An important first step in starting a podcast for a meaningful dialogue around themes such as polarisation and radicalisation is to determine the subject you want to discuss. This is very closely related to the audience you are trying to reach. For example, the topics that young people in a particular large city in the Netherlands are interested in, or the feelings that are prevalent among this group, are not necessarily the same as those of young people in rural areas. The same applies to others, such as professionals who work with these young people.
Exercise
Think carefully about your target audience. With whom do you want to open the conversation? With youth, parents, professionals, policy makers, a combination of these target groups or a wider audience? Please write your answer at the end of this Topic, Activity 1
What issues or topics do you want to raised for discussion with this group and why is that necessary? Please write your answer at the end of this Topic, Activity 1
It is quite possible that the answer to the last question is based, for the time being, on your own experiences and observations. It is a good idea to ask others for their opinions and experiences as well. They may know something you don’t, or they may feel that other needs are at play. You can of course include experts, but it is particularly interesting to include people from your target audience. After all, these are the people it is all about. They may also be able to provide points of departure for starting the conversation or insight into the barriers that are hindering it. For similar reasons it may also be relevant to delve into the literature on the subject.
Example
It is important to map out the needs before developing a podcast. In the development of the podcast ‘Resilience’ the producers therefore asked the target group for input in various ways. A survey was carried out among youth professionals and group discussions were held with youth workers and teachers. These revealed that youth professionals can experience the themes of radicalisation and extremism as difficult. Many youth professionals indicated that they needed opportunities to reflect on the question: how to deal pedagogically with young people who express extreme ideals? Not only the question of what to say or do, but also how to say or do it.
Exercise