BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Beyond The Ballot Box  >  What Skateboarding Says About the Politics of Urban Space

What Skateboarding Says About the Politics of Urban Space

Duncan McDuie-Ra, Author, Insurgent Play

12-Aug-25 15:00

What Skateboarding Says About the Politics of Urban Space

If you’ve walked around your city, chances are you may have seen people skateboarding off the rails outside a shopping mall or doing parkour on a dingy rooftop of an abandoned building, or perhaps even kicking around a ball in an alleyway turned into a makeshift futsal court.

But what do these activities tell us about urban culture? Do they reveal anything about politics? And is there anything urban planners can learn from them?

In this episode, we’re joined by Duncan McDuie-Ra, whose latest book, Insurgent Play: Social Worlds of Urban Disruption, explores exactly those questions and more. Prof Duncan is also the Head of Monash University Malaysia’s School of Arts & Social Sciences.

To purchase his book, visit: anthempress.com/books/insurgent-play-pb

Image Credit: Anthem Press / Monash University

Produced by: Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Dashran Yohan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  politicsculture

Tags:  insurgent playhostile architectureurban densityurban disruptionthe bigger picturebeyond the ballot boxurban studiesclass struggleskateboarding





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



11:00 AM

Best of Enterprise

(REPEAT) We discuss how AI is shaping information, engagement, and credibility in the digital age with Kiron Kesav, Chief Strategy Officer, PHD APAC at OMG Malaysia.

12:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

(REPEAT) We review Zootopia 2 and then ask: What (or who) are your favourite on-screen animal characters?

1:00 PM

Cruise Control

(REPEAT) We talk about Perodua's new EV, the QV-E and the conversations surrounding it. Daniel also shares his thoughts on the recently launched luxury sedan from JAC, the Maestro S800.

2:00 PM

Matt-Splained

(REPEAT) We look at the benefits of pressure washing your brain, Matt’s morbid curiosity and Richard’s misconceptions about horror fans.

3:00 PM

Earth Matters

(REPEAT) We speak to Meenakshi Raman about what COP30 in Belém achieved, what fell short, and what the outcomes mean for global climate action.

4:00 PM

Bar None

(REPEAT) We look ahead to the upcoming SEA Games and Malaysia's chances in the tournament.

5:00 PM

BBC World Service

What kinds of food and drink help people keep warm while living in extreme cold? The Food Chain explores.