Oxford Policy Pod

Students at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University
Oxford Policy Pod

A bi-weekly policy podcast based out of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The Oxford Policy Pod explores pressing policy issues around the globe and is produced by students reading for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. The podcast explores contemporary policy challenges that policymakers face all over the world, and taps into the rich diversity of policy experience and insights of the student body and faculty. The podcast is supported by the staff of the Blavatnik School of Government. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the students, speakers and featured guests only. They do not represent the views or position of featured organisations, or the Blavatnik School of Government and the University of Oxford. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

  1. Leading Boldly: Education, Power and Purpose with Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, South Africa

    JUN 25

    Leading Boldly: Education, Power and Purpose with Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, South Africa

    Siviwe Gwarube is South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education and one of the country’s youngest-ever Cabinet members. A fierce advocate for gender equity, evidence-based policymaking, and the foundational right to education, she brings a new voice and vision to the continent’s education leadership.  In this episode, Minister Gwarube reflects on her first year in office—what surprised her, what challenged her, and what guides her approach. She speaks candidly about the mental toll of public leadership, the power of authenticity, and why prioritising foundational learning is not just a pedagogical choice, but a political one.  She lays out five pillars of her strategy: early childhood development, literacy, teacher training, infrastructure, and inclusion. From advocating for mother-tongue education to navigating South Africa’s political transition, this episode offers a powerful reflection on what it means to lead with purpose—and why the future of education starts with bold decisions today.

    26 min
  2. Nudging Policy: How Behavioral Science Shapes Better Decisions

    MAY 30

    Nudging Policy: How Behavioral Science Shapes Better Decisions

    Carlos Scartascini is a global leader in behavioral economics and its real-world application to public policy. As Deputy Chief Economist and head of the Behavioral Economics Group at the Inter-American Development Bank, he’s led research and projects that use behavioral science to tackle everyday policy challenges—like boosting tax compliance, improving public health, and building trust in government.

    54 min
  3. Governing Education: Lessons from Leading National and Global Education Systems with Jaime Saavedra

    MAY 20

    Governing Education: Lessons from Leading National and Global Education Systems with Jaime Saavedra

    Jaime Saavedra is one of the world’s most influential education reformers. Former Minister of Education in Peru and now Director of Human Development for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank, he has led and advised some of the region’s most ambitious efforts to improve learning outcomes at scale.  In this episode, he unpacks what it really takes to deliver effective education reform—not just design it. Drawing on decades of experience, Saavedra outlines four essential conditions for change: sound technical design, sustainable financing, strong implementation capacity, and political will. He explains why many systems fail despite good intentions, and why reforms succeed when countries invest in teachers, strengthen bureaucracies, and centre policy around student learning.  From the turnaround in Peru after disastrous PISA results, to lessons from Sobral and the province of Mendoza, this conversation offers a masterclass in how to transform systems—not just schools.

    42 min
  4. Something's Brewing with Nami and Kenneth

    MAY 14

    Something's Brewing with Nami and Kenneth

    "Something’s Brewing" is a laid-back podcast hosted by MPP student Wynsey, where conversations flow freely—just like the drinks. In each episode, a member of the Blavatnik School community joins over a favorite beverage from home to share personal stories, career reflections, and the life that happens beyond policy. In this episode, Wynsey sits down with Nami and Kenneth, two MPP students from Mongolia and Indonesia, who are carving bold new paths in the energy and sustainability sectors. From childhood memories to formative moments, they reflect on how their roots continue to shape their ambitions, values, and sense of mission. Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation on identity, impact, and the power of purpose.

    1h 16m
  5. What can public policy learn from literature?: A conversation with Colombian novelist Juan Gabriel Vásquez

    MAY 6

    What can public policy learn from literature?: A conversation with Colombian novelist Juan Gabriel Vásquez

    Juan Gabriel Vásquez has a central preoccupation: the past —a theme that has shaped much of his fiction. His latest novel, Los nombres de Feliza, published in January, explores the life of Colombian sculptor Feliza Bursztyn, who was politically persecuted and forced into exile during the Cold War. In this episode of Oxford Policy Pod, the acclaimed Colombian author —winner of the 2011 Alfaguara Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in Spanish-language literature— reflects on the roots of this enduring fascination, which has led him to write nine novels and several short story collections. He also discusses the place of culture in political life, the rise of authoritarianism around the world, Colombia’s current political climate, and more.

    43 min
  6. A Direct Take on Democracy’s Biggest Challenges with Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo

    MAR 19

    A Direct Take on Democracy’s Biggest Challenges with Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo

    Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo is one of Spain’s most prominent political voices. A historian and journalist, she is a Member of the Spanish Parliament and a staunch advocate for democracy, freedom, and constitutionalism. Educated at Oxford, where she studied under Sir John H. Elliott, she transitioned from academia to journalism at El Mundo before stepping into politics.  In this episode, she dissects the crisis of democracy in the West, the rise of nationalism, the evolving role of women in politics, and the growing tensions between free speech and identity politics. From Europe to Latin America, she offers a sharp and unfiltered perspective on the political forces shaping today’s world.

    52 min
  7. Sacrifice Zones: The Price of Progress?

    MAR 12

    Sacrifice Zones: The Price of Progress?

    🎙️🌎 Sacrifice Zones: The Price of Progress? In this episode of the Oxford Policy Podcast, we sit down with legal scholar Iza Linazasoro to uncover the harsh realities of sacrifice zones—communities forced to bear the cost of industrial development at the expense of their health and environment. Featuring the Quintero Bay case in Chile, Linazasoro highlights the environmental, social, and health impacts of industrial pollution. She also discusses the roles of various stakeholders, the power imbalances, and the inadequate institutional responses. The conversation includes insights into international frameworks and policies necessary to address these injustices and emphasises the importance of community involvement and advocacy in policy-making. Tune in and join the conversation 🎧

    25 min
  8. The challenges of freedom of expression in times of democratic crisis with Martin Baron

    MAR 5

    The challenges of freedom of expression in times of democratic crisis with Martin Baron

    Martin Baron led two of the world's most important newsrooms, those of The Boston Globe and The Washington Post. He was at the former when the newspaper exposed the network of cover-ups of pedophile Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Boston. At the latter, he was present during the Edward Snowden leaks about the National Security Agency (NSA)'s spying activities and during Trump’s first presidency, marked by the Republican’s confrontational stance toward the media. Now, enjoying the retirement he has embraced for a few years, he analyzes the global landscape, the threats to freedom of expression, and the role of the media in the digital age.

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A bi-weekly policy podcast based out of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The Oxford Policy Pod explores pressing policy issues around the globe and is produced by students reading for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. The podcast explores contemporary policy challenges that policymakers face all over the world, and taps into the rich diversity of policy experience and insights of the student body and faculty. The podcast is supported by the staff of the Blavatnik School of Government. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the students, speakers and featured guests only. They do not represent the views or position of featured organisations, or the Blavatnik School of Government and the University of Oxford. To keep up with the latest on our episodes, follow us on Instagram @OxfordPolicyPod_ and Twitter @OxfordPolicyPod.

Information

  • Creator
    Students at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Students at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University
  • Show Website
    Oxford Policy Pod

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