America First movement in the 1940s, including bipartisan members of Congress.
“Great history lesson on an underreported, and underappreciated, chapter in American history. And history doesn't repeat itself but it sure does rhyme…”
- Paul Edmund Brown, Director of the Civic Innovation Center at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy
BBC Sounds: You’re Dead to Me
The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Greg Jenner brings together the best names in comedy and history to learn and laugh about the past.
_“Generally, looking at historical events and people differently has changed the way in which I view policy conundrums. It helps having random facts to start a conversation and frankly-I will never see the world the same now that I know why English gentlemen stopped wearing high heels a hundred (or so) years ago.” _
- Nicole Barrett, Policy Advisor and Health and Safety Executive, London, UK
FYN Unscripted by Canada’s Federal Youth Network
The podcast of the Federal Youth Network explores some of the realities, challenges, and motivations of public servants working in the Government of Canada.
- Jennifer MacDougall, Events and Partnerships at Canada's Federal Youth Network
Songs of Surrender and Carrying the Weight of Our Contradictions, Brené Brown and Bono
In this two-part interview recorded live at the historic Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, Brené Brown and Bono talk about everything from rock and roll to love and faith.
- Debra Churchill, Engagement and Planning Lead at the Ontario Public Service
Reads
Of Boys and Men, Richard Reeves
A positive vision for masculinity in a more equal world, this book discusses why the modern male is struggling, why it matters, and what to do about it.
- Julie Whitman, Executive Director of the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana
The Sum of Us, Heather McGee
This book offers a powerful exploration of inequality and the lesson that generations of Americans have failed to learn: Racism has a cost for everyone-not just for people of colour.
- Julie Whitman, Executive Director of the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana
English Pastoral, James Rebanks
“It really opened my eyes to the nature-based reality of global food systems—and the importance of communities being connected to where their food comes from. It helps that it's written beautifully.”
- Will Spurr, Writer at Apolitical
The Making of a Manager, Julie Zhuo
Whether you're new to the job, a veteran leader, or looking to be promoted, this is the handbook you need to be the kind of manager you wish you had.
- Carly Heung, Senior Policy Analyst at the Ontario Government
The Ghost Map, Steven Berlin Johnson
“A thoughtful and wonderfully written history of an epidemic, a city and public health.”
- Diane Crowe, Senior Business Analyst at the BC Government, Canada
The Courage to Be Disliked and The Courage to Be Happy, Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
Two volumes of simple yet profound advice on how we can use psychological theory to unshackle ourselves from the expectations of others and find true happiness.
- Linda Guo, Executive Support Coordinator, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing at the Ontario Public Service
Valley of the Birdtail, Andrew Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson
“A book providing a powerful portrait of Indigenous youth in Manitoba that have grown up in parallel educational systems. For anyone seeking to better understand the legislative and public policy roots of the troubling educational outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, this book is a must-read.”
- Remzi Cej, Assistant Director of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
The Time Tax, Annie Lowry
This striking 2021 piece from The Atlantic explores the time tax imposed on citizens by poorly designed public services.
- Jesse Samasuwo, Writer at Apolitical
Freeing up the Front Line by Liberating the Method, Mark Smith
"A brilliant article from Mark Smith at Gateshead Council in the UK. It shows what happens when staff are given the autonomy necessary to build relationships and respond in a bespoke way. People's lives are turned around, costs are reduced, and staff have more meaningful jobs.”
- Sam Spencer, Continuous Improvement Officer at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
**and finally, a Watch... **
This Video Will Make You Angry, CGP Grey
This seasonally-appropriate video will help you prevent 'thought germs' in 2023.
“This video really has made me think about my relationship with thoughts and information. In our world of echo chambers and misinformation, I think some thought hygiene is so essential.”
- Derek Alton, Head of Community at Apolitical
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