In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Kiki and Martha bring you the first session of the Tuska Forum, 'The Values of Metal'. The conversation with activist Sera Heikkilä about the values within the metal community and metal culture, highlighting the balance between positivity and critical perspectives.
The discussion delves into topics such as inclusivity, diversity, and representation of women, queer people, and people of color in metal. Sera and Kiki explore the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and making metal spaces safer and more welcoming. The episode also tackles broader issues of consumer responsibility, systemic change, and creating a supportive, engaged community. The live audience as well as the listeners online are all encouraged to reflect on their own contributions to making the metal community more inclusive and respectful.
00:48 Tuska Festival Highlights
01:01 The Values of Metal
04:29 Diversity in Metal
09:17 Inclusivity and Representation
14:36 Consumer Responsibility
16:22 Challenges and Solutions
17:57 Empathy and Conversations
19:13 Final Thoughts and Q&A
Recorded on June 27th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.
Show notes:
Bleeding Metal was created by @kikigege87 and is hosted and produced with @martha _wingen. Episode edited by Kiki.
Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our linktree. Intro music by Savvier Nelson with vocals from PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric.